Vancouver Island Travel Forum

I am from Cape Town and will be visiting friends in Vancouver in late June. I'd like to do the one day ferry trip from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (or Bella-Bella) and return back to Vancouver. Is it possible to do this as a 2 day/one over-night trip and how do I get to Port Hardy from Vancouver? The only option I could find is with Pacific Coastal Airlines, but the earliest flight does not arrive in time for the ferry departure (at 07h30)? If anyone could help I'd be much obliged!

Hi there

My boyfriend and I are coming over to Canada for 3 weeks at the end of May/beginning of June. We are hoping to do a lot of wildlife photography while we are over. I was wondering if anyone is able to give me any tips on where I can find: Black Bears, Orcas, Humpbacks, Gray Whales, Bald Eagles and Tufted Puffins? It is always helpful to hear from people who live there, or who have been who may have some suggestions of out of the way spots or local tips!

Thanks in advance
Antz

We are traveling to BC in late July, early August. We plan on spending 4 nights on VI. We were planning on driving from Vancouver to Port McNeil the first day and spending two nights there before driving to Ucluelet for two nights. Is this a practical plan? Or is this to much driving to take advantage of all there is to do? We are wanting to get in some great kayaking with whales, wildlife viewing and hiking.

thanks!

and I'm looking for some input from you fine people! We are flying into Victoria on the evening of May 14 and leaving again on The morning of May 20. We are a family of 5...3 kids ages 10, 12 and 15. Right now, the rough plan is to stay in the Victoria/Sidney area the first 2 days (and after reading some of this forum already, I think we will get to Witty's Lagoon too!), then on to Nanaimo to visit friends, then to Campbell River,and finally to Ucluelet/Tofino for (again, after reading here!) 2 days. Then back to Victoria on the last night.
Is this too much? Should we bother with Campbell River?
We definitely want to do whale watching, but where would be better this time of year...out of Sidney or Tofino?
We obviously want to do some outdoor exploring, but our daughter is 15...she won't be keen on too much trail walking!!
I've heard the Butchart Gardens and Butterfly Gardens are amazing.
Any suggestions and help would be awesome!!
Thanks!!

We will be traveling to British Columbia for the first time this March. We have only six nights and are hoping to see some beautiful places and some wildlife! Because we are used to Hawai‘i weather, we are kind of wimpy when it comes to cold and wet and are hoping for a bit of sunshine.
Current Plan: We fly in & out of Vancouver

First 3 nights in Victoria-- day trips from there where would be best?
--Sooke, Port Renfrew, or Horne Lake Caves? We would LOVE to see Orca but is that possible in March?

Fourth night--this is up in the air. This trip seems too short for a good stay near Tofino. Is it worth trying to go north to increase our chances of seeing Orca? or should we go to the Gulf or San Juan Islands? anyone have a favorite that would be good for a short trip?

Nights 5 & 6--We are planning on staying in Vancouver so that we can have at least one full day there.

I would appreciate any ideas or suggestions. We have never been to BC and are really looking forward to it!

A friend of mine has invited me to spend a Saturday night at the Empress with her because they're having that $100 a night deal in celebration of their 100 year anniversary. We're taking the bus down to Tsawwassen and walking on the ferry. Once at Swartz Bay, we're taking the bus into downtown Victoria. I have no idea what we'll be doing on the first day, but I'm not so concerned. Maybe we'll go to Butchart Gardens as *gasp* I've never been. And I really do love gardens, even in the darkest gloomiest days of November. But there are other places I've never been to in Victoria either, like Emily Carr's house or any of the art galleries. You can check out my Victoria VT page to see where I have been. I'm more interested in local history, nature, or the local arts scene than I am about things like wax museums.

The next morning my friend, however, is going to take VIA's Malahat train route up to Courtenay to visit one of her ex-colleagues where she plans to spend the next night. Initially I was thinking of sticking around in Victoria for the day and heading back to Vancouver later in the afternoon by bus to Swartz Bay.

But I'm now thinking of joining my friend on the train, but getting off at Nanaimo and exploring around there for a few hours before heading back across the ferry to Horseshoe Bay. I've only ever driven through Nanaimo and I know its reputation, but I'm still curious. What could one do in Nanaimo for an afternoon in early March?

My husband and I want to take our 14,15 and 17 year olds to see bears and whales...in June, but can't afford to spend a whole lot of money...
any suggestions?
Thanks,
Ann-Marie

Hi Everyone

We are planning a winter trip to Vancouver Island and we were just wondering what the fishing is like at this time of the year. Any help on this topic and weather and accommodation at this time of year would be greatly appreciated. we were at Port Alberni late Sept early Oct 2003 and just love this place. The whole island actually. You are very lucky to live in a place like this.

