Hello Fellow Travellers,

Our family is thinking of visiting Vancouver Island in Mid-August 2008 and were wondering which town or part of the island would be of most interest to a 3 & 6 year old. Any suggestions for accommodations would be helpful from others who have travelled with young kids. We are planning to whale-watch and visit Tofino.

Thanks.

I have not travelled exensively on Vancouver Is but there were lots of families with kids staying in Parksville. The beach there is very flat, so the water heats up when the tide is out and is quite comfortable. There is lots of sand to play in and driftwood to build with. Otherwise, Parksville isn't much, but I think the beach is great.

I was going to suggest Parksville too.

Beacon Hill Park is fun, and there is a small petting zoo that the kids love. Show them the totem pole, and wander down to the beach there.

I don't care how old the kids are, if you go to the island, the Pacific Rim National Park is a must stop. There are lots to do there for everyone, the rain forest, the beaches (must stop: Long Beach).

They will enjoy the beach, the trails, the Interpretive Centre etc.

I would suggest staying at a bed and breakfast instead of hotels. The kids should love it. There are lots of them.

Alternative location to stay is Ucluelet. The drive between Ucluelet and Tofino is easy, scenic and lots of "points of interests" available in between.

You may want to try Travel BC official web site for hotels and bed and breakfast locations.

http://www.travel.bc.ca/accommodations/

The following is a link to the Pacific Rim National Park. Surf the site and plan ahead.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index_E.asp

WARNINGS: Some trails may be closed or has limited access due to wind damage from a couple years ago. I have not been there since the storm. While at the shoreline or the trails, always keep your eyes on your children. Do not let them out of sight and be within reach at all times. The wave and current are dangerous.

Parksville? You gotta be kidding me. It's on the wrong side of the island and way too far from Tofino.
Highway 4 is undivided, one lane and narrow shoulders (if any), and you have to watch out for the trucks.

Tofino and environs is a million times more interesting and scenic in terms of natural beauty than Parksville, but Parksville offers warm, shallow waters with little wave activity.

Perhaps spend a night in Parksville en route to Tofino.