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Road (Driving) Trips

The classic way to get outside.  One of the first trips big trips I organized by myself was my Grand Canyon road trip and road trips have had a special place ever since.

Banff and Jasper Road Trip
July 3rd to July 21st, 2022
The kids first trip to Banff and Jasper! We also added on Invermere, Golden, Osoyoos and Kelowna to make a classic BC and Alberta road trip.
Elk With Valley View
Walking Out To Gate
Big Bar Ranch
July 9th to July 15th, 2021

We spent roughly a week in Ranching Country! We stayed at Big Bar Ranch, riding four times. We explored the local lakes and attractions.
Tufted Mountain Goat In Early Sun
Cathedral Provincial Park
July 4th to July 8th, 2021

We visited Cathedral Provincial Park and stayed in a cabin at the Lodge. Great days hiking, but also using the lodge amenities - canoes, hot tubs and a warm shower!
Walking Across Field To Sand Dune
Prince Rupert Road Trip
July 6th to July 19th, 2020

Driving From Vancouver to Prince Rupert and back is more than 3000km! We rented a RV and camped across BC. Includes stops at Farwell Canyon, Beaumont Provincial Park, Lakelse Lake, Prince Rupert, TenMileLake and much more.
Young Orca With Mom
Port McNeill
July 23rd to July 26th, 2019

After camping, we had some free days. We decided to base out of Port McNeill and do some day trips from there. We biked around Alert Bay, drove over Port Alice to see Sea Otters and went whale watching from Port McNeill.
River Ferry Crossing
Lillooet Weekend
July 8th to July 10th, 2017

Helen was working the weekend so the kids and I made a long weekend trip out of driving up to Lillooet and back. We went swimming, hiking and crossed many rivers!
Hells Gate Cabin Over Fraser
Spences Bridge
August 27th and 28th, 2016

This was a shot in the dark experience - Helen was working the weekend and the kids didn't have activies, so could we do a mini road trip for the weekend? I booked a "Heritage Hotel" in Spences Bridge and did a drive up one day, drive back the next trip. Amazing what you can fit in less than 48 hours.
Lady Slipper Lake
Catherdral Provincial Park
June 29th to July 2nd, 2005

I've started a new tradition of trying to stand on top of mountains for Canada Day. This year I drove to Cathedral Provincial park in the South Okanagan for hiking, but also explored the desert in the Osoyoos area.
Dancing With Head Dress
Northern Vancouver Island
September 6th to 9th, 2004

Eric was fresh back from Japan and I wanted to show him around a small part of BC. We went bear watching, whale watching and visited some of his family in Alert Bay.
Motion Blur Eating
Banff and Area for a Few Days
October 14th to 18th, 2003
Another road trip to Calgary, but this time we took the high speed route and didn't take photos.  I spent a few days in Banff and took some pictures including Banff, Bourgeau Lake, Johnson Canyon and Drumheller.
Athabasca Falls
A British Columbia Road Trip
September 29th to October 4th, 2002

A road trip from Vancouver to Calgary and back without covering the same road twice. Kermeos, Castlegar,Radium Hot Springs,Banff,Jasper,Kamloops and Back.

Vacation Rentals

British Columbia has huge vacation rental market that goes back at least a hundred years.  In spring Canada celebrates the Victoria Day long weekend (Queen Victoria was born on May 24th but Canadians celebrate Victoria Day on the Monday before May 25) but the weather is often dodgy so for a get away trip we take advantage of the cheap shoulder season pricing. 

Tofino in July
July 3rd to 7th, 2023
My mom organized a trip in Tofino so we could visit for the mid week. The tide was exceptionally low so we got great tidepool time every morning. We also went to Bamfield, to Ucluelet and to Hot Springs Cove by Plane!
Ready To Get On Plane
Climbing Ladder Out
Sunshine Coast August Long Weekend 2
July 31st to August 3rd, 2020

Two years ago we spent a weekend on the Sunshine coast. We enjoyed it so much, we wanted to come back, but couldn't find a place with a years notice. Two years later, we returned for hiking, swimming and shopping on the Sunshine Coast!
Marmot Portrait
Whistler Long Weekend
August 3rd to August 5th, 2019

We figured out the kids had never really been to Whistler so we booked a long weekend. We spent one day hiking on the mountains and another day shopping and rock houding. We had lots of wildlife moments which was pleasant surprise.
Walking Out Onto Pier
Sushine Coast (Davis Bay)
August 4th to August 6th, 2018

Helen was working the weekend so the kids and I made a long weekend trip out of the Sunshine Coast! We went to Pender Harbour Days, we went Horse back riding and we visited artists galleries. We stayed in a beachfront cottage in Davis Bay.
Baby Bears In The Rain
Whistler May Long Weekend
May 18th to May 21st, 2012

Our first May Long Weekend trip with a child! We chose Whistler because it is close and has lots of amenities near by so we wouldn't be stuck if we needed something. Turns out we also got a fantastic house and lots of great little day trips to see waterfalls and bears.
Heron With Lighthouse
Bowser on Vancouver Island
May 15th to May 18th, 2009

