BC or PEI?

[NorthernON_MOM]

This year (in March) were were finally able to take our Disney trip that we've been waiting so long for. We are planning to go again in 2 years (hopefully) but in the meantime, next summer we're going to go on a three week driving vacation and are trying to decide between BC and PEI (we're in Northern ON). Which would you pick? and why? thanks.

 

[ChisJo]

Being from Alberta, and absolutely love the mountains, I would recommend BC. I think the scenery is absolutely beautiful. If you golf, they have some amazing golf courses, they also have hot springs located in so many areas of the province, the mountains and the trails are spectacular to see, and I would guarantee you would see some great wildlife along the way, the Shuswaps (Sp?) has beautiful scenery.
Victoria as well is breathtaking, and depending on what time of the year you head out, there is whale watching (I know, you can do this in PEI as well). There is also rainforests and beautiful gardens to see (Butchart Gardens is amazing).
Kelowna, Kamloops, whistler (great for hiking and skiing) are all areas worth a look as well.
Vancouver I would not recommend so much (just because of the shear size of the city) but, should you choose to go there, I know that you will find much to entertain yourselves with.
I think BC is wonderful, but I also have never been to PEI (always wanted to though). So, my perspective is kind of biased.
Whatever you choose, I know you will have a fabulous time with.
Jo

 

[PhotobearSam]

Living on the east coast...I'm bias also...

The maritimes are great..Either way you are going to have a great trip.

Maybe BC this year and in 3 years do the east coast...

 

[eleanor]

WE just returned from 2 wks in N.S. and we had a wonderful time. The people are great and lots to do and see. Last year we went to BC and went to Victoria and Van. Liked Vic. Didn't like Van. Either way you would see lots of trees. and more trees. Oh yes and rocks, lotsa rocks.

 

[SandraC]

Hi ~ I lived in BC and did not like it at all. The rain was soooooo depressing. We live in Ontario now and love it. I have lived in Quebec, New York, Manitoba and BC. We are hoping to plan a trip to PEI next summer too. I prefer the Atlantic Ocean to the cold and grey Pacific Ocean. Have you considered seeing all the awesome things in Southern Ontario? S

 

[Hockeychic]

2 summers ago we did the entire east coast and absolutley loved it. There was so much to see and do, more then I expected actually. IMHO there isn't alot to do tourist wise in PEI outside of Anne of Green Gables which is my favorite book series as a child but after that trip decided PEI is where I would like to retire it was just a beautiful place and nice people. We are planning on the west coast next summer and there is along to see and do there.

I guess that really didn't help did it. I just found for our east coast trip that PEI had the least amount of things to do but it was the most beautiful of all the Provinces and States I have been in.....again just my humble opinion.

 

[SkylarKD]

I lived in BC for a year (lower mainland), and my fiance is from PEI, so I'm familiar with both places. (We live in New Brunswick now)

I agree that it depends on what kind of vacation you're looking for. Also, if you have kids and what their ages & personalities are.

BC - Vancouver is fun, and there's lots of nightlife. There are a fair amount of things to see, but I found things quite expensive. If you plan on seeing touristy things when you go, or even eating out a lot, I highly recommend you buy an Entertainment Book (www.entertainment.com) before you go. It has 2-for-1 coupons for tons of tourist activities and restaurants. The transportation system in Vancouver is great, so it's pretty easy to get around. There's lots of shopping too. I don't know if there's a whole lot for kids to do though.. of course there's the science centre and the aquarium, and Stanley Park to run around in, but in my opinion, PEI is much better for kids, although there's lots for adults to do too. Whistler, BC is neat to visit, even in the summer, and there are lots of outdoorsey things to do in BC, if you're into that. I agree that Victoria is just beautiful, and I've heard that Harrison Hot Springs is nice for an adult trip. Perhaps someone else will have some suggestions of things to do in BC with kids. One suggestion though: don't bother visiting the Greater Vancouver Zoo. We were there 2 years ago, and it's not very nice. Lots of single animals in cages. ONE giraffe, ONE elephant, ONE hippo... so sad! If you're that close, do a 3 hour drive to Seattle and visit their zoo, or stop into the Calgary zoo on your way. THOSE are fantastic zoos!

PEI - I disagree with the previous poster that there isn't much to do in PEI except Green Gables. I've been to PEI at least a dozen times in the past 5 years, and I still haven't seen everything I want to! I like touristy things though. It's great for kids, or the young at heart. There are lots of campgrounds, B&Bs, and hotels, because the Island is such a tourist destination. Everything is so well taken care of too, it's such a pretty province. Cavendish has the bulk of the tourist attractions. Some of the attractions on the Island insclue a small amusement park (Sandspit), a park for kids (Rainbow Valley), and tons of other interesting/weird attractions (Ripley's believe it or not, Captain Barts, the bottle houses, woodleigh replicas, fairy tale village...). Golfing is HUGE in PEI and some of the best courses in the country are in PEI. Most of them won't cost you a fortune either. There are also some good mini-golf courses. The beaches in PEI are the nicest in Canada. White sand beaches. The ones in Cavendish are gorgeous, but busy in the summer. Ask the locals for less-crowded ones. Some romantic things to do: Visit the bottle houses (although kids will also like this - just don't touch! ), have dinner and spend a night at Dalvay-by-the-Sea, stroll the beaches, rent a cottage, see a show in Charlottetown, go on an evening cruise, or go to the drive-in in Brackley. We also like strolling the boardwalk in Charlottetown with a 'Cows' ice cream. Mmmm...

 

[CdnMom2]

When we considered this question ourselves a driving trip with kids from Ontario to the Maritimes won hands-down. Seems it would be a much more interesting journey with many notable stops to keep everyone happy. The drive to B.C. is much longer, with lots of the same vistas to see. I'm not saying I wouldn't want to do it -- I do! But the driver (DH) in this family is certain that he would not with kids & he has done it with his parents.

Our "out west" trip will have to wait until we can fly or kids get older.

The journey is something to consider, given the great distance, anyway.

 

[hockey mom]

These are 2 trips I also would love to try.

In the summer I would choose East coast and if it was winter I would head west.

 

[SandraC]

I had to giggle when I read:

driving trip with kids from Ontario to the Maritimes won hands-down

We drove from BC to Toronto many many years ago. The rockies are nice if you can see them thru the rain. The prairies are awesome ~ they can see you coming for 100 miles ~ heeheehee [all joking aside ~ I LOVE MANITOBA!!!!!] Ontario has to be the most boring drive in the world. "Oh look, a hill. Oh look a tree." heeheehee.


S