Canada in July/Aug - third time lucky, need help with itinerary please

[Sandgroper]

Hi

We (me, DH, DS 16, DS 14) had a holiday to Japan cancelled (for my 50th) then Malta cancelled and no way of going home to see family in Perth as borders now permanently shut. So we have booked 18 days in Canada late July/Aug flying in and out of Vancouver.

Itinerary wise I am in a bit of a dilemma. Aussies so used to long road trips. Always wanted to visit, Banff, Jasper & Lake Louise but thinking it will be super busy and are there other gems just as nice we could visit instead?

Will have a hire car and also want to spend some time in Vancouver. We have friends who live in Pender Harbour about 2 hr 45 mins north of Vancouver who we might visit as well (though been out of touch with).

Any tips or suggestions would be gratefully received as it’s been awhile since I have organised a longhaul road trip.!

Many thanks

PS. Why do hire cars seem so £££? Maybe we are looking in the wrong place or that’s just what they cost!

Very similar thread the other day OP which might be helpful Vancouver to Banff www.mumsnet.com/Talk/holidays/4459274-Vancouver-to-Banff.
However you do have 18 days, are used to long drives and haven't been to the Rockies before so getting there and back might be more feasible.

For your hire car do not rent from the airport! (Surcharge) I suggest enterprise (note my information is 5 years out of date) we used the branch in the sandman hotel (downtown) staying there the night we arrived, picking up the car in the morning then returning it when we returned to Vancouver staying 2 further nights at the hotel then, saves car hire days and the airport tax. Adjacent restaurant is good for a meal if you are tired after your flight.

I can really recommend Victoria and Vancouver island, whistler in bc and also if up for a long drive the okanagan valley and also Waterton lakes national park especially the gorgeous hotel for afternoon tea

Rookiemere - silly me I didn’t think to do a search 🤪 Thanks for the link will check it out. Also I think I read it take 11 hrs to drive from Vancouver to Calgary so not that far for us! Kids used to doing long road trips in Europe, trained them young! Guessing there may be a lot to see along the way.

Gogohm - thanks for your great tips, all very helpful and will investigate further.

Banff and Lake Louise will be rammed I'm afraid. We were pleased we based ourselves in Canmore and travelled into the national park.

Fewer people venture as far up to Jasper so it is much quieter. If you do go to Jasper you must do the five lakes walk.

One of the best things we did was go to the Calgary Stampede, specifically the Rodeo. Highly recommend this.

Rookiemere

On more investigation I think your suggestion of Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Whistler might be a better option for us. Will allow us more time to visit our friends in Pender Harbour as well.

Think The Rockies might have to be another trip😉

Just to get an idea how long did you spend in Vancouver and Vancouver Island? I have been told from a friend who visited that Vancouver is about the same size as Perth (Australia) where I am originally from but just with mountains!

Thanks

Oops I meant to ask Gogohm (apologies rookiemere)

Hi @Sandgroper , we didn't spend a huge amount of time in Vancouver as we aren't huge city fans, but I think there's loads to see.

We spent 4 nights in Tofino - I love the place so we've been twice and we've not seen any more of Van Island. But some other friends spent the full two weeks on Vancouver Island and said it was fantastic.

Oh wait I see the question wasn't for me, but you have my answer now anyhow .

Thanks For replying and no worries.

We will spend a bit of time in Vancouver but keen to get out to the wilderness. I was looking into Tofino. Glad to know it’s a good place to stay/visit. Can I ask where you stayed and would you recommend it?

We stayed at Crystal Cove outside Tofino. It was AMAZING. Right beside Mackenzie beach with hot tubs in rustic cabins.

Thanks for the recommendation, will check it out.