This is also an opportunity to go to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Canyon if you like, as these places are only 20 minutes from central Vancouver. On day 5, we would head down south to make our enter Seattle again (may stop by anything else remaining on the way). About 4 hours, 2N Squamish - with a day trip to Whistler. <
>. Take BC Ferries from Victoria to Vancouver. It sucks out the mosquito (or other bugs) saliva and helps you heal faster. And speaking of Granville the place is a foodies paradise, so now that you are on the water I suggest you make this your first stop. Analysis: Projecting the Mariners' opening-day roster early in spring training. For whale watching, I traveled with Seabreeze Adventures. Expect to pay a lot for parking, I suggest parking once and getting around by transit (except for Butchart Gardens, if you have a car it makes sense to drive there). Find the travel option that best suits you. Just 2.5 hours by car and about an hour by plane, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled. Here youll really get to know Seattles weird side. Walking the Village Stroll is always pleasant to do. Updated: 4:40 PM PST February 24, 2023. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We already have this email. Try another? Located near Boeing's humongous Everett manufacturing plant is the Future of Flight Aviation Center, where you can embark on the Boeing Tour to learn about designing and building aircraft through interactive exhibits. Feb. 26, 2023 at 6:45 pm Updated Feb. 26, 2023 at 8:45 pm. For an experience more geared toward practical education, head to the small waterfront town of Edmonds and the Rick Steves' Travel Center, which offers travel gear for sale, guest speakers throughout the year, and plenty of classes on specific locations as well as travel skills and strategies. If you have time and energy, head to the University of Washington and go for a walk around campus or visit the Burke Museum (make sure to get some fry bread from Off the Rez while youre there). If youre not sure about the Space Needle, let me assure you that checking it out from below and taking a photo is totally ok. You definitely do not want to miss Chihuly Gardens and Glass, a gorgeous glass art museum right below the Space Needle with great views of it. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle without a car Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle driving itinerary Where to stay in each city Tips for getting around each city Day 1 - Vancouver Day 2 - Vancouver Day 3 - Vancouver to Victoria Day 4 - Victoria Day 5 - Victoria to Seattle Day 6 - Seattle Day 7 - Seattle They rarely signal where they are going, so it takes a team effort of multiple boats (similar to the teamwork of drivers on my Tanzania safari) to find the whales. Victoria is an excellent whale watching destination, the best option of the cities youre visiting on this itinerary. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, Capitol Hill) READINGS & TALKS. Thank you to my friends at Vero Social Media for sponsoring this trip. I recommend deciding to spend your second day in Vancouver exploring its rich cultural history or its impressive outdoors. Dim Sum is a traditional Chinese meal that is very popular on in Vancouver. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93153833', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Seattle area questions, ask in the Seattle Forum. Day 5: Drive from Vancouver to Seattle One of the reasons we chose to fly in and out of Seattle during our Seattle to Vancouver road trip was the convenience of avoiding an international flight. capital, Victoria, that will take you just under three hours. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The bus is cheaper than the train and takes almost the same amount of time, so it's a great option for travelers who want to save some money. For the evening, take the ferry across to Bainbridge Island for dinner and see some of the best views of downtown Seattle from the ferry ride and enjoy some tasting food and wine half an hour across the water and a world away on Bainbridge. We also recommend stopping by La Conner Seaside Gallery, Caravan Gallery, Blackfish Gallery, and Cassera Arts Premiers for even more great art. A good portion of today will be spent taking the beautiful trip from downtown Vancouver to Victorias Inner Harbour by way of a ferry ride through the unforgettable Gulf Islands. If solo travel is not your cup of tea (or you just dont love planning aspect) a number of companies offer really great tours for the region. She earned a, Discover Aviation, Science, and Technology at Museums, Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum. Spring is generally late February through June, with lots of cloudy days, some sunny warm days and plenty of rain. Spend one night at Whistler, and then get up in the morning of day 4 and go up the mountain. The casinos in Washington State offer Vegas-style gaming along with good food, live entertainment, and other amenities. Originally settled by the Dutch, this quaint city features all sorts of Netherlands-inspired art, architecture, and foods. However, to see the best scenery in the area, you'll need to rent a car and take a detour off the main highway. You say you are driving from, I presume, a central Seattle hotel and coming to Vancouver that