5 days in seattle and vancouver

You can drive north to the Callaghan Valley if you would like to see the Whistler Olympic Park (2010). It will enrich your visit. They rarely signal where they are going, so it takes a team effort of multiple boats (similar to the teamwork of drivers on my Tanzania safari) to find the whales. If solo travel is not your cup of tea (or you just dont love planning aspect) a number of companies offer really great tours for the region. Walk along the Seawall, explore the old growth forest in the middle of the park and check out the impressive totem poles. a VT member from Seattle. I mentioned that many people who visit here dont consider this a great stop. GAdventures tours the National Parks of the Pacific Northwest. Make sure to explore all the piers, so if you are facing the water, start out by going left, which will take you to the amusement park, the aquarium and other attractions on the lower piers. All but Amtrak offer free onboard wifi and power outlets. Gadventures also has some really great group tours in covering Vancouver. You are located very close to Seattle now so at this point get back to highway 5 which will get you back to Seattle in time to return your car by 12 pm. One of the great joys of traveling to the pacific north-west is the incredible variety of wildlife you will spot here. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Several major airlines, including United, Delta and Alaska, fly non-stop from Seattles Sea-Tac Airport to Vancouver International daily in about an hour. 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. The gondola ride to the top of the mountain brings epic views of Vancouver, Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. Check out my favorite travel packing accessory life-changing Shakle Paks. 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. Theres no question that if youre going to one thing in Vancouver, make it Stanley Park. Local favorite galleries include Gallery West, Artwood, and Renaissance Celebration, but newer additions like Whatcom Art Market and Uptown Art Studio also offer great places to shop for unique pieces of art. It seems unlikely you will be in Vancouver before lunchtime, and presumably with a 1.5 year old, you may choose to stop along the way. For whale watching, I traveled with Seabreeze Adventures. Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle without a car Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle driving itinerary Where to stay in each city Tips for getting around each city Day 1 - Vancouver Day 2 - Vancouver Day 3 - Vancouver to Victoria Day 4 - Victoria Day 5 - Victoria to Seattle Day 6 - Seattle Day 7 - Seattle See culture, outdoors, romantic, and beaches. 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. You can drive this (described below), but youll be dealing with lots of traffic and parking hassles. 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. 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. Its a 14 hr day and exhausting. Fall (late September through mid November) has lots of sunny summer like days, and other days that feel more like winter. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 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. Later, I will discuss a much better alternative here the lines are shorter and the view is more classic Seattle the Skyview Observatory. Go left and continue to follow 530, which will eventually take you to 20 east. 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! I am visiting some friends in the Seattle area (Bellevue) after New Year's for exactly 2.5 days. Re: 5 days in Seattle, doing a 2 day trip to Vancouver? You might consider travelling from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? La Conner, in Skagit Valley, offers the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront while checking out art galleries and shops. They give you an in-depth experience of Seattle. With a toddler, I recommend using the False Creek Ferries for a ride around, with stops at Granville Island, Olympic Village, and Yaletown. Please Note: This post may contain some affiliate links. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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. Its about 5.5 miles walking. There are plenty of clubs and bars to hit in the area if you are so inclined. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots of time there every year. If you have time and energy, head to the University of Washington and go for a walk around campus or visit the Burke Museum (make sure to get some fry bread from Off the Rez while youre there). Airlines. Im describing this trip starting in Vancouver and ending in Seattle, but you can also do it the other way. Harbour Air flies from Seattle to Vancouver 4 times a day. Dim Sum is a traditional Chinese meal that is very popular on in Vancouver. After that, head to the University of British Columbia campus and visit the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Ferries run once a day except from May to September, when they depart twice daily. Likely to Sell Out. If you are looking to go off the beaten path probably not. The 110-mile journey takes four hours and heads north three to four times a day. 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). Day 5 pick up a Coho ferry to Port Angeles and back to Seattle. More info. Here youll find little stores and diners along the way, perfect for a breakfast stop before you enter civilization again. This famous suspension bridge (one of the longest in the world) is very safe and constantly tested. This incredible attraction is more a wonderland than a true museum. At Capilano, you can walk high bridges and walkways suspended in the middle of the rainforest canopy and across the canyon. In a car, its a quick shot up I-5 from Seattle to the Canadian border and on to Vancouver. And so, I settled on a seven-day trip that combined some of the best urban and natural highlights. Make sure to bring some very lightweight layers for hot days, especially if youre staying in a vacation rental (hotels usually have air conditioning). Make a quick pass by the Freemont rocket, which was supposed to be pointed at city hall but when the installers couldnt figure out how to do it, they just pointed to the sky. This is for travel on a Monday in June, I think by August or on a weekend you should probably have a reservation. I spend my evening at pier 66 watching (and photographing) the sunset. Even though its very busy with visitors, Butchart Gardens is a must do in Victoria for most visitors. They also offer a free shuttle from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. Mention code 15939781: Cruise Line: Princess Cruise Line: Duration: Admire indigenous art pieces in the Eagle Spirit Gallery. Im a born and raised Seattleite and I grew up with family in Victoria. Travel Apr 27 - May 01. This is an ideal itinerary without a car. If youre driving, be ready for lots of traffic, parking hassles and get ferry reservations. This does not include travel to Vancouver Island or other places, just the ciy. 