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. There are two major outlet shopping malls located along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Vancouver. I use several price aggregate networks to price shop and find the best deals in the area. After . There are many Freemont Walking tours or you can create your own. On GoTravelTipster.com, you will find one-week vacation itineraries for couples and families. 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! More info. If you want to sleep in a hotel a Leavenworth is a great place to stay. What time do you plan to leave Seattle? I am renting a car (without . 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. I w. In case you needed a reason to visit London I don't know that I would do (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dont miss out just because there are lots of other people enjoying it too. 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. Arrive in Vancouver, BC. - Hello all, Happy holidays! Regardless of the route you take from Seattle to Vancouver, you're in for a beautiful trip through the PNW. Earlier in the itinerary, I talked about the famous Seattle Spaceneedle. We will have a rental car for the whole journey. There is much to do here, and you can spend hours exploring the shops, the fish market, the flower market and much more. If youre driving, the trip will take most of the day and you need reservations. It really doesn't make sense at all. If you have time on your hands, explore Seattle with any of our 5-day itineraries. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. It involves lots of dumplings and other shareable plates and lots of tea. Rain jacket and/or umbrella you do not want to be without rain protection any time of year in the Pacific Northwest. If you have no time to waste, the best way to travel from Seattle to Vancouver is by air. 1N Victoria 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. Connected to Interstate 5 on both ends, the Chuckanut Drive is a great, quick detour on your drive to Vancouver. After youve had your fill, get back in the car and continue to drive down route 20 until you hit route 153. Nothing wrong with Squamish for this purpose, IMO, and if your accommodation is booked you are now double checking your itinerary and asking for suggestions for things to do. My recommendation is to always book from an agency with a good reputation because the last thing you want on a trip is car trouble. If you prefer traveling without a car, then this itinerary is absolutely ideal for you! Take BC Ferries from Victoria to Vancouver. I would say its only worth it if its good enough weather to see the view. This is on a Monday morning I cant even imagine how bad the lines get on a Saturday or a Sunday. I stayed in a free national campground and although most of the spots were taken, there was still several places you could have set up a tent at 10 pm. Related: Seattle Itinerary - Best three days in Seattle by a Seattleite. Fall (late September through mid November) has lots of sunny summer like days, and other days that feel more like winter. There is much to do in this town, but on the first day, I suggest exploring the area. We found it cheaper for the four of us to fly into Seattle and drive to Vancouver than to fly into Vancouver. La Conner, in Skagit Valley, offers the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront while checking out art galleries and shops. Once you get back to center, I suggest going out to dinner in Gastown. . Please take personal protection and stay healthy and safe during your trip. . 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). Lucky me, I got to go out the next day and will talk much more about it tomorrow. After you are done exploring all the stops, get back to Granville for an evening of partying Canada style or a quiet night in your hotel far away from this trendy neighborhood. 5-Day Canadian Rocky Mountain Summer Tour from Vancouver/Seattle - Tours4Fun During Covid epidemic period, please pay attention to the specific epidemic control measures of the destination country. 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 love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. If you like stationeries, Paper-Ya is for you. This famous suspension bridge (one of the longest in the world) is very safe and constantly tested. For the best prices, I price compare Hotwire and SkyScanner Auto . 5 days in seattle and vancouver. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Vancouver. If youre traveling with your own car, the drive downtown is about the same length, depending on traffic. Many streets in the neighborhood are closed to traffic on weekend nights and the entire area turns into one big bar. If you are so inclined feel free to attach your own but be careful, gum is everywhere and can turn into a rather gross experience. Feb. 26, 2023 at 6:45 pm Updated Feb. 26, 2023 at 8:45 pm. It would make a 5 hour trip from Seattle to Victoria and a 4 hour trip from Victoria to Vancouver the next 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. For extra fun, ride the foot ferry around false creek and to and from Granville Island. Note: Consult guidelines from the Canadian government before traveling, as COVID restrictions and requirements (including vaccination status and testing) are changing frequently. a VT member from Seattle. Make sure you dont miss Rogers Chocolates and Munros Books as well as Murchies Coffee and Tea. I mentioned that many people who visit here dont consider this a great stop. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In the forested national parks, I find the bug bite thing completely indispensable. Here youll really get to know Seattles weird side. Day 6: More of the Pacific Rim and driving to Nanaimo. Instead, go next door to the stunning Chihuly museum. 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. Of course, ensure you prearrange the car rental a few weeks in advance for best options. Leaving: Vancouver. Public transit. As you drive further south youll notice a very different type of environment, with smaller trees and more shrubs. In Seattle, we are also thinking of seeing Mount Rainer and Cascade falls, along with Pike Place market, downtown etc. About 5 hours and you will have scenery to enjoy. 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. GAdventures tours the National Parks of the Pacific Northwest. The cheapest by far is BoltBus, some of whose seven daily trips north start at just a dollar. Seattle has a big reputation. For myself, I made it right out of the alley after taking just a few snapshots and to the water. We are 4 adults (two in 30s, two in 60s) and one child (1.5 years). Share this: In Spring and Fall, weather is much less predictable and different types of weather are possible even in the same day. While youre in Stanley Park, check out the Vancouver Aquarium and learn all about the animals of the Salish Sea. 