Please take me with you! I've never been but have heard from everyone that has traveled there that it's one of the most beautiful places they've been.

what sort of things are you interested in? back before you used to need a passport I used to drive up there but honestly for a gardener this time of year my biggest recommendation would be 'get on the ferry and go to Victoria'

That said, Lonsdale Quay Market is real must see for the shopper.
If you do scuba there are some interesting dive sites up there as well.

I'll note the market, I do plan on Butchart Gardens, whale watching, Shakespeare on the beach (!) Any and all suggestions welcome!

Tommysmommy: How many days will you be in Vancouver. I have lots of ideas - here are a few:

1. Buy an all day transit pass. This pass is good for all zones and will take you on the bus, sky train. seabus (to Lonsdale Market). Great views of the river on the sky train. There is also a hop on/hop off sightseeing bus (at5 times the cost)

2. Queen Elizabeth Park - this is very similar to Butchart's Gardens. Van Dusen Garden, UBC Botanical Garden, Nitobe Garden.

3. Day trip to Whistler

4. Gastown/Chinatown

5. Street Food stalls - lots of choices and they are everywhere.

6. Art Gallery (great cafe at the Gallery)

7. Walking/cycling on the seaside route (stretches from UBC all the way to Stanley Park - walkers/cyclists only.

8. Granville Island Public Market

9. lots of shopping areas, outdoor cafes, coffee places.

Oh terrific erka! A local, that's just what I needed. Now, question: I'm considering staying a night in Victoria and visiting Butchart Gardens in conjunction with looking around Victoria. How much time do I need to set aside to enjoy the gardens? Would 3 hours be enough? I just don't know how big it is.

Tommysmommy: 3 hours or 1/2 day should be adequate for the garden.

Here is an informative link on transportation from Vancouver to Victoria.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g154943-c5611/Vancouver:British-Columbia:Getting.From.Vancouver.To.Victoria.html

Hatley Park is also in Victoria, less well knowen than the Buchard Gardens but also quite lovely

Okay folks! Most of the trip is planned. We are going to take a seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria, then cab it up to Butchart Gardens. I've got a whale watching cruise to book too. Didn't someone post photos from Butchart Gardens a few years ago? That guy from Phoenix, what was his name we never see him anymore? Hopefully I'll get some good ones to show off.