Quote:
Originally Posted by ShoShin
For my Canadian friends,
My girl and I are planning on a trip to Vancouver at the end of August. I've never been before and have been assigned (assigned because I'm terrible at planning) to find 3 fun activities to do there that would function as the core activities of our day there. We are an active couple looking for adventure so if any of you familiar with the area could provide your recommendations please do so below!
FYI- visiting Butchart Gardens is already on our list!
Also, as a bonus if you could advise whether we should stay in Nanaimo or Downtown Victoria and the reason that would be helpful as well. Also, is visiting the Pacific Rim National Park worth the hassle?
Thank you in advance!
-AJ
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Nanaimo is a bit far from Victoria (it's a different ferry to go there). It's also not as nice, a bit rougher town (but only Canadian standards of 'rough') The Empress hotel looks impressive and is right in the middle of downtown Victoria, if it's in your budget. There are also apparently a lot of nice B&Bs, but it's high season.
Personally I wasn't too impressed with Butchart Gardens, as it's pretty much just an expensive park. I think they are doing concerts now, though so it may be better. Stanley Park in Vancouver is more impressive, in my not terribly humble opinion. Vancouver also has stuff like Grouse Mountain and the suspension bridges in North Vancouver (Capilano is a tourist trap, Lynn Canyon is free).
What else? Get annoyed by all the tourists from overseas, pay ridiculous prices for ice cream. Maybe whale watching?
Victoria makes an ok day trip but I don't like spending too much time there. If you want to do both you could take a seaplane from downtown Vancouver to Victoria. That could be unique.
I'm going over to the Island tomorrow, but to go learn to sail. Small town, though.