Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
50-oddshopsaswellasaplayground,dailyshows,andbirdstofeedontheadjacent
waterway.
Kids will be kids, so you may want to spend time with the tribe at an old-fash-
ionedfunpark.Thebestoftheseis
Playland
,inHastingsPark.Enjoyold-fashioned
amusementslikethemerry-go-round,awoodenrollercoaster,aFerriswheel,anar-
cade, and a petting zoo.
VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND
On the ferry trip between Victoria and Vancouver, find an outside seat on the star-
boardsideandwatchtheVancouverskylineandCoastMountainsdisappearintothe
distance. Once in the provincial capital, a
double-decker bus tour
is popular with
all ages. Catch a water taxi to
Fisherman's Wharf
for lunch, hoping that the resid-
ent seals make an appearance. Have your wallet out for visits to
Pacific Undersea
Gardens.
Beyond Victoria, family time on Vancouver Island should revolve around out-
door activities — having fun on the
beaches
of
Parksville
and
Qualicum,
explor-
ing the
coastal hiking trails
of
Pacific Rim National Park,
taking a
ferry
ride
through the
Southern Gulf Islands,
or for older kids, taking surf lessons at
Tofino.
The
rooftop goats
at
Coombs
are simply a diversion from these more adventurous
outings.
Day 5
Surfing in Tofino
is made easy by Live to Surf, who will outfit you with a wetsuit and
surfboard for an hour or so of fun in the breakers of
Chesterman Beach.
Take a lesson
if you've never surfed before. Afterward head out for an afternoon whale-watching tour.
Head east on Highway 4 to
Port Alberni
to spend the night. Allow two hours' driving
time.
Day 6
LeavePortAlberniearlytoarrivein
Victoria
wellbeforelunch.Viewdowntownfromsea
level by renting a kayak, and then paddle over to
Spinnakers Brewpub.
Spend your last
night lapping upthe luxurious surroundingsofthe
Brentwood Bay Resort
andenjoying a
signature massage for the full effect.
