Greetings from Texas!

After much research, and thanks to your responses, my hubby and I have narrowed our 9 day British Columbia adventure to these four towns: Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino and Whistler. Now...you take it from here...tell us anything and everything that will help us have a great, memorable trip. I've read Fodor's Vancouver and British Columbia book from cover to cover. There's so much to do we're just confused with where to start! We love the city life and the wilderness that's sure to await us.

Additionally, we need an economical place to stay in Victoria for 2 or 3 nights and Tofino for 2 or 3 nights. The remainder of the trip we will use Vancouver as our hub because we have free lodging there.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

If you haven't already, do a search on each place. You'll find lots of ideas. For example, sludick recently posted a very extensive report on Vancouver, Victoria and Tofino: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=29 She included suggestions on places to stay in Victoria.

I have stayed at the Long Beach Lodge in Tofino and loved it, though it may be out of your "economical" price range. How much do you want to spend? You might check out listings for Tofino at: http://www.tofino-bc.com/

agree with above that it would be helpful if you told us what economical means to you. tofino and whistler are expensive places. in whistler one of the lesser expensive ones i found (but still very nice with a pool, hot tub etc) was mountainside lodge 877-607-3337. i think you may be trying to see too much in 9 days. considering the drive to tofino, i think you need 3 nights there for sure. have fun.

My recommendation would be to spend most of your time on Vancouver island, seeing that you want to visit both Victoria and Tofino. The drive from Victoria to Tofino is probably about 5 hours, adding in time to stop along the way. I would consider staying in Ucluelet, which is half an hour drive from Tofino and even closer to Long Beach. It has a beautiful nature trail all along the ocean, which is breathtaking. I think you will find accommodation less expensive there, and can always drive over to Tofino to get the village feel. Search on Ucluelet accommodation. We actually prefer it to Tofino now because Tofino is becoming so busy and is such a tourist attraction.

Anyway, welcome to our great province. You will surely enjoy your 9 days.

In Tofino, have lunch or breakfast at the Common Loaf. It is great. Dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. Fabulous. At the Common Loaf be sure and try a Tofino Bar.

I been up to Whistler five times and each time I stay longer. Consider staying in Whistler for two or three days. Much cheaper than Vancouver. I stayed at the UBC Lodge up at Whistler. Check www.hostelz.com for reviews.

Whalers hostel (guesthouse) has been considered one of the best hostels in the world in Tofino. The International hostel in Victoria is right downtown but they back 30 people in a room and the birds attack the place at night. It is loud.

You might want to check out www.moosetravelnetwork.com for transportation. I took their tour last year to Jasper, Banff and Whistler. They were great.

Espresso in Tofino, the best in town. If you are looking for the good cup of Joe it's at Caffe Vincente, the guys there are serving up a great Italian roast coffee, best cappuccino on the island I say. They're only open for breakfast and lunch and both are worth stopping in for, its hard to find breakfast under $20 for two in this town, & the sandwiches are gourmet.
Take-Out is fast for those on the run.

We really enjoyed the Helm's Inn in downtown Victoria when we were there. It is centrally located and you can walk to the harbour etc. Continental breakfast is brought to your room which is a bonus and it is in your price range.

If I were you, I wouldn't spend more than 2 nights in Victoria. It's a good place to visit but 2 days will cover it. If you're travelling up to Tofino, 3 days will be best. I agree with previous poster - if your budget will stretch to it, recommend the Long Beach Lodge.

Hi folks,

Benita indicated on another post that their trip was for the first week of November, so they have come and gone already.

For anyone else researching Ucluelet/Tofino, our best eats were at Sobo's in Tofino. They advertise their "killer fish tacos" and they are truly wonderful. Didn't believe it until I tried it.