Independent Families: 'Where can we see whales in the wild?'

Q. We want to take our two children to Canada this summer. They will be 11 and nearly nine. We would like to see bears and whales if possible, perhaps stay in a log cabin and end up on Vancouver Island for some relaxation. We hope to fly to Calgary and drive from there, flying home from Vancouver Island. Is this possible? We will have three weeks and do not have a bottomless pit of cash so would need comfortable but reasonably priced accommodation.
Simon and Amanda Hawkes, London

A. Canada is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, with abundant natural resources to keep adults and children entertained. Given the three weeks that you have, sticking to Alberta and British Columbia would be ideal, spending a few days in Calgary and Vancouver, stopping off in between and rounding off your trip on Vancouver Island.

Although it's not possible to fly back from Vancouver Island, you can return direct from Vancouver - the ferry crossing takes just an hour-and-a-half. The low-cost airline Zoom (0870 240 0055; www.flyzoom.com) offers "open-jaw" options enabling you to fly into Calgary and return from Vancouver. Be warned, though, that a number of outbound departures are already full - particularly in the last week of July - so you should book as soon as possible. As with short-haul no-frills airlines, there is no discount for children; everyone aged two or more pays the adult fare. Flights from Gatwick to Calgary returning three weeks later from Vancouver would cost around £2,500 for the four of you.

Travelling at ground level is the most effective and enjoyable way of seeing Canada, for the passengers at least. The distance between Calgary and Vancouver is approximately 600 miles, which can be covered comfortably in a couple of weeks. Driving will also give you independence and will help keep costs down. Carhire3000 (0800 015 1451; www.carhire3000.com), offers three weeks' rental for £495 collecting from Calgary airport and returning to Vancouver airport. To reach Vancouver Island, BC Ferries (001 604 444 2890; www.bcferries.com) offers crossings from Tsawwassen, Vancouver to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island for C$10.85 (£6) per adult and C$5.60 (£3) per child. If you are taking a car, add an additional C$36.10 (£17) for a midweek crossing and a couple of dollars more at weekends.

Motels and inns are the most affordable accommodation, but a cabin or chalet can be just as viable in the right location. Calgary offers good family accommodation in city motels and out-of-town cabins. A two-bedroom family suite at the Econo Lodge (001 403 289 1921; www.econolodgecalgary.com) in downtown Calgary costs a very reasonable C$150 (£74) per night in July and includes complimentary parking and a kitchen.

There is plenty to keep you occupied in the city, whether it's wandering around high-rise downtown or seeking refuge in the leafy environs of Prince's Island Park. Visits could include the Canada Olympic Park (001 403 247 5452; www.canadaolympicpark.ca), the principle site of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, and Calgary Zoo (001 403 232 9300; www.calgaryzoo.org). The Olympic Park opens 9am-9pm, until 6pm Sundays and offers lots of activities, including mountain-biking. Calgary Zoo opens 9am-6pm daily and costs C$16 (£7.50) for adults and C$8 (£3.75) for children.

In the heart of the Canadian Rockies and about 80 miles west of Calgary is Banff National Park (001 403 762 1550; www.pc.gc.ca). This was Canada's first national park and boasts more than 2,500 square miles of wilderness from canyons and waterfalls to forest and glaciers. Recommended trails include the Bow Valley and Icefields Parkways, defined by some stunning scenery, and grizzly bears. The park opens 8am-8pm in summer, and entry costs C$16 (£7.50) per day for a family of four - although if you plan to visit other Canadian National Parks then the family annual national pass is worth investing in for C$109 (£52).

Before crossing the provincial border from Alberta to British Columbia, you could make a detour north to Jasper National Park (001 780 852 6176; www.pc.gc.ca), around a four-hour drive from Banff. There is plenty of lodge and cabin accommodation, such as Maligne Lodge (001 780 852 3143; www.decorehotels.com) in Jasper town where family suites with a kitchen cost C$297 (£147) per night in July. Admission to the park is C$16 (£7.50) per family per day. The best source of further information is the website www.travelalberta.com.

Over the border, British Columbia is a province of contrasts - it harbours the country's wettest and driest climates and as such is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna, including whales. It is worth staying in the lovely city of Vancouver for at least a couple of days. The Greenbrier in downtown (001 604 683 4558; www.vancouver-bc.com/GreenbrierHotel) offers large suites with kitchens for C$174 (£86) including parking. A little further out of Vancouver is the Super 8 Motel Surrey Center (001 604 581 7122; www.super8surreycenter.com) where family rooms cost C$116 (£55) per night, including breakfast. The motel has its own swimming pool.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge (001 604 985 7474; www.capbridge.com) is a worthy detour, just a short drive north from the city. The award-winning site encompasses the suspension bridge high above a canyon, tree-top walkways (some 100ft high), rainforest tours and a First Nations cultural centre. It opens daily 8.30am-8pm during summer; adults C$21.95 (£11), children aged six-12 C$6.25 (£3). Vancouver Aquarium (001 604 659 3474; www.vanaqua.org; open daily 9.30am-7pm, admission C$17.50/£8.50 adults, C$9.95/£4.70 children) is also worthwhile. Stanley Park (001 604 257 8400; www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks) occupies a thumb of land jutting out into the Burrard Inlet. It is carpeted with fir trees interspersed with Totem poles, a miniature railway, tennis courts, beaches and pools. Granville Island (001 604 666 5784; www.granvilleisland.com), in central Vancouver, features a Kids Market (daily 9am-7pm), along with a water park and performing arts lessons. More information: 001 604 683 200; www.tourismvancouver.com.

Vancouver Island is home of the provincial capital, Victoria, and a beautiful destination in its own right. Accommodation is offered by Great Spots (001 604 526 5900; www.greatspots.com), from privately owned cottages to cabins, lofts and houses. A week's stay starts at C$775 (£364) but rises sharply depending on location and size. Booking early should ensure a better price and broader choice.

The area around Victoria is ideal for long walks and relaxing on the beach. However, the most popular tourist activity is whale-watching. The best location is Tofino on the west coast, although there's every chance you'll see them from Victoria. Orca Spirit Adventures (001 250 383 4666; www.orcaspirit.com) offers ferry rides from Victoria to look for orcas (killer whales), minke whales, porpoises and sea lions. The three-hour trip takes you through the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits, which contain around 100 orcas. During summer the trips are usually successful and whale-spotting is almost guaranteed. There are three daily departures; adults C$89 (£42), children aged 12 and under C$59 (£29). For more information, contact the Victoria and the Gulf Islands Tourist Office: 001 250 754 3500; www.islands.bc.ca.

Send your family travel queries to The Independent Parent, Travel Desk, The Independent, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS or e-mail crusoe@independent.co.uk