Vancouver Island Travel Forum

In between July 3rd and July 13 my wife and myself will be in the Vancouver area. We intend to also go to Vancouver Island for 2 or 3 nights. Is it required to make hotel reservations in advance or will we find enough hotels with vacancies?

I live in California, and am longing to be in rugged mountains, streams, rivers, etc. I really would like to go to Alaska, but it is too expensive to fly our family of 4 there. A friend suggested that we go to Strathcona Provincial Park for our vacation, and it looks quite nice from what I have seen on the internet. Here is the dilemma: I am an avid hiker, and crave being in the mountains. My husband can't sleep in an area above 3000 feet, and can only hike for a few hours up to about 4000 feet, or he becomes very ill. Would this area be viable for us? Would he be able to get some beauty at his elevation needs, and would the rest of us be able to journey higher? Where would you recommend staying, if we go to this area? Many years ago I was at Lake Louise and Banff, and absolutely loved it, but it is too high for him. Are there other areas anyone can recommend in Canada for us, knowing that my 19 and 22 year old daughters and I would also love rugged beauty, hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, hot springs, etc. We are open to anything, as long as we can get reasonable air fare (as opposed to the $900 trips to Alaska), and my husband's elevation needs. I am leaning towards Strathcona, and am wondering if we go there, where to stay that would be surrounded by lakes/rivers/mountains. We will have 4-8 people, and don't think we will camp, as hauling all of our stuff will be a challenge. Thanks!

hello everybody
we have been travelling around canada for past 4 months
and hav the last 3 weeks in july in vancouver islands.we have 5 days booked in victoria and are trying to plan the rest.
any suggestions on how long to spend in each place and is it possible to see everything using public transport or should we rent a car,bearing in mind we are on a budget.
thanks alot

Hi

Gonna be there in early july - which is the best tour/place to see bears and other wildlife

Re: How can I make the best use of 2 days and a bit on Vancouver Island ?
Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 06:04 PM CEST
Re: How can I make the best use of 2 days and a bit on Vancouver Island ?
Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 07:39 PM CEST
Thank you very much for your answer and the useful tips ! I forgot to say that we are taking the ferry back from Victoria on the 6th (the ferry return trip is already booked). All in all, we are hoping (ferry times willing) to stay from mid-morning on the 4th+one full day on the 5th+most of the day on the 6th, 2 nights on the island itself. Do you think it would be too hectic to add to what you suggested say Tofino-Ucluelet (I take it the Southern Gulf islands are "out") and stay the night there, or is it not so interesting (in the hope of seeing whales ) ?
Is it a good idea to rent a car as soon as we hit the ferry terminal in Victoria (we'll have plenty of luggage !), and then drive straightaway to the Butchart Gardens, drive again to spend the night somewhere between Victoria and Tofino (any recommendation for the hotel/motel reasonably priced would be more than welcome); drive the next day to Tofino (any recommendation for the night there would be very welcome - a cabin on a beach would be absolutely ideal-) while stopping at Chemainus and Cathedral Grove of course; and drive the last day back to Victoria to catch the ferry ?

Hello, I am preparing on the web our trip to Canada+S Francisco (I'm late 50s+ 2 elderly but otherwise fit ladies) next August..and am stuck about V Island. Arriving ferry Aug 4th and leaving Aug 6th. I guess renting a car is the only real option for getting around. We definitely want to visit the Butchart Gardens(the most part of 1 day, I guess?).Would very much like to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and some contact with First Nation (absolutely no shopping or stays at the beach): how much can one realistically "pack"into a short stay without spending the whole time driving ? I guess Telegraph Cove for whale watching is "out"(too far), and South+maybe Central doable? Was thinking about Ucluelet and/or Tofino ? Someone suggested Southern Gulf Islands (but ferry longish..beaches and no whales ?). Would much appreciate insights from locals or people who have already been there !

Hi, hopefully I will make it to Vancouver and am on a budget. I would really like to go whale watching preferably in a Kayak, are there any cheap tours, parties??? Im a compitent kayaker if that helps? so far ive seen a trip including camping for £500 (Can$700-800)

many thanks

rich

Any suggestions for places to camp this weekend on southern vancouver island? Hopefully a place not too crowded with drunken high schoolers. lol

Thanks!

I am staying at Victoria on Vancouver Island.
I have a car.
I need to get from there to catch the ferry to travel onto Vancouver Airport.
I must be at the Airport Desk by 4pm.
Does anyone know how long the journey will / should take and what time I should book the ferry for?

Thanks.

As first time visitors from the UK we are apprehensive on a few things about our trip to Canada.
The first part is all planned Arr. Calgary. Coach & Train thro. The Rockies to Vancouver. Thats where we need help. We are booked in The Sandman Downtown for 7 nights. Only after our agent booked us in did I read the reviews. Everyone said the Hotel was disgusting. I have mailed the company voicing my concerns even pointing out (politely hoping) that as we were on our anniversary an upgrade would be nice. No reply from the company and a definate NO from the Hotel.
So we are in Vancouver for 7 nights...if there is plenty to do with reasonable public transport and reasonably priced tours should we hire a car? Car costs £200 for 12 days.
There is an excellent article in one Forum on this site helping a visitor to Vancouver for 2 days but as we are there for 7 will we become bored?
After that we move to Vanc. Island for four nights.
If we have hired a car we cross by ferry to the Island if not we go by foot+ferry?
When we arrive we need to get to The Sandman in the town of Victoria. If on foot do we use a taxi from the ferry or bus?
Again we need help on what to do when we get there. Do we do Victoria with or without a car?

Then finally not being the richest visitor to Canada we in the UK get 2 Canadian $ to the UK £. We usually eat diner for 2 at an average UK pub for say £14-16. Say 30 dollars would that be equivalent in Canada or would it cost more?

We really want to relax and look forward to our holiday but with not knowing what to expect at The 'uncomfortable, dirty, worn-out (not my words) Downtown Sandman in Vancouver and the poor reviews of our Airline, Globspan we really are apprehensive.

Can anyone out there cheer us up?

We leave a week Saturday.

Thanks. If you want to see some of where I live or are visiting anytime have a look at www.newcastlewalks.co.uk.

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.