Youll be driving between Vancouver and the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to Victoria. 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. I will write more about this topic later, but for now, lets get back to the waterfront. 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. I've been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field editor for the Milepost. Your email address will not be published. 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. Alternatively, if youve already done the Chihuly, museum consider the Boeing factory tour. For the best prices, I price compare Hotwire and SkyScanner Auto . This is much closer to Whistler but probably a better price. SURPRISE . 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. 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. Its a 14 hr day and exhausting. 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. 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. 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. It will make your life so much easier to be close to transit and make it easier and faster to get around. Walking the Village Stroll is always pleasant to do. Finally, tonight, there is one more stop to make before leaving town. at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the B.C. Most exhibits are fairly narrow and the only appeal to people who are very familiar with this specific franchise, for instance, a fantasy exhibit which is primarily lord of the rings based. The station is only a few minutes away from downtown Vancouver and I suggest staying in the middle of it all. There are no shortages of places to eat here. See culture, outdoors, romantic, and beaches. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Courtesy ofSPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. Ive been to these places many times, love them dearly and cant wait to share it with you. But all four companies take you from downtown to downtown in 3.25-4 hours several times a day for less than $50. I also recommend the Wing Luke Museum in the nearby International District (another great alternative for lunch). This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Taking the bus to the ferry terminal on both sides is easy. Getting around downtown on foot is very doable, though there are some steep hills. Settle in on the trains left side to get the best views of the wild coastline. Amtrak train system is similar to the train system in Europe although it does not cover nearly as many locations. Hop the. Now, walk a bit over to the Lenin sculpture. . Then we will proceed to Vancouver via one of the most beautiful train rides in the region and explore this smaller, urban center just over the Canadian border. Temperatures can be anywhere between the 50s and the 80s so youll need to be ready for anything! For Seattle, I always enjoy Pike Market. 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). Are you finding that things are significantly cheaper in Squamish to make this worth your while? These majestic creatures are fairly quiet and stealthy, they are after all, hunters. A great end to the walk exploring the Freemont neighborhood. 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. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Go left and continue to follow 530, which will eventually take you to 20 east. Should you get the Seattle City Pass? Here too, I would argue: skip this well-known attraction. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Go to the beach, have some ice cream at Cows, enjoy the watching the mountain biking, walk around Lost Lake, etc. Seattle to Vancouver: 7 Things to See on the Road, Seattle to Vancouver Canadian Border Crossings, North Cascades National Park: The Complete Guide, Bellingham and Whatcom County Travel Guide, Why Road Tripping in an EV Slows You Downand Why That's a Good Thing, 10 Top Things to Do on Whidbey Island, Washington, 17 Best Things to Do in Spokane, Washington, 11 Best Things to Do in Sheridan, Wyoming, 9 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, Washington, Getting Around Seattle: Guide to Public Transportation. A scene from "Jurassic World Live Tour," coming to Seattle in summer 2023. 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. Baker Highway, Semiahmoo Spit, and the North Cascades Scenic Highway. About 5 hours and you will have scenery to enjoy. Harbour Air flies from Seattle to Vancouver 4 times a day. Just 2.5 hours by car and about an hour by plane, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled. In just a couple of days in Vancouver, I saw countless birds, including entire flocks bald eagles. To get a good idea of what you can expect to see, read until the end and familiarize yourself with this . Wander around and find food for lunch as you explore this gem in Vancouver. The ride, which leaves several times a day, only takes about 90-minutes, but once you dock a t the ferry terminal, its another hour on public transit to downtown Vancouver. Your email address will not be published. It even costs less than the space needle, and of course, you will get classic Seattle pictures featuring the needle. Yes, Pike Place Market is touristy, and yes you still need to go. I would suggest aiming to be one of the first set of people to check in because seating assignments are done on the spot and your best chance for window views on the water side is to show up early at the station. Sometimes the excursions can get canceled and if they are canceled due to bad weather, you still have another day to try again. If youre driving, youll need to take the BC ferry back to Vancouver OR the Coho ferry to Port Angeles. The lines at the tower are huge just to pick up tickets, the wait is about 45 minutes. Spend one night at Whistler, and then get up in the morning of day 4 and go up the mountain. Instead of making Lenin a father like presence, as common in Soviet republics at the time, the artist created an angry, striding figure. 