Beautiful Coastal British Columbia
ockerman
Dad, Mom, Daugter (12) and Son (8) enjoy natural and cultural highlights of the area.
Jun 23, 2007
based on 6 votes
A great summer destination.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Vancouver, Whistler, Squamish, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Victoria, Tofino, Duncan
- Category: Perfect week or more
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Active/Outdoors, Never been before, Repeat visitors, Sports buffs, Theater, Beachgoers
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Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Students, Budget travelers, Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Summer
- Tags:
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1. On our way
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It's quite a long flight from Tulsa to Vancouver but the plane was full of friendly Canadians. One gentleman gifted my son with a maple leaf pin as a welcome to his country. And the pilot pointed out landmarks several times. The Vancouver airport itself is very attractive and you'll see native artifacts and hear the beautiful waterfall as you go through customs. Note that when we flew visitors were charged a departure tax upon departure.
One caveat - we rented our car from an offsite car rental company (Enterprise had a good deal) and when we went out to the pickup area to call we received a recording in french - which we do not speak! After a few more calls we got through and were whisked away. |
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| Absolutely stunning scenery on this road out of town sandwiched between the water and the mountains. You'll want to drive safely and we were there during a construction phase - preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics. We stopped at a rare fast food and discovered that Taco Bell has some Canadian twists! |
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In the summer there is no shortage of places to stay in beautiful Whistler. We found a small condominium with full kitchen, 1 BR, 1 Bath with jacuzzi tub for less than $100/night. After checking in at the main lodge and driving to our condo we were able to park the car as you can walk anywhere in Whistler quite easily. While Dad and Son were relaxing in the pool Daughter and I walked to the nearby Whistler Grocery Store which has loads of organic products, baked goods, local specialties, and takeout. We selected a variety of chinese dishes as well as breakfast and picnic supplies and enjoyed them with a local wine in the condo. |
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| After breakfast including Washington cherries we walked to the gondola ready for our ride up to 6000 ft. The avid mountain bikers can go part way up and enjoy the ride down. The trip to the top takes about 20 minutes and the views are fantastic. Though it was a warm and sunny day there is snow at the top - as well as timeshare salespeople! We took the short walk to the lookout and enjoyed the views then returned to the tables outside the Roundhouse Lodge to enjoy our picnic. We had planned on hiking most of the day but found that only 2 of the trails were open due to lingering snowpack - and this was July! We started up the well-trod path to Little Whistler and altitude fatigue called for frequent rests. We saw other hikers in foot gear ranging from flip-flops to alpine boots with poles. We got by fine in tennis shoes though light hikers would be best. At the top of Little Whistler we were told by a ranger that the "true summit" Whistler Peak, wasn,t much further. Well, of course, we kept going and along with a few hardy souls made it to the top, 7087 ft up and goodness, those ski runs look terrifying! Highlights were views of Black Tusk and Green Lake as well as walking by a snow pack over our heads. The downside was slipping in slush up to our ankles and lack of even bushes if you need a bathroom. |
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5. 20 Things to do in Whistler Under $25
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We enjoyed our trip down the mountain and fortified ourselves with waffle cones at Cows - great Canadian ice cream. We shopped a bit - there are lots of things to spend money on in town if you like that, but I've included the above link for some other ideas.
