Help! We're planning a trip to Vancouver in June and can't decide where to go. We've been to Tofino and loved it, but want to explore other areas. What about Port Hardy,Sooke,Parksville,Qualicum,Galiano,Salt Spring Is.,Pender Island or Mayne Island? We were thinking of going on the BC Ferry to Port Hardy and then to Prince Rupert, but need to change our plans since we only have about a week. We would really like to go back to Cathedral Grove since I only spent a few minutes there last time. I shoot everything, but am primarily interested in landscape and a little macro. Where do you recommend?
I too am headed to vancouver in mid june... i will be assisting my father as he leads a workshop... i've been asked to give a presentation to his students on my journey from film to full digital, and my feelings on it all..
we will be visiting the UBC anthropology museum, granville island (love that place sooo much color!), vanier park-maritime museum, canada place/gas town, blodell conservatory, fort langley and surrounding areas, nitobi japanese gardens, and will be all over the UBC campus...
hope that gives you some other ideas for places to go...
Barry, I am not sure if you mean Vancouver Island or Vancouver, the city. The Gulf Islands you mention are highly recommended with their beautiful coasts and pastoral landscapes. Strathcona Provincial Park is excellent too. I am sure that Peter has given you some great suggestions.
Will-
I will be spending a day or two in the city, so I guess both. Most of our time will be spent on Vancouver Island. You helped me plan my trip to Tofino last visit and I thank you again for that! Do you prefer one of the Gulf islands over the other?
I will recomend going to Salt Spring Island, it´s a fantastic place. if you go there you have to try the treehouse cafe in Ganges, they make some great sanwiches. also look at the artwork of the lokal craftsmen/women among other things they do great pottery work. For a great place to stay when there, try renting a treehouse on the hostel (but book in advance very popular and small hostel).
Barry, we have visited Gabriola, Galiano, Saltspring, Malcolm, Denman, Hornby, and Pender Islands. Not all at the same time. You need a few days for each one. There are still some we have not yet explored. The ones we did share a relaxed, slower paced atmosphere. Top speed on any of the paved roads is 60kmh. Of the ones we have been to I would like to revisit Hornby Island. Helliwell Provincial Park is exceptionally beautiful with its diverse scenery. Hornby is reached from Denman Island. Gabriola was the very first island we went to and that inspired us to explore the others. So that says much about that island. We hope to visit them all eventually.
I am glad I was able to help with your Tofino trip.
That's a great time of year to make the trip. Will you be flying in or driving from somewhere. If driving, I suggest a stop near Chilliwack at a park called Bridal Falls. It won't consume much of your time but the scenery is breath taking and the short 15 minute walk to the falls takes you thru lush rain forest like paths.
I also recommend the two rather 'touristy' areas of Vancouver - Stanley Park & the Capilano Suspension bridge. Even just to drive thru Stanley Park along the sea wall is a nice scenic tour.
On the island, not far from Tofino, I highly recommend Uclulet. Perhaps you went there on your last trip. Beautiful little oceanside town, with great paths along the ocean to hike & take photos. Sea lions & even killer whales are visible from the shores.
Whatever you choose, I'm sure will be scenic & enjoyable!
I'm not sure what type of trips you like, but I'd personally recommend Bamfield if you like the west coast at all. I spent a summer out there at the Marine Station at it is simply beautiful.
The drive can be a bit of a pain, but it is pure, unadulterated west coast. If you have some time I'd recommend taking the Lady Rose (a small ferry, sails out of Port Alberni) as it sails by some fabulous scenery. If you go to Bamfield, see if you can hire a boat for a day and go out to the lighthouse, well worth the trip. Cover your gear though, the spray gets a fly'n out there.
If you ever want to travel further north let me know. I lived in Fraser Lake and Terrace for awhile. The Lava fields north of Terrace are something else, and you used to be able to find Kermodi bear (my spelling, very poor) in that area as well.
Bryce-Those sound like interesting places in the city. We went to another Japanese garden last time. The nitobi garden sounds like something I would enjoy.
Martin-I'm putting the treehouse cafe on my list if we go to Salt Spring Island.
Will-Thanks for your help again. I'll put Hornby high on the list.
Becky- Yes, we've been to Stanley Park and Ucluelet. I'm having my in house trip planner research Chilliwack. Thanks for the suggestion.
Alex-We'll look into Bamfield. Went through Port Alberni last time I believe on the way to Tofino, but didn't have time to visit. I'll make a note of the Lady Rose if we go there. Thanks!
Does anybody know of a nice B & B or hotel in Port Renfrew? We were looking for someplace to stay closer to Carmanah Pacific Park and to the tidal pools than Sooke.
Discussion
11 repliesYour email address isn't hot linked so if you send me a quick email I'll be able to send you a few suggestions.
I too am headed to vancouver in mid june... i will be assisting my father as he leads a workshop... i've been asked to give a presentation to his students on my journey from film to full digital, and my feelings on it all..
we will be visiting the UBC anthropology museum, granville island (love that place sooo much color!), vanier park-maritime museum, canada place/gas town, blodell conservatory, fort langley and surrounding areas, nitobi japanese gardens, and will be all over the UBC campus...
hope that gives you some other ideas for places to go...
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
I will be spending a day or two in the city, so I guess both. Most of our time will be spent on Vancouver Island. You helped me plan my trip to Tofino last visit and I thank you again for that! Do you prefer one of the Gulf islands over the other?
Regards
I am glad I was able to help with your Tofino trip.
Enjoy your trip wherever you decide to go
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
That's a great time of year to make the trip. Will you be flying in or driving from somewhere. If driving, I suggest a stop near Chilliwack at a park called Bridal Falls. It won't consume much of your time but the scenery is breath taking and the short 15 minute walk to the falls takes you thru lush rain forest like paths.
I also recommend the two rather 'touristy' areas of Vancouver - Stanley Park & the Capilano Suspension bridge. Even just to drive thru Stanley Park along the sea wall is a nice scenic tour.
On the island, not far from Tofino, I highly recommend Uclulet. Perhaps you went there on your last trip. Beautiful little oceanside town, with great paths along the ocean to hike & take photos. Sea lions & even killer whales are visible from the shores.
Whatever you choose, I'm sure will be scenic & enjoyable!
Becky
I'm not sure what type of trips you like, but I'd personally recommend Bamfield if you like the west coast at all. I spent a summer out there at the Marine Station at it is simply beautiful.
The drive can be a bit of a pain, but it is pure, unadulterated west coast. If you have some time I'd recommend taking the Lady Rose (a small ferry, sails out of Port Alberni) as it sails by some fabulous scenery. If you go to Bamfield, see if you can hire a boat for a day and go out to the lighthouse, well worth the trip. Cover your gear though, the spray gets a fly'n out there.
If you ever want to travel further north let me know. I lived in Fraser Lake and Terrace for awhile. The Lava fields north of Terrace are something else, and you used to be able to find Kermodi bear (my spelling, very poor) in that area as well.
Cheers,
Alex (oh, I'm soooo homesick right now!).
Martin-I'm putting the treehouse cafe on my list if we go to Salt Spring Island.
Will-Thanks for your help again. I'll put Hornby high on the list.
Becky- Yes, we've been to Stanley Park and Ucluelet. I'm having my in house trip planner research Chilliwack. Thanks for the suggestion.
Alex-We'll look into Bamfield. Went through Port Alberni last time I believe on the way to Tofino, but didn't have time to visit. I'll make a note of the Lady Rose if we go there. Thanks!
Peter-Thanks again for your expansive email!
I appreciate everyone's help!!!