My husband and I are planning 4 weeks in Canada from end May, two of these in British Columbia before heading on to Montreal. <BR> <BR>We would very much appreciate any suggestions on how best to spend that time around Vancouver/Vancouver Island/and the Rockies. We are early 40s and relatively fit, enjoying lots of walking/hiking (not too strenuous). Also suggestions on the best means of transport on a moderate budget. <BR> <BR>Many thanks <BR>

Is renting a car not in your game plan? <BR>BC is a huge province and in my touring of it, I have always rented a car. The convenience cannot be topped. <BR> <BR>The best of the Canadian Rockies are actually in BC and Alberta, along the Great Divide which separates BC from Alberta. <BR>If you want me to expound on my several trips to the Canadian Rockies I shall be happy to do so. Just contact me at the email address shown and I will elaborate. <BR>We are headed back this summer, for another. I do like to hike and can make several suggestions. <BR>But, if you can find it, get a copy of the book by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson on trails in the Canadian Rockies. The Adventuresome Traveler Bookstore has it. And you might find it at Amazon.com.

Is renting a car not in your game plan? <BR>BC is a huge province and in my touring of it, I have always rented a car. The convenience cannot be topped. <BR> <BR>The best of the Canadian Rockies are actually in BC and Alberta, along the Great Divide which separates BC from Alberta. <BR>If you want me to expound on my several trips to the Canadian Rockies I shall be happy to do so. Just contact me at the email address shown and I will elaborate. <BR>We are headed back this summer, for another. I do like to hike and can make several suggestions. <BR>But, if you can find it, get a copy of the book by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson on trails in the Canadian Rockies. The Adventuresome Traveler Bookstore has it. And you might find it at Amazon.com.

Marian, if you get a chance to visit Vancouver Island you should take the extra time to see some of the smaller islands as well. Quadra Island, right next to Campbell River, has lots to offer the outdoorsy visitors. I am the manager of Taku Resort on Quadra Island. Try our website at www.takuresort.com. Have a great trip.

Renting a car really is the best way to get around Vancouver itself, and the rest of the province. If you can arrange the air flights, your best bet is to fly to Vancouver, and then drive to Calgary, and fly from Calgary to Montreal. Check car rental drop off charges on the Vancouver-Calgary run. <BR> <BR>When you are still in the Vancouver area, take the car up the Sunshine Coast to Whistler, a great skiing and resort community, and then checkvarious ways of taking a ferry boat, car included, to Vancouver Island. Make sure you see Long Beach, on the west cost of the island, and then drive to Victoria. Take the ferry back from Sydney. <BR>In Vancouver, make sure you goto Grouse Mountain, adn to Granville Island. if your hotel room has a refrigerator, Granville Island market is a great place for cheese, smoked salmon, bagels, fresh fruit, etc. <BR> <BR>After a week or so in southern BC, drive towards Banff and Calgary. If you are interested in cowboys, check out some of the vacation ranches in the interior of BC. Allow two days in Calgary before you fly to Montreal. <BR> <BR>BAK <BR>