I hope to come to Vancouver in July for the 1st time and then ride the bus to Pt. Hardy and take BC Ferry to Bella Coola or St. Rupert. The guide books say you MUST have reservations in high season. I would appreciate info from a native BC'r who has been to both places as to which might be best for me--I'm interested in nature/whale and/or bear watching--on a modest budget. Also if you have any suggestions as to places to stay in Pt. Hardy or Bella Coola would appreciate input. I may be traveling alone--do you think this would be safe. Thanks for any help. BarbaraD. <BR>P.S. Has anyone ever stayed at Hotel Sylvia in Vancouver? Thanks again.

Hello Barbara/It's called Prince Rupert. Although traffic is high in the summer, foot passengers don't usually require advanced reservations. If you know when you are traveling it is not a bad idea to play it safe and make one. There is no such thing as bear watching. You may or may not see one [mostly black bears] Chances are you may see one somewhere in your travels but there are not tour companies that offer this. If you want to see orca whales stop at Telegraph Cove or Port McNeil on your way to Port Hardy. There are boat tours out to see them in Johnstone Strait. Chances are excellent in summer to see them. Bella Coola is a very small community and Prince Rupert is a bigger town. Not sure what you hope to see in either. If looking for wilderness trips check www.canadianexpeditions.com. Hope this helps. Traveling alone should not be a problem. You most likely will meet others aboard the ferry from Port Hardy.

I agree with haidabear, as a foot passenger you do not need advance res but that option is available if you choose. The Sylvia Hotel is a lovely,ivy covered old style hotel in the heart of the West End. Across the road from English Bay, its location in unsurpassed. The lounge/pub is at street level and the view is great!

Foot passengers don't need rezzies yes, but!-if you want a day cabin you'll need rezzies. <BR>It's along day 'sitting up' on that Ferry. <BR>Take some Picnic Fixin's the food is overpriced and just short of dreadful. <BR>Next-Pt. Hardy try this place, clean, comfortable quiet and centrally located, important because the Bus for the Ferry leaves early. <BR>http://www.island.net/~oldhouse/ <BR>Sorry I stayed at an anonymous Motel in Pr. Rupert, in any case Pr. Rupert is an odd depressing place I don't recommend to anyone. <BR>Haven't been to Bella Coola I heard they were going to cancel that Ferry I hope not. <BR>In any case it's a tiny place with-as of last year-no public transport-how would you travel on to the Interior? <BR>Or just return to Pt. Hardy? <BR>If that's your intention I mean. <BR>Whale Watching!!! <BR>There are many Orcas in the Port Hardy area but there's no gaurantee they'll be there when you're visiting! <BR>Jean Matte, the proprietor of This Old House, is a fount of info and could help you with arrangements-last year someone was offering trips out of Port Hardy for whales. <BR>The most popular place to see Orcas is from Telegraph Cove south of Port Hardy, it's a ways from the main road and unless you like Hitch-hiking is a long walk from the Highway, accomodations are available there-not cheap but camping a possibility. <BR>http://www.stubbs-island.com/english/index.html <BR>Bears are part owners(!) of the Bella Coola area there was some viewing offered in the past it's hard to get info on such a small place in winter I think the inhabitants are hibernating as well. <BR>There are companies offering Bear Watching in BC, contrary to what some self-interested parties say, but it's mostly Grizzlies in the Fall. <BR>Safe-certainly BC is as safe as houses. <BR>Bring your camera and binoculars if you have them animals aren't always that close. <BR>Try this site for more BC Info www.bcadventure.com <BR> <BR>

Carl's description of Prince Rupert is perfect.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to offer help to my inquiry. I wanted to stay in Van. at the Sylvia but guidebook says must have FAR ahead reserv. so may be too late. Want to see Stanley Park/Aquarium. Would it maybe be just as well to stay in Nanaimo--any suggestions where to stay? Could catch the bus north from there. Will definitely try to stop at Tele. Cove or Pt. McNeil. Also thanks for the net sites--will visit all of them. The only reason I was going to P. Rupert was to ride the ferry up the inside passage--believe you can stay overnight even on the boat if you rent a room--thanks for the advice about taking along some food. <BR>Can you believe my other option is Hawaii????? Have more interest in animals than beachboys! Weird, huh? <BR> Thanks again, Barb

Barbara: I am going to disagree with some of my fellow posters, and put in a good word for Prince Rupert. I lived on the North Coast for five years, and enjoyed my visits to Rupert. It is a lovely location with great waterfront views. It has the best inexpensive seafood restaurant I have ever eaten at in Smile's which also has a waterfront location in Cow Bay. In this same area there are some nice B and B's. If you should decide you would like to see something of the Queen Charlottes or the Panhandle of Alaska, those connections are also through Prince Rupert. There is a good chance you will see some whale action on the ferry to Prince Rupert, and the advantage of this passage is that it is totally in daylight hours. Reservations for accomodation in Prince Rupert and Port Hardy are strongly recommended on nights before a sailing, or the nights that the ship arrives. Bella Coola is also interesting because of its location. The drive into or out of Bella Coola is spectacular.