Post Vancouver Advice
 

Mrs. Spinmeister and I will be debarking in Vancouver on a Thursday morning in the middle of June at around 8:00 A.M. We have to be at YVR at 11:00 A.M. the following Sunday.

Since we have been to Vancouver several times, I was hoping that someone can make some suggestions for three days outside the city. We have been to Vancouver Island, but only to Victoria and the Butchart Gardens.

Thanks

I don't know what kind of budget you have but you could consider 3-4 nights at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort: http://www.wildretreat.com/

It is not cheap but the experience is utterly fantastic. Book through a Virtuoso travel advisor and receive upgrade if available upon arrival, daily full breakfast for 2 guests and a 60 minute massage per adult in the Healing Grounds Spa, once per stay.

Alternately, you can consider Whistler or even go up to BC Wineland in Kelowna and visit our wineries. It will be about a 5-6 hours drive each way but the drive will be scenic.....

What about Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island?

http://www.tofinoaccommodation.com/c...h-hour_001.jpg

Drive to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, then take the ferry to Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island. From Nanaimo, it's about 3.5 hours to Tofino - Bit longer if you stop in Cathedral Grove (trees) and Port Alberni.

Alternately, you could do the Sunshine Coast Circle Tour -

http://www.travel-british-columbia.c...unshine-coast/

They claim 3-5 days, but as you've already been to Victoria you can cut that piece off an easily do it in your timeline. The Earls Cove to Saltery Bay ferry is one of the most beautiful crossings I've ever done, IMO -

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-ge...ferry-2528.jpg

If you are athletic, I'd recommend an early am hike - The Grouse Grind. Fantastic views, and you can ride the gondola back down the mountain! After the hike, check out the suspension bridge @ Lynn Canyon.
For dinner, check out The Salmon House in Stanley Park.
Whistler is worth a visit. Not sure about staying overnight?

I would suggest visiting Whistler. It's a less than 2 hour car ride and a beautiful spot any time of year.

I love staying at the Westin (http://www.westinwhistler.com/) which is at the base of Whistler Mountain.

Whistler is worth it just for the drive there. The 1st half is spectacular if you take the Northern route..

Agreed, the drive alone is worth the trip but do stay over at least one night. There is so much to do in Whistler, from Ziptrek to the Peak to Peak chairlift to river rafting to hiking, biking and atv-ing to, well you get the idea. And the world renowned mountain bike park. And the village is amazing with excellent restaurants and just fun to walk around and people watch. I love Whistler in the summer even more than the winter. I spend a lot of each summer up there.

Thanks for all the great info.


If we go up to Whistler and stay overnight, any suggestions for the next two days, returning to YVR for an afternoon flight.

Avoid paying the ridiculous lift price at Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. If you want a spectacular view of Vancouver and the ocean, coming back from Whistler drive up to the Cypress Mountain Ski area at about half way up is a pick nick area and parking.
Hiking around Mt Seymour is also quite scenic, you can drive all the way down and do a 1-day hike.