I need some suggestions for accomodation on Vancouver Island. We are looking for something for a week, in the summer, with kitchen facilities, for two adults, a teenager and an eleven-year-old. We like to hike, swim, see wildlife, and go boating. I've had the Parksville area recommended to me, as well as Tofino/Uclulet. Our preference is for laid-back accommodation, not anything glitzy or "touristy". Any suggestions?

Hi Lori, I heartily recommend Tofino over Parksville or Ucluelet. It is my favorite place in the NW, and offers plenty of activities to keep you busy for a week. While it has been somewhat discovered in recent years, it is still a very laid-back, wonderful, non-glitzy place. <BR> <BR>My favorite place to stay that has kitchen facilities is the Middle Beach Lodge; their ocean view cabins are fabulous: just the right combination of nice but rustic. If that's too pricey for your budget, there are vacation rentals available in the area; I believe there's a company called Tofino Vacation Rentals or something similar. There's also a great little guest cottage that would be perfect for four people at the Red Crow Guest House just outside Tofino. All these places have websites. <BR> <BR>Do let me know if you have further questions about the Tofino area.

Hi Lori, <BR> <BR>Sheri knows her stuff....the west side of Vancouver Island is awesome....but....with a teenager, and an 11 year old....hmmmm...I'd opt for Parksville Region. Both coasts have beaches, the weather is more dependable on the east side of the island (rainshadow), and the infrastructure for teenagers eg. Putt-Putt golf courses, fast food restaurants, other teenagers, etc. is much more suited to a family than the "wilder" side of Vancouver Island. <BR> <BR>Once again, Sheri is right, but I'd wait until your kids are old enough to truly appreciate Clayoquot Sound et al. <BR> <BR>Better yet, ditch the kids and you and your hubby hit the Pacific Rim National Park...... <BR> <BR>Tom (father of a 14 year old) <BR> <BR>

Hi Lori, <BR>As someone who has traveled to Vancouver Island every year for the last 37 years, I'd like to add my two cents. I'd recommend that you check Qualicum Beach over Parksville. It's only five miles west of Parksville, but a much nicer spot with no chain restaurants or hi-rise hotels permitted. If your teenager really needs to find some action, you can always drive in to Parksville without staying there. Qualicum is a beautiful little town with lots of great spots to stay at on the beach, plus the tide doesn't go out for miles and miles like it does in Parksville. E-mail me if you'd like any info.

As someone who lives on the East Coast of Vancouver Island (Comox Valley), but loves the Tofino area I'd say that both areas are beautiful and have advantages over the other. Parksville-Qualicum area has mini-golf and waterslides but also good beaches for swimming and boating. Tofino is great for whale watching, sea kayaking, beach combing and hiking. This side having open ocean <BR>as opposed to the east side being on Georgia Strait , the waves are more suited to body surfing. I would definitely agree that the weather on the east coast is more predictable and generally warmer than the west. One thing we noticed when we were in Tofino last year were the high prices for accommodation and restaurant meals - definitely higher than what we pay in the Comox Valley. Our area is also very scenic and has many nice beaches (Miracle, Saratoga and Goose Spit) and excellent hiking as we are close to Strathcona Provincial Park. I don't think you can go wrong in any of these areas - it's more a personal preference. Have a great holiday!

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