I am interested in a trip to either Whistler or Banff area. Which would you recommend?? I am leaning towards flying into Seattle (alot cheaper to fly into US instead of Canada!) and driving up to Whistler. I have a week. I definitely would like to stop at some little towns on the way or around it. Any recommendations? I am interested in beautiful drives, light hiking, hotels with beautiful views, off road jeeping, & such. Thanks!! Jamcat

Between the two, I would choose Banff. There is a lot more to see and do there than WHistler, though both are very nice. I just like the area around Lake Louise and there are basically unlimited hiking possibilities. If you want to do Whistler, you could take the ferry from Seattle to Victoria, go the Buchart gardens, then take the other ferry over to the mainland and go to Whistler. That would definitely be doable in a weeks time.

I actually went to Seattly two years agao and took the ferry to Victoria. The gardens were beautiful!!!!! Are there no little towns on the way or around Whistler?? Jamcat

If you rent a car in the US, ou will have to switch car once in Canada. I wanted to fly to Seattle myself once because you save all the canadian taxes doing it that way but it is a lot of assle to switch car and all.

Why do you have to switch cars once you get to Canada???
John

THIS IS OF GREAT CONCERN TO ME...I JUST RENTED A CAR IN SEATTLE!! PLEASE EXPLAIN!

The border restriction described applies only to the Canadian citizens. The major rental company describes this restriction in their rental policies section. Herz has a good explanation.

Just did the Whistler trip in late March-GREAT! Got a great deal flying into Vanocuver instead of Seattle. Used Vancouver as the "hub" for our sightseeing. Rented a car and took it on the ferry over to the island-went the westcoast route from Nainamo to Tofino-WOW!! What a fabulous drive and scenery is wonderful. Stayed at a fabuous lodge overlooking the Pacific,hiked, climbed, went whale watching/seals, and all types of wildlife. Drove back to Nanaimo and caught the ferry nack to Vanc. spent night and next day drove to Whistler-beautiful and lots to do.