Weather - Rockies and Whale Watching on Vancouver Island

Hi,

I am visiting Canada from Mid April to Mid May and want to visit Vancouver Island to see some whales and the Rockies to see the scenery and do some hikes. Which way should I do things? Either way I would need to be back in Vancouver by the 13th May. Some people say save the Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise etc) till last as more walks and hikes will be available while others say this is the best time for whale watching! Anyone been before? Are the whales about in April? We most probably wont have a car and will be utilising public transport. Thanks guys.

Also, what is the cheapest way to get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver? I want to visit:
Nainamo/Victoria
Tofino/Ucluelet and maybe a couple of other places. Advice much much much appreciated! Currently 7 months into my travel at the mo so finding this info is pretty hard for me at the mo

Gem

Hello!

Here are some answers to your questions. We lived in Tofino/Ucluelet area for over 14 years so can tell you some things about the area. Granted it has been a few years since we lived there but we still have some contacts there.

The best and cheapest way from Vancouver to Victoria would be to go to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal by public city bus and go as a "walk on" passenger. Once you are on the ferry, you can get a ticket for the bus to take you to downtown Victoria or you can get the local bus transportation outside the terminal which will take you to downtown as well for about $5. You can go to www.bcferries.bc.ca for ferry information and to www.pacificcoach.com about the bus which goes on the ferry.

Now, from Victoria to Tofino there is a bus which you can check out at tofinobus.com If you want to stop in Nanaimo on the way, you could take another bus which you can check out at www.islandcoach.com<BR><BR>The grey whales leave the Baja in March so the migration will be going through the Tofino area in April and May. It would be a good time to see them. You could also stay in Ucluelet which is just south of Tofino and probably a little less expensive. There are tons of whale watching tours but we would suggest you don't take a zodiac even though they are lower to the water and could be a more adventurous ride. The reason we say that is there have been many injured backs due to the way the zodiacs hit the waves. It all depends on the water conditions and the operator.

We haven't personally checked out websites about Tofino and Ucluelet but there are many sites you can goggle.

So to sum it up, the whales are there whichever month you decide to see them. Tofino is more expensive to stay than Ucluelet and the services are similar.

As far as Banff/Lake Louise, it would be better in May because of the weather conditions.

We really hope you enjoy your trip whichever way you do it.

Good luck!!

Probably still too much snow on the ground, even during May, for any good hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

The snow will be gone in May, but spring storms are not uncommon.
You need to rethink your travel plans in the Rockies, as public transit is useless or non-existent. You'll have trouble even getting to trailheads without a vehicle.