Thanks.

Mark and Karen NZ

My wife and I are coming to VI next week and hiring an RV near Victoria. I have booked a pitch for the first night, but not for any of the other 6 we will be there.

How necessary is it to book ahead at this time of the year (August) in order to be sure of a pitch ?

We intend to travel up the main highway from Victoria via Campbell River to Telegraph Cove and stopping at places along the way.

How many gravel roads am I likely to encounter as my RV rental excludes the vehicles use on them ?
Finally I have been seeing references to RV Parks and RV Resorts. There seems to be a difference - what is it ?

Does anyone know of a super nice chill place to go camping at on the island? I want to choose the nicest place on the island and am not sure on where to go. Any ideas? My dad is coming from poland and i want to take him somewhere quiet, relaxing and with that beautiful BC feeling....?
Thanks

Yanni

Hi there,

My mates and I are visiting Vancouver Island in mid July and one of main activities will be whale watching in the Pacific Rim National park, Telegraph Cove or Johnstone Strait and/or Southern Gulf Islands. July is a peak season and probably most tours will be busy, but are there any less touristy, eco and marine friendly tours good for whale watching.

I know the best ecofriendly option will be kayaking but most tours are for three days and cost too much.

I have found the Seasmoke Whale watching tour Johnstone Strait in Northern Island http://www.seaorca.com/index.htm

Any recommedations will be appreciated.

Brgds,
BF

I shall be coming to VI for 2 weeks at the end of May. I have looked at several web sites explaining places to visit. However, is there anyone who could give me some tips on places/things to do that we may not find on the 'official' tourist brochures i.e. where do the locals go?. We are in a car, so flexible in getting around.
Thanks for the input, Caroline

Hi. I am a bit stumped on where to go for a 40th b-day trip for my husband. Our parents/family will be joining us and my hope is to find an area that has an abundance of outdoor activities in close proximity (sea kayaking, freshwater & ocean fishing, hiking, nice beaches, whale watching, boating etc) with good availability of rental homes and a nice little town area that we could hit a pub/good restaurant if anyone wanted. I am tossing around Quadra Island or Tofino. Any suggestions on these or other areas? Thanks!

Our family will be visiting the Vancouver Victoria area for 2 1/2 weeks in early June. We will be traveling in a rented RV and plan on stopping in Victoria, then the Pacific Rim area then Nanaimo then to Vancouver. I really need some input regarding campground in the Long Beach, Ucluelet, Tofino area and the other ares as well. I have been trying to find reviews of campgrounds in the area and the only one was for Bella Pacifica in Tofino. It wasn't a good recommendation. I need some input from locals if possible or someone who has stayed there or recommendations of other places that you have had pleasant experiences with.
Thanks for any help you can give me.

We'll be coming to Vancouver Island next August intending to drive to Port Albini in a Dually Pickup pulling a 24' boat that is 12' 7" tall, on the trailer, & 8 1/2 feet wide. It seems the Coho ferry can accomodate us okay but I'm curious about the drive from Victoria to Port Alberni. Any feedback will be appreciated.

Hi All,

I plan to drive to Tofino from Nanaimo in the first weekend of December (ahem..thats comin weekend !). I was wondering how safe it is to drive all the way for 3 long hours. With the snow, is it dangerous ? Also is there a risk of cougars or anythng else ?

Thanks.

I'm going to be roaming around VI, and I'd like to know.. should I spend more time in Tofino or Ucluelet, or spend equal time in each city? Or is there another city I must see, as well?

Whale watching will be on the list too.

we are going to van island in may 07, with a view of emigrating. Where do we stay thats not only beautiful and suitable for two young kids, but also central enough in order for us to see as much of the island as poss. We really like the look of sooke but could anyone tell us if this is out on a limb, we dont fancy being in the car for hours. Can anyone give us some tips?? it all looks lovely!! help us, its hard to choose on the internet!!

Hi all,

Myself and my grilfriend are planning to spend a year in Canada as of jan 2007. We don't know too much about Canada but we are gradually being lured towards Vancouver Island at the moment. I've been reading up on VI through VT but still have questions I hope some of you could shine some light on..

I'm Irish (24) and been working as a civil engineer (looking for outdorr type work to get me away from computer) and my girlfriend is english (23) and been working in a Bank as has experience with childcare and music teaching. We would like to try spending sometime on VI and hopefully get jobs we both enjoy with a decent wage..

