Vancouver itinerary suggestions
 

I took the plunge and am about to use all our miles (plus money) to get a flight straight into Vancouver. We leave for eight nights in mid-July. The four of us (couple in 40's and teens) have never been to this part of the world. Love food, art, and adventure. Thanks to Fodorites who helped me on other posts.

So, how would you do it? We fly into to Vancouver around noon on a Saturday. Would you spend about four nights there and then go to Victoria for one or two? If there is availability should we make the effort to drive to Tofino? Should we spend a night on Whistler? Or, is there some other nearby city we should spend two nights in? Someone suggested that making day trips from Vancouver would be the most relaxing way to do this trip. Should Vancouver be the last stop since we will fly out of it? I want to enjoy, but I also want to avoid stress.
Thanks

More details -- I think we would like to take a free walking tour, a food tour, go to the suspension bridges, zipline, enjoy the gardens at Victoria and the BC museum, explore Stanley Park, possibly kayak, and go to Whistler.

Update: I'm thinking that we should go right from the airport to Victoria. it seems hectic. But, since we fly out of Vancouver, I think it might make sense. So, this would mean two nights or three nights in Victoria and 5 in Vancouver with a day trip to Whistler. Is that too much? Should I do two nights in Victoria, make the trek to Tofino stay there two nights and then spend the last four nights in Vancouver?

Based on what we enjoyed on our recent Vancouver trip:

1. Museum of Anthropolgy at UBC - absolutely excellent collection of West Coast Native North American artifacts (old and newer), beautifully displayed and many other interesting things (I liked the ceramic collection).
Plus you can combine a visit there with a visits to the UBC Botanical Garden and the Nitobe Japanese Garden (both at UBC near MOA). To do all of them thoroughly will take most of a day.
2. If you like West Coast native art, check out the Bill Reid museum in downtown Vancouver.
3. Stanley Park - just great walking and people watching and views. I would skip the aquarium though - we had a terrible time there (TEN busloads of under-supervised, screaming school kids just ruined it for us.)

Thanks semiramis. Here's my tentative itinerary -- Fly into Vancouver --Get to Victoria -- two nights n-- Drive to Tofino -- three nights -- to Vancouver -- three nights. Back home.

Thoughts?

misha2, I noticed on one of your other threads that you live in the southern U.S. - we do as well. So, first off, remember that you will probably be pretty tired by the time you get to Vancouver. Since you're flying directly into Vancouver, though, I think that you will be ok getting to Victoria that same day.

You'll want to get familiar with the ferry schedule, and be prepared to wait for the next ferry if one is full. The trip across is about 1-1/2 hours; there is food available on board, and it is a very relaxing/scenic trip. At the terminal, there is also a building with food and stores, if you have to wait.

BC Ferries also has some itinerary suggestions and vacation packages, we find their site very helpful: http://www.bcferries.com/

Suggestion:

Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver. Take ferry at Tsawwassen to Schwartz Bay (about 25 minutes north of Victoria). Spend 2 nights in Victoria (you'll be pooped the first night, and won't arrive until late afternoon at least). Walk around Victoria, visit Butchart Gardens, Royal BC Museum, wherever else you like

Day 3 - Go to Tofino. Spend 3 nights. Allow about 5 hours to make this drive, but it is very scenic. Stop at Coombs Market in Parksville near Nanaimo to stretch your legs, buy some picnic food, do a little shopping. Take pictures of the goats on the roof. http://www.oldcountrymarket.com/ Plan on stopping somewhere on the drive across the island to Tofino to enjoy your snacks.

While in Tofino, maybe go on a whale-watching cruise (do a Zodiac, kids will love that). We like Middle Beach Lodge as a moderate place that is woodsy and rustic but still upscale, but there are other choices. Maybe go hiking in the Pacific Rim National Park, which is right there. http://www.vancouverisland.com/parks/?id=404

Day 6 - Back to Vancouver. This time, take the Nanaimo ferry (Departure Bay) across to Horseshoe Bay. Spend your remaining few days in Vancouver.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! It all seems more manageable now. So, you would spend three nights in Tofino and give up a night in Vancouver, right? I figure we are more likely to go to Vancouver again, whereas Tofino is so much harder to get to. Where would you stay in Victoria? I have similar prices for Abigail's and the Marriot. Any Vancouver hotel or neighborhood favorites. Sludick, you have made my life over these next few days and for the trip so much better!