day. The Peak to Peak Gondola looked pretty amazing. There are so many things to do in Seattlethat you could spend weeks there, but youll want to squeeze in a side trip to explore all theamazingthings to do in Vancouver as well, including parks, museums and restaurants. Day 3, we would be heading to Squamish (where we stay for 2 nights), on the way we would be wanting to see grouse mountain, capillano bridge, etc. This is for travel on a Monday in June, I think by August or on a weekend you should probably have a reservation. I would suggest coming here an hour or so before the sunset and watch the sky slowly change from blue to red to black, as the lights come on beneath the windows. They also offer a free shuttle from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. There are more whales further north and the favorable exchange rate means youll get a better deal in Vancouver. Make sure to have a reservation for your vehicle for the ferry. Despite this, rain is possible any time of year in the coastal Pacific Northwest. I am renting a car (without . You can rent a bike for even more exploring. After . Grab coffee and a donut for breakfast like Vancouverites do and head to Stanley Park. 4N Seattle Take the WA State ferry from Anacortes to Sidney, BC - or - the Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria harbour. It works especially well for kids who are sensitive or allergic to bites. Its only an hour out of town, so not exactly sure what your plans are here. Otherwise, you can probably find a place to stay for the night in one of the many available campgrounds, especially on a weekday. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93139216', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Seattle to Victoria to Vancouver. Four companies make the journey up Interstate 5 across the Canadian border. I did this walking tour with Seattle Sidewalks, although you can do it on your own, I love to join the free walking tours (the guides work on tips) and learn tidbits of fascinating information I wouldnt know otherwise. It has become a star brand in the local collection doll market in the United States, and has been authorized by more than 100 well-known companies, including Marvel, DC, Disney . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93138925', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Grouse Mountain stop at Cypress Mountain lookout on the way to Squamish-same view for free-a quick look/some photos and you're good to go. Reservations for a vehicle on the Coho ferry are necessary. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle all have very similar climates. Thanks for subscribing! After searching for some time we saw two killer whales hunting for a meal. That might be an alternative for you, so you have more time in Whistler for other activities. If youre driving, you might tempted to stay elsewhere but keep in mind that traffic in all three of these cities is pretty intense and youll probably be happier parking your car at a downtown hotel and walking or taking transit for sightseeing. Its a truly stunning garden most of the year. Depending on exactly how you travel will determine the amount of time the trip takes, but its likely to take 4-6 hours. Dj vu! However, at this point, Id like to diverge with the common opinion and argue that the Space Needle is not a must and a bit of a waste of time. Leaving: Vancouver. Likely to Sell Out. 1N Victoria Late September through June having waterproof footwear is a really good idea, or at least footwear that wont be uncomfortable if you get wet. Today, Id like to challenge you to another mode of transport, one you may not have considered yet. And if you have a clear day, head up the Space Needle. After breakfast, we will go to Funko Everett. It's a nice small island you can stroll around for hours. Grouse and Capilano are in the city. Harbour Air flies from Seattle to Vancouver 4 times a day. Then eventually drive back to tour Seattle before heading back the following Tuesday. In Whistler, there is the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre that I think is a good attraction. Summer also has long hours of daylight. The bridge is inside of a family-friendly nature park (entry to the park and therefore the bridge is paid). Please Note: This post may contain some affiliate links. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. Of course, ensure you prearrange the car rental a few weeks in advance for best options. Airlines. In the forested national parks, I find the bug bite thing completely indispensable. This central northwestern region of North America offers many attractions for transient travelers, including plenty of places to shop for produce, browse the art, take scenic drives, and even gamble. