Victoria and Vancouver, BC

[Crowe]

We are looking at flying to Seattle (much less expensive than flying to Canada) and doing a loop, starting in Seattle, going to Olympic NP, then over to Victoria, down to Vancouver, then flying out of Seattle back to Boston. Will have two weeks. We love just about everything-outdoors, indoors, touristy, historical-you name it. Will spend about 3 days in each location. From "must dos" to "avoid at all costs" I'm looking for any and all ideas for things to do there. Thanks!

[Crowe]

You have not said how old your son is.

23

[Tothill]

You do not have to drive as far as Cathedral Grove to see big trees. The Cowichan Valley is home to huge maple trees, you will find giant cedars and firs at Bright Angel Park with its own small, not too high (free) suspension bridge.

The Cowichan Valley also offers many wineries, golf, whale watching, beautiful hiking, a great out door museum for the train buff in the family. The BC Forest Discovery Centre is an outdoor forestry museum with a steam train.

The food available in Cowichan Bay is quite extraordinary. Local ice cream local cheese, local wine, fresh crab yum.

Victoria is a great city. Beacon Hill Park is beautiful as is Butchart Gardens. You have not said how old your son is. He may prefer Beacon Hill Park with the playground, water park and petting zoo.

A walk on the Breakwater is always a good thing. Stop for a snack at the Breakwater cafe at the beginning or end of your walk. If the tide is out and you are nimble walk on the outside of the breakwater instead of the top.

I know you said you are afraid of heights, but the view from the top of Grouse Mountain in Vancouver is spectacular, especially if you are there to watch the sun set.

Granville Island is in Vancouver and the place to find all sorts of great eats int he public market, as well as theatres, artists shops and more. It is worth a trip just to watch the buskers.

China town in Victoria or Vancouver is worth a visit. Victoria's is the oldest in North America. Vancouver's is larger and really interesting.

Stanley Park is a must see in Vancouver, there is an Aquarium, a walk all around the park and beautiful views.

If you want a nice tall suspension bridge go to Lynn Canyon instead of the Capilano Suspension Bridge. http://lynncanyon.ca/information/ It is free.

Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver are all quite pricy for hotels, especially in the summer. One I like in Vancouver that is relatively reasonable is the Blue Horizon on Robson Street. Big clean rooms with really comfortable beds. If you get a room on an upper floor, the views are great, although you may feel more comfortable on a lower floor.

If you are in Vancouver the last two weeks of August check out the PNE Pacific National Exhibition. Like a state fair there are rides, animals, free (and paid) concerts and of course food.

[Crowe]

Another question-we aren't RVing so does anyone have suggestions on places to stay? Thanks.

[Crowe]

If you wanted to have a day trip out of Victoria, then you could easily make it as far as Cathedral Grove to see some of the biggest trees, and maybe stop in at Coombs to see goats on the roof of the market!

That sounds like fun! We haven't decided exactly how long we'll stay in each spot (actually we haven't even decided if we can afford to go!) so this type of info is extremely helpful in making that decision.

[Orion]

Victoria, in no particular order. Walk around Inner Harbour, take harbour water taxi to Spinnakers for craft beer lunch overlooking harbour, continue along Songhees Walkway to West Bay Marina and take harbour ferry back, walk other way around harbour to Fisherman's Wharf and have Fish & Chips at Barb's. (2nd lunch!). Walk back to Royal BC Museum, the best small museum I have seen, if there is a good IMAX show, watch that too! Walk over to The Empress Hotel, have tea, or go to the Bengal Lounge, have a curry or a cocktail or both! Walk up Government Street for tourist shops as far as Chinatown, which is centred on Fisguard Street. But don't go as far as Fisguard, but turn to left one block early on Pandora for 1/3 of a block and look out for the red 'Fan Tan Alley' sign. Turn right into the alley which is only 3' wide and enter Chinatown this way. The motor cycle scene from the Mel Gibson/Goldie Hawn movie "Bird on a Wire" was filmed here but they make it look about three miles long! Have dinner at the Scottish pub 'Bard & Banker' or Irish pub 'Irish Times' .
All these places can be walked to, but the walk to West Bay is the farthest.
Next day drive out to Butchart Gardens, via West Saanich Road, which almost looks like an English country road.If you are there July or August, they have a fantastic European style Fireworks. For lunch or dinner, you could carry on another mile on W. Saanich Rd in Brentwood Bay, where some very nice people live!
If you wanted to have a day trip out of Victoria, then you could easily make it as far as Cathedral Grove to see some of the biggest trees, and maybe stop in at Coombs to see goats on the roof of the market!

[enblethen]

Operator error:
Do not miss the gardens!

[Impkitti]

enblethen wrote:
On Vancouver Island , don't Butchart Gardens.

I hope he meant don't miss Buchart Gardens. They are spectacular all year around.

[BFL13]

Not sure this is Rving or just touristing. There is lots to do on the Island or Mainland--you can't do it all in that short a time.

It is warm on the East side of the Island like at Parksville, but you will need a jacket on the West side like at Tofino . Good scenery though like at Long Beach. (except in fog late August)

You are going to miss the early Aug long weekend here by being still in WA. Beware of the Labour Day weekend here for being busy if still here.

Look at going up from Victoria to Comox (side trip to Long Beach), cross on the ferry to Powell River, go south from there to Vancouver (more ferries) then down to Seattle. Lots of scenery, etc.

[Crowe]

Hopefully coming the last two weeks of August. Flying to Sea-Tac, renting car, a few days in Seattle, a few days in Olympic, then onto Victoria for a few, Vancouver for a few, fly back out Seattle. Time in each destination will be determined by activities. Planning on crossing from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, then the Canadian ferry (can't remember ports off the top of my head) from Victoria to Vancouver. My fear of heights will most likely rule out the Capalano Suspension Bridge, but hubby and son may overrule. I might just have to face my demons!

[enblethen]

On Vancouver Island , don't Butchart Gardens.
Vancouver has several great parks. North east is Capalano Suspension Bridge.
Flying into Se-Tac, then renting car? Good route would be to come around Olympic Peninsula, cross over to Victoria on the Black Ball ferry and then take a Canadian Ferry to Vancouver area.
What time of the year are you planning on coming?