Dont miss out just because there are lots of other people enjoying it too. I don't think of these places as "on the way" stops to Squamish. There is also the Audain Gallery. >>. If you have no time to waste, the best way to travel from Seattle to Vancouver is by air. However, to see the best scenery in the area, you'll need to rent a car and take a detour off the main highway. If you really can't find something in your price range in Whistler, then just look at Pemberton. You can find restaurants in every price range at Pike Place Market ranging from cheapest sandwich joint to a high-end seafood restaurant. I'm Jennie. Instead, I suggest visiting the sky view observatory. The jewel of the northwest cascades route, is a prime time to relax, take pictures or just look out of the window. Grace Theme by Lovely Confetti, Snowshoeing in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, A Weekend in Charleston: 3 Day Itinerary , to everyone who needs this today What are other must visit places in Seattle (in nature setting) ? 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. 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. If its summer, make sure to check out the International Fountain, which is set up for splashing and has music and lights. Other casinos located along the route between Vancouver and Seattle include the Silver Reef Casino in Ferndale and Angel of the Winds in Arlington. Summer also has long hours of daylight. Aviation enthusiasts will want to check out the historic airplanes at The Flying Heritage Collection, also located at Everett's Paine Field. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle without a car, Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle driving itinerary. Here too is your last chance for a restaurant and a store. I strongly recommend booking a hotel in the downtown area in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle if you are doing your trip without a car. I am visiting some friends in the Seattle area (Bellevue) after New Year's for exactly 2.5 days. Walking the Village Stroll is always pleasant to do. Inspirock As you drive down 20 east, youll pass through a few small towns prior to entry into the national recreation area, including those that have stores and hotels. Start at the waiting for the interurban sculpture, where figures build in the 1970s are waiting for a train that no longer functions, a memorial to the method of transit that used to connect this neighborhood with the rest of Seattle. Of course, the mountains are visible from almost anywhere and there is plenty of beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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! Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. On this trip I to start in Seattle, the regions most important city. 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. answered on 3/28/09 by. 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. However, to see the best scenery in the area, you'll need to rent a car and take a detour off the main highway. And there is also the Chihuly Glass exhibition. That depends on what you are looking to do while in Seattle. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle all have terrible traffic and expensive and complicated parking. What time do you plan to leave Seattle? Tickets cost $45 - $65 and the journey takes 4h. On day 5, we would head down south to make our enter Seattle again (may stop by anything else remaining on the way). 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. Besides driving, buses offer the most flexibility for travel between Seattle and Vancouver, especially if you're on a budget. Afterward, we make our way back to the states for a 2-day world-famous road trip the scenic mountain loop, with a twist. Vancouver, British Columbia. 101. from $119.95. 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. 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. 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! 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. . You say you are driving from, I presume, a central Seattle hotel and coming to Vancouver that day. Today, Id like to challenge you to another mode of transport, one you may not have considered yet. Vancouver, British Columbia. capital, Victoria, that will take you just under three hours. Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Related: Seattle Itinerary - Best three days in Seattle by a Seattleite. 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. Hop the Victoria Clipper at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the B.C. It will make your life so much easier to be close to transit and make it easier and faster to get around. Summer (July through early September) is generally dry and warm (70s and 80s Fahrenheit) and occassionally hot. Victoria is an excellent whale watching destination, the best option of the cities youre visiting on this itinerary. After youve had your fill, get back in the car and continue to drive down route 20 until you hit route 153. We are traveling to seattle from mid west (will be spending 4 days in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And of course some of the largest mammals on earth the beautiful whales. Also, there is the Sea to Sky Gondola just south of Squamish. We have some friends there so have not planned much yet. It sucks out the mosquito (or other bugs) saliva and helps you heal faster. You can walk to the Pioneer Square neighborhood, the International District and the stadiums, or take a short bus ride from downtown. Day 1 | Granville Island. All of these cities are very casual, while you can dress up if you want to, youre not likely to encounter a situation where any kind of dressing up is required. With free wifi, power outlets at each seat, and far more legroom than your average airline, the journey is not just comfortable but convenient. 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). Washington State is home to over 33,000 farms, so you'll have no shortage of options to choose from when driving between Seattle and Vancouver. We are 4 adults (two in 30s, two in 60s) and one child (1.5 years). Regardless of the route you take from Seattle to Vancouver, you're in for a beautiful trip through the PNW. It includes the visit to Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium and nearby attractions. 