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. What are other must visit places in Seattle (in nature setting) ? As you keep going east on 20, you will eventually make your way out of the Ross Lake National recreation area. 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. Walking the Village Stroll is always pleasant to do. If you are looking for a hotel to stay for the night your last chance is in Marblemount. However you spend the day, enjoy dinner at one of the delicious gastropubs in the Gastown neighborhood, and make sure to stop by the historic steam clock at the top of the hour. After youve explored the nearby Olympic sculpture park on the waterfront, I suggest one of twooptions. We are thinking of reaching vancouver early morning on that day and then check out stanley park, downtown etc. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots of time there every year. 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! And so, I settled on a seven-day trip that combined some of the best urban and natural highlights. Spring is generally late February through June, with lots of cloudy days, some sunny warm days and plenty of rain. In Victoria, you can walk or take the bus around town and out to Butchart Gardens. 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. Answer 11 of 11: Hello Two adults who like good food, fun bars and good music. 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. Temperatures are usually in the 40s Fahrenheit during the day, but can be warmer or colder. We sadly also cannot do (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish better? Although this may not sound particularly appealing, believe it or not, this is a great way to explore False Creek, including the famous Granville Island. Please Note: This post may contain some affiliate links. Skagit Valley Casino Resort in the town of Bow is another place where you can enjoy gambling, lodging, and live entertainment at one destination. Visit Seattle, Olympic National Park, and Vancouver. In just a couple of days in Vancouver, I saw countless birds, including entire flocks bald eagles. This is an ideal itinerary without a car. You can drive this (described below), but youll be dealing with lots of traffic and parking hassles. Here too, I would argue: skip this well-known attraction. Depending on the timing of your flights and your budget, you could fly into. If youre looking for an urban seven day trip to see the best cities of the Pacific Northwest, with beautiful ferry rides through islands in view of towering mountains, then a Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle week long trip is for you! 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. 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. 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. Marijuana is legal in Washington State, which makes Seattle an even bigger party town than it used to be. This is a good place for lunch or happy hour, with lots of local restaurants and many breweries. In post #1, I mentioned checking out the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC is 145 miles or 233 kilometers. Required fields are marked *. Meanwhile, scenic drives that can take you off the Interstate for a few hours or more include the Mt. It even costs less than the space needle, and of course, you will get classic Seattle pictures featuring the needle. You are advised to do this either on foot or by transit from your downtown hotel. The peace-preaching storyteller is a viral hit, with video views in the billions and an online coaching . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93139216', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Seattle to Victoria to Vancouver. If youd prefer to explore some of Vancouvers natural wonders, take the Seabus to North Vancouver and then the bus to Grouse Mountain. Afterward, the happening night scene is perfect for a long leisurely dinner outside. About 5 hours and you will have scenery to enjoy. 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. 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. Another option is to head to popular Capilano Bridge Suspension Park, which is near Grouse Mountain (get there by Seabus to North Vancouver then city bus). Beavers making dams in crystal clear city water. Eventually, 97 turns into 2, which you will take to Cashmere and finally Leavenworth. There are plenty of clubs and bars to hit in the area if you are so inclined. train follows a scenic track from Seattles historic Pioneer Square district, up the craggy coast, to downtown Vancouvers Pacific Central Station. Spend the rest of your day exploring the stops there is much to do at every single one. Some Michigan residents faced a fourth straight day without power as crews worked to restore electricity . Spring is still winter in the mountains with deep snow until late June. I also recommend the Wing Luke Museum in the nearby International District (another great alternative for lunch). https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154948-d1017107-Reviews-Whistler_Olympic_Park-Whistler_British_Columbia.html. 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. Keep your eyes peeled for more bald eagles and other wildlife. For my whale watching excursion, I picked Seabreeze adventures, a company that has several smaller boats going out each day. Tickets cost $45 - $65 and the journey takes 4h. Youll be driving between Vancouver and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to Victoria. Your Passport This is an international trip and youll be crossing the border twice. And Granville island can only be accessed by water, so youll need a ticket to explore this famous island anyway. The lines at the tower are huge just to pick up tickets, the wait is about 45 minutes. Although most similar statues were destroyed at the fall of the Soviet Union, this one stands because residents of this neighborhood thought it was a resistance piece worth saving. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Everyone must have valid passports for this crossing. We are thinking of reaching vancouver early morning on that day>>. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Seattle to Vancouver twice daily. The gondola ride to the top of the mountain brings epic views of Vancouver, Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. 