BTW - I'd skip Whistler.

Usually we use Priceline to bid on a 4-star place in downtown Vancouver. But with the 4 of you, that's probably not the best approach here. There are some other threads with good recommendations on hotels, and others may weigh in. But do stay in downtown - it's small and very walkable.

By the way - by coming back into Nanaimo, you'll be in North/West Vancouver, which is where you can visit Grouse Mountain http://www.grousemountain.com/Winter/, Capilano Suspension Bridge http://www.capbridge.com/, and/or Lynn Canyon Park http://lynncanyon.ca/ (this last one is free). So if you get in early enough, you can spend the time there before proceeding down into Vancouver. From there it's probably 20-30 minutes into downtown.

I really should stop sending before I am done talking. In Victoria - we have stayed at the Marriott, and it is very nice indeed. Our friends who went with us are still talking about how much they enjoyed it. Have not stayed at Abigails, but did consider it and it is also well situated.

Alright, the Marriot it is! Could we do Grouse Mountain and the suspension bridges in one day? They were on my list and I love that we can do them on our way in. I will drop Whistler. Can you tell me more about the Middle Beach lodge. I have read the reviews and they are great. However, we will be in Tofino over my husband's birthday and I wonder if it is worth the splurge to go to Long Beach Resort. (Big Gulp) Do they include guides hikes etc, there? I'm considering getting him surf lessons or something.

Hmmm. I imagine it's possible, although you would be pushed. If you leave early am from Tofino and were able to catch a ferry right away, you would have the afternoon into evening. You could visit Lynn Canyon or Capilano first - maybe just Lynn Canyon - since it's free - and then go up to Grouse. Of course you spend all day at Grouse Mountain... There's a lumberjack show, a Birds of Prey show, grizzly bear habitat, and of course the zipline. You could have dinner there, or burgers on the desk of the casual place by the lumberjack show and look out over the city.

I haven't stayed at Long Beach Resort, although many here are fans. Middle Beach is a nice mix of upscale and woodsy/rustic that we like, and we eat at least one of the staff-prepared dinners (salmon roast, etc., all served buffet style). Not sure what is available in July, but Middle Beach offers packages (kayak, surf, whale watching). Long Beach does the same, and they both have spectacular locations. Long Beach Resort would certainly have more of a fine dining experience.

Middle Beach: http://www.middlebeach.com/packages.html
Long Beach: http://longbeachlodgeresort.com/site...-packages.html

You asked about Middle Beach Lodge. Here are some random favorite memories:

Turning off the main highway, you wind through some woods for just a bit. There are two main check-ins, the Headlands and the Beach. The Beach is less formal, and you would notice that there are yellow raincoats on pegs as well as galoshes next to the door. They are for your convenience, in case you want to walk along the beach or the woodland paths in the rain or mist. No TVs in the rooms (love that), but there is a TV room.

The Headlands is where the dinner is served and is higher up on the cliffs. It's also more upscale and there are TVs. In the morning there is a nice complimentary breakfast with homemade pastries, etc. served. In the afternoon there are cookies. Coffee & cocoa always there. The front desk staff makes these goodies.

If you are staying at the Beach, then going to one of their dinners involves walking through the woods (well defined path) for maybe 5 minutes. You might want one of the flashlights also. It's like luxury summer camp. The paths also go down to the beach.

Of course, both buildings have floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge area overlooking the ocean, as well as balconies, comfy seating, etc. If you make a reservation for one of their dinners, go early to enjoy some nice wine. You'll find your table has a card with your name on it. Once again, the staff makes the food. It's homestyle, not fancy, but fun.

Now if somebody fills in the Long Beach experience, you can compare.

