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If you want ocean front, head to Vancouver Island. Victoria is a wonderful city. Tofino is sooo cool; you can camp, hostel, hotel, whatever. Beaches, surfing, hiking, rainforesting. Its a must visit.

Don't answer more than you want to of course, but might help to know.... traveling on your own, as a couple or with family?  
 
For beach we like the Beach Club in Parksville, http://www.beachclubbc.com (but looks like you can shop around on Expedia, etc). Right on the boardwalk. Pretty unique beach for the differences between high and low tide. They have a sand castle competition in mid-July that's fun to see (castles stay on display for a few weeks after that). Lower key area than Victoria but Nanaimo's not far away and it's well positioned if you want to check out some of the attractions like Cathedral Grove or Goats on the Roof or even day trip to Tofino.

If your driving be sure to check out the Enchanted Forrest! It's near Revelstoke I believe, will be a hit with the kids!! It's a must go whenever we go west!

Enchanted forrest and right beside it is Sky Trek (a tree course jungle gym for all ages)....both lots of fun!