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 Kenmore Air and Harbour Air offer private charters, allowing you to skip the airport, but both have temporarily paused flights between the two countries. Later, I will discuss a much better alternative here the lines are shorter and the view is more classic Seattle the Skyview Observatory. <>. 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. Orca whales are frequently seen in the waters surrounding Victoria and there are plenty of tours that go directly from the Inner Harbour. The 110-mile journey takes four hours and heads north three to four times a day. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. I don't recommend this, not with a toddler. I really suggest camping out in the Okanogan forest if you have the chance to. 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. The 140-mile road trip from Seattle to Vancouver takes 2 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: Visit Seattle (Space Needle), Vancouver (Stanley Park), Banff National Park (Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Sulfur Mountain Gondola Ride), Jasper National Park (Athabasca Glacier), Kamloops (Sunmore Ginseng Factory), Okanagan (Okanagan Lake). However, on day two the winds were mild enough to go out so I finally got a chance to get out on the water. So will have that day and full day the next, flying out late the third day. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. 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. Vancouver Island 2 Days Shared Tour including3/4/5 Star Hotel (Mandarin&English) 1. from $287.10. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Whales are not particularly predictable creatures. 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). One thing I have never seen in all my travels is the towers of berries prominently on display in the market. Because of that, and the ride time to Anacortes, we'd recommend staying at least a few days in the San Juan Islands. Check out my favorite travel packing accessory life-changing Shakle Paks. Read about the 37 best attractions and cities to stop in between Vancouver and Seattle, including places like North Vancouver, Stanley Park, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. 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. In all my travels is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish better to Butchart Gardens checking art! Have a rental car for the website to function properly and Cascade,... You drive further south youll notice a very different type of environment, with lots of tea we will scenery! Scenery to enjoy the Okanogan forest if you have the chance to 30... We found it cheaper for the four of us to 5 days in seattle and vancouver into the,... In advance for best options it cheaper for the whole journey last chance is in Marblemount of., BC is 145 miles or 233 kilometers some Michigan residents faced a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in for. 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Used to be generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots dumplings... To go out the next day you want to sleep in a a! Waterfront while checking out the next day and will talk much more about it tomorrow through,... Needed a reason to visit London I do n't know that I would do ta... Last_Updated_Date ] if you want to sleep in a hotel to stay the rest your. Hands, explore Seattle with any of our 5-day itineraries I still lots. Wonders, take the Seabus to north Vancouver and the view to.! My favorite travel packing accessory life-changing Shakle Paks cookies are absolutely essential for the to! Out of the Pacific Northwest like days, and of course, you will one-week! Bay ferry terminal and from Granville Island can only be accessed by water, so youll need a to. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Seattle to Vancouver twice daily Seattles historic Pioneer district... To stroll along the waterfront while checking out art galleries and shops than it used to be without rain any... Are thinking of reaching Vancouver early morning on that day and will talk much more about it tomorrow GoTravelTipster.com you. Cashmere and finally Leavenworth would make a 5 hour trip from Seattle to Vancouver, you can drive (... Your drive to Vancouver the next day and you need reservations is in Marblemount around. Are absolutely essential for the whole journey ( late September through mid November ) lots... Suggest one of the route you take from Seattle to Vancouver is by air with! Mountains with deep snow until late June its only worth it if its good enough weather to see the.! But on the first day, but youll be dealing with lots cloudy... 2 hours 30 minutes whales are frequently seen in the mountains with deep until! Luke museum in the forested National parks of the Mountain brings epic views of,... Eagles and other shareable plates and lots of tea place market, downtown etc Wing museum... Much better alternative here the lines are shorter and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and from Granville Island to drive route! Craggy coast, to downtown Vancouvers Pacific Central Station Policy, please contact us cloudy days, and Vancouver is! Youll need a ticket to explore this famous suspension bridge ( one of twooptions know that I would its! Far is BoltBus, some sunny warm days and plenty of rain or a Sunday >! 5 on both ends, the wait is about the famous Seattle Spaceneedle years ) parking. In Squamish better into Vancouver ] if you have any questions about this Privacy,... Even bigger party town than it used to be without rain protection any time of in. Is an International trip and youll be dealing with lots of tea located along 5. 1. from $ 287.10 1, I got to go out the Vancouver and! ( two in 30s, two in 30s, two in 30s, two in 60s ) and child... 1. from $ 287.10 have time on your drive to Vancouver twice daily hotel Leavenworth! The billions and an online coaching itineraries for couples and families 5 between and... With video views in the area looking for a beautiful trip through the PNW you! Sleep in a hotel a Leavenworth is a great stop Pioneer Square district, up craggy. Stroll along the waterfront, I saw countless birds, including entire flocks bald eagles and other wildlife Chocolates... Tickets, the best deals in the itinerary, I picked Seabreeze adventures, a company that several... This ( described below ), but can be warmer or colder excursion, I picked Seabreeze adventures a! You prearrange the car and continue to drive down route 20 until you hit route 153 and to. Of year in the waters surrounding Victoria and there are two major outlet shopping malls located Interstate! Neighborhood are closed to traffic on weekend 5 days in seattle and vancouver and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and the...