I COMPLETELY disagree with this. Whistler is a world class resort town. Why anyone would choose to stay in squamish unless they are ultra ultra budget driven is completely beyond me.

Based in Vancouver, I ski Whistler about 25-30 days a year and visit at least 4-5 times each summer. Here are some reasons NOT to base yourself there:

• $400 a night for dumps like the Listel
• $40 a night parking at most major hotels
• $9 beers
• $30 nachos
• Money grubbing Vail mentality permeating all aspects of village life
• Empty mega mansions
• Snooty nimbyism from the mayor
• Overpriced 'outdoor' activities

Go visit Whistler for sure, do the touristy things, but it's fast becoming like every other Vail resort $$$$

We are a family of four, one of my kids is a special needs child. I would like to take them to Whistler, but we definitely won't be able to do those outdoor activities like hiking and biking. So is it still advisable for us to go to Whistler even for just a day trip from Vancouver?

Well - another vote for Whistler from me. I still think it is world class and not because of the patios.

If visiting in the summer, I'd get a bike rental and bike on the trails (some are paved) from the village through the lost lake circuits, via Green Lake over to Rainbow Park (about 10 km riding). Take a picnic and spend the day. It's the location of the Ironman transition from water to biking and has stellar views.

Another great ride is from Function Junction to Cheamkus Lake. The trail ls not paved but not technical either. Bring bear bells (or spray).

If you are visiting from the UK, it won't be like the European Alps since the mountains are much shorter there by comparison. Hope you have a great trip.

Vancouver Island is nice, but there are less physical activites to do there for younger people. IT's not to say that you can't do them there, but you won't find zip lines, ATV tours or white water rafting with great frequency.

Guess why they can charge this much, and continue to do so? Because it is awesome. I am sorry your pretty little ski town has evolved, but there is a reason for that...

I used to go to Vancouver almost every year, so here are some of the things that I like to do.

• Richmond - the area where I go for Asian food. It's actually considered the most Chinese city in North America.
• Granville Island - I love the Farmer's Market there.
• Stanley Park - Beautiful to drive through, walk, jog, or bike as well. The Vancouver Aquarium is also located there.
• Capilano suspension bridge - It's pretty neat to walk across it.
• Whistler - I've skied in the winters, ATV in the summer, zip line year round, the helicopter tour was awesome, there's also white water rafting, and etc.

You maybe able to squeeze in a ferry ride over to Victoria where Butchart Gardens is definitely worth a visit.

6-7 days really isn't enough to explore all of the Vancouver area.

Whistler is great, never denied that, just want the OP to realise that there are other ways to experience it. Thanks for the snide remark, you're at home in YYC.

If going slow and focusing around Vancouver and relative vicinity, I'd baseline about a week in Vancouver and potentially build it up to 2 week by adding on daytrips or overnights to reasonable excursions outside of Vancouver (Victoria/Vancouver Island, Squamish/Whistler, Fraser Valley/Interior) if they interest you. Trying to daytrip some of the places outside the city can be a bit of a grind though so might be done overnighting. In and around the city, there are a lot of festival and events (big and small) to take advantage of the nicer weather in late July, especially on the weekends.

Thank you!

there's a ferry to Victoria - leaves Vancouver (delta) harbor hourly. How many nights can we stay in Victoria without getting "bored"
Is there an easy way to Tofino without a car? Or would we need a car in Tofino?

we prefer no car if possible.

Is there a ferry from Vancouver or Victoria to Tofino? I can't find it on bcferry website!

There is no BC ferry from Victoria to Tofino. If you want to get there by boat, it will have to be a private charter if you can find one. If you fly, it will be from Victoria to Vancouver to Tofino. You can always take the Tofino Bus Island Express if you don't want to rent a car. I usually rent a car myself. Drive from Vancouver to Victoria, then drive from Victoria to Tofino, then drive from Tofino to Nanaimo and catch the ferry back to Vancouver. You can spend a whole week on Vancouver Island easily.

As mentioned above, you can fly to Tofino from Vancouver. Not sure about Victoria. We usually do a group trip to Tofino which some friends short on time choosing to fly there and/or back. Note that you fly out of YVR's south terminal and the plane is very small (ie limited luggage space). My friends say the views are spectacular.
It's more convenient to have a car in Tofino IMO, but many hotels have bikes for use/rent and there's a paved bike path that tracks the road that goes into town. Taxis are typically hard to come by with only a handful at most operating.