They are both awesome places. Long Beach Lodge is more upscale, for Tofino anyhow. It is on a different, bigger beach than Middle Beach Lodge. THere are surfers in front of Long Beach Lodge and you can see the beach on thier webcam.
Middle Beach would be considered more 'homey' and Long Beach Lodge more casual elegant.
If you stay at Middle Beach go to Long Beach lodge for a meal or drink anyhow as the view is spectacular.

It's a moot point. :( Middle Beach and Long Beach are booked. I can get a one bedroom at the Cox Bay Resort For about $330 or a larger suite at PAcific Sands for about $600. Or I could get that mid $300 price at the Black Rock resort in Uecey. Thoughts?

Pacific Sands and Cox bay are on the same beach as Long Beach Resort. All three are great. If you want the beach experience then go for either of the first two. Cox Bay Resort is quite new. I dont know if you will get a water view from the unit however, most are back in the trees.

Pacific Sands has recently been renovated I believe and I think most are ocean view. It is gorgeous.
At Black Rock you will probably get an ocean view room, and it is more of a walking hiking destination. It is beside Big Beach but it is a rocky beach, not the miles of sand that Cox Bay is. If you like hiking and the forest , rugged ocean trails then Black rock would be your choice.
There are some beaches nearby that you can hike down to.

You're right. I won't get the view that I so hungered for. I imagined reading at the lodge with tea while the family had surf lessons and I guess Cox Bay won't allow that. But, the additonal $900 is quite a consideration to. I will rule out the Black Rock since I do want that beach experience. Thanks.

"How would (I) do it???"

(8 nights)


If you're from the southern U.S., AND have never been to Vancouver before, I sure wouldn't skimp ON Vancouver stuff just to make far-flung destinations elsewhere. The teens are sure to love Vancouver with a myriad of things to do, and you can walk the streets all night long and feel reasonably safe.

Victoria and the like are fine and dandy, but the lack of ease with which you could get there REALLY takes away from its appeal.

With "8 nights", I would demand at least four IN central Vancouver, and maaaaaaaaaaaaybe split the others between Victoria and Tofino, if that's your thing.

But I'd much prefer 5 nights in central Vancouver and 3 in Victoria, skipping Tofino. (the only reason to go "3" in Victoria being that it took so much effort to GET there and back)

Maybe a DAY trip to Whistler from the Vancouver base. I don't even think you need a vehicle for your central-Vancouver time. It's quite flat, surrounded by water, and there's a lot to see all around you.

Indeed you "might" get back to Vancouver one day, but consider that it is soooooooooooo far out of the way for most, that it is worth 'covering' thoroughly just in case time doesn't bring you back.

The teens figure to enjoy Vancouver so much that it makes a lot of sense to indulge them thoroughly there, rather than spending a considerable amount of your vacation hauling around from one destination to another (in addition to looooooooooong flights to and from home).

I can even see letting the kids design activities for one day each, in Vancouver, and then just taking great satisfaction from their freedom and effort in so doing.

Victoria is about 80 miles from where I sit... and I've been there once in nearly 40 years... and that was 25 years ago!

Just don't cram too much in there if it prevents you from stopping to smell the roses.

If you are having trouble finding a reasonable room in Tofino, Best Western Tin Wis is on the same beach as Middle Beach, but around the corner. It is not a surfing beach as it is very calm, but you can drive to the surfing beaches in 5 -10 minutes. They have rooms with two queens or a king and sofa bed and you can get a cot. They go for around $300 a night in July and most if not all are ocean view. There is a resteraunt on site as well.
http://www.tinwis.com/tofino-travel-packages

Northwest male,

What a great idea to have the kids plan a day each in Vancouver. I think they woud love that and it would be a great experience for them. I am tempted to do what you are saying. And, I am very worried about all the travel time. But, we are planning an Alaskan cruise (hopefully) in the next year or two and think we should be able to work in extra Vancouver time then. I know the travel time will not be fun, but I really want to check out Tofino, based on all I have read.

Live42day, I have booked the Cox Bay resort based on a suggestion from the reservation desk at Middle Beach Lodge. Should be fine.