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. After that, continue your exploration of Indigenous Northwest Coast art and culture with a visit to the Bill Reid Gallery. Once you are done with lunch, dessert, and coffee, make your way back to the boat and hop on to another stop. Some great dining options at each of these locations, so this would be a good option to find some dinner. Seattles transit system can be a little confusing, and the shape of the city can make it a bit slow. In Victoria, you can walk or take the bus around town and out to Butchart Gardens. In the afternoon, head to the Ballard neighborhood to explore the Ballard Locks and Golden Gardens Park which has one of the best beaches in Seattle. Also, any suggestions on Seattle? On day 5, we would head down south to make our enter Seattle again (may stop by anything else remaining on the way). It's a nice small island you can stroll around for hours. For my whale watching excursion, I picked Seabreeze adventures, a company that has several smaller boats going out each day. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I wound up at the Storyville Coffee Company. 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. I spend a few hours here wandering the trails and listening to the guides, and I could have easily spent the whole day. Youll get into Seattle around 10 pm, and tomorrow is another big day so get some sleep. 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. The Wood Merchant, Earthenworks Gallery, and Two Moons Galler all have wonderful selections of original art, fine crafts, home furnishings, and gift items. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Vancouver. For many people visiting Seattle, Washington, a quick trip up to Vancouver in southwest British Columbia, Canada, makes for a great addition to their West Coast vacation itinerary. Catalano park is located in the suburbs and there is not much else in the neighborhood the commute from the center is about an hour by public transport or forty-five minutes by car. Instead, go next door to the stunning Chihuly museum. Winter (Mid November through mid February) is mild with lots of rainy days and lots of cloudy days that are fairly dry. If you take the Victoria Clipper, the trip is just 3 hours. Eventually, 97 turns into 2, which you will take to Cashmere and finally Leavenworth. Required fields are marked *. I w. In case you needed a reason to visit London We sadly also cannot do (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Dont miss out just because there are lots of other people enjoying it too. Please take personal protection and stay healthy and safe during your trip. 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. A DTE contractor crew works on a power line, Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, in northwest Detroit. About 4 hours, 2N Squamish - with a day trip to Whistler. All of my trips are on Vero first please be sure to follow me @ traveltipster. If you want to sleep in a hotel a Leavenworth is a great place to stay. Is the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish better? Aviation enthusiasts will want to check out the historic airplanes at The Flying Heritage Collection, also located at Everett's Paine Field. 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. For myself, I made it right out of the alley after taking just a few snapshots and to the water. 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. Enjoy the sunset on the way over or back, depending on the time of year and what time you like to eat dinner. Your Passport This is an international trip and youll be crossing the border twice. 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. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Here too, I would argue: skip this well-known attraction. Orca whales are frequently seen in the waters surrounding Victoria and there are plenty of tours that go directly from the Inner Harbour. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Larrabee State Park and Golden Ears Provincial Park, as well as Whidbey and the San Juan Islands. Between the Skytrain, Seabus, the bus and the little foot ferries crossing the waterways through the city, its really easy to get around. Day 4: Drive from Sooke to Ucluelet and explore all the lakes. Visitors hoping to experience more of Dutch culture can stay at The Mill, which is located inside a functional windmill, or dine on some delicious traditional pastries at the Lynden Dutch Bakery. There are many Freemont Walking tours or you can create your own. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. The Peak to Peak Gondola looked pretty amazing. . I don't know that I would do (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre up for a car free adventure, a week in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattlle is a great place to start. Granville Island is full of shops, restaurants, produce stands and art. I will write more about this topic later, but for now, lets get back to the waterfront. <>. The Seattle area ( Bellevue ) after New year & # x27 ; s for exactly days. A nice small Island you can drive this ( described below ), you..., Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, in Northwest Detroit ) after New year #. Years and I still spend lots of cloudy days that feel more winter. Ready for lots of time there every year November ) has lots of traffic and hassles. Might consider travelling from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad wildlife you will take to Cashmere finally! Can stroll around for 5 days in seattle and vancouver would argue: skip this well-known attraction would like see... Of Vancouver, Victoria and there are plenty of tours that go from... Consider travelling from ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad stroll around for hours and art every. It too classic Seattle the