Bowser is on the inside coast of Vancouver Island. We visited nearby Hornby and Denman Island, caught a pottery tour, visited the local waterfalls. My favourite part was watching the Bald Eagles feed just off shore from our rental.
Looking Down Hull
Seaside, Oregon
May 16th to May 19th, 2008

We like a nice trip on the May Long weekend. This year we decided to go South of the border and explored a very nice bit of Oregon state. We saw sea lions, bird colonies, sand dunes and some fantastic beaches.
Western Coral Root Flowers
Gabriola Island
May 18th to May 21st, 2007

Gabriola Island is just off the coast of Nanaimo. We went for walks on the beach, prepared food and went to the local market.
Kayaking Past Seal
Galiano Island
May 19th to May 22nd, 2006

This years May Day getaway is to Galiano Island in the Southern Gulf Islands. We hiked, prepared food, hiked some more, kayaked and unwound.
Beach With Reflections
Port Renfrew
May 20th to May 23rd, 2005

The traditional May long weekend trip tries the West Coast of Vancouver Island. We get in some serious hiking as well as a trip to the beautiful Botanical Beach.
Loading Beaver
Mudge Island
May 21st to May 24th, 2004

A little different this year - we chartered airplanes a flew in!  Mudge is completely without retail (we usually make a combined liquor/oops run) but had lots of things (including a hot tub) to keep us entertained.
David Taking Photos As We Leave
Pender Island
May 16th to May 19th, 2003

Another huge rental but on a much quieter island without a hot tub!  There were a few good hikes within walking distance and the food was second to none.
Playing Badminton
Salt Spring Island Weekend trip
May 18th to May 21th, 2001

We really didn't lack for space - or food.  This great vacation rental was on a working farm on one of my favorite Gulf Islands. 

Hiking Through Forest
Tofino and Hot Springs Cove
May 19th to May 22nd, 2000

Really, the blame for all of these trips rests squarely on Sean's shoulders.  He was the first to come up with the idea and organized much of the first trip.  We drove over in his car and Mark's car and were surprised how many of us lived in a such a "cozy" place.
Kayaking Trips

Up until my first trip with Due West Charters, I held the dubious distinction of "flipped every kayak I've ever entered".  I've done a number of Kayaking Trips with Due West Charters since (Okay, maybe one more wet exit) and enjoyed them all throughly.

Haida Gwaii
July 9th to July 16th, 2023
First trip on a boat as family! We spent a week in Gwaii Haanas visiting the watchmen sites, chasing marine mammals and kayaking around bays.
Poles Viewed From Beach
Lions Mane Jelly Near Shore
Desolation Sound
June 22th to June 26th, 2007

Desolation sound is the sailing "backyard" for Vancouver.   Far enough to be "away", but not so far that you can't get back in a reasonable amount of time.   We explored in our Kayaks, saw petroglyphs and more than our fair share of Jellyfish.
Kayaks In The Morning
Winter Harbour To Brooks Peninsula
July 23rd to 28th, 2006

Another Kayaking Adventure on the Curve Of Time. This time we depart from the Northern Vancouver Island village of Winter Harbour and Kayak in the sounds that dot this coast.
Kayaking Off Beach
Kayaking in the Gulf Islands (2)
October 14th to October 17th, 2004

Near the end of the Season, Jan had took us to many of the parks that now compose the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada.  I was amazed how much wildlife was waiting to meet us.
Spines On Urchin
Aristazabal Island
August 28th to September 5th, 2003

This year Jan was offering a new trip to the area surrounding Aristazabal Island - a region North of Bella Bella.  This was a trip into one of the least populated places on the coast of BC and unspoiled wilderness.
Jaques and Charles Kayaking
Mid Coast of British Columbia
July 30th to August 9th, 2001

This 2 week trip started at the northern end of Vancouver Island and ended in the Mid Coast of British Columbia. We explored parks and ghost towns.
Coming into Beach
Kayaking in the Gulf Islands
September 22nd to September 24th, 2000

I enjoyed my first trip so much, I jumped at the chance to go out again. This trip was more oriented around kayaking and we spent time on Saltspring visiting the Saturday Market.

Sea Lions on Rocks
Photo Cruise in the Gulf Islands
April 7th to April 9th, 2000

My first trip with Due west charters, it was oriented around photography. Peter Hubert lead the photography as we explored the southern Gulf Islands, including Tumbo and Cabbage Islands and Montegue Harbor on Galiano.


Bed and Breakfast Trips

I really prefer the personal connection of a bed and breakfast over a hotel.  Being able to talk to a local about life in their area adds to the travel experience - lets you understand a place that much better.  Below are some trips where we stayed in a Bed and Breakfast.

