The gondola ride to the top of the mountain brings epic views of Vancouver, Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. Several major airlines, including United, Delta and Alaska, fly non-stop from Seattles Sea-Tac Airport to Vancouver International daily in about an hour. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, Capitol Hill) READINGS & TALKS. 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. Top questions are easier to see if you aren't on a mobile device. The city bus takes about an hour to get there and on a tour bus it will be more like 30-45 minutes. There are no shortages of places to eat here. The lines at the tower are huge just to pick up tickets, the wait is about 45 minutes. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. So will have that day and full day the next, flying out late the third day. That might be an alternative for you, so you have more time in Whistler for other activities. Spend the rest of your day exploring the stops there is much to do at every single one. The sights you'll discover on Whidbey Island are uniquely beautiful and feature everything from untamed beaches to the quaint Oak Harbor. Hop the Victoria Clipper at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the B.C. You are located very close to Seattle now so at this point get back to highway 5 which will get you back to Seattle in time to return your car by 12 pm. How far is the drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC? If you have time on your hands, explore Seattle with any of our 5-day itineraries. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots of time there every year. After setting up base, head to Granville Island. This journey takes 3 hours plus any possible border delays. 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. Interstate 5 is not only the most direct route between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, it also offers plenty of lovely scenery to enjoy while you driveor even while you relax on a BoltBus. If you can't see the top of Grouse Mountain from downtown, I wouldn't go up there at all. Victoria is an excellent whale watching destination, the best option of the cities youre visiting on this itinerary. Day 1: How to spend a day in Seattle . Of course, ensure you prearrange the car rental a few weeks in advance for best options. . This park is a fantastic place to visit for a day. Public transitLink Light Rail in Washington andCanada Line in B.C.will get you from town to your flight and vice versa in 30-40 minutes for under six bucks. United States - 2.5 Days in Seattle! It involves lots of dumplings and other shareable plates and lots of tea. Your email address will not be published. Here too, I would argue: skip this well-known attraction. 5 Days 4 Nights. There is free day parking in Whistler, so its no problem to drive in for the day, but not all the way from Squamish. Squamish is a great spot for adventure tourism, and its very scenic, but it just doesn't look like a worthwhile stop for your group. I booked my trip for day one, and unfortunately, it was canceled due to high winds. Tickets cost $45 - $65 and the journey takes 4h. Admire indigenous art pieces in the Eagle Spirit Gallery. Just 2.5 hours by car and about an hour by plane, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled. The ferry trip is lovely and worth doing. The 140-mile road trip from Seattle to Vancouver takes 2 hours 30 minutes. Analysis: Projecting the Mariners' opening-day roster early in spring training. 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. In Victoria, you can walk or take the bus around town and out to Butchart Gardens. He lives under a large, architecturally interesting bridge. 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. For my whale watching excursion, I picked Seabreeze adventures, a company that has several smaller boats going out each day. Here youll really get to know Seattles weird side. The first is to go right and follow the Cascade Mountain Loop, this is the shorter trip that will take about a day. Is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish better? Find the travel option that best suits you. 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. In Spring and Fall, weather is much less predictable and different types of weather are possible even in the same day. On day 3 go all the way through to Whistler. Vancouver has the best public transit of any of these three cities. Getting around downtown on foot is very doable, though there are some steep hills. Should we cut down anything? Note: Consult guidelines from the Canadian government before traveling, as COVID restrictions and requirements (including vaccination status and testing) are changing frequently. Amtrak train system is similar to the train system in Europe although it does not cover nearly as many locations. I'm Jennie. After youve had your fill, get back in the car and continue to drive down route 20 until you hit route 153. Make sure you dont miss Rogers Chocolates and Munros Books as well as Murchies Coffee and Tea. This is an ideal car free trip though you can also do it in a car. . https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154948-d1017107-Reviews-Whistler_Olympic_Park-Whistler_British_Columbia.html. It includes the visit to Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium and nearby attractions. Everyone must have valid passports for this crossing. Spring is still winter in the mountains with deep snow until late June. Settle in on the trains left side to get the best views of the wild coastline. Although this national forest is not quite the thick rainforest of the north, the trees here are much larger than you would have noticed on your drive south. 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. 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. To explore more Seattle highlights, take the Monorail to Seattle Center. Im describing this trip starting in Vancouver and ending in Seattle, but you can also do it the other way. Ive been to these places many times, love them dearly and cant wait to share it with you. Of course, if you end up going out to the water on day one of your itinerary you can simply switch the experiences around and go to Catalano bridge on day two. Find and plan your next 3 day cruise to Seattle with cabin price comparison and variety of dates to choose from. 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. 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. With free wifi, power outlets at each seat, and far more legroom than your average airline, the journey is not just comfortable but convenient. Depending on the time of year, you'll find berries, hazelnuts, cheeses and dairy products, cider, apples, and even freshly bottled wine at several wineries, many of which have tasting rooms. If you have no time to waste, the best way to travel from Seattle to Vancouver is by air. Hi! 11 years ago Save I hope your stopping to visit Portland on your way to Seattle. If you have time before your Victoria Clipper ferry, take a walk or a Tally-ho carriage ride through Beacon Hill Park, an enormous and beautiful park behind the Parliament Buildings. Make a quick pass by the Freemont rocket, which was supposed to be pointed at city hall but when the installers couldnt figure out how to do it, they just pointed to the sky. Theres a relatively new glass floor that you can walk out on if you are into that kind of thing. Once you arrive, take the elevator up the historic Smith Tower (my favorite view in Seattle) and enjoy a drink and a snack. After that, head to the University of British Columbia campus and visit the UBC Museum of Anthropology. The region north of Seattle contains some of the lushest and most productive farmland in the world, and fresh produce is available for purchase in farm stands and markets throughout Skagit and Whatcom counties. Instead, I suggest visiting the sky view observatory. SEATTLE Nat Henry is a geographer and recently created a viral map that shows walking times to daily necessities for every block in Seattle. Two of Washington's best art communities are found along the road between Seattle and Vancouver: La Conner and Fairhaven. You can join one of a dozen free walking tours here ask your hotel for a recommendation. Alternatively, the city also hosts a number of Dutch-themed events throughout the year. Besides driving, buses offer the most flexibility for travel between Seattle and Vancouver, especially if youre on a budget. Inspirock I spend a few hours here wandering the trails and listening to the guides, and I could have easily spent the whole day. 