Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Trip Report: Vancouver ,Tofino & Ucluelet

Greetings, just returned from Vancouver and Vancouver Island and loved every minute of it. Here's some details for the file:

Day 1: flew into YVR (great airport) and had dinner & sunset at Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island. Great Sunset.

Day 2: Took BC Ferries (www.bcferries.com) from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo, 1 hour & 40 minutes, about $70 CAD for 2 adults and the car. BOOK AHEAD ON SATURDAYS. Drove across Vancouver Island to Ucluelet - took about 3 hours with a stop for lunch. Beautiful and scenic, but slow with mountain traffic. Stop at the tourist info at the Tofino/Ucluelet "junction" - they are very helpful. Visited the Greenpoint campground's free evening show - a lot of fun and great if you have kids. Checked into the Reefpoint B&B in Ucluelet. FANTASTIC ocean view BnB off of Little Beach & right off the Wild Pac Trail.

Day 3 - Took Whale Watching Tour from Jamies Whaling Station (www.jamies.com) which leaves from Tofino or Ucluelet. Saw several grey whales as well as bears, bald eagles, sea lions, etc., etc. They use big boats and have complimentary hot chocolate!

Day 4 - Drove to Tofino (.5 hours from Ucluelet) and explored - Tofino is smaller than expected. We really liked the Tla-Ook First Nations canoe paddle from Tofino to Meares Island - fantastic local information & hike with a First Nations guide.

Day 5 - Hiked more of the Wild Pacific Trail and the beaches of Tofino. Visited the Tofino Botanical Garden (also very nice). The best food I have EVER had was at the Pointe Restaurant at the Wickanninish Inn (seafood potlatch). Expensive but worth it.

Day 6 - Ferried back to Vancouver from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay. Explored Kitsilano and had an excellent dinner at The Naam (inexpensive Vegetarian).

Day 7 - Went the the University of BC's Museum of Anthropology - a Must-See. Take the guided tour if you do this. Hiked Stanley Park and Vanier Park. Had dinner at Hon's in Chinatown. Found La Casa Gelato in East Vancouver - home to 208 flavors of gelato, including Balsamic Vinegar and Gorgonzola Pear. They encourage free tastings!

Day 8 - Drove up to North Vancouver intending to hike the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but it was $25 CAD per person. We hiked the nearby state park instead and saw the local dam. Flew home.

Great trip!