If you prefer traveling without a car, then this itinerary is absolutely ideal for you! Several major airlines, including United, Delta and Alaska, fly non-stop from Seattles Sea-Tac Airport to Vancouver International daily in about an hour. Earlier in the itinerary, I talked about the famous Seattle Spaceneedle. 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. Orca whales are frequently seen in the waters surrounding Victoria and there are plenty of tours that go directly from the Inner Harbour. Outside of rush hours, the trip typically takes 3-3.5 hours but although customs and Border Control is efficiently run, back-ups can slow your journey down. How far is the drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC? There is free day parking in Whistler, so its no problem to drive in for the day, but not all the way from Squamish. After watching some flying fish, I made my way to the second floor and had lunch at Honest Biscuit, a small place with delicious biscuit sandwiches, easily accompanied with a beer from next door. I booked my trip for day one, and unfortunately, it was canceled due to high winds. Victoria is an excellent whale watching destination, the best option of the cities youre visiting on this itinerary. Leave Whistler after lunch, head to the ferry and through to Victoria for one night. About 4 hours, 2N Squamish - with a day trip to Whistler. Arrive in Vancouver, BC. The bus takes you right to the ferry terminal for the just under two hour scenic trip to Vancouver Island. 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. I stayed on Granville street, and if you are here for the weekend and looking for a hot night scene, this is definitely the place to be. All of these cities are very casual, while you can dress up if you want to, youre not likely to encounter a situation where any kind of dressing up is required. Airport Pick up. The beautiful Seattle waterfront has much to offer and you can spend hours strolling here. Reservations for a vehicle on the Coho ferry are necessary. There are many places to stop along the way including beautiful scenery spots, recreation areas, and plenty of places to take pictures. Ive done this plenty of times and Google Maps works great to navigate the transit transfers and timing Another option to get from Vancouver to Victoria is to take the BC Connector, which costs more but theres less for you to figure out. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Additionally, local oyster and shellfish farms provide their wonderful products to markets and restaurants in the area, and oyster lovers will want to stop at one or more of the eateries located along Chuckanut Drive. Sometimes the excursions can get canceled and if they are canceled due to bad weather, you still have another day to try again. It will enrich your visit. On day 3 go all the way through to Whistler. Check the city's events calendar to see if you'll be in town during one of these special annual celebrations. For a more expansive look at the Pacific Northwest, take the sea route through Puget Sound to Vancouver Island then back to the British Columbia mainland, less than an hour via car or public transit to downtown Vancouver. It would be the best if you park at the historic site free parking lots . It works especially well for kids who are sensitive or allergic to bites. Day 4: Drive from Sooke to Ucluelet and explore all the lakes. This is when you could go to Victoria. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. For the best prices, I price compare Hotwire and SkyScanner Auto . Despite this, rain is possible any time of year in the coastal Pacific Northwest. Having fulfilled your mission of a successful whale watching experience its time to start heading back to Seattle. Lucky me, I got to go out the next day and will talk much more about it tomorrow. 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. I would say its only worth it if its good enough weather to see the view. It doesn't matter which itinerary you pick - top attractions, easy going, family, or packed - you will not miss out on any of the major tourist spots. More info. Check the BC Connector schedule and fares from Vancouver to Victoria here. Fall (late September through mid November) has lots of sunny summer like days, and other days that feel more like winter. Make sure to have a reservation for your vehicle for the ferry. Please, Best Things To Do in the Palawan, Philippines, 10 Best Things To do in Coconut Grove, Florida, How to grow your account on Vero a guide for artists, Sao Miguel Azores, Portugal The Complete Guide, Review of NordicTrack s22i Bike A Stuck-In-Pandemic-Limbo Travelers Perspective. Youll get into Seattle around 10 pm, and tomorrow is another big day so get some sleep. There are vehicle ferries if you choose to take your car. If you like to travel car free, then this itinerary is perfect for you. Alternatively, head over to Canada Place for FlyOver Canada for epic views no matter what the weather is doing. But all four companies take you from downtown to downtown in 3.25-4 hours several times a day for less than $50. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If on the other,r hand you are not interested in going out at night, stay away from Granville street, because this is definitely not a quiet neighborhood on weekends. If you want to sleep in a hotel a Leavenworth is a great place to stay. a VT member from Seattle. Make sure to explore all the piers, so if you are facing the water, start out by going left, which will take you to the amusement park, the aquarium and other attractions on the lower piers. Here too is your last chance for a restaurant and a store. I w. In case you needed a reason to visit London The cheapest by far is BoltBus, some of whose seven daily trips north start at just a dollar. Meanwhile, the Museum of Northwest Art and the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum present unique galleries and exhibits dedicated to regional artists and art programs. Visitors hoping to experience more of Dutch culture can stay at The Mill, which is located inside a functional windmill, or dine on some delicious traditional pastries at the Lynden Dutch Bakery. 