Can enyone tell us what the climate is like... the local industries... would we enjoy it... or should we be thinking of somewhere completely different in Canada... I was lured towards VI because its got so much coastline, mountains, forestry and cities.. A mixed bag.. am i right??

thanks to you all

I have an opportunity to visit VI after a meeting in the city. What sort of weather should I expect at the end of October? Could someone suggest an inexpensive place to stay for a single traveller on a careful budget for a few days.I am interested in the Pacific Rim Park and accessbility to other natural areas. I'm betting it's too wet to camp?

Thanks for any help.

hi there
I'm planning a vacation to Vancouver Island and suroundings.
I have 8th and two years old boys,
can you please send me a list of places where my kids will have fun,
like kid amusement places.
I heard of dinosours park in Vancouver or somewhere close by,
is there any place like that?
please send me information
Thank you

This is one beautiful place to go,40 miles from vancouver by sea or air.
Victoria bc is a city,from the past and in the present.
I dont think there is anywhere better or safer with better food and breath taking beautiful scenery.

Its real hard to beat.

See you there ?

Hi all,

I live in Ladysmith and I am looking for a good travel agent. I have only had bad experiences so I tend to do most travel planning myself however I need some help with a trip I am planning to germany and italy and would love some assistance. My main concern is that the travel agent focuses on the cheapest most budget options.

Thanks

Hi Folks,
I've been reading loads of advice on the VT pages and have found the information a great help. Thanks.
I'm arriving in Vancouver before flying to Port Hardy for 5 days diving (can't wait). I fly out of Victoria on August 31st to Calgary and am trying to decide how best to get down the island.... I leave Port hardy on 27th (Am) and have 4 days to get to Victoria. I would welcome some advice on places I ought to visit on the way down.

Would love to do some day hikes, kayaking and maybe even another days diving.. So much to see and do :-) Will be depending on public transport so not sure how limiting that will be. Heading to the Rockies for 10days after this so not sure if a visit to Strathcona Park would offer anything different?
Any advice is welcome
thanks
Brendan

as an adjunct to my previous question, whats the drive from victoria to tofino like and how long does it take? We are getting into complex logistics and cant do exactly the trip we would like (we cant fly float plane from tofino to vancouver), so am contemplating driving to tofino and back again. I'm guessing it is pretty scenic. Is it a big benefit having a car in tofino?

sometimes I think the old way of just turning up and doing stuff is better, internet allows complex planning but it starts to do my head in! :)

hi, does anyone know whether there is a car rental company in victoria that will allow me to drop off the car in tofino? It seems that driving is the only feasible way of getting to tofino on the day we want, but I dont really want to drive back again, I'd rather fly direct from tofino to vancouver (which I think is possible by float plane ...)

Hi,

I (male, German, 36) want to do the Juan de Fuca trail between May 8th to 12th (preferred) or 15th to 19th. I know the location a bit, have done the northern part last year. Excellent season, nobody there except for some wildlife. Should be doable with 2 or 3 overnight camps. Tent & car can be arranged.

Hi folks,
I’m planning to visit Vancouver Island for about 11 days in September. I was hoping to get a flight to Tofino and spend some time there and in Bamfield (total of 4 days). Are these good places to scuba dive?
Next I plan to make my way via Port Alberni using the Lady rose marine service and onto Nanaimo, where I expect to spend a day. Was thinking of travelling to either Hornby Island or Cortes Island for some more diving and wilflie watching? Any reasons why I should choose one over the other? Then perhaps paying Campbell River a visit and finally onto Victoria for a restful day before flying onto the Rockies.
I'm planning to rely on public tranport.
Was hoping for some ideas on how to plan the travelling aspects of the trip and any suggestions on where the great places to scuba dive are? All advice welcome,
Thanks
Brendan

Hello all, I'm trying to plan a trip for my mother and me. She's always wanted to see some whales in the flesh, and i wondering if July/August would be too late to see them as i heard the main migration period is in April. Any advice on the best place to go?
Thanking you in advance.

My husband and I will be arriving in Campbell River in August and staying overnight before going on a orca kayaking trip for a few days. Does any one have any suggestions of reasonable B&B accomodation. We are not that bothered about good views etc as that's what the kayak trip is for and it is just one night so we dont want to pay over the odds for somwhere we'll onyl be for a night.ive looked on the net but there dont seem that many to choose from

many thanks