Next year to celebrate having survived 50 years I plan to travel to Alberta and British Columbia with the possibility of an Alaskan Cruise to follow. At the moment I plan to undertake a fly drive to Calgary and then travel to Vancouver via Banff, Jasper, Icefield Parkway visiting all the usual tourist spots. This is where it gets tricky, once I arrive in Vancouver I have the option of Vancouver Island or a cruise. From what I can gather Vancouver Island gives me the opportunity of Bear and Whale watching trips at Tofino and Port Hardy which is something I would really like to do. Knight Inlet is an expensive option, is it worth it? or will Tofino and Port Hardy/ Campbell River suffice.

In addition the Alaskan Cruise seems like a tourist rip off trip. The excursions and the towns seem to be geared up purely to take your hard earned cash.

I would be grateful if anyone could provide any advice or guidance. Do's or do'nts so that it really turns into the trip of a lifetime.

Thank you in anticipation of any advice you can give.