Salt Spring Apple Festival (2)
October 2nd and 3rd, 2021
Our kids are old enough that they don't need constant attention and can probably appreciate the fine details of local travel. We rented an AirB&B (which included breakfast) and stayed a weekend on Salt Spring Island to see the Apple Festival!
Lunch At Park
Spruce Grouse Looking At Me
Wells Gray
Sept 1st to 3rd, 2009

About two hours north of Kamloops is Wells Gray provincial park.  This park has several dramatic waterfalls and no end of medium and longer hikes. .
Male And Female Swimming By
Port McNeill And Area
July 14th and 15th, 2009

Before we went hiking up to Cape Scott, we stayed at a B&B in Port McNeill and saw some of the local sights including Sointula and Telegraph Cove. We also went whale watching.
Canadian Butter Apples
Salt Spring Island Apple Festival
Sept 29th and 30th, 2007

Saltspring has a long history of farming and their climate is almost ideal for Orchards.  The Apple festival was a rare opportunity to visit farms and see how farming was done on the island.
Arriving At Night
Pentiction Long Weekend
July 6th to 9th, 2006

The Okanagan has a wonderful collection of things to do.  We had a long weekend to explore the local wineries, hike in Okanagan Mount Park, visit the Kettle Valley Railway and hike Brent Mountain. 
Helen On Rock At Sunset
Tofino
March 17th to 19th, 2006

Tofino is a tiny town on the west coast of Vancouver Island that has a reputation way beyond it's dimunative size. We went for a weekend of storm watching but were disappointed by nothing but sunny blue skies.



Male And Female Swimming By
Species: Orcinus orca (killer whale, orca)
Altitude: 5m (16 feet)
Location: Go To...
Motion Blur Eating
Species: Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Red Squirrel)
Tags: motion blur
Kayaking Off Beach
Tags: beach, gulf island, kayaking
Walking Across Field To Sand Dune
Altitude: 610m (2001 feet)
Location: Go To...
Lady Slipper Lake
Tags: lake, vista
Coming into Beach
Location: Go To...
Tags: beach, kayaking
Ready To Get On Plane
Person: Claira, Helen, Janet, John, Nara, Lloyd
Altitude: 2m (6 feet)
Location: Go To...
Tags: dock, plane
Playing Badminton
Person: Andrea, Mark
Location: Go To...
Tags: farm, game, gulf island, Salt Spring Island
Lions Mane Jelly Near Shore
Species: Cyanea capillata ()
Tags: BC fauna, jellyfish
Heron With Lighthouse
Species: Ardea herodias (Great Blue Heron)
Tags: bird, lighthouse
Poles Viewed From Beach
Altitude: 7m (22 feet)
Location: Go To...
Athabasca Falls
Location: Go To...
Tags: waterfall
Loading Beaver
Tags: boat, plane
Elk With Valley View
Species: Cervus elaphus (Elk, Wapiti)
Altitude: 1453m (4767 feet)
Location: Go To...
Arriving At Night
Tags: long exposure, Okanagan
Lunch At Park
Altitude: 5m (16 feet)
Location: Go To...
Baby Bears In The Rain
Species: Ursus americanus (American Black Bear)
Looking Down Hull
Altitude: 6m (19 feet)
Location: Go To...
Tags: beach, wreck
Kayaks In The Morning
Location: Go To...
Tags: coast, dappled light, kayak
Kayaking Past Seal
Species: Phoca vitulina (Harbor Seal)
Tags: marine mammal
Hells Gate Cabin Over Fraser
Altitude: 84m (275 feet)
Location: Go To...
Tags: cable car
Canadian Butter Apples
Tags: apple, produce
Dancing With Head Dress
Tags: costume, dancing
Spines On Urchin
Species: Strongylocentrotus franciscanus (Red Sea Urchin)
Tags: sea urchin
Walking Out Onto Pier
Location: Go To...
Tags: pier, Sunshine Coast
Spruce Grouse Looking At Me
Species: Dendragapus obscurus (Blue Grouse)
Western Coral Root Flowers
Species: Corallorrhiza maculata (Spotted Coralroot, Summer Coralroot)
Tags: flower, shallow depth of field
Marmot Portrait
Species: Marmota caligata (Hoary Marmot)
Altitude: 1869m (6131 feet)
Location: Go To...
Tags: alpine
River Ferry Crossing
Tags: ferry, reaction, river
Sea Lions on Rocks
Species: Eumetopias jubatus (northern sea lion, steller sea lion)
Tags: BC fauna, marine mammal
Tufted Mountain Goat In Early Sun
Species: Oreamnos americanus (Mountain goat)
Altitude: 2063m (6768 feet)
Location: Go To...
Climbing Ladder Out
Person: Claira
Altitude: 4m (13 feet)
Location: Go To...
Tags: climbing, swimming
Young Orca With Mom
Species: Orcinus orca (killer whale, orca)
Altitude: 4m (13 feet)
Location: Go To...
Tags: marine mammal
Helen On Rock At Sunset
Person: Helen
Altitude: 11m (36 feet)
Location: Go To...
Tags: beach, sunset
Jaques and Charles Kayaking
Location: Go To...
Tags: coast, kayaking
Beach With Reflections
Altitude: 4m (13 feet)
Location: Go To...
Tags: beach, Botanical Beach
Hiking Through Forest
Tags: boardwalk, forest, hiking
Walking Out To Gate
Altitude: 1035m (3395 feet)
Location: Go To...
David Taking Photos As We Leave
Person: David
Tags: camera gear, ferry, gulf island, sunset
From: John Harvey Photo > John's Overnight Page

Last Modified Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at 11:07:04 Edit
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