There's plenty to do in Whistler for 3 nights if that's what ends up happening. Although Whistler Village is small, you don't have to limit yourself to the village. Most people, when they poo-poo the idea of Whistler, they're rarely thinking of the provincial parks outside of Whistler, like Garibaldi Provincial Park, or Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, or Brandywine Falls, or Nairn Falls, etc. Tons of alpine hikes, lakes (Birkenhead Lake, Alice Lake), etc. you could easily keep yourselves entertained for a week if you wanted.

Should also mention, ZipTrek Ecotours are well worth doing. I did it for the first time with a friend back in January, and I think it took about 3 hours. Also be sure to take the gondola up to the top of Whistler Mountain for the afternoon. You don't fully realizing it until you do it, but the scenery in Whistler exists in the alpine, not at the base of the mountain in the village. The alpine is where the dramatic scenery flourishes... so any time you get a chance to experience that, go for it - that's what summer in Whistler (in my opinion) is all about.

Yes Ziptrek is on the list. Looks frightening but fun. Did you do the Bear or the Eagle tour? I am thinking the Bear - it is lower and "gentler" I think!

Will look into the parks you mention. Any idea where one might do lake swimming around Whistler or or all of the lakes too "refreshing" even in August?

I've never gone swimming in Whistler, but I don't think the lakes are glacial lakes, so you should be okay...

This is an overview of the 3 lakes immediately nearby: http://www.whistler.com/beaches/

As per Bear or Eagle, I think I did the Eagle tour, and while I'm petrified of heights, it was certainly a good way to conquer them. I also never felt like I was out of control or going too steep. It was surreal doing ziptrek in the snow. The latter half of my tour was done in the dark, which was actually pretty amazing, especially with the full moon in the sky lighting up the wilderness, with the lights of the village below. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

bookmarking

you might consider the coast plaza ( near english bay and stanley park) over coast coal harbour. the rooms will be bigger, possibly less expensive and if you ask nicely for a high floor he views are spectacular. i can walk btwn the 2 hotels in 10 or 15 minutes. great public transit on denman, davie and robson

cheers
AndrewDavid

Thanks for the suggestion

I recently stayed at the Rosedale on Robson-in Vancouver- very nice hotel in a great area. I had a nice suite - has a sleeper sofa in living room area- and a full kitchen. There is a restaurant on the first floor and its walking distance to lots of other restaurants. We ate at the Flying Pig which is in an area called Yaletown- and walking distance from the hotel.

Nice, centrally located- recommend it.

In Victoria we stayed at the Surf Motel- kind of a funky retro place but we love it there. Open the curtains in the AM and there is the ocean right across the street. Walking paths along the the ocean for miles, The rooms have a kitchen which I like and parking is included. There is a little waterfront restaurant just a block away at Ogden Point where some of the cruise ships stop.

If you are a walker, its not that far to the Inner Harbor-

Sorry to jump in here but I was searching for info on Italy & found some of your other threads. We're travelling to Rome in late July - 2 adults, 2 kids. I noticed you did a ton of research - how did your hotel in Rome work out?

Our hotel in Rome was fantastic - the Albergo del Senato. We stayed in their mini-apartment off of the lobby for 2 nights which had a loft queen bed above and 2 twin beds and full bathroom below. It did not have any views, etc. that you get in some of their other rooms but it was perfect for a family. The next 2 nights we had connecting rooms which were small but clean and updated.

The location of the hotel, right off the Pantheon, and the hotel service are the real draws here.

We loved Rome. If you click on my name you will find many quad room suggestions for Rome (including the Hotel Santa Maria in Trastevere and the Hotel Ponte Sisto near the Campo de Fiori). Have a wonderful trip.

Also tahiti - if you are thinking about seeing the Borghese Gallery (which we all loved) you should make a reservation ASAP of you may not be able to see it. That and our Walks of Italy Colosseum tour were highlights of Rome.

Now back to BC planning!

THANKS. Have a great trip in Vancouver. That's on our list too. Looks fantastic!

tahiti - you are very welcome. if you have any other specific questions just ask me here. I am excited for you. Are you going anywhere else in Italy and how old are your kids?