Back at the condo we relaxed in the hot tub and got too relaxed to face a restaurant - it was take-out from the great grocery store again. Sorry we don't have any restaurant recommendations - there are lots of places that look good. |
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6. Cougar Mountain - the Ancient Cedars Trail
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| A benefit of an early night is an early morning. A half-an-hour further on the Sea and Sky highway found us in old growth forest. The trail is mostly uphill for about 2 kilometers (there MAY be another trailhead with a flatter route) before you enter the green and magical grove of cedars and Douglas firs - some of which are over 1000 years old and up to 9 ft. in diameter. In this beautiful space the only sound is of birds and a small falls. A surprise bonus for your climb is a small forest of stone cairns built by other hikers - of course, we added a couple of stones. Another bonus, we didn't see anyone until on our return walk. |
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| Back on the Sea and Sky heading to Vancouver we stopped for lunch here and had our first salmon of the trip - but not our last! |
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8. Shannon Falls Provincial Park
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| You've got to stop here, stretch your legs, wander through the trees, touch the cold water - beautiful falls. |
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| Okay, I'm sorry but it's just a big rock. |
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10. Capilano Salmon Hatchery
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| Neat free attraction but beware, tour busses stop here. The highlight was seeing some mature salmon jump. |
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11. Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
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| Wonderful place to stop with kids, however, we stopped mainly to walk the suspension bridge (this one is free unlike the more popular and busy one) and tragically the bridge area was closed due to a fall from the rocks. The children had fun at the Ecology Center. |
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12. Ramada Hotel & Suites Metrotown
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Ave price:
$91
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We stayed in Metrotown for 2 reasons...a suite at an unbeatable price and Playdium. We had 2 rooms and a kitchenette for less than $75 a night. There was a pool but it was too cool to use it while we were there and there was a large grocery store right across the street. |
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13. Playdium @ Metropolis
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| Okay, when we travel as a family we try and let everyone have a say in the itinerary and for the Son this was a highlight of his trip. A 2 story arcade complete with bar and restaurant (the hotel had discount cards) where the games are sorted by type - virtual reality, driving, pinball etc. Our favorites included the kayak and the motorcycle and as we left the son with a glazed but happy look sighed "3 hours of pure glory." |
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| We started our morning walking tour here and checked out the big boats which had disgorged lots of tourists who joined us in visiting... |
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...the historic Gastown district, We read from our guidebook (the history of Vancouver is fascinating) and stopped in a few shops. We made our way to Chinatown and watched a performance at the Chinese Cultural Center when incoming rain sent us looking for lunch.
Just a note, a wrong turn or two can take you to some sketchy areas - be careful.
A second note, we stopped at The Army Navy and scored some great deals on unique children's clothes for the Son - beautiful rayon shirt with dolphins. |
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16. Park Lock Seafood Restaurant
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| Okay, not the most elegant place in town, but bustling and very authentic. We were some of the only non-Asians in the place. We ordered a variety of Dim Sum and Lo Mein for the more choosy Son. Favorites were the Rice Roll with Mushrooms and the Wrapped Chicken Sticky Rice. Watch those translations though, the Coconut Cake was more like Coconut Jello! |
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| You've got to stop here - in fact, there are enough free samples that you may not need lunch. The kids were amazed at the seafood selection as well as the sweets. Great stop for teas etc for souveniers and gifts (Dad bought the dried squid...?). |
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18. University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology
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| Rainy weather drove us inside and this was a wonderful introduction to the region. The Raven and the First Men alone is worth the visit. Great gift shop too. And while you're over here enjoy the sites of Kitsalano. |
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| We learned a lot at the museum in preparation for dinner...The Hiwus Feast on top of the mountain. We HIGHLY recommend this. Take a 1 mile ride up in the gondola and you are greeted by a native guide who shows you some of the sites atop the mountain before you enter the feasthouse. Less than 2 dozen people joined us - we were served in our seats while entertainers danced, sang and told stories. The seafood appetizers and plank roasted salmon were excellent. And in the end a little audience participation. A memorable experience in a beautiful setting. |
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| We awoke to more clouds - this is the Pacific Northwest. We particularly enjoyed the sea otters and the Pacific Coast exhibit - good preparation for our time on the coast. |
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| Rain was no obstacle to exploring this urban rainforest and cedar and pine scent filled the moisture laden air. The Fish House served a fabulous lunch complete with Shirley Temples and Bloody Marys right in the park. |
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| It was raining again the next morning but that didn't stop us from revisiting Lynn Canyon and walking across the suspension bridge (only ones there!) on our way to the ferry. For our peace of mind we booked our ferry rides in advance - the ride was comfortable and scenic. In Nanaimo we stocked up at Wal-Mart before driving west. |
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| The name is misleading - this is not a resort but a group of cabins, clean and roomy but with dated decor, just outside Uclulet. They claim to have a beach but I can't imagine swimming there - walking, biking and kayaking - yes. Daughter and Mom walked the easy Wild Pacific Trail and we all were pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu at nearby Roman's Pizza - good mussels. |
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24. Whale Watching and Hot Springs
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We awoke to sun, yeah!, and along with about a dozen others we headed into the Clayoquot Sound and it wasn't long before we found gray whales - remarkably close in some cases - but, alas, no orca sightings. It was a beautiful boat ride and an equally scenic walk through the forest boardwalk and big trees to the Springs (daughter had to rescue a few giant slugs on the path). A lovely spot to soak and explore, local mice tried to get into our picnic! Some people come here at night as evidenced by the candle stubs. Another HIGHLY recommended experience for all ages. We did see one person climbing on barnacle covered rocks slip and get a deep cut - quelle suprise! The boat ride back was a bit faster - exhilarating. Another option was taking a helicopter back.
