Learn me Vancouver & Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

As the COVID stir-craziness continues on, SWMBO and I are continuing to regret passing on the opportunities we've had to visit Canada in the past and want to rectify that after the restrictions lift.

We both love the US Pacific NW and are curious to see what that region is like as you continue further north; British Columbia seems like a beautiful part of Canada in general and an extension of the terrain that we like in that part of the US.

I get the impression that Vancouver has kind of exploded into a "tech city" with all the good and bad things that entails while Victoria is more historic and laid-back. We would probably look at flying into Vancouver and taking a week or so to explore the area.

For someone visiting the area for the first time, what's there to know? Any general commentary, or anything worth doing/not doing between Victoria and Vancouver?

BC has a pretty bad case of the virus right now, although having said that most businesses and restaurants are open. But masks are mandatory everywhere. 

If you can wangle some good weather, rent a nice sporty car and drive up to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway. Water, mountains, twists and turns. Alternatively or in addition, the drive to Kamloops through the Fraser Canyon is spectacular as well, although Kamloops is not that spectacular itself. (that would be a two day trip). Come back over the Coquihalla for more scenery. And the ferry to Vancouver Island is like a short Coastal cruise. The ferries are much nicer than Washington States fleet. Downtown Victoria is a little slice of London. Vancouver downtown is pretty walkable and we have a good transit system, so you can hit up Robson Street, Granville Island and Gastown pretty easily. If you like skiing there are three local mountains and Seymour is already open, with bus service from downtown.  And if you want to reassure yourselves that Canada is not the socialist paradise we claim it is, take a drive down East Hastings street. 

There is a sweet Vietnamese restaurant down East Hastings.  Just drive until you feel like you should be locking your doors - it's on the left.

The Shuswap Lake area is absolutely gorgeous, and largely ignored (about 5.5 hours out of Vanvouver).  I live in the Okanagan Valley, which is about 4 hours out of Vancouver, and Canada's "desert." The Kootenays are also very gorgeous as well, but even further away, and into the Rocky Mountains.  We call this "Beautiful BC" for a reason.

Victoria is certainly more laid back, a bit more "old world," and there is lots to see elsewhere on the island too. I lived in Victoria for a time. Butchart Gardens, the BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, the Parliament buildings....

Vancouver is very pretty as far as cities go. Lots to see and do, and with a quick Google you can pick whatever interests you. I lived in Vancouver for a time. I seem to have blocked most of it out (not a city boy; hated living there). It doesn't -always- rain, but it seems like it.  Vancouver weather is not AT ALL representative of the weather/climate in BC.  It's a big province, there is a lot of diversity.

If you have time to head north, like into Barkerville, Quesnel, Prince George, Terrace, Stewart, Kitimat.... there are a LOT of cool places to see.  It's a fantastic province, and I don't ever want to live anywhere else.

Re the buses to the mountains Seymour and Cypress are served by charter buses that have various stops most notably Lonsdale Quay, Grouse is served by transit so one could hop on downtown and transfer to a bus going to Grouse. 

I'd add if you come to Vancouver Island try venturing north. I have just moved to Qualicum Beach and from here it's a straight shot west to Uculet and Tofino which are on the coast of the North Pacific. I need to make myself fit in here so I need to get a truck, boat, rev, bike, and   a kayak. Lots of outdoors activities here.

Edit: In the back of my mind there's an idea percolating for a grand tour of BC with side trips into Alberta, NWT, and the Yukon I estimate approximately 3 months to do it right.

Vancouver has the Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, Van Dusen Gardens, the Aquarium (if it ever recovers from this), Granville Island. Lots of stuff to see.

If you visit, pm me and we can give you the tour.

If you go to the island it will cost $75 each way in ferry fees. 

Great tips so far, much appreciated! Gives me a vacation to daydream about until COVID is somewhat figured out and the border restrictions lift...

Almost forgot, if you visit Victoria, be sure to check out Craigdarroch Castle.

It's a Victorian era mansion built by the Dunsmiur family and has been restored. It's amazing inside. 

When I lived in Victoria, I lived mere blocks from the castle.  Amazing mansion.

Some good advice here. I live just outside of Vancouver and my in-laws live in Victoria, so I know both areas pretty well. I strongly recommend coming between July and September, as the weather can be pretty rainy for much of the Fall through Spring. With a one week itinerary, I would recommend sticking to Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler. 

Popular tourist spots in Vacouver are Stanley Park, Granville Island and Gastown. If you have kids, they might like Science World. Our 3 local mountains are also very popular: Seymour, Grouse and Cypress.

The Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler is a beautiful drive. On your way from Vancouver to Whistler, stop in at Shannon Falls in Squamish. There's also a popular hike in Squamish called "The Chief" which has amazing views. It's about 1.5 hours to hike to the top. This hike will eat up a good chunk of the day so you do it, you will get into Whistler a bit late, so best to spend the night in Whistler, and then spent the next day exploring Whistler. If hiking is not your thing, you might like the Britannia Mine Museum on the way to Whistler. Check out the Peak to Peak Gondola while in Whistler.

I would budget 2 to 3 days to visit Victoria, as it's too rushed to do a day trip there due to the ferry ride there and back. Go for a walk around the inner harbor in Victoria during the day/afternoon when all the shops are open. You might also enjoy the Royal BC Museum. After checking out the inner harbor, drive a few minutes south until you reach Dallas Rd. which runs along the coast. Go for a walk on the Breakwater at Ogden Point on Dallas Rd. Butchart Gardens is a very popular tourist spot, but it's kind of expensive for what it is. We've taken the kids to Western Speedway a few times to watch some summertime races. 

If you can budget a 2nd week, head to the BC interior to visit some wineries, or check out a guest ranch.