AmyH

We are a family of four from Boulder,CO planning a late June trip to Portland and BC. Can eurotraveller (since we are also planning a different trip to Thailand and Cambodia, I have already seen eurotravellers posts on that forum) and others help critique this itinerary. We will be driving and will have our dogs with us. We like to spend 3 night minimum in a place if we can to avoid packing/unpacking. We are all foodies, hikers, bicycle riders,sea kayakers. If you have recos for high end places that allow pets, all the better. Here goes:
5 nights/4 full days in Portland. Would like to spend one day in the wine country.
Travel day to Victoria Island
3 nights/2 full days on Victoria Island. Exploring, possible sea kayaking day.
Travel to Vancouver
4 nights/3 full days in Vancouver.

Travel back to Boulder breaking up the return with two nights and one full day in Yellowstone.

I keep reading about Tofino but cannot figure a way to make it work in this itinerary unless we skip Victoria and do Tofino instead? Would anyone recommend that switch?
Appreciate any comments.

happytrailstoyou

I'm curious where you are going to hike and kayak in Portland and why you are driving through the beautiful state of Washington without stopping.

AmyH

happytrails-
I almost put in a preemptive response to that question! We have traveled to Seattle and the Olympic Peninsual before on separate trips, so we will not be stopping in WA this time. I think kayaking and hiking would be for the BC portion.

happytrailstoyou

Thanks. Have you been to Crater Lake, the Oregon Coast, and the Columbia River Gorge?

1JAR

Just a clarification..I think you mean Vancouver Island..Victoria is the big city on Vancouver Is? VAncouver is the city on the Canadian mainland?

FYI very friendly Fodorites on the Canada Fodor site can maybe help?

Another FYI..you will be REQUIRED to have passports for all the people coming back into teh USA and there may be documents required for the dogs into CAnada & rtn to USA too..

POlson

I'm sure scarlett will chime in soon but I'd recommend 5th Avenue Suites in Portland. It was very comfortable, a decent location and accomodates pets. Lots of terrific restaurants in Portland.

As for Tofino, we loved it. Lots to do, a much more active vacation than Victoria which I recall as more shopping and going to tea (also nice in a different way). I think there are also some nice areas on the east side of the island that are more accessible. I'm sure you will get suggestions from others on V.I. destinations.

4 nights/3 days in Vancouver seems like alot but maybe you can explore some of the okanogan wine region north of Vancouver. I haven't been since I was very young but it is on my list of must do soon.