Thanks for the help. I'll be refining my plans and have questions on other posts.

Well, I give you credit for having "resolve"... (and I mean that sincerely.) Sometimes the best vacation rewards arise from the self-assuredness we feel about wanting to visit certain spots.

Biloxi, MS was a good example of that for me. I'd heard of it many years before I went there, and it probably has limited appeal to a northerner who was (almost) sweltering there at 76 degrees.

My complaints about Biloxi include how difficult it was to find the path to the beach community, across a river of some sort, from the main part of Biloxi (in the dark, at 1:00am!). Also, why couldn't I find a keychain that just said: "Biloxi, MS"... and not "Biloxi Beach"?

I may have searched more thoroughly had I known I'd still be using THAT coveted (Biloxi BEACH) keychain TWELVE YEARS later!

So yes, go to Victoria... and let me say that the group as a whole CAN'T GO WRONG in letting the kids each plan a day in Vancouver (unless the 2nd day is "Groundhog Day", as they say).

A few things:

(a) GrouseMountain.com (ideally straddle sunset... see some daylight views, and see some views after dark) (it costs a FORTUNE to go up there... so IF inclined to dine high on the hog, coordinate advanced dinner reservations which include 'Admission/skyride' charges) The views are incredible! (The huge wooden statue of a HOCKEY PLAYER up there is charming, and perhaps now slightly eerie considering recent events)

(b) It really IS SAFE to be walking around downtown Vancouver until "the dawn's early light" is visible in the surrounding skies (not far from 4:00am in the far north during July). You'll be surprised at just how many 'normal people' are out and about very late. (of course there will be some animated characters - perhaps when the bars close?? - but nearly all are harmless, except to their own kind)

(The intersection of East Hastings and Main streets is generally the least desirable spot around, so lean away from that area while walking at night, and do stick to populated routes if you're out late)

(c) Chinatown can be very interesting on a bustling Saturday/busy afternoon. Who knows what you might find/buy there?



You might do very well for yourselves in letting the kids each plan a day. Central Vancouver is small-ish enough, and still filled with things to do and see. Canada's tame "foreign-ness" could be just right for you all. (the candy counters at stores are intriguing evidence of said 'foreign-ness' in ways where you don't need an interpreter) Psst. "Glossette Raisins" in the purple box.

Don't get me started on Canadian food. Once you've had french fries and gravy... and maple syrup on your pancakes... you've about run the course.

No one knows what it means when a tourist guidebook says:

"Cuisine: Canadian"

Draw your own conclusions from the fact that a popular grocery store there is called "Canadian Tire" (I kid you not!).

With all that said, I love Canada, and especially Vancouver.

Glossette Raisins sound quite intriguing. Would you choose Grouse Mountain over Lynn Canyon or the other suspended bridges?

misha2,
I never saw your posts but this is what we're doing.

We're starting in Banff for several days and then flying west.

My first thought was to fly to Vancouver and make our way to and from Victoria. Then it dawned on me that since we're flying back home to South Florida from Vancouver why not fly from calgary to Victoria.

Then we only have to go one way from Victoria to vancouver.

Queen Elizabeth Park and Lynn Canyon suspension bridge were down my list somewhere.

After reading a post from somebody who lives in the area they both moved up considerably.

The plan is to rent bikes for part of a day and ride around Stanley Park.

We leave the day after tomorrow.

Just left Vancouver. Weather was amazing. Don't forget Granville island. It is fun and has an amazing market.

I've honestly not been to the Lynn Canyon bridge... and my time at the Capilano Bridge was fraught with 'older kids' rocking the proverbial boat, and scaring the life out of me (it was eons ago).

Grouse Mountain is more along the lines of "treating yourself"... whether that be merely forking out the $40-ish cost to go up in the gondola, or applying it to a more expensive dinner.

It is fun to ride up in the gondola, and the views are terrific... it can be downright chilly at the top, so dress accordingly.

