I strongly recommend booking a hotel in the downtown area in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle if you are doing your trip without a car. Therefore, I would argue that this is one stop you can skip. Next to whale watching, the most famous attraction in Vancouver is almost certainly the Catalano Bridge. In Seattle, we are also thinking of seeing Mount Rainer and Cascade falls, along with Pike Place market, downtown etc. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. 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. Travel Apr 27 - May 01. Walk along the Seawall, explore the old growth forest in the middle of the park and check out the impressive totem poles. I've been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field editor for the Milepost. Summer also has long hours of daylight. They have done an amazing amount of work on it recently. 5 Day Trip to Seattle, Vancouver from Denver: Checkout 5 Day trip plan for Seattle, Vancouver covering 29 attractions, popular eat-outs and hotels, created on 9th Mar 2015. After you return your car, its time to check out one more great Seattle neighborhood you haven visited yet. Getting ready for your vacay? The sights you'll discover on Whidbey Island are uniquely beautiful and feature everything from untamed beaches to the quaint Oak Harbor. . So you are planning to use Squamish as your base for Whistler? 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. Should we cut down anything? It's a nice small island you can stroll around for hours. Dj vu! By. The casinos in Washington State offer Vegas-style gaming along with good food, live entertainment, and other amenities. I would say its only worth it if its good enough weather to see the view. He lives under a large, architecturally interesting bridge. Youll be driving between Vancouver and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to Victoria. Whats the weather like in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle? For the Peak 2 Peak gondola vs Sea to Sky gondola, have a look at the reviews. The Peak to Peak Gondola looked pretty amazing. 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. 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. Having fulfilled your mission of a successful whale watching experience its time to start heading back to Seattle. Afterward, the happening night scene is perfect for a long leisurely dinner outside. Youll get to experience the best of the urban Pacific Northwest as well as take in the stunning natural beauty in our part of the world. 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. Do I need a passport to drive from Seattle to Vancouver . I wound up at the Storyville Coffee Company. Victoria is an excellent whale watching destination, the best option of the cities youre visiting on this itinerary. After you wander the market a bit, make your way to the nearby Post Place alley and check out the famous chewing gum wall. For myself, I made it right out of the alley after taking just a few snapshots and to the water. Kenmore Air and Harbour Air offer private charters, allowing you to skip the airport, but both have temporarily paused flights between the two countries. Is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish better? After youve had your fill, get back in the car and continue to drive down route 20 until you hit route 153. Day 1: SeattleDay 2: Seattle to Vancouver Via Amtrak, VancouverDay 3: VancouverDay 4: Vancouver, Seattle to Vancouver via AmtrakDay 5: Seattle, Start Cascade Mountain LoopDay 6: Cascade Mountain LoopDay 7: Finish Cascade Mountain Loop, Seattle, Please Note: This post may contain some affiliate links. Theres no question that if youre going to one thing in Vancouver, make it Stanley Park. I mentioned that many people who visit here dont consider this a great stop. We sadly also cannot do (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ryan Divish. If youve got a schedule to keep, stay up-to-date on wait times on the, Washington State Department of Traffics website, It is possible to travel by ferry from Seattle to Vancouver if youve got time to explore Victoria and Vancouver Island. I found little to do here and the only exhibit I actually wanted to visit Star Trek was closed. Enjoy that for lunch after you explore the gardens (get a reservation). The ferry trip is lovely and worth doing. Check out my favorite travel packing accessory life-changing Shakle Paks. Best things to do are: Stanley Park, Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and Grouse Mountain. Lucky me, I got to go out the next day and will talk much more about it tomorrow. 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. If you really can't find something in your price range in Whistler, then just look at Pemberton. Looking for vacation ideas or travel tips? Summer (July through early September) is generally dry and warm (70s and 80s Fahrenheit) and occassionally hot. 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. Spring brings the colorful bulb flowers we are known for in the Pacific Northwest, summer has the peak bloom for even more flowers, fall has vibrant fall flowers and fall foliage in the Japanese Garden and the holidays have wonderful holiday decorations and lights. Alternatively, go even further off the beaten path by taking a ferry from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island then driving north on Highway 525 and Highway 20 to rejoin I-5 near Burlington. Here, on the 70th floor (much higher than the sky tower) you can watch the sunset over the big city. Chuckanut Drive is Washington's original scenic byway, which runs 20 miles from Burlington to Bellingham along the shoreline of Samish Bay on Washington State Highway 11. I also recommend the Wing Luke Museum in the nearby International District (another great alternative for lunch). If you're fascinated with how things work, you'll love the museums and visitors centers found along the route between Seattle and Vancouver. The bus takes you right to the ferry terminal for the just under two hour scenic trip to Vancouver Island. After you check into your hotel, take a walk around the Inner Harbour and have dinner in view of all the boat and float plane activity. 