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This is much closer to Whistler but probably a better price. Ryan Divish. Keep your eyes peeled for more bald eagles and other wildlife. Winthrop makes the perfect stop for your return to civilization. When you are researching your trip to the Pacific Northwest, you will likely read somewhere that a visit to the Space Needle in Seattle is a must (free with the Seattle city pass). Opening hours: 10am - 5pm daily (late nights on Tuesdays and the first Friday of the month) Admission: $24 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, youths and children (under 5s go free) Swim in Kitsilano pool - 2 hours When the day has warmed up, head over to cool Kistilano for some relaxation pool-side. Check out my weekend getaway ideas!Always practical, accompanied by beautiful photography and a bit of history, my goal is to help you create and fulfill the ultimate travel bucket list. I live her and I go there frequently! Here, on the 70th floor (much higher than the sky tower) you can watch the sunset over the big city. One thing I have never seen in all my travels is the towers of berries prominently on display in the market. This park is a fantastic place to visit for a day. Day 6, we would be flying out of Seattle. Please take personal protection and stay healthy and safe during your trip. The most famous room, the glasshouse, is a fantastic place for vacation pictures, the diffused light and glass flowers put you right into an Alice in Wonderland for the social media age atmosphere. For Vancouver, not counting your travel days no more than 2 or 3 at the most. The pass is valid over a generous 9 days of use so its ideal for a vacation of a week or more. I will write more about this topic later, but for now, lets get back to the waterfront. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In many paid US campgrounds, you can drive in, fill out a self-registration form, deposit cash into an envelope and pick an unoccupied campsite. The tour guides (who work on tips) will walk you through the neighborhood and share a bit about this famous areas history and notable attractions. Vancouver Island 2 Days Shared Tour including3/4/5 Star Hotel (Mandarin&English) 1. from $287.10. See culture, outdoors, romantic, and beaches. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! We dropped our rental car off right at the airport, said our goodbyes, and started planning for our next girls trip! The birthplace of companies such as Starbucks and Microsoft, this urban oasis has much to offer. Share this: Airport Pick up. Spend the rest of your day exploring the stops there is much to do at every single one. This incredible attraction is more a wonderland than a true museum. Mount Baker Highwayalso known as State Route 542runs from East Bellingham to Mount Baker, while the North Cascades Scenic Highway stretches over 140 miles from Burlington and Sedro-Woolley in the west to Twisp in the east. Required fields are marked *. Either way, get back to the city around 2 pm for your trip back via the beautiful Amtrak route to Seattle. Located just a few hours apart and accessible by plane, train, bus, car, or even ferry services, these two major cities provide plenty to do on their own, but there are several fun things to do when traveling between them as well. We were able to board the train around 4 pm which meant we did not have to wait in a long immigration line and instead got to relax in comfort until the train began to move. Next to whale watching, the most famous attraction in Vancouver is almost certainly the Catalano Bridge. Also, there is the Sea to Sky Gondola just south of Squamish. If youre traveling with your own car, the drive downtown is about the same length, depending on traffic. The train leaves at 5.45 (be sure to book tickets at least a few weeks in advance as they go quickly) but I was able to get to the station early and score a great window seat. Depending on the weather you can easily alternate my suggested itinerary for day 3 and day 4 in Vancouver. The drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC is 145 miles or 233 kilometers. Even though its very busy with visitors, Butchart Gardens is a must do in Victoria for most visitors. I hope you have enjoyed your first day in Seattle, we will get to explore this city much more at the tail end of your trip. There is also the Audain Gallery. . If youre driving, youll need to take the BC ferry back to Vancouver OR the Coho ferry to Port Angeles. Amtrak train system is similar to the train system in Europe although it does not cover nearly as many locations. The other well-known tourist attraction in Seattle is the Museum of Pop Culture. Day 6: More of the Pacific Rim and driving to Nanaimo. With free wifi, power outlets at each seat, and far more legroom than your average airline, the journey is not just comfortable but convenient. It includes the visit to Space Needle, Seattle Art Museum and nearby attractions with an approximate trip budget of USD 654. The boat, which only holds about 20 people was far more intimate than some competitors, and because you are closer to the water you get a much better perspective. Instead of making Lenin a father like presence, as common in Soviet republics at the time, the artist created an angry, striding figure. If you prefer traveling without a car, then this itinerary is absolutely ideal for you! This German-influenced town is a bustling little metropolis with tons of shops, restaurants, and hotels. In just a couple of days in Vancouver, I saw countless birds, including entire flocks bald eagles. Answer 1 of 5: Hi everyone! Take the WA State ferry from Anacortes to Sidney, BC - or - the Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria harbour. What other activities can we do in Whistler (keeping in mind we have parents in 60s and a toddler with us)? For your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can take the bus between Ballard and UW, or if youre into long walks you can also walk there on the flat, paved Burke Gilman Trail, with beautiful views of the city and unique Gasworks Park. Hi! These make for unusual social media pictures, so if you are into that kind of thing definitely be sure to stop by the fresh market. The first is to stay at the waterfront and get a beer with some views and the second is to walk or get a taxi to the Chihuly Glass museums and gardens. Ferries run once a day except from May to September, when they depart twice daily. You can join one of a dozen free walking tours here ask your hotel for a recommendation. