Trying to plan a trip to Vancouver for anniversary next August. Nothing is set yet but we tend to enjoy seeing the great outdoors rather than cityscapes. Thinking about taking one of the driving/trips into the Canadian Rockies but would also enjoy seeing some of the coastline. Any help you guys can give would be great.

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Posted by Nole Man

Somewhere In Tennessee!

Member since May 2011

8065 posts

Posted on 7/28/24 at 9:57 am to Gatiger1955

Go to Vancouver Island.

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Posted by RogerTheShrubber

Juneau, AK

Member since Jan 2009

282540 posts

Posted on 7/28/24 at 10:22 am to Gatiger1955

West Coast of Vancouver Island is gorgeous.

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Posted by nctiger71

North Carolina

Member since Oct 2017

1401 posts

Posted on 7/28/24 at 11:58 am to Gatiger1955

quote:
Go to Vancouver Island.

I’ve been 3 times. Twice we stayed near where the cruise ships dock and enjoyed walking around that part of the city.

We drove to Whistler ever time; other people I was with the 2nd & 3rd time had not been before. That’s a great drive.

Last year we stayed near the airport and did not like that as much.

We did go to Vancouver Island last year for 3 nights but didn’t get out of Victoria much except to drive to & from the ferry terminals. Victoria is a great walking city; depending on where you stay of course. Butchart Gardens are a must see.

Be aware; traffic can be horrendous. If you are going from Vancouver to North or West Vancouver, which you do if you’re going to Whistler or the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, all the traffic goes over one of two bridges.
There is also a ferry terminal near the airport where you can catch one to Vancouver Isl.

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Posted by ProudLSUMom

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2007

3322 posts

Posted on 7/28/24 at 12:40 pm to nctiger71

I second Butchart Gardens!

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Posted by jfw3535

South of Bunkie

Member since Mar 2008

5232 posts

Posted on 7/28/24 at 1:48 pm to Gatiger1955

Vancouver Island is a must. We really enjoyed our day trip to Whistler as well.

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Posted by Palmetto08

Member since Sep 2012

4104 posts

Posted on 7/28/24 at 7:46 pm to Gatiger1955

Check out the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Awesome hotel and great location. Classy live music in the bar every night and great food. Service is excellent. Heated rooftop pool.

Take the Horseshoe Bay ferry to Bowen Island for a half day. Highly recommend walking on versus driving. Try to take the 8am ferry as the crowds will get larger the later it gets. I was only passenger on outside deck. The views from ferry deck were awesome. Bowen island cool town to visit for a few hours.

Whistler is a great day trip. Some awesome waterfalls to see on the way. Take the gondola up to the top of the mountain and have lunch on the patio.

Take sea plane to Victoria Island. Heard Tofino is a nice place to see but we didn't make it.

Vancouver is an awesome city. So clean, people are friendly and there's a ton to see.

I know your anniversary is in August, but I'd suggest to try and go in late May or early June. I went in late May and the snow was still on top of the mountains surrounding Vancouver and the crowds were very small. Warm enough to wear t-shirt and shorts during the day.

I went back a few weeks ago and it was hot, really crowded with tourists and multiple cruise ships, all snow was gone from mountain tops, and it was pretty smokey from fires. Totally different views.

Had a blast both times but views and crowds were better in May.

This post was edited on 7/28/24 at 7:48 pm

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