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. Youve come to the right place! 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. If you are up for another night of camping, on the other hand, continue your path into the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. In just a couple of days in Vancouver, I saw countless birds, including entire flocks bald eagles. 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. Admire indigenous art pieces in the Eagle Spirit Gallery. Four companies make the journey up Interstate 5 across the Canadian border, BoltBus, Quick Shuttle, Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway. If you are arriving in the morning as I was, drop your bags off in your hotel and make your way down to the Market, a great place for lunch. If you are hungry, go straight to lunch in what is called one of Americas best sandwich shops Paseo Caribbean Food. From Victoria, youll need a second ferry headed for Vancouver or, more accurately, for Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay. Here youll find little stores and diners along the way, perfect for a breakfast stop before you enter civilization again. 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. As Ive spoken before, try to stick to smaller boats and you will have a better experience overall. What attractions does Seattle City Pass include? With a toddler, I recommend using the False Creek Ferries for a ride around, with stops at Granville Island, Olympic Village, and Yaletown. Fremont, previously known as the artist district, is now a tony area of high end shops, restaurants and to this day, unusual art. Those without cars can take the Victoria Clipper from Victoria to Seattle in less than three hours, but taking a car on the other ferries and the additional drive will take most of the day so build in extra time for that. The bus is cheaper than the train and takes almost the same amount of time, so it's a great option for travelers who want to save some money. 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 you arrive in Vancouver, Canada and leave your bags at your hotel, make your way to the water. For this trip, I wanted to create an active itinerary that would incorporate some of the greatest attractions of the area. 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. Eventually, 97 turns into 2, which you will take to Cashmere and finally Leavenworth. Cruise Line: Holland America Line. This incredible attraction is more a wonderland than a true museum. Keep your eyes peeled for more bald eagles and other wildlife. 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. A word about the Seattle City Pass. What are must visit places? 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. This German-influenced town is a bustling little metropolis with tons of shops, restaurants, and hotels. May 2, 2023. The museum is a fairly quick stop and takes about an hour to visit. This journey takes 3 hours plus any possible border delays. Angela has been writing about life, travel, and recreation in the Northwest, where she grew up, since 2000. There are vehicle ferries if you choose to take your car. 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. There are two major outlet shopping malls located along Interstate 5 between Seattle and Vancouver. Airlines. 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. Looking for vacation ideas or travel tips? As to two days in Vancouver, it should be no problem if you should choose to drive. Visit Seattle, Olympic National Park, and Vancouver. I am renting a car (without . Enjoy that for lunch after you explore the gardens (get a reservation). For a part of this trip, the rainforest of north Washington is replaced by almost desert-like plants of middle Washington. 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. Note: Consult guidelines from the Canadian government before traveling, as COVID restrictions and requirements (including vaccination status and testing) are changing frequently. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! If youre driving for your Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle trip, give yourself plenty of extra time for traffic, border crossings and ferry waits. Fall (late September through mid November) has lots of sunny summer like days, and other days that feel more like winter. I w. In case you needed a reason to visit London We sadly also cannot do (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Airport Pick up. Day 6, we would be flying out of Seattle. The museum feels badly done, with few exhibits appealing to a general audience. 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. 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. Theres no question that if youre going to one thing in Vancouver, make it Stanley Park. A great end to the walk exploring the Freemont neighborhood. Spring is still winter in the mountains with deep snow until late June. If you have no time to waste, the best way to travel from Seattle to Vancouver is by air. This is on a Monday morning I cant even imagine how bad the lines get on a Saturday or a Sunday. Next to whale watching, the most famous attraction in Vancouver is almost certainly the Catalano Bridge. Granville Island is full of shops, restaurants, produce stands and art. On day 3 go all the way through to Whistler. 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. Once you arrive, take the elevator up the historic Smith Tower (my favorite view in Seattle) and enjoy a drink and a snack. On GoTravelTipster.com, you will find one-week vacation itineraries for couples and families. 