I did reserve this trip in advance. We knew we had a spot but were taking a chance on the weather. |
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25. Pacific Rim National Park
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| We disembarked and drove to the beach to walk and play in the sand. |
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26. The Wickaninnish Restaurant
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| There is a natural history museum and a SUPERB restaurant on Long Beach. We feasted on seafood with a gorgeous sunset view. Check out that menu - something for everyone. |
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| Next morning we headed for Victoria and stopped at this busy roadside walk along the highway. You won't have it to yourselves (see our Cougar mountain hike for that) but the trees are still awesome. |
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28. Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre
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| More first nation culture - we especially enjoyed the film and the dancers. |
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29. Best Western Carlton Plaza Hotel
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Ave price:
$125
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Our first "downtown" residence, gret location, but when we went up to the standard room we were disappointed in the small size. The desk staff was accommodating and we moved to a suite with kitchenette- much better. Indian takeout from across the street was spicy and inexpensive. |
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| Sunny morning and Daughter loves hip new food places - this fit the bill and it's not everywhere you can order carrot-apple-ginger juice with your omelet. |
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| Great tour - less than 10 of us - and free! We loved the stained glass windows and the murals in the central atrium. Next door you can watch artisans at work at totem carving. |
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32. Royal British Columbia Museum
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| EXCELLENT natural history museum - our favorites were the atmospheric first people's gallery, recreations of Victoria and the HMS Beagle. We had an average museum cafe lunch here but found some above-average souveniers at the gift shop. |
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33. Fairmont Empress Hotel
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| I'm not sure how much a suite would cost in this historic establishment but I'm sure we couldn't afford it. We toured the building and it's gardens and then entered... |
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| ... a typical tourist trap and shuffled through with the horde peering at the displays. |
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| We made it to the gardens for the last seating - last minute decision, Mom and Daughter would do the High Tea, Dad and Son hit the snack bar. Service was excellent, lovely setting and tableware but this is not my favorite fare - lots and lots of carbs. On this beautiful summer evening there was plenty of time afterwards to stroll in the gardens but a true gardener will want to come earlier. There was a concert but we were ready for bed :( |
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| When you remember vacations there are images that come back again and again and the joy Daughter and Son had romping on this deserted stretch of beach is something I will always remember. There is a stream and small falls that comes down to the beach, a tidepool full of creatures (think crab races!) and mountains of the Olympia Range in the distance. Heaven on earth. |
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| Okay, I couldn't find a link (no website) but when hunger drove us from the beach we drove to this little cottage we noticed that would "do" for lunch and had a fabulous al fresco lunch - if you are in the area eat here. Daughter had a bowl of fresh shellfish, caesar salad, grilled sourdough and lemonade, Son enjoyed a delicious burger and fries. |
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| Shopping time was running out so Mom and Daughter combed the shops. Some clothing bargains available. |
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| Average Greek fare and above-average belly dancing. Fun evening. |
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| Back to the mainland and to the popular family destination in Vancouver. We toured and ate and shopped after dropping the car at the hotel - parking was tight. |
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| Bustling high-quality seafood restaurant. We tried to eat our fill with departure looming. |
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42. Granville Island Hotel
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Ave price:
$228
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Our highest priced hotel of the trip - and for a regular room - but the service was excellent. Good way to end the trip. |
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| Back to the park for an outdoor performance of "Anne of Green Gables" with popcorn under the stars. This would be another HIGHLY recommended stops - we reserved tickets ahead of time. |
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44. The bottom line
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| I believe there is something for everyone in this amazing area rich in natural and cultural resources. In fact, I'm ready to go back! |
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Compliment ockerman
