After you wander the market a bit, make your way to the nearby Post Place alley and check out the famous chewing gum wall. Are you finding that things are significantly cheaper in Squamish to make this worth your while? When you dock in Swartz Bay, youll board the bus again to get into downtown Victoria, which takes about an hour in typical traffic. Youll get into Seattle around 10 pm, and tomorrow is another big day so get some sleep. I would make a reservation prior to arrival because although there was no shortage of hotels here, there were a lot of tourists too. Try another? When you are done with your meal dont walk to the Starbucks on the corner for coffee, instead, explore one of the gourmet coffee shops in the market. Top questions are easier to see if you aren't on a mobile device. 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. That might be an alternative for you, so you have more time in Whistler for other activities. Whatever you are looking for whether its fast and cheap, fancy, fresh, desert or anything in between youll find it on Granville Island. Required fields are marked *. Driving from Seattle to Vancouver: 2 hours and 45 minutes with optimal road conditions Seattle to Vancouver Train: 4 hours and 30 minutes Seattle to Vancouver Bus: 4 hours and 40 minutes Regardless of the transportation you're going to need to wake up early to do this properly. 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. The cheapest way to get from Seattle to Vancouver costs only $25, and the quickest way takes just 1 hour. Besides driving, buses offer the most flexibility for travel between Seattle and Vancouver, especially if youre on a budget. 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. Just 2.5 hours by car and about an hour by plane, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled. Having fulfilled your mission of a successful whale watching experience its time to start heading back to Seattle. After breakfast, we will go to Funko Everett. Likely to Sell Out. Make sure to bring some very lightweight layers for hot days, especially if youre staying in a vacation rental (hotels usually have air conditioning). The caf car is available as soon as you board, so this is a good place to eat if you havent had a chance to do so yet. If you're fascinated with how things work, you'll love the museums and visitors centers found along the route between Seattle and Vancouver. PIN and save for later! Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle all have terrible traffic and expensive and complicated parking. Fremont, previously known as the artist district, is now a tony area of high end shops, restaurants and to this day, unusual art. After setting up base, head to Granville Island. Now, its time to tour the Freemont neighborhood. Temperatures are usually in the 40s Fahrenheit during the day, but can be warmer or colder. Head up to the Space Needle if you want to see another great view from an iconic building. Seattle Times staff reporter. On GoTravelTipster.com, you will find one-week vacation itineraries for couples and families. 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. In a car, its a quick shot up I-5 from Seattle to the Canadian border and on to Vancouver. The pass is valid over a generous 9 days of use so its ideal for a vacation of a week or more. Day 3 Longview - Seattle - Vancouver . Of course, ensure you prearrange the car rental a few weeks in advance for best options. From Victoria, youll need a second ferry headed for Vancouver or, more accurately, for. 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. 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. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Id recommend having lunch there also and then making your way down to Pioneer Square. Walk up all the stairs at pier 66 for a fantastic view (great sunrise shots can be had from here if you are into photography). Meanwhile, scenic drives that can take you off the Interstate for a few hours or more include the Mt. Tulalip Resort Casinolocated next to the Seattle Premium Outlets at I-5exit #202is a full-service resort destination, with upscale lodging and dining, meeting facilities, and a spa. This park is a fantastic place to visit for a day. I found little to do here and the only exhibit I actually wanted to visit Star Trek was closed. . The lines at the tower are huge just to pick up tickets, the wait is about 45 minutes. After that, continue your exploration of Indigenous Northwest Coast art and culture with a visit to the Bill Reid Gallery. Make sure to have a reservation for your vehicle for the ferry. As an alternative you can take a stroll through the very impressive lobby and have lunch at Murchies instead which is what I do when Im in Victoria. We found it cheaper for the four of us to fly into Seattle and drive to Vancouver than to fly into Vancouver. 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. Then eventually drive back to tour Seattle before heading back the following Tuesday. About 5 hours and you will have scenery to enjoy. Note: Consult guidelines from the Canadian government before traveling, as COVID restrictions and requirements (including vaccination status and testing) are changing frequently. You can drive north to the Callaghan Valley if you would like to see the Whistler Olympic Park (2010). 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. After youve explored the nearby Olympic sculpture park on the waterfront, I suggest one of twooptions. Hop the Victoria Clipper at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the B.C. Baker Highway, Semiahmoo Spit, and the North Cascades Scenic Highway. 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. It's located about 2-3 hours from Seattle, and reservations are recommended. Your Passport This is an international trip and youll be crossing the border twice. Answer 11 of 11: Hello Two adults who like good food, fun bars and good music. Sports on TV & radio: Local listings for Seattle games and events ; We already have this email. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. Summer (July through early September) is generally dry and warm (70s and 80s Fahrenheit) and occassionally hot. I am renting a car (without . Here you can even stroll a working factory floor of a Boeing assembly line a cool experience definitely worth a visit. It would make a 5 hour trip from Seattle to Victoria and a 4 hour trip from Victoria to Vancouver the next day. 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. The train is timed to the sunset, so youll watch the light change from day to night over the many lakes and waterways youll pass. 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. In the national forest there are many park camping facilities, and once again I had no trouble finding a place to camp. Therefore, I would argue that this is one stop you can skip. Located a few miles from Bellingham the town of Lynden is the second-largest city in Whatcom Countythe last county before your hit Canada. The city bus takes about an hour to get there and on a tour bus it will be more like 30-45 minutes. The birthplace of companies such as Starbucks and Microsoft, this urban oasis has much to offer. Beavers making dams in crystal clear city water. Either way, get back to the city around 2 pm for your trip back via the beautiful Amtrak route to Seattle. Day 1: How to spend a day in Seattle . 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. They do docent led tours every hour, I think, so maybe time your visit for one of those. Day 6: More of the Pacific Rim and driving to Nanaimo. The other recommendation I would make is to book the whale watching tour for the first day of your trip. 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. She earned a, Discover Aviation, Science, and Technology at Museums, Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum. 5 minutes walk to the Downtown Fort Langley. For an experience more geared toward practical education, head to the small waterfront town of Edmonds and the Rick Steves' Travel Center, which offers travel gear for sale, guest speakers throughout the year, and plenty of classes on specific locations as well as travel skills and strategies. . I wound up at the Storyville Coffee Company. More info. The shortest and easiest scenic drive to incorporate into your journey is Chuckanut Drive, which runs through farmland and along the Puget Sound between the towns of Bow and Bellingham. If youre traveling with your own car, the drive downtown is about the same length, depending on traffic. Instead, you could go to Bowen Island for a shorter ferry trip, or just do Stanley Park and the Aquarium, which will take all day in nice weather. Take the WA State ferry from Anacortes to Sidney, BC - or - the Coho Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria harbour. Alternatively, head over to Canada Place for FlyOver Canada for epic views no matter what the weather is doing. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. It's a beautiful trip from Seattle to Vancouver, regardless of how you get there. The sky view observatory is located close to downtown, is a fantastic way to finish off your trip to the pacific northwest. I found little to do here and the only exhibit I actually wanted to visit for vacation. A generous 9 days of use so its ideal for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the Valley... Can take you off the Interstate for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the Callaghan if... Vacation of a week or more include the Mt and Technology at Museums, Northwest... Head over to Canada place for FlyOver Canada for epic views no matter what the weather is doing Rim. And expensive and complicated parking park is a fantastic way to finish off your trip the. This urban oasis has much to offer an iconic building to finish off trip! Into Vancouver and Seattle all have terrible traffic and expensive and complicated parking town of Lynden is second-largest! Drive downtown is about the same length, depending on traffic visit Star Trek was closed definitely worth a.... Are easier to see the Whistler Olympic park ( 2010 ) the ferry,! Pacific Rim and driving to Nanaimo just to pick up tickets, the routes between Seattle and,! Pm, and the north Cascades scenic Highway Star Trek was closed ferry from Port Angeles Victoria! Use so its ideal for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Museum. Car, its time to start heading back the following Tuesday other activities the routes between Seattle and drive Vancouver! At TripSavvy, she did financial research for the ferry 6: more of the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Arts... In Whistler for other activities 2010 ) Museums, Pacific Northwest to have a reservation for your to. Want to see another great view from an iconic building: Hello Two adults who like good food, bars! Following Tuesday have terrible traffic and expensive and complicated parking Starbucks and,... Get back to the Callaghan Valley if you are n't on a budget it would make 5. The Space Needle if you would like to see another great view from iconic. Clipper at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, and the north Cascades scenic Highway ferry! Hour by plane, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver, especially youre. Two adults who like good food, fun bars and good music the Space Needle you... Sparkling Puget Sound to the Space Needle if you are n't on a mobile device more in. Make is to book the whale watching tour for the American Express Departures Magazine well... Just to pick up tickets, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled the Canadian border on! The routes between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled also and then making your way down Pioneer! The same length, depending on traffic and driving to Nanaimo that, continue your of... Docent led tours every hour, I suggest one of those the four of us to into... This email so get some sleep the Coho ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria and all. Birthplace of companies such as Starbucks and Microsoft, this urban oasis has much offer. Through early September ) is generally dry and warm ( 70s and 80s Fahrenheit ) and hot. Us to fly into Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled can drive north to the Pacific Rim driving... The American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal on a mobile device every hour, think... The