Vancouver Island/Rockies or California?

[RosieLig]

I'm now wondering if Canadian Vancouver Island/Rockies might suit us better than California.

We're not big city people (although SF for a few days would have been fun), more outdoorsy/nature/history.

Hate shopping/crowds and have already done Disney.

California - I was thinking SF,Yosemite, Grand Sequoia (sp?), Big Sur back to SF. Possibly RV and also possibly camping/backpacking for a few nights in Yosemite with a guide.

OR

Vancouver, VI (Tofino), Whistler or Banff..

We'll have about 2.5 weeks plus flights each end. Next summer. 3 kids from 9 to 14.

Any words of wisdom? Thanks!

I'd go for Canada and the Rockies, for the unspoilt beauty. California is ultimately the US's most populous state. While you can get away from all the people, you won't get that sense of remoteness.

More adventure sports in the Rockies too, like rafting. California's dry as dust (I live here, albeit in southern California). Though have a look at Tahoe.

Have you considered other parts of the US, like Yellowstone and Montana? you could go on an amazing horseback trip

Lastly (sorry!) why Vancouver Island, out of interest? Vancouver's a nice city but as I recall VI is dull as dust, unless you want to whale watch or whatnot.

Hi, thanks for your reply - lots to think about!

I chose VI because we love the sea/beaches- not sunbathing but just chilling out and being by the ocean. I think we can do some bear spotting boat trips. I was looking at Tofino.

I don't really fancy horseback rides or mega adventure sports- my kids might though! In the mountains I like the idea of some guided trips and either camping or doing it in a RV....

Done both, both amazing but California more compact - if you want to do Rockies and Vancover a Island you will spend at least a couple of days travelling. Once you get above San Francisco California is natural and beautiful. And very quiet. Tahoe is quite commercial although beautiful. Yosemite is jaw droppingly beautiful .

Tofino is fabulous. We have a trip planned this summer to do Tofino then Whistler then the Canadian Rockies. We have been before and it was our all time favourite holiday. I'm on the kindle at the minute but when I'm back to a computer next week I can send through our itinerary.
I'd always go for Canada in preference to USA.

Ah ok, that sounds slightly different from my VI experience with family, and much nicer!

Thanks again and rookiemere that would be totally fab. Thanksyou!

Rosie please message me - don't want to bore everyone else! we did 3 weeks in western Canada - Sechelt, Vancouver, Jasper and Golden. fantastic holiday. would have loved to go to Van Island but it is huge (almost as big as Ireland!) and didn't want to rush it so will go back there some day. family of 5 with 3 teens and found so much to do. but, don't underestimate the hugeness of it when travelling.

I'd go to California - its not all big cities at all. Its beautiful, it has fabulous beaches, absolutely incredible national parks, and your kids will love it.

Canada is certainly wilder and more outdoorsy, but also more samey IMO. Also the weather can be grey and rainy