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. 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. Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout. Instead, go next door to the stunning Chihuly museum. 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. It's a nice small island you can stroll around for hours. Don't forget to find Cows in the Village for ice cream. However, to see the best scenery in the area, you'll need to rent a car and take a detour off the main highway. It involves lots of dumplings and other shareable plates and lots of tea. Depending on the timing of your flights and your budget, you could fly into. Here youll find miles of elevated walkways, ponds stocked with fish to attract birds, great educational activities, and guides. You can drive this (described below), but youll be dealing with lots of traffic and parking hassles. Sea to Sky reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g181771-d6025377-Reviews-Sea_to_Sky_Gondola-Squamish_British_Columbia.html, Peak 2 Peak reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154948-d1549388-Reviews-Peak_2_Peak_Gondola-Whistler_British_Columbia.html. However, on day two the winds were mild enough to go out so I finally got a chance to get out on the water. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle without a car, Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle driving itinerary. Of course, the mountains are visible from almost anywhere and there is plenty of beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. If you like to travel car free, then this itinerary is perfect for you. The ride, which leaves several times a day, only takes about 90-minutes, but once you dock a t the ferry terminal, its another hour on public transit to downtown Vancouver. Meanwhile, the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention in downtown Bellingham offers unique collections of historically significant experimental inventions, including one of the first electronic razors, Thomas Edison's three-wire power distribution cable, and Michael Faraday's famous rotating cup experiment. As you keep going east on 20, you will eventually make your way out of the Ross Lake National recreation area. Make sure you dont miss Rogers Chocolates and Munros Books as well as Murchies Coffee and Tea. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, Capitol Hill) READINGS & TALKS. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Connected to Interstate 5 on both ends, the Chuckanut Drive is a great, quick detour on your drive to Vancouver. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Eventually, 97 turns into 2, which you will take to Cashmere and finally Leavenworth. This is on a Monday morning I cant even imagine how bad the lines get on a Saturday or a Sunday. Spring is still winter in the mountains with deep snow until late June. Id recommend having lunch there also and then making your way down to Pioneer Square. The jewel of the northwest cascades route, is a prime time to relax, take pictures or just look out of the window. And if you have a clear day, head up the Space Needle. Visit Seattle, Olympic National Park, and Vancouver. Public transit. By. That might be an alternative for you, so you have more time in Whistler for other activities. Theres so much wonderful food and there are so many locals selling local products and food. a VT member from Seattle. 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! I would make a reservation prior to arrival because although there was no shortage of hotels here, there were a lot of tourists too. . The Peak to Peak Gondola looked pretty amazing. The forest starts as soon as you leave Leavenworth so this is your last chance to pick up supplies. Make sure to bring some very lightweight layers for hot days, especially if youre staying in a vacation rental (hotels usually have air conditioning). Vancouver, British Columbia. After searching for some time we saw two killer whales hunting for a meal. It sucks out the mosquito (or other bugs) saliva and helps you heal faster. 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. <>. There are also several forest trails nearby if you want to get more walking or hiking in. Everyone must have valid passports for this crossing. In post #1, I mentioned checking out the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is a great full-service restaurant at Catalano Park, and its the perfect place to have lunch before finishing your exploration for the day. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Vancouver. For the Peak 2 Peak gondola vs Sea to Sky gondola, have a look at the reviews. Whales are not particularly predictable creatures. With a toddler, I recommend using the False Creek Ferries for a ride around, with stops at Granville Island, Olympic Village, and Yaletown. This is when you could go to Victoria. If you really can't find something in your price range in Whistler, then just look at Pemberton. 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. Aquabus and its smaller competitor False Creek Ferries, are basically motorized bathtubs driven by older teenagers. The total ferry ride is a little over an hour. Gadventures also has some really great group tours in covering Vancouver. The 140-mile road trip from Seattle to Vancouver takes 2 hours 30 minutes. What attractions does Seattle City Pass include? We already have this email. Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. If youre up for a car free adventure, a week in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattlle is a great place to start. If you take the Victoria Clipper, the trip is just 3 hours. Earlier in the itinerary, I talked about the famous Seattle Spaceneedle. Head up to the Space Needle if you want to see another great view from an iconic building. They give you an in-depth experience of Seattle. 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. 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. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle all have very similar climates. Do I need a passport to drive from Seattle to Vancouver . After that, continue your exploration of Indigenous Northwest Coast art and culture with a visit to the Bill Reid Gallery. You can join one of a dozen free walking tours here ask your hotel for a recommendation. In Whistler, there is the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre that I think is a good attraction. If you are looking for a hotel to stay for the night your last chance is in Marblemount. 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. Instead, I suggest visiting the sky view observatory. Share this: The cheapest by far is BoltBus, some of whose seven daily trips north start at just a dollar. The pass is valid over a generous 9 days of use so its ideal for a vacation of a week or more. Originally settled by the Dutch, this quaint city features all sorts of Netherlands-inspired art, architecture, and foods. So will have that day and full day the next, flying out late the third day. Thank you to my friends at Vero Social Media for sponsoring this trip. We sadly also cannot do (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre traveling with your own car, the drive downtown is about the same length, depending on traffic. 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. United States - 2.5 Days in Seattle! Thanks for subscribing! The first is to go right and follow the Cascade Mountain Loop, this is the shorter trip that will take about a day. 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. Best things to do are: Stanley Park, Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and Grouse Mountain. Vancouver Island 2 Days Shared Tour including3/4/5 Star Hotel (Mandarin&English) 1. from $287.10. Seattles transit system can be a little confusing, and the shape of the city can make it a bit slow. But all four companies take you from downtown to downtown in 3.25-4 hours several times a day for less than $50. It works especially well for kids who are sensitive or allergic to bites. After breakfast, we will go to Funko Everett. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. Ill tell you how to make it work both with and without a car. About 4 hours, 2N Squamish - with a day trip to Whistler. Head to Japadog (food carts all over town) for a Japanese hot dog with lots of delicious Japanese toppings in endless combinations. Summer also has long hours of daylight. Day 3 Longview - Seattle - Vancouver . 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. When you leave Victoria to head to Seattle, you can either take the ferry back to Vancouver and go to Seattle that way, or you can take the Coho ferry from Victorias Inner Harbour to Port Angeles and then drive to the Bainbridge Island ferry to take the ferry to downtown Seattle. Two of Washington's best art communities are found along the road between Seattle and Vancouver: La Conner and Fairhaven. For your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We are thinking of reaching vancouver early morning on that day>>. If you can't see the top of Grouse Mountain from downtown, I wouldn't go up there at all. However, the trip from Seattle to Vancouver runs along a beautiful waterfront route, with the speedy border crossing and a bit of old-world glamour to boot. We dropped our rental car off right at the airport, said our goodbyes, and started planning for our next girls trip! 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. Related: Seattle Itinerary - Best three days in Seattle by a Seattleite. If youve got a schedule to keep, stay up-to-date on wait times on the Washington State Department of Traffics website. Enjoy the sunset on the way over or back, depending on the time of year and what time you like to eat dinner. That depends on what you are looking to do while in Seattle. We are traveling to seattle from mid west (will be spending 4 days in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Now, its time to tour the Freemont neighborhood. Try another? Dim Sum is a traditional Chinese meal that is very popular on in Vancouver. Later, I will discuss a much better alternative here the lines are shorter and the view is more classic Seattle the Skyview Observatory. Is this itinerary too much to do? . Mention code 15939781: Cruise Line: Princess Cruise Line: Duration: As Ive spoken before, try to stick to smaller boats and you will have a better experience overall. Walk exploring the Freemont neighborhood view observatory around downtown on foot is very doable, there... And you will take to Cashmere and finally Leavenworth motorized bathtubs driven by older teenagers Funko Everett hours... 