Thank you, Ros, for worrying about us. We're back, like Arnie!
Pity that your Rocky Mountain trip was such a disappoinment. Our ferries have the same problem - engines fail, they run into wharfs, cars fall off loading ramps, etc. The crew are great but top management is an aggregate of overpaid fools who pinch pennies re infrastructure & blame the underlings when something fails.
BC, & other provinces, make billions from their gambling monopolies. Where does the money go?
Whales cannot be controlled, but the tour operators know when they are in the area, or not.
Tourists are easy marks, so you get the hype but not the mustard. Same game wherever you go.
Jws: Brew pubs are everywhere. Also, wineries & cideries are thriving here. The latest is a world-class gin:
http://www.victoriaspirits.com/our-gin/ Shaken, not stirred?
Naked bicycle ride - annual event, but you might want to miss that. Too late anyway.
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/05/naked-bike-ride-vancouver-2015/
One of the tips:
Cover your bike seat with fun fur. No comment.
Beautiful country - lots of other things to see.