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. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. This hole in the wall is always packed with diners, and their classic sandwiches are a must try while in Seattle. 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. With free wifi, power outlets at each seat, and far more legroom than your average airline, the journey is not just comfortable but convenient. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154948-d1017107-Reviews-Whistler_Olympic_Park-Whistler_British_Columbia.html. For a cultural day, walk or take the bus or sky train to Chinatown for Dim Sum. Now, walk a bit over to the Lenin sculpture. For whale watching, I traveled with Seabreeze Adventures. 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). Required fields are marked *. I've been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field editor for the Milepost. Check out my favorite travel packing accessory life-changing Shakle Paks. Today, Id like to challenge you to another mode of transport, one you may not have considered yet. 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. The second is the loupe I recommend it the longer way around to Lake Diablo and Ross Lake National Recreation Area. For now, prepare to move to Vancouver, a Canadian city just a few hours north of American Seattle. Day 1: How to spend a day in Seattle . This really doesn't make a lot of sense to me. It will make your life so much easier to be close to transit and make it easier and faster to get around. This is on a Monday morning I cant even imagine how bad the lines get on a Saturday or a Sunday. >>. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Beavers making dams in crystal clear city water. 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. Don't forget to find Cows in the Village for ice cream. SURPRISE . If you are looking for something different, check out one of the many museums in Vancouver such as the Museum of Anthropology or the Vancouver Maritime Museum and learn much more about the history of British Colombia. I found little to do here and the only exhibit I actually wanted to visit Star Trek was closed. If you're fascinated with how things work, you'll love the museums and visitors centers found along the route between Seattle and Vancouver. And there is also the Chihuly Glass exhibition. As you keep going east on 20, you will eventually make your way out of the Ross Lake National recreation area. Catalano park is located in the suburbs and there is not much else in the neighborhood the commute from the center is about an hour by public transport or forty-five minutes by car. If youve got a schedule to keep, stay up-to-date on wait times on the Washington State Department of Traffics website. What time do you plan to leave Seattle? She earned a, Discover Aviation, Science, and Technology at Museums, Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum. Dim Sum is a traditional Chinese meal that is very popular on in Vancouver. Farther north along Interstate 5 is the historic district of Fairhaven, located just south of downtown Bellingham, which has many locally owned shops and galleries where you'll find a great selection of affordable and unique items. Angela has been writing about life, travel, and recreation in the Northwest, where she grew up, since 2000. In Victoria, you can walk or take the bus around town and out to Butchart Gardens. Besides driving, buses offer the most flexibility for travel between Seattle and Vancouver, especially if you're on a budget. Spend the morning exploring one of Victorias excellent museums, such as the Royal BC Museum or the Maritime Museum and then head to Government Street to check out some of the wonderful local shops. Taking the bus to the ferry terminal on both sides is easy. Sports on TV & radio: Local listings for Seattle games and events ; The Amtrak Cascades route, which takes you from Seattle to Vancouver must be booked in advance, I suggest at least a couple of months in advance for this popular route. For my whale watching excursion, I picked Seabreeze adventures, a company that has several smaller boats going out each day. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! This is a popular ski area in winter, but you can still ride the gondola even if youre not skiing. I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. 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. 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). For the next two days, we are going to drive the Cascade mountain loop a stunning road trip you must see to believe. If youre driving, youre likely going to start and end in either Seattle or Vancouver and you can drive between them at the beginning or the end on Day 1 or 7. Vancouver has the best public transit of any of these three cities. Go to the beach, have some ice cream at Cows, enjoy the watching the mountain biking, walk around Lost Lake, etc. This journey takes 3 hours plus any possible border delays. Head up to the Space Needle if you want to see another great view from an iconic building. They do docent led tours every hour, I think, so maybe time your visit for one of those. Local favorite galleries include Gallery West, Artwood, and Renaissance Celebration, but newer additions like Whatcom Art Market and Uptown Art Studio also offer great places to shop for unique pieces of art. Grace Theme by Lovely Confetti, Snowshoeing in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, A Weekend in Charleston: 3 Day Itinerary , to everyone who needs this today As Ive spoken before, try to stick to smaller boats and you will have a better experience overall. The route's main draws are Mt. Id recommend having lunch there also and then making your way down to Pioneer Square. The space needle is right next door, but I would not recommend visiting here later. Rain jacket and/or umbrella you do not want to be without rain protection any time of year in the Pacific Northwest. Day 1 | Granville Island. train follows a scenic track from Seattles historic Pioneer Square district, up the craggy coast, to downtown Vancouvers Pacific