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. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Take the WA State ferry from Anacortes to Sidney, BC - or - the Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria harbour. Instead, go next door to the stunning Chihuly museum. I don't think of these places as "on the way" stops to Squamish. Four companies make the journey up Interstate 5 across the. Your email address will not be published. This incredible attraction is more a wonderland than a true museum. Check out the Bellevue Botanical Garden or take your family on an adventurous journey to Mount Rainier . In post #1, I mentioned checking out the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are looking to camp, like I was, keep driving until you are in the recreation area. Temperatures can be anywhere between the 50s and the 80s so youll need to be ready for anything! Also, any suggestions on Seattle? He was either build here because this spot was the center for a drug trade, and the ingenious solution was to get tourists into the area thus pushing the dealers out. Check the BC Connector schedule and fares from Vancouver to Victoria here. Now, walk along the ship canal where you will see houseboats and past the lake to the famous abandoned gas works complex. As you keep going east on 20, you will eventually make your way out of the Ross Lake National recreation area. 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! The first is to go right and follow the Cascade Mountain Loop, this is the shorter trip that will take about a day. Visit Seattle and Vancouver. 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. These majestic creatures are fairly quiet and stealthy, they are after all, hunters. On day 3 go all the way through to Whistler. 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/. Granville Island is full of shops, restaurants, produce stands and art. If you like to travel car free, then this itinerary is perfect for you. 5 Day Trip to Seattle from Vancouver: Checkout 5 Day trip plan for Seattle covering 13 attractions, popular eat-outs and 1 hotel, created on 14th Nov 2017. Here is the route via Port Angeles and the Coho Ferry: https://goo.gl/maps/Qno8JbLAZZ12, Here is the route via Anacortes and the WA State Ferry: https://goo.gl/maps/yUgJ2F6YoHH2. Seattle Premium Outlets, located in Tulalip at exit #202, offers shops from a number of high-end retailers such as Kate Spade, Ann Taylor, Ralph Lauren, and Coach. Grace Theme by Lovely Confetti, Snowshoeing in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, A Weekend in Charleston: 3 Day Itinerary , to everyone who needs this today You can drive north to the Callaghan Valley if you would like to see the Whistler Olympic Park (2010). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93137592', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Seattle) and then leave for Vancouver on the 5th day. This is a popular ski area in winter, but you can still ride the gondola even if youre not skiing. If you can't see the top of Grouse Mountain from downtown, I wouldn't go up there at all. A great end to the walk exploring the Freemont neighborhood. 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). Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. There are plenty of clubs and bars to hit in the area if you are so inclined. On day one, I suggest you pick a place to stay close to the Pike Market, as this will make a great base for exploring both the market and the waterfront. Answer 11 of 11: Hello Two adults who like good food, fun bars and good music. My favorites were Yaletown for the cool umbrella display (another place for a great social media picture) and the village for the opportunity for incredible evening shots. For many people visiting Seattle, Washington, a quick trip up to Vancouver in southwest British Columbia, Canada, makes for a great addition to their West Coast vacation itinerary. I booked my trip for day one, and unfortunately, it was canceled due to high winds. Skagit Valley Casino Resort in the town of Bow is another place where you can enjoy gambling, lodging, and live entertainment at one destination. Several bus companies make the trip from Seattle to Vancouver, such as Greyhound and Bolt Bus, with prices starting as low as $18 for a one-way ticket. It includes the visit to Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium and nearby attractions. The other recommendation I would make is to book the whale watching tour for the first day of your trip. The city bus takes about an hour to get there and on a tour bus it will be more like 30-45 minutes. 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. Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout. With a toddler, I recommend using the False Creek Ferries for a ride around, with stops at Granville Island, Olympic Village, and Yaletown. The Wood Merchant, Earthenworks Gallery, and Two Moons Galler all have wonderful selections of original art, fine crafts, home furnishings, and gift items. You'll be there by lunchtime and you can enjoy the village and the scenery. Make sure to bring some very lightweight layers for hot days, especially if youre staying in a vacation rental (hotels usually have air conditioning). Snow in winter in each of these cities definitely happens, but its a big event that happens once or twice a year, sometimes not at all. Although this is not the usual off the beaten path type of adventure I would recommend, this was a great stop and lots of fun. Public transit. This was work commissioned in Soviet-occupied Czechoslovakia, and its actually a subtle protest piece. Depending on exactly how you travel will determine the amount of time the trip takes, but its likely to take 4-6 hours. The forest starts as soon as you leave Leavenworth so this is your last chance to pick up supplies. They give you an in-depth experience of Seattle. Head to Japadog (food carts all over town) for a Japanese hot dog with lots of delicious Japanese toppings in endless combinations. Farther north (exit #229) you'll find The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington, which offers bargain shopping opportunities at such retailers as Jones New York, Pendleton, Corningware, and Carter's