How to make a trip to Canada as memorable as possible??

[Big Worm 1]

I've recently inherited a property in Vancouver, so am getting over there whenever possible before I sell it.

I've been twice since December and spent time around Vancouver and in the city, but I want to go back again for a couple of weeks in August with my daughter.
This time though, I want to hire a car and travel around a bit and make the most of it. My daughter loves it over there, and it could be one of the last times we go, so I want to make it as memorable as possible. Vancouver will be our base, but I want to see as much as we can rather than just staying around the city.

Things that have initially popped into my head are go over to Vancouver Island for a couple of days, drive over the border and go down to Seattle for a day, drive through the Rockies, including Whistler (maybe even do that and fly home from Calgary instead of going back to Vancouver).

Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

[Big Worm 1]

Rich_ said:

How old is your daughter? As this could alter the suggestions on what to do

Edited by Rich_ on Saturday 6th April 23:32

She's 14, and as much as I would love to hiking with her in the mountains, I've got more chance of being kicked by a snake than her agreeing to that!

[Big Worm 1]

djc206 said:

I was massively underwhelmed by Tofino to be quite honest. I quite liked Victoria.

I would do a little loop, Whistler, Jasper, Banff, Okanagan, Vancouver. All beautiful places.

This is the route I was thinking of. We've got a relative in Summerland, so the Okanagan route is a great shout.

[Big Worm 1]

Whoozit said:

There's a few threads if you search with itineraries + times. You won't regret it Heading to Whistler tomorrow for season-end skiing, been going nearly 25 years.

ETA Got a bit of time, did the search for you https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by Whoozit on Monday 8th April 00:10

Thank you, that's really helpful.

[Big Worm 1]

ruggedscotty said:

got to remember the lure of the coast with Canada and America,

Lots live miles from the coast. its a big thing for them to head for the coast. Those towns on the BC coast cater for that,

Us brits not to impressed with the coast and can feel a little underwhelmed by it all.


Vancouver is great. lived up near grouse for a year or so, so north and west Vancouver can be nice, the mall park royal is good for shopping although be careful as west Vancouver has a huge number of millionaires and the prices reflect that.

I liked Capilano suspension bridge, there is a free one at lynn valley that isnt as tourist

https://lynncanyon.ca/?utm_content=cmp-true

Grouse mountain and Cypress mountain for views.

vancouver is famed for good food too.

We did all the "Vancouver" stuff (Capilano, Grouse Mountain, etc) when we were there in February. Might go up Grouse again as the bears in the enclosure won't be hibernating, so she can see them if we haven't seen any on the road.

We're going to take a trip to Seattle for a day with it only being a couple of hours drive, and take a trip over to Vancouver Island also for a day or two.

I think the route we'll take for the big road trip will be Vancouver - Whistler - Kamloops - Jasper - Banff - Okanagan - Vancouver.

Can anyone recommend the best way to break it up in terms of accommodation and places to stay? Because it's a 4hr+ drive between each of those points, are we best staying at/around each of them? Or are there better places to stay?

Also what activities would you recommend on the journey? Unfortunately hiking isn't an option, but canoeing, cycling, etc would be good.