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle without a car, Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle driving itinerary. There are dozens of campgrounds here US and private, and several free ones. Tickets cost $45 - $65 and the journey takes 4h. What to pack for a week in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle, Best 3 day Seattle itinerary from a Seattleite, https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. In a car, its a quick shot up I-5 from Seattle to the Canadian border and on to Vancouver. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93151112', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Vancouver on the 5th day. Proceed to the Freemont Troll. The little boats show up every 5 to 10 minutes and will take you to any of the 7 different stops in the false creek Hornby Street, Granville Island, David Lam Park, Stamps Landing, Spyglass Place, Yaletown, Plaza of Nations and the Olympic Village. If youre driving, the trip will take most of the day and you need reservations. Is this itinerary too much to do? Here too is your last chance for a restaurant and a store. Leavenworth is another town thats definitely worth a visit. PIN and save for later! It is a company mainly engaged in the management of pop culture creative toys. Register Profile Send me a quote Email this page No ratings yet Add review: Call 877 479-2500 for more information or to book today! Road conditions from Seattle to Vancouver Seattle 35F Snow Feels like 25.99 Wind speed 13 mph Pressure 995 hPa Shoreline 34F Snow Feels like 31.48 Wind speed 3 mph Pressure 995 hPa Mountlake Terrace 34F Snow Feels like 31.6 Wind speed 3 mph Pressure 995 hPa Mill Creek 34F Snow Feels like 29.71 Wind speed 5 mph Pressure 994 hPa Everett 35F The station is only a few minutes away from downtown Vancouver and I suggest staying in the middle of it all. These cookies do not store any personal information. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots of time there every year. Find and plan your next 3 day cruise to Seattle with cabin price comparison and variety of dates to choose from. >>. Check the city's events calendar to see if you'll be in town during one of these special annual celebrations. So you are planning to use Squamish as your base for Whistler? This does not include travel to Vancouver Island or other places, just the ciy. About 5 hours and you will have scenery to enjoy. You might consider travelling from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Vancouver, British Columbia. With a toddler, I recommend using the False Creek Ferries for a ride around, with stops at Granville Island, Olympic Village, and Yaletown. Killer whales live in small pods and this pod had two members, and possibly others who were hiding nearby and waiting for the successful hunt completion. A day trip from Vancouver to Victoria will take 13-14 hours, with 4 hours of that travelling each way and will be restricted to the bus. United States - 2.5 Days in Seattle! The Empress Hotel is the most famous place for Afternoon Tea, but as I mentioned, I prefer the tea offering at Butchart Gardens (and its less expensive). Situated in one of America's most beautiful . Several major airlines, including United, Delta and Alaska, fly non-stop from Seattles Sea-Tac Airport to Vancouver International daily in about an hour. If you like stationeries, Paper-Ya is for you. And so, I settled on a seven-day trip that combined some of the best urban and natural highlights. It is possible to travel by ferry from Seattle to Vancouver if youve got time to explore Victoria and Vancouver Island. There are intense wind and rain storms from time to time and occasional snow. 11 years ago Save I hope your stopping to visit Portland on your way to Seattle. . Since London was named the best city for 2023, her, heres to future garden parties and slow weekend, hey there! Tulalip Resort Casinolocated next to the Seattle Premium Outlets at I-5exit #202is a full-service resort destination, with upscale lodging and dining, meeting facilities, and a spa. Seattle is a pretty small place, so 3-4 days is plenty, unless you plan on taking a day trip outside the city (hiking etc). On day 3 go all the way through to Whistler. Check the BC Connector schedule and fares from Vancouver to Victoria here. All the stores in Winthrop have old west storefronts and decorations, and there are no shortage of restaurants or places to shop here. Travel Apr 27 - May 01. A really well reviewed one is the GAdventures tours the National Parks of the Pacific Northwest. The beautiful Seattle waterfront has much to offer and you can spend hours strolling here. I'm Jennie. at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the B.C. Take 5 all the way up to 530 east. <