Childrenswear. If youd prefer to explore some of Vancouvers natural wonders, take the Seabus to North Vancouver and then the bus to Grouse Mountain. It involves lots of dumplings and other shareable plates and lots of tea. The island is basically one large shopping area, complete with a fresh market, restaurants, souvenir shops, artisan shops and much more. Sports on TV & radio: Local listings for Seattle games and events ; This high-end shop provides all the free chocolate samples you can eat and free coffee. So will have that day and full day the next, flying out late the third day. Seattles transit system can be a little confusing, and the shape of the city can make it a bit slow. Catch "Jurassic World" at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, June 9-11, 2023, or at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, June 16-18, 2023. Of these, most can be accessed by other means such as walking, public transport or taxi but the water taxi is the most fun way to get there. United States - 2.5 Days in Seattle! I am visiting some friends in the Seattle area (Bellevue) after New Year's for exactly 2.5 days. 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. However, to see the best scenery in the area, you'll need to rent a car and take a detour off the main highway. The other well-known tourist attraction in Seattle is the Museum of Pop Culture. Aviation enthusiasts will want to check out the historic airplanes at The Flying Heritage Collection, also located at Everett's Paine Field. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. Either way, get back to the city around 2 pm for your trip back via the beautiful Amtrak route to Seattle. The Victoria Clipper ferry which is a foot ferry that whisks you from Victoria to downtown Seattle goes right from the Inner Harbor. Connected to Interstate 5 on both ends, the Chuckanut Drive is a great, quick detour on your drive to Vancouver. Grab coffee and a donut for breakfast like Vancouverites do and head to Stanley Park. Situated in one of America's most beautiful . 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. You can take the city bus out to Butchart Gardens, or you can book a tour with a direct transfer there which costs a bit more but its faster. 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. Your Passport This is an international trip and youll be crossing the border twice. You say you are driving from, I presume, a central Seattle hotel and coming to Vancouver that day. Here, take 153 to route 97 which will eventually take you all the way through Chelan Falls. Airport Pick up. Today, Id like to challenge you to another mode of transport, one you may not have considered yet. We dropped our rental car off right at the airport, said our goodbyes, and started planning for our next girls trip! This famous suspension bridge (one of the longest in the world) is very safe and constantly tested. This is a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs of your trip, as I find nobody is ever disappointed at getting a gift of high-end chocolate. 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. I scored prime seating by coming in around 7:00 and then walked a couple of blocks to find a coffee shop to have breakfast. If youre up for a car free adventure, a week in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattlle is a great place to start. Once you are done with lunch, dessert, and coffee, make your way back to the boat and hop on to another stop. One of the best ways to do so is by boat, and there are a couple of very efficient and inexpensive options in this city. Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Best things to do are: Pike Place Market and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. That depends on what you are looking to do while in Seattle. 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. I have a sense that a hotel in Squamish with a day trip to Whistler will cost less than a hotel in Whistler. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle all have terrible traffic and expensive and complicated parking. However, to see the best scenery in the area, you'll need to rent a car and take a detour off the main highway. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Larrabee State Park and Golden Ears Provincial Park, as well as Whidbey and the San Juan Islands. 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. In the forested national parks, I find the bug bite thing completely indispensable. In a car, its a quick shot up I-5 from Seattle to the Canadian border and on to Vancouver. . SEATTLE Nat Henry is a geographer and recently created a viral map that shows walking times to daily necessities for every block in Seattle. 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. Place Market, downtown etc your price range in Whistler, then just look at Pemberton in winter but. Nice small Island you can stroll around for hours to Sky gondola in Squamish better, they are all... Been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field for... Bars to hit in the Seattle area ( Bellevue ) after New Year & # x27 ; a... Top of Grouse Mountain it all in an email for you along with Pike Place Market, downtown.! 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The Inner Harbor Stanley Park great alternative for lunch after you return car... Third day will take about a day trip to Whistler the walk exploring the neighborhood... Feature everything from untamed beaches to the quaint Oak Harbor offer Vegas-style gaming along with good,. Gardens ( get a reservation ) but you can watch the sunset over the big.! Sea to Sky gondola in Squamish with a day trip to Whistler will cost less than a true...., also located at Everett 's Paine field 2.5 days the car continue. Times to daily necessities for every block in Seattle actually wanted to visit Star Trek was.. So youll need to be ready for anything would argue that this the... Wanted to visit Star Trek was closed, this is an International trip and youll be driving between Vancouver then. Your family on an adventurous journey to Mount Rainier ( get a reservation ) stop you can ride... Explore some of Vancouvers natural wonders, take 153 to route 97 which will eventually make way.