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. Updated: 4:40 PM PST February 24, 2023. Note the dogs face thats the face of a famous resident of the Freemont neighborhood and the man who invented recycling. It involves lots of dumplings and other shareable plates and lots of tea. Depending on the weather you can easily alternate my suggested itinerary for day 3 and day 4 in Vancouver. Some Michigan residents faced a fourth straight day without power as crews worked to restore electricity . I really enjoyed this trip and so if you follow my itinerary I highly recommend Seabreeze Adventures. Of course, ensure you prearrange the car rental a few weeks in advance for best options. On day 4, we will drive to whistler (would take a ride in Peak to Peak Gondola). It's located about 2-3 hours from Seattle, and reservations are recommended. There are also several forest trails nearby if you want to get more walking or hiking in. Try another? Your email address will not be published. If you like stationeries, Paper-Ya is for you. (Seattle Asian Art Museum, Capitol Hill) READINGS & TALKS. To make it a loop starting and ending in Seattle or Vancouver, take Amtrak Cascades between the two cities on Day 1 (or Day 7). Here too, I would argue: skip this well-known attraction. This high-end shop provides all the free chocolate samples you can eat and free coffee. How far is the drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC? Courtesy ofSPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. Meanwhile, scenic drives that can take you off the Interstate for a few hours or more include the Mt. 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. Do I need a passport to drive from Seattle to Vancouver . Youll have opportunities to pick up wood before entering the national recreation area, so be sure to do so if you plan on enjoying a fire, and some smores on a beautiful evening in Washington State. He lives under a large, architecturally interesting bridge. If youve got a schedule to keep, stay up-to-date on wait times on the Washington State Department of Traffics website. Ive done this plenty of times and Google Maps works great to navigate the transit transfers and timing Another option to get from Vancouver to Victoria is to take the BC Connector, which costs more but theres less for you to figure out. Its just so much easier to get around on transit. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. In post #1, I mentioned checking out the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Victoria has a good bus system, though as a visitor you can pretty much walk everywhere, the Inner Harbour is extremely walkable. The other well-known tourist attraction in Seattle is the Museum of Pop Culture. I also recommend the Wing Luke Museum in the nearby International District (another great alternative for lunch). The Wood Merchant, Earthenworks Gallery, and Two Moons Galler all have wonderful selections of original art, fine crafts, home furnishings, and gift items. If you take the Victoria Clipper, the trip is just 3 hours. Feb. 27, 2023 at 1:55 pm Updated Feb. 27, . Enjoy another evening with dinner in the Inner Harbour, or walk out to Dallas Road for fish and chips near the breakwater and an amazing sunset. . 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. . 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. Theres so much wonderful food and there are so many locals selling local products and food. Marijuana is legal in Washington State, which makes Seattle an even bigger party town than it used to be. This was work commissioned in Soviet-occupied Czechoslovakia, and its actually a subtle protest piece. Don't forget to find Cows in the Village for ice cream. In a car, its a quick shot up I-5 from Seattle to the Canadian border and on to Vancouver. Exclusive $110 valued gift package that includes a . The City Pass cost is $99 for an adult and $79 for a child. Many streets in the neighborhood are closed to traffic on weekend nights and the entire area turns into one big bar. Best ways to get from Seattle to Vancouver. 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. Two of Washington's best art communities are found along the road between Seattle and Vancouver: La Conner and Fairhaven. La Conner, in Skagit Valley, offers the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront while checking out art galleries and shops. Grouse and Capilano are in the city. I would make a reservation prior to arrival because although there was no shortage of hotels here, there were a lot of tourists too. 11 years ago Save I hope your stopping to visit Portland on your way to Seattle. If you're fascinated with how things work, you'll love the museums and visitors centers found along the route between Seattle and Vancouver. 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. 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). 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. The cheapest by far is BoltBus, some of whose seven daily trips north start at just a dollar. This really doesn't make a lot of sense to me. This is for travel on a Monday in June, I think by August or on a weekend you should probably have a reservation. Its a 14 hr day and exhausting. If you can't see the top of Grouse Mountain from downtown, I wouldn't go up there at all. Having fulfilled your mission of a successful whale watching experience its time to start heading back to Seattle. 5 days later, some in Michigan still lack power . For myself, I made it right out of the alley after taking just a few snapshots and to the water. Youll get into Vancouver right around 12 pm, just in time for lunch. Earlier in the itinerary, I talked about the famous Seattle Spaceneedle. We will have a rental car for the whole journey. The shows plays in two local venues this June and tickets are on sale now! After you wander the market a bit, make your way to the nearby Post Place alley and check out the famous chewing gum wall. Misnamed, rather than a wall, this is actually an entire alley covered with bubble gum. Late September through June having waterproof footwear is a really good idea, or at least footwear that wont be uncomfortable if you get wet. To get a good idea of what you can expect to see, read until the end and familiarize yourself with this . Thank you to my friends at Vero Social Media for sponsoring this trip. More info. Ill tell you how to make it work both with and without a car. 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. For fresh oysters, stop by Pike Place Market or Taylor Shellfish Farms in Seattle or take a ferry ride to Vancouver Island for the Fanny Bay Oyster Bar. For the next two days, we are going to drive the Cascade mountain loop a stunning road trip you must see to believe. <