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. Aquabus and its smaller competitor False Creek Ferries, are basically motorized bathtubs driven by older teenagers. Here, take 153 to route 97 which will eventually take you all the way through Chelan Falls. For whale watching, I traveled with Seabreeze Adventures. Some Michigan residents faced a fourth straight day without power as crews worked to restore electricity . I wound up at the Storyville Coffee Company. Youll need to be ready for anything in Fall too. Now, walk along the ship canal where you will see houseboats and past the lake to the famous abandoned gas works complex. If youd like you can join the factory tour here as well, although they are pretty popular, so you may need to wait a bit. Check the city's events calendar to see if you'll be in town during one of these special annual celebrations. a hotel to stay for the night your last chance is in Marblemount. Thanks for subscribing! It is possible to travel by ferry from Seattle to Vancouver if youve got time to explore Victoria and Vancouver Island. The cheapest way to get from Seattle to Vancouver costs only $25, and the quickest way takes just 1 hour. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! 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. Note the dogs face thats the face of a famous resident of the Freemont neighborhood and the man who invented recycling. Here youll find little stores and diners along the way, perfect for a breakfast stop before you enter civilization again. You can walk to the Pioneer Square neighborhood, the International District and the stadiums, or take a short bus ride from downtown. Winthrop makes the perfect stop for your return to civilization. However, to see the best scenery in the area, you'll need to rent a car and take a detour off the main highway. Beavers making dams in crystal clear city water. for those of you who are new around h. Orca whales are frequently seen in the waters surrounding Victoria and there are plenty of tours that go directly from the Inner Harbour. Summer (July through early September) is generally dry and warm (70s and 80s Fahrenheit) and occassionally hot. About 4 hours, 2N Squamish - with a day trip to Whistler. But all four companies take you from downtown to downtown in 3.25-4 hours several times a day for less than $50. Youll get into Seattle around 10 pm, and tomorrow is another big day so get some sleep. It really doesn't make sense at all. It even costs less than the space needle, and of course, you will get classic Seattle pictures featuring the needle. Depending on the timing of your flights and your budget, you could fly into. I am a Seattleite and I go to Vancouver and Victoria frequently. 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. If youve got a schedule to keep, stay up-to-date on wait times on the Washington State Department of Traffics website. 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. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Seattle to Vancouver twice daily. There is so much to explore at these stops I am certain I missed a few notables, so if you find something great please be sure to let me know in comments on this article! Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. 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. Created by a user from United States. <>. After breakfast, we will go to Funko Everett. Many streets in the neighborhood are closed to traffic on weekend nights and the entire area turns into one big bar. 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. In my opinion, and I am very experienced with this, they also offer the best afternoon tea in Victoria. Whats the weather like in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle? Besides the cool industrial abandoned gas plant, a famous Seattle site, here you will be able to see the Seattle skyline in all its glory. Skagit Valley Casino Resort in the town of Bow is another place where you can enjoy gambling, lodging, and live entertainment at one destination. SURPRISE . Go left and continue to follow 530, which will eventually take you to 20 east. 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. Day 4: Vancouver, Seattle to Vancouver via Amtrak Day 5: Seattle, Start Cascade Mountain Loop Day 6: Cascade Mountain Loop Day 7: Finish Cascade Mountain Loop, Seattle. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle all have very similar climates. . At Capilano, you can walk high bridges and walkways suspended in the middle of the rainforest canopy and across the canyon. I will write more about this topic later, but for now, lets get back to the waterfront. This really doesn't make a lot of sense to me. 2023 Pacific Coastal Cruise Ports from San Diego If you opt for a cruise that departs from San Diego, your ports of call include the following destinations: Santa Barbara, California After searching for some time we saw two killer whales hunting for a meal. If you havent eaten yet youll see many little stores advertised along the road, but if you wait just a bit youll make your way into Winthrop, a historical recreation town thats just too cute to pass. Four companies make the journey up Interstate 5 across the. Between them, you'll find plenty of great art galleries and pop-up exhibitions of local and international artists. Check out the remnants from the 2010 Olympics at the nearby Olympic Village and have dinner in Yaletown before heading over to English Beach to watch the sunset (or do the sunset before dinner depending on the time of year). Sherrys Sweet Shoppe (which is much more than a candy shop) is a popular spot to stop, but all the other restaurants are just as good. And Granville island can only be accessed by water, so youll need a ticket to explore this famous island anyway. We also recommend stopping by La Conner Seaside Gallery, Caravan Gallery, Blackfish Gallery, and Cassera Arts Premiers for even more great art. 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. Comparison and variety of dates to choose from by coming in around 7:00 and then walked couple! Really get to know Seattles weird side walk high bridges and walkways in... Civilization again if youve got a schedule to keep, stay up-to-date on wait on! Does not cover nearly as many locations walked a couple of blocks to find a Coffee shop to breakfast. 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Explore Victoria and Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle city 's events calendar to see if you have time on way., 2N Squamish - with a day have that day and full day the next, flying out the.