My fiance and I have eight full days to spend in the Vancouver area this July. So far we have day 1-3 booked at the Wedgewood in Vacouver. After that we aren't sure if we should a) head up to Whistler and surrounding area, b)head over to Vancouver Island and more specifically the Tofino area, or c) some other destination we shouldn't miss.

We would rather settle into two places during the eight days than keep packing up and moving every few days, but we also don't want to end up in an area that we wish we hadn't booked so many days. So we have day 4-7 to spend in our second destination, including the time it takes to get there. We will drive back to Vancouver on day eight to catch our flight on day nine.

We plan on renting a car, but are not sure when and where. Some things that sound fun to us would be whale watching, great dining experiences, great scenic drives, possibly some white water rafting, horse back riding, some hiking, or anything else we shouldn't miss. The hot springs near Tofino sound like fun too. I have to say though that we would rather go for fewer high quality/memorable experiences than running around and trying to fit too much in.

Any suggestions on a second base after the city would be appreciated; what to not miss, as well as some honeymoon-worthy lodgings and restaurants.

I do agree that you should not try to do both so it really seems to be a choice between the mpountains & Whistler or the sea and Vancouver Island/Tofino. You know best what type of place you'ld prefer. The main differance, (besides scenery and altitude), is that Whistler has a terrific variety and range of hotels and restaurants while the Island, outside of Victoria, has much less to choose from. This also means that the Island/Tofino option would be quieter and less hectic than Whistler.

For a honeymoon I would highly suggest Tofino - either the Wickaninish Inn or Long Beach Lodge would be fabulous. The Wick also has a fabulous restaurant. It will be very memorable - the beaches are beautiful and the area is like no ther.

I know you said you don't want to pack/unpack too much, but if you want to spend one night around Victoria before driving to Tofino I'd also suggest one night at the Sooke Harbour House in Sooke, just south of Victoria.

Whistler is a wonderful place but not really ideal for a honeymoon, in my opinion. It's not very romantic and there's not much to do in the summer other than golf, wander the village, and mountainbike or hike the mountain. It feels more like a summer camp.

as stated, you just have to decide if you want mountains and hiking or beach and ocean. i would personally would choose tofino. it is absolutly beautiful and the drive there is very nice. nice little town about 20 miles away which is nice to spend an afternoon in. starts with a "u" - i can never remember how to spell it. the hotel recommendations above are good. or middle beach lodge. we rented a condo on chesterman beach. had a view of the ocean, fully equiped kitchen which was nice for breakfast, gas bbq, fabulous bed with a balony off the bedroom.

I would choose Tofino, as well, for a July vacation.

You mentioned whale watching; and the inshore waters of the Tofino Clayoquot Sound area hold a few pacific gray whales through the summer. Grays frequent shallow water, feeding in the kelp beds and often provide close-up viewing opportunities. There are several tour companies out of Tofino and area that offer whale and wildlife viewing. Some offer whale viewing enroute to the Hot Springs.

There are several good hiking trails in Pacific Rim National Park down to beaches and through the beautiful coastal rainforest.

Long Beach is wonderful and there are a number of more secluded sandy coves in the area that can be reached by hiking.

Hwy 4 into Tofino is a winding, fun trip through some very pretty scenery.

Have a wonderful trip.

Jerry
Toronto

jdynov: I also vote for Tofino. No matter what the weather, the beaches are drop-dead gorgeous, and there's lots to do in the area. Very romantic, very quiet. And the ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo is pretty as well as the drive to Tofino/Ucluelet. Your choice of the Wedgewood is terrific - a well-regarded boutique hotel with great service. Have a lovely trip. Linda

Thanks so much for your replies. I've been trying to figure this one out for the last few months. Tofino it is. I looked up the Wick and Long Beach Lodge and they both look great, though Long Beach looks more our style. Also glad to hear the good info on the Wedgewood. Thanks again!!
Judy, Mich.

No, no, no - stay at the Middle Beach Lodge (quality and price wise, it's somewhere in the middle of the Wick and the Long Beach Lodge). You won't be disappointed! Very romantic.

Say "hello" to Grant at the Wedgewood from the Tofino family.

Go whale watching with Ocean Outfitters in Tofino.

Once back in Vancouver, check out the Sylvia Hotel in the West End and taxi to Tangerine Restaurant/Lounge in Kitsilano.

Have fun!

We have just come back from a stay at the Long Beach Lodge and would highly recommend it. Our last visit we stayed at Wickinninish and it was superb ( and pricey ) but if you stay at Long Beach Lodge and ask for Room 109, your door opens at ground level and almost right on to the beach. Great food too.