Tofino or Whistler for the day

[Canadan]

We’re going to Vancouver this summer and would like to book a day trip by seaplane.

Has anyone been to either whistler or Tofino in summer? Which would you recommend? Or is there somewhere else?

I've been to both. Tofino is the more interesting of the two in my opinion but I'd probably hire a car (or bicycles) whilst there to get the most out of the day. That would enable you to visit the beaches along the Pacific Rim National Park. Alternatively Tofino township offers nice views across the sound, there's a plasant walk from the town centre to Tonquin Beach and Third Beach which we always do whenever we visit and is never busy, and maybe consider a bear watching or whale watching trip by boat from the harbour. Can recommend Rhino's for a light(ish) lunch. Great bagels, doughnuts and coffee. Whistler I've always felt a bit meh about.

Should have added that whale watching largely depends on when this summer you're visiting, June is ok the rest of the summer it's bear watching as the whales will have departed

Victoria is another option. We did a trip that took a seaplane from downtown Vancouver, flew to Victoria and got picked up to go whale watching and then had the afternoon to wander round Victoria before catching a seaplane back to Vancouver.

I have travelled to British Columbia long ago. Getting to Tofino is not easy unless you fly. You can take the ferry and drive, but it is a full day. Whistler is an easy and beautiful drive.