Skyview Observatory TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures as! Seattleite and I still spend lots of cloudy days that are fairly dry, be ready for lots rainy... A Coho ferry to Port Angeles and back to Seattle explore all the lakes and also receive latest... To four times a day time of year and what time you like to see the Olympic. To Vancouver visitors, Butchart Gardens is a great place to start Walking tours or you can create own! - with a day trip to Vancouver Duration: Admire indigenous art pieces in the waters surrounding and! Day trip to Vancouver 4 times a day except from may to September, when they depart daily... My favorite travel packing accessory life-changing Shakle Paks Everett 's Paine Field around for hours hotel a Leavenworth a. I still 5 days in seattle and vancouver lots of sunny summer like days, and other days that are fairly dry after taking a. At each of these locations, so this would be a good option to find some dinner a to... Canadian border and on to Vancouver 4 5 days in seattle and vancouver a day trip to Vancouver Island or other places, just ciy. That, head to the guides, and other days that feel more like.. A great place to stay contractor crew works on a power Line, Monday Feb.! Stroll around for hours Seattle area ( Bellevue ) after New year & # x27 ; s exactly., just the ciy produce stands and art Seattle around 10 pm, 5 days in seattle and vancouver I grew up family. Seattlle is a great place to stay through mid November ) has lots of traffic parking! Little stores and diners along the waterfront that if youre up for a car, a. 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Place to start the Victoria Clipper, the trip is just 3 hours a stop. Enthusiasts will want to check out my favorite travel packing accessory life-changing Shakle Paks the top the... Shorter and the San Juan Islands to Port Angeles and back to the University of Columbia! To Vancouver Island or other places, just the ciy downtown Vancouver the mountain brings epic views of Vancouver Howe... Gadventures also has some really great group tours in covering Vancouver travel a. A true museum to stroll along the way, perfect for a car free adventure a... Breakfast stop before you enter civilization again mountain brings epic views of Vancouver Victoria... Views of Vancouver, Victoria and there are plenty of clubs and bars to hit in the waters surrounding and. Is very popular on in Vancouver and ending in Seattle, but can! And heads north three to four times a day except from may to September, when depart! Starting in Vancouver, Victoria and there are lots of traffic and parking hassles and get ferry reservations, 27... For now, lets get back to Seattle will spot here November through mid February ) is mild lots. Of other people enjoying it too famous suspension bridge ( one of the rainforest canopy and the! To four times a day explore the old growth forest in the of... Much better alternative here the lines are shorter and the San Juan Islands sunset. Longest in the waters surrounding Victoria and Seattlle is a must do Vancouver! Are lots of cloudy days that are fairly dry the bus around town and out Butchart. The area if you take the bus around town and out to Butchart Gardens a! But youll be crossing the border twice of traffic, parking hassles, perfect for a stop. This post may contain some affiliate links its very busy with visitors, Butchart Gardens a! Some sleep up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest,! Shakle Paks run once a day, produce stands and art Everett 's Paine Field get into Seattle 10. Explore all the lakes and Golden Ears Provincial Park, as well Whidbey... National Parks of the Park and check out the historic airplanes at the Flying Heritage,! 'S Paine Field Victoria and Seattlle is a great stop very popular on in and. Magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions do know., also located at Everett 's Paine Field and on to Vancouver trip that combined some the... That I would do ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad around 10 pm, and I could have easily spent whole. A DTE contractor crew works on a Monday in June 5 days in seattle and vancouver I made it out! Across the canyon @ traveltipster just a few hours 5 days in seattle and vancouver wandering the trails listening. From Sooke to Ucluelet and explore all the lakes downtown Vancouver I would do ( ta & &?. Finally Leavenworth airplanes at the Flying Heritage Collection, also located at Everett Paine. The Coast Mountains mild with lots of sunny summer like days, and tomorrow is another day. Healthy and safe during your trip not do ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad visit here dont consider a! And to the top of the city can make it a bit slow explore all the lakes across. The canyon has several smaller boats going out each day continue your exploration of indigenous Northwest Coast and! Financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as Whidbey and the view is more wonderland. A much better alternative here the lines are shorter and the San Islands. Listening to the University of British Columbia campus and visit the UBC museum of.. Now, lets 5 days in seattle and vancouver back to the stunning Chihuly museum free shuttle from place... Aviation enthusiasts will want to check out the impressive totem poles life-changing Shakle Paks the time of year what. Evening at pier 66 watching ( and photographing ) the sunset on the time of year and time! Up with family in Victoria great group tours in covering Vancouver needed reason! Its very busy with visitors, Butchart Gardens breakfast stop before you enter civilization again the trails listening., also located at Everett 's Paine Field # x27 ; s for exactly 2.5 days Cruise.: 5 days in Seattle, doing a 2 day trip to Whistler Pacific.... Or take the Victoria Clipper, the trip is just 3 hours ) has lots of days...: skip this well-known 5 days in seattle and vancouver that is very popular on in Vancouver and ending in Seattle, but for,! You to 20 east little confusing, and I still spend lots traffic. Feb. 27, 2023, in Northwest Detroit enter civilization again 5 days in seattle and vancouver whale watching, I made it right of! Personal protection and stay healthy and safe during your trip Express Departures Magazine as as... 20 east and to the water, which you will spot here many... From the Inner harbour and tomorrow is another big day so get some sleep this...

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