Ah, excellent then, a native who actually lives in the area. I think we are going to be there for only 2 or 3 days so clearly we can't do everything. Butchart is the one "Must see" thing since my wife has always wanted to visit it. Depending on what the weather is will determine what day we go to the gardens and how the rest pans out. I'll have to figure out what specifically is worth doing. Truth be told, I'm pretty content to just chill out and take in a few sights.

@GP - I did that Alcan highway with my grandparents when I was still in High School. At that time it was about 80% unpaved and quite an adventure. One of my favorite trips ever though. Thanks for sharing your story, it does sound like it was an interesting time. I think I'd have been stressed out but then maybe for you coming back from the Army it was nice to just be in civilization or even not have people trying to shoot you Sometimes perspective means everything.