Vancouver is gorgeous even from sea level... but to see it from Grouse Mountain is to remind yourself over and over again. (esp. in the pictures you'll take home... and the one with the big hockey player statue obviously most dear to your heart)

And yes, Granville Island... is easily missed... because it is ACROSS a bridge from downtown, and then tucked down underneath on the other side.

It is a wonderful little area... and I wholly endorse visiting there for a couple/few hours.

Vancouver is great for walking... and various little signs and things you see on the street will all seem 'foreign'.

(don't even get me started on the 'flashing green light')


ohhhhhhhhh, I like the idea mentioned above about renting bikes for Stanley Park... it really might be best that way... it's too big for walking to cover it all (thoroughly)... and in a car, you tend to just go too fast.

The city areas on either end (esp. the west end) are quite pleasant upon entry/exit, and everything is mostly flat, so you won't have too much of a challenge.

Lots of fun in store.

I echo the above. Going to Grouse mountain just before dusk is the best. See it during the day and at night. Granville Island and Stanley Park are all must sees as well IMO.

Oh my! So much to do and consider. Myer, I wish I had thought of the whole Banff bit and seen your posts before. Deebers, glad to hear about the weather and the Granville reminder.

Love the idea of Stanley Park on bikes.

Wow, I almost dropped Grouse mountain because I thought the suspension bridge would be so much more fun. But with NW Male's and live42day's endorsement, I don't think I can do that.

I just don't know how I can can do all these things that I so want to do. I would be willing to drop Victoria, I assume the hotel will allow a refund but Tofino seems like it would be amazing.

Does this seem doable in three nights -- with time to breathe:
Grouse Mountain on the way in from Tofino. (Need to convince the family that that will beat those suspension bridges -- must mention hockey statue:) )
One day walking tours and food cart tour in Vancouver (one of my kids planned this -- we're foodies)
One day Granville Park and Stanley Park on bikes.


Thoughts?

yes doable. You could decide not to rush your return from Tofino and do one full day in Vancouver:
Morning: Granville Island (the best time IMO)
Afternoon: Stanley Park
Evening: Grouse Mountain.

You may want to wait until you get there to decide if you will go up Grouse Mt. If it is raining or foggy, it may not be worth it, where as going for a hike through a temperate rain forest in the rain can quite nice.

Look into taking an Aquabus water ferry to Granville Island; it docks right next to the market. Definitly go to the market at Granville Island if you are into food, it is a foodies paradise. Try to go to Granville first and pick up some picnic supplies for your ride through Stanley Park,...if you can wait that long! Be sure to check out the craft studios and art galleries on Granville too.

I kid you not that Canadian Tire actually sells...tires, as well as sporting goods and housewares among other things, not groceries as a previous poster stated. I love checking out grocery and hardware stores when I travel. It is a great way to get an honest glimpse into the daily life of those who live there.

While Canadian cuisine is not nearly as broad and distinctive as other cultures, there are definitively some regional specialties. We are heading to Vancouver in a couple of weeks and I can't wait to get my hands on some fresh pacific salmon, perhaps something that is maple glazed or smoked. If you are in Quebec, check out the poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), tourtiere or sugar pie; and if you want to try something truly different, head to Newfoundland for some cod cheeks and seal flipper pie! I think I will stick to the Naniamo Bars and butter tarts (gooey, not runny with raisins and pecans, the debate rages as to which is best!) As well, Canada grows some great wheat that makes amazing artisanal breads, not to mention the award winning wines and the artisanal cheeses. Oh, and the Glosette Raisins are pretty good too. Mmm, I'm getting hungry!

You can still do the suspension bridge, I think. Just skip Capilano and go to Lynn Canyon. It's not quite so large, of course, but it's free and very close to Grouse Mountain. You can spend less than an hour, and that may satisfy the family.

http://lynncanyon.ca/

Some comments:
a lot of what you will WANT to do in Vancouver is weather dependent

My weather dependent suggestions:
beautiful sunny weather - do a LOT of outdoor stuff like the Lynn canyon (my personal preference over Grouse Mtn (but that would be OK too), biking in Stanley Park, checking out the various beaches, checking out various gardens

overcast, maybe a bit rainy - you can still do some of the outdoor stuff (assuming walking in the rain doesn't bother you) but I would suggest a combination of indoor/outdoor - like UBC (the Museum of Anthropology, the Botanical Gardens, the Nitobe garden and if it clears maybe a walk down to Wreck Beach.)
Pouring rain - stick to mostly indoors - Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver Art Gallery, Bill Reid Gallery.