Central Station. Have a leisurely morning with breakfast at your hotel, or take a walk on one of Vancouvers amazing trails before catching your bus to the ferry. For fresh oysters, stop by Pike Place Market or Taylor Shellfish Farms in Seattle or take a ferry ride to Vancouver Island for the Fanny Bay Oyster Bar. In the forested national parks, I find the bug bite thing completely indispensable. In my opinion, and I am very experienced with this, they also offer the best afternoon tea in Victoria. If youre traveling with your own car, the drive downtown is about the same length, depending on traffic. Granville Island is another absolute must do in Vancouver. Visit Seattle and Vancouver. It's a nice small island you can stroll around for hours. The 110-mile journey takes four hours and heads north three to four times a day. Additionally, in the highly unlikely event that you dont see a whale, Seabreeze will take you out again the next day, thus greatly increasing your chances of actually seeing the whales. There are also several forest trails nearby if you want to get more walking or hiking in. Find and plan your next 3 day cruise to Seattle with cabin price comparison and variety of dates to choose from. Regardless of the route you take from Seattle to Vancouver, you're in for a beautiful trip through the PNW. If you are hungry, go straight to lunch in what is called one of Americas best sandwich shops Paseo Caribbean Food. 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. The museum is a fairly quick stop and takes about an hour to visit. We sadly also cannot do (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The station is only a few minutes away from downtown Vancouver and I suggest staying in the middle of it all. It even costs less than the space needle, and of course, you will get classic Seattle pictures featuring the needle. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Seattle to Vancouver twice daily. Dont miss out just because there are lots of other people enjoying it too. If you take the Victoria Clipper, the trip is just 3 hours. Please take personal protection and stay healthy and safe during your trip. However, to see the best scenery in the area, you'll need to rent a car and take a detour off the main highway. 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/. Start at the waiting for the interurban sculpture, where figures build in the 1970s are waiting for a train that no longer functions, a memorial to the method of transit that used to connect this neighborhood with the rest of Seattle. Related: Best 3 day Seattle itinerary from a Seattleite. Once you arrive, take the elevator up the historic Smith Tower (my favorite view in Seattle) and enjoy a drink and a snack. Whatever you are looking for whether its fast and cheap, fancy, fresh, desert or anything in between youll find it on Granville Island. From Victoria, youll need a second ferry headed for Vancouver or, more accurately, for Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay. The sights you'll discover on Whidbey Island are uniquely beautiful and feature everything from untamed beaches to the quaint Oak Harbor. You can take the city bus from Vancouver to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, then the ferry to Swartz Bay and then the city bus again from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria. Are you finding that things are significantly cheaper in Squamish to make this worth your while? For dinner, make your way back to the waterfront or to Pike Place. Either way, get back to the city around 2 pm for your trip back via the beautiful Amtrak route to Seattle. Here too, I would argue: skip this well-known attraction. They also offer a free shuttle from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. Summer (July through early September) is generally dry and warm (70s and 80s Fahrenheit) and occassionally hot. The jewel of the northwest cascades route, is a prime time to relax, take pictures or just look out of the window. Instead of making Lenin a father like presence, as common in Soviet republics at the time, the artist created an angry, striding figure. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93137662', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Grouse Mountain and the Peak 2 Peak. Afterward, the happening night scene is perfect for a long leisurely dinner outside. . It's located about 2-3 hours from Seattle, and reservations are recommended. If youre driving for your Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle trip, give yourself plenty of extra time for traffic, border crossings and ferry waits. There is much to do here, and you can spend hours exploring the shops, the fish market, the flower market and much more. Take 5 all the way up to 530 east. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) OR Woodland Park Zoo, Chihuly Garden and Glass OR Pacific Science Center. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Here, take 153 to route 97 which will eventually take you all the way through Chelan Falls. Two of Washington's best art communities are found along the road between Seattle and Vancouver: La Conner and Fairhaven. If you have time on your hands, explore Seattle with any of our 5-day itineraries. All but Amtrak offer free onboard wifi and power outlets. 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. Besides driving, buses offer the most flexibility for travel between Seattle and Vancouver, especially if youre on a budget. Im describing this trip starting in Vancouver and ending in Seattle, but you can also do it the other way. It includes the visit to Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium and nearby attractions. 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! Going out each day and plan your next 3 day cruise to.... Paseo Caribbean Food just under two hour scenic trip to Vancouver twice daily the weather is doing offer most! Option of the cities youre visiting on this itinerary is absolutely ideal for you and heads north three to times! It easier and faster to get around next day and will talk much more it... 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