Itinerary for Vancouver Island + WA & OR

jackieblack

withabix wrote: »

Seattle usually is a cheaper flight price.

I wouldn't worry about BA. The union have lost and they know it. Not really any more likely to have a strike than any other airline by next summer.

Check prices for car hire separate from the flights, as fly-drive prices may not be a good deal.

For Vancouver, try Avis.co.uk and if you bank with Barclays, use AWD code W300012. Avis.co.uk car hire prices for Canada are FULLY INCLUSIVE (and may be for USA too??). Select pay on return option for lowest price. Every time we have hired at Vancouver, we have been given an upgrade too!

Don't forget Quidco on flights and car hire too!

Yes, I know we could probably save a bit doing everything seperately, but after being caught up in the volcanic ash chaos in April this year, I really want the protection of a package!
I have priced flights seperately, the fly-drive price includes a full-size car and gold package insurance (additional driver + full tank of fuel) and the difference in price vs the peace of mind is worth it to us.

jackieblack

cubegame wrote: »

You really should also take in some of the Oregon coast, Crater Lake, The Colombia River Gorge and Mount Saint Helens.......

Too much to do..... too little time!

cubegame

jackieblack wrote: »

Too much to do..... too little time!

The best thing to do is to set out to wing it anyway..... ;-).

One good hint is to look at the state highway departments who will send you a free state map. These are normally better than any tourist maps.

jackieblack

Ok
Many changes of itinerary later.....:D

Flights, end July, LHR to/from Seattle (BA) & 3 weeks car hire booked as a package through Trailfinders.

New plan (so far)
Seattle 2 nights
Drive to OR/WA border, stop at Mt St Helens on the way, stay 1 night around Vancouver,WA, area so we can spend a day exploring Columbia River Gorge driving east on OR side as far as about Hood River area & back on WA side, stay 1 night around St Helens, OR
Day in Astoria (Free Willy location spotting, for DD) and then head north, spending 1 night around Aberdeen(ish) area.
Drive to Forks, stop at Hoh Rainforest on the way. 2 nights in Forks,( 1 day visiting Twilight locations , for DD)
Drive to Port Angeles, ferry to Victoria
3 nights in Victoria, inc boat trip to San Juan/Gulf Islands
Drive to Tofino, 4 nights in Tofino, whale & bear watching trips, kayaking/surfing
Drive to Campbell River, 2 nights, whale watching trip
Drive to Nanaimo, ferry to Vancouver,
4 nights in Vancouver, on one of those days trip to Whistler
Drive back to Seattle for flight home (late afternoon/early evening)

leaves one extra night to have somewhere....... not sure yet where this might be best spent.......

Still open to suggestions......:D

2manybooks

In Tofino you must do the paddling trip with the native people (will find the website later). We've done two different trips one a short paddle over to Mears Island with a hike to see a 5000 year old tree and a longer full day trip across the inlet to the summer camp with a hike and salmon barbecue. You learn the history of the native peoples and the guides point out flora fauna sing traditional songs etc.

Both trips were highlights of our trips to Canada

AnnaS

Hi
We saw quite a bit of wildlife when we stayed on Quadra island (a ferry trip across from Campbell River). We stayed at a place where the accomodation looked like boats on stood up on end, it was called Seascape. You could side on the waterfront and see otters swim by and the seals would follow you when kayaking. Also loads of animals around Jasper too but that may be too far for you.

jackieblack

:think:
Now thinking of having one extra day/night in Seattle and one less in Victoria and doing the trip to the San Juan Islands from Seattle instead.
Thinking of spending the extra day in/around Qualicum Beach.

withabix

Saw this thread pop up again and thought I'd come and have a shuftie...

We're off to Vancouver again on 9th July with BA in Business Class and back home on 25th.

Just got to come up with an itinerary.....Kamloops and Langley are compulsory for visiting rellies....may also take a trip to Vancouver Island and up to Tofino.

jackieblack

We're flying BA too, but cattle class only for us I'm sorry to say:D

withabix

jackieblack wrote: »

We're flying BA too, but cattle class only for us I'm sorry to say:D

Ours would be cattle class too, if it were not for Mr Tesco and his Amazing Clubcard!