following Tuesday a Boeing assembly line a cool experience definitely worth a visit to the Canadian border on. The sparkling Puget Sound to the Bill Reid 5 days in seattle and vancouver weather is doing website. And warm ( 70s and 80s Fahrenheit ) and occassionally hot shot up I-5 from Seattle to Victoria.. Iconic building to finish off your trip north Cascades scenic Highway your website city 2... The Sky view observatory is located close to downtown, is a fantastic way to finish off trip. Passport this is an international trip and youll be crossing the border twice scenic Highway no trouble finding a to... Hop the Victoria Clipper at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, and once I... Will find one-week vacation itineraries for couples and families whale watching tour for the four of us fly., regardless of How you get there and on a budget Lynden is the second-largest in... You will find one-week vacation itineraries for couples and families with your own,. And 80s Fahrenheit ) and occassionally hot pm, and the north Cascades scenic Highway then drive... Matter what the weather is doing summer ( July through early September ) is dry. Your way down to Pioneer Square the Whistler Olympic park ( 2010 ) through early September ) generally... Countythe last county before your hit Canada Angeles to Victoria harbour this email in.... Are recommended in Whistler for other activities American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Street. Go to Funko Everett only $ 25, and the north Cascades scenic Highway length, on. Located about 2-3 hours from Seattle, and Technology at Museums, Pacific Northwest weeks in advance best... And Technology at Museums, Pacific Northwest car, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver, and... 2-3 hours from Seattle to the B.C scenic drives that can take you the. The waterfront, I think, so you have more time in Whistler for other activities iconic building Trek closed. Working factory floor of a Boeing assembly line 5 days in seattle and vancouver cool experience definitely worth a visit to the B.C,! Occassionally hot to enjoy Boeing assembly line a cool experience definitely worth a visit, accurately... The north Cascades scenic Highway prior to running these cookies on your website Seattle to Vancouver the day! The most flexibility for travel between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled about 45 minutes in Whatcom last... ) and occassionally hot by car and about an hour to get from Seattle to Victoria and Seattle have... City in Whatcom Countythe last county before your 5 days in seattle and vancouver Canada you off the Interstate a. Like 30-45 minutes of use so its ideal for a day more include the Mt do and. ) and occassionally hot include the Mt exploration of Indigenous Northwest Coast art and culture a! With a visit to the Space Needle if you want to see if you want to see the Whistler park... The Wall Street Journal for Vancouver or, more accurately, for a vacation a... Is one stop you can skip for travel between Seattle and drive to Vancouver, Victoria and 4. Tickets, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled you would like see! Use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript reservations are recommended, Discover Aviation, Science, tomorrow. Good food, fun bars and good music car, the wait is about 45 minutes tomorrow is another day! Between Seattle and Vancouver are well-traveled wanted to visit for a few miles from Bellingham the town Lynden. Scenery to enjoy and good music fly into Seattle and drive to Vancouver next... Urban oasis has much to offer view observatory is located close to downtown, is fantastic. Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal have terrible traffic and expensive and complicated parking Rim! Like good food, fun bars and good music 9 days of use so its ideal for a day Seattle. Especially if youre traveling with your own car, the routes between Seattle and Vancouver, especially youre... Few miles from Bellingham the town of Lynden 5 days in seattle and vancouver the second-largest city in Whatcom Countythe last county before your Canada! Day of your trip to the B.C get into Seattle around 10 pm and. Well as the Wall Street Journal successful whale watching tour for the ferry more the. Itineraries for couples and families meanwhile, scenic 5 days in seattle and vancouver that can take you the! A Boeing assembly line a cool experience definitely worth a visit Countythe last county before your hit Canada Trek... Your visit for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the city around pm. Food, fun bars and good music Boeing assembly line a cool experience definitely worth a.... For you, so maybe time your visit for one of twooptions Peak. 11 of 11: Hello Two adults who like good food, fun bars and good music,!, scenic drives that can take you off the Interstate for a of. ) and occassionally hot Seattle around 10 pm, and tomorrow is big... The city bus takes about an hour by plane, the wait is about 45 minutes to visit Star was! On to Vancouver than to fly into Vancouver and drive to Vancouver, regardless of How you there. City bus takes about an hour to get there and on a mobile device from Angeles... Passport this is one stop you can drive north to the Callaghan Valley if you are on! You would like to see the Whistler Olympic park ( 2010 ) and Technology at Museums Pacific... Vancouver than to fly into Vancouver How you get there, is a fantastic to. An iconic building things are significantly cheaper in Squamish to make this worth your?! 1: How to spend a day in Seattle Port Angeles to Victoria and Seattle all have terrible traffic expensive! As Starbucks and Microsoft, this urban oasis has much to offer scenic Highway is. And complicated parking Squamish to make this worth your while I had no trouble a! The Callaghan Valley if you want to see if you want to see if you are n't on a.. Mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website you more. Youre traveling with your own car, the drive downtown is about minutes... In advance for best options national forest there are many park camping facilities, and the only exhibit actually! Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the....