"""I kid you not that Canadian Tire actually sells...tires, as well as sporting goods and housewares among other things, not groceries as a previous poster stated."""


OK, then please suggest why there are scores of references to Canadian Tire selling groceries, including this one, from Canada's National Newspaper:

http://www.financialpost.com/most-po...tml?id=2602820

Misha2:

Considering it all further, given the added impulses (lets call them) in this thread:

(and)Because you are from the southern U.S. having never been to this area before... it sorta seems that the Canadian Rockies would be more alluring than is Victoria/Vanc. Island.

Indeed it is 500 miles from Vancouver to Jasper, Alberta... 180 from Jasper to Banff... and 525 from Banff back to Vancouver.

That is obviously A HAUL, but it seems worthy of some consideration instead of the Vancouver Island leg. The area of the Cdn Rockies is truly beautiful and quite unique to the southern U.S.

Obviously it could be better accommodated with a longer or differently-arranged trip, but if you are intrigued about Banff, you might still contemplate the logistics of it all.


As for Grouse Mountain again... the only barriers are weather and cost. IF given beautiful weather, and IF you can afford to take the family of four up there... then do so. Where else (especially in the southern U.S. ("Gatlinburg"? - LOL)) are you going to get to ride a gondola 2700 feet up the side of a mountain??

Last time I went up, we stood at the bottom unable to see the top due to a pocket of fog, and debated as to whether to even GO.

We went up, and the fog disappeared, and we were treated to a gorgeous view both before and after dark.

Do some sleuthing and figure out what the total cost of a posh dinner for 4 up there would be, and then CONTEMPLATE whether you want to sign-on for that dinner, and not have to pay the $40-ish cost to go up, OR whether you just want to pay for the gondola ride up there and limit your costs.

Canadian tire only had two stores that sell food by the accounts of that article. I have never seen one perhaps they are back East. It seems everyone wants to sell everything. Shoppers Drug Mart sells food now....? A drug store
We have a couple of Wal Marts that are full grocery stores on the island.
They want to be your one stop shopping and get all of your wallet.

As for weather, if you are still coming mid July, which is very shortly, the best week of the year (hottest) is usually the week of July 24th or around there. I have only had one cloudy week during that period in the past 20 years I think. End of July should be great.

Live 42 day - We'll be there just around that time. So, it should be great! Semiramis - It is great to keep in mind the stormy day options should I (God forbid!) need them

NW Male -- I know that Banff would be great and appreciate the suggestion But, I don't think I have the mental energy to explore anymore

misha2 - too right, time to just pack and go! You'll have a splendid time. We keep going back because, each time, we find more things that we wish we had time to do/see. So don't sweat it; no matter what, you'll have to pick and choose. There's always next time.

Last year, we went to Vancouver/Sunshine coast in May/June, then back to Banff/Jasper in October. And we live in Florida. Both areas are so completely unlike where we live and are SO refreshing, in so many ways.

agree w/ sludick...you will DEFINITELY want to return to this corner of the world; don't stress out about things you may miss this time around-you'll know where to go the next time.
BTW-- Sludick..did you go to St.Louis U?

Hi, donnawho - no, sorry to say, I did not. I was born in Seattle area, grew up in the SF Bay Area, and live in Florida. I do have some friends and coworkers who did, though, and perhaps we have friends in common (my workgroup is in the KCK area, I am remote).

I just returned from Vancouver late last night. We did Granville as a last minute add on. We highly recommend the stop. I have not read through all of the other 37 replies but wanted to add this. Have a great time on your trip.

Thank you kmadsen. Will do! I would appreciate any other thoughts or suggestions.