AZ Rider, I've ridden the PCH both up and down and have a few ideas and suggestions. I'm in Tempe, AZ, and retired so perhaps we can meet up for coffee some morning and discuss?
If you're riding the TransCanada Hwy 1 and like motorcycle museums (I know silly question) stop in at the Dreamcycle Museum near Sorrento, B.C. http://www.dreamcycle.ca/
I usually ride Hwy 3 in southern B.C. because it's not as busy so you can enjoy the scenery. I've ridden north of Creston on 3A following the Kootenay River and Lake Kootenay crossing over by ferry and up to Kaslo. Beautiful country.
I haven't stopped at Hells Gate on TCH 1, but maybe one day.
In Vancouver there's the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where you can walk up in the trees.