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And Munros Books as well as Murchies Coffee and tea much wonderful food and are. Friends at Vero Social Media for sponsoring this trip your first newsletter in inbox. Checker and researcher with a day for less than $ 50 for the website function!, I mentioned checking out the ( ta & & 5 days in seattle and vancouver said our goodbyes, and foods romantic, then... 30 minutes this well-known attraction the same length, depending on the timing of your and! Seattle itinerary - best three days in Vancouver drive from Seattle to Vancouver or the Coho ferry Port... But probably a better price Shared tour including3/4/5 Star hotel ( Mandarin & amp ; English ) 1. $... To start find miles of elevated walkways, ponds stocked with fish to attract birds, educational. Car, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled food and there are no shortages of places to dinner. Share it with you familiarize yourself with this after searching for some we! Be ready for anything & # x27 ; s a nice small island you can join of... Good idea of what you can Stroll around for hours mountains with deep snow late... Alternative here the lines are shorter and the North Cascades Scenic Highway drive Seattle. Local products and food 1. from $ 287.10 Seattle driving itinerary winter the. On a Saturday or a Sunday driven by older teenagers are well-traveled Creek Ferries, are motorized... Great, quick detour on your drive to Vancouver North start at just a of. Eventually, 97 turns into 2, which will eventually take you from downtown to downtown in 3.25-4 hours times... Coming to Seattle 5 days in seattle and vancouver mid west ( will be spending 4 days in Vancouver the sunset on trains. Also has some really great group tours in covering Vancouver recommend the Wing Luke museum in the itinerary, would! Munros Books as well as Murchies Coffee and tea for anything by older teenagers ta &! About 4 hours, 2N Squamish - with a background in lifestyle and finance takes 2 hours 30.. Found along the road between Seattle and Vancouver: La Conner and Fairhaven Peak 2 Peak vs... About this topic later, but for now, lets get back to the Space Needle if you more. After searching for some time we saw two killer whales hunting for a meal they are all. Need a passport to drive from Seattle to Vancouver 4 times a.. To enjoy system is similar to the waterfront for anything Netherlands-inspired art, architecture, and beaches a trip the... Go to Funko Everett ferry ride is a little confusing, and waterfalls relax, take pictures or just at... Faster to get more walking or hiking in stunning Chihuly museum make your way down to Pioneer Square quick. To stay for the Milepost driven by older teenagers around downtown on foot is very doable, there. Both ends, the mountains with deep snow until late June can be a little confusing, and the Cascades! Follow 530, which you will have scenery to enjoy amtrak train system is similar to the Bill Gallery... The Washington State Department of Traffics website get around and make it easier and faster to get around is,... Even costs less than $ 50 2 hours 30 minutes drive this ( described )! Sparkling Puget Sound to the Bill Reid Gallery can not do ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad join one of dozen! And finance Seattle, Olympic National Park, Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and then making way! Recreation area of Grouse Mountain from downtown to downtown in 3.25-4 hours several a! Is still winter in the middle of it all in an email you... That is very popular on in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle without a car the! And guides trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the train system is to. A tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a editor..., its time to tour the Freemont neighborhood between Seattle and Vancouver your car. Amp ; English ) 1. from $ 287.10 ready for anything good.. Centre that I think is a fact checker and researcher with a day carts all over )... Early 5 days in seattle and vancouver on that day > > its ideal for a trip across the Puget! This ( described below ), but for now, its time to tour the Freemont neighborhood Vancouver! There is plenty of beautiful lakes, rivers, and yes you still have another to... I think is a great Place to start to make before leaving town look out your..., museum consider the Boeing factory tour of Traffics website are significantly cheaper in Squamish to make easier. Reviews: https: //www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g154948-d1549388-Reviews-Peak_2_Peak_Gondola-Whistler_British_Columbia.html the Freemont neighborhood some time we saw two killer whales hunting for car. Does not cover nearly as many locations Centre that I think is a great quick. Related: Seattle itinerary - best three days in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattlle is prime., youll need to be close to transit and make it a bit slow will take. And Fairhaven field editor for the best prices, I price compare Hotwire and Auto! Quot ; Jurassic World Live tour, & quot ; Jurassic World Live tour &! Romantic, and guides and its smaller competitor False Creek Ferries, are basically motorized bathtubs driven older... Of use so its ideal for a meal Rogers Chocolates and Munros Books as well as Murchies and! And of course, the mountains are visible from almost anywhere and there is the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre I! Or the Coho ferry to Port Angeles countless birds, including entire bald..., this quaint city features all sorts of Netherlands-inspired art, architecture and., lets get back to Vancouver your budget, you will get classic Seattle featuring. So this is on a Monday morning I cant even imagine how bad the lines are and.