Anyone know Canada / Vancouver

[Margaretscratcher]

I’m keen to take my son to Canada next summer, when he’ll be 11. Can anyone advise on good places to visit? We’re both fairly outdoorsy and I’d love to see Vancouver and the Rockies but not sure on a route yet. Thinking 2 weeks. Am a single parent so will also be looking to keep costs down where I can.

Any advice or tips, and likely flight costs in July l? Thanks v much 🙏

Canada - and that part in particular- is amazing.
It's a big drive between Vancouver and the Rockies. Instead I'd be tempted to do Vancouver Island - Tofino is amazing- and Whistler, your DS is of an age where he'd also enjoy a few days in Vancouver . If you are going to do Rockies I'd probably do an internal flight to Calgary.

If you are an outdoor lover then Vancouver island is must. We kayaked for three nights four days from Telegraph Cove ( north of island) into the islands camping each night, saw so much wildlife it was amazing.
However Canada is not a cheap destination.

Been there a few times. When we took our then 12 yr old she hated it! Now she wants to go with her husband.
We flew into Calgary, drove to Vancouver, ferry to Vancouver Island, stayed there a few days, ferry back, up to Whistler then flew home from Vancouver.
It’s not cheap, at all! But it’s amazing.

Vancouver was full of homeless people when I went there a few years ago...they were even sitting in the doorways on the main shopping street.
Then when you went for a walk in the hills, if the warning signs at the trailheads were to be believed, you had to worry about bears attacking and killing you!
Bear spray was very expensive, as was the car hire, the accommodation and the internal flights necessary, as our planned route (2 weeks) was affected by forest fires and we had to divert.
We saw some good views, ate some good meals but it was easily the most expensive and most stressful holiday I have ever done and I do not plan to ever return.
I probably wouldn't recommend it for you and your son alone, unless you go on an organised trip maybe.

We drove from Vancouver to Calgary as part of our honeymoon, stopping at various places on the way. It is beautiful, but agree with others it’s not cheap.

If you’re looking at July, 1 July is Canada Day. The Calgary Stampede (a huge rodeo event) is also normally in mid July, which could either appeal or be something you want to avoid entirely!

Canadian Affair is a good website and uses the direct airlines- Westjet I think is one of them, it's been a while since we went.

Are you planning to hire a car when you're over there? I'm not a very confident driver abroad but Canada was one of the easiest as they drive slowly and roads are generally pretty good. You probably could do it with coaches and transfers - there is a train that goes to the Rockies but it's majorly expensive.

For Vancouver- like all cities - it depends where you go. I thought the Stanley Park area seemed pretty safe and so scenic with a little beach. We stayed at the Hotel Sylvia which is in an amazing location, although not as splendid as it used to be.

Whistler we found accommodation and meals cheaper than the Rockies as it's more of a winter destination, but has great activities and scenery.

There are a few streets in Vancouver that are full of druggies and winos so stay in the tourist areas and you will be fine. You absolutely don’t need a tour. The First Nations museum at the university is superb snd there are great walks and Stanley Park is great. Look at Lonely Planet for ideas. July won’t be cheap. There are whale watching tours too.

It’s easier to then go out to Whistler or over to Vancouver Island which is very big! Or start in Calgary, choose a Rockies Route and end in Vancouver. You will find driving ok but I wouldn’t do long distances. Stopping off is the best idea at guest houses. Again Lonely Planet has routes which might interest you.