Vacation Suggestions for Vancouver/Seattle

[Kays Supply]

If you are driving, the Cascade Loop is a beautiful road trip. It takes a while if you do it right. I can only speak for part of it. The road had a major land slide and we got to see the east section twice. Going in and coming back. If you do go, and plan to take more than a day trip, be sure and make hotel reservations in advance. The hotels are small and booked ahead. No chain motels, all Mom and Pop type.

 

[DocHeb]

I lived in Victoria most of my life, it is a beautiful city. As mentioned on another post Butchart Gardens is great year round. Also if you are into museums then downtown Victoria has the Royal BC Museum.

It seems there are many votes for Victoria. With a US rental car there are apparently problems driving to Canada. If we were to take the passenger ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, would we be able to get around easily in Victoria without a car?

 

[inveresk]

Vancouver is beautiful and has plenty to offer. A few ideas are:

Granville island market; Stanley Park; Grouse Mountain cable car; Capillano suspension bridge; Chinatown; Gas town.

If you're traveling to Port Townsend (well worth a visit), a good way to get to Victoria is on the Coho ferry out of Port Angeles. Also the ferry from Victoria to Vancouver is a beautiful trip through the gulf islands and Active Pass.

The Coho ferry arrives in the inner harbor, as central in Victoria as you could wish. There's a lot to see within walking distance and bus transport isn't bad.

 

[two_bit_score]

Doc, I can't speak to BC but I'd like to throw a few comments in on this. My son was stationed at Ft. Lewis and we went there several times. I love the Seattle-Tacoma area.
I'll second, or third, all of the suggestions so far - like the Tacoma Narrows bridge and the Bremerton to Seattle ferry, Pike Place Market, space needle, guitar museum etc.

Two things I haven't seen mentioned: 1) at least do drive to Ranier. It's a beautiful drive and some very good little restaurants and shops along the road. Even if you don't 'hike' you will still be amazed by the scenery around the mountain.

2) the little town of Steilacoom south of Tacoma is really a neat old town. It's right on the Sound and has a small ferry, some neat coffee shops and a pub and a nice little park down by the water. Very low key and old. Nothing fancy. Locals were all extremely friendly and they have some little town sponsored events at various times in the 'old town' by the water. If you are looking for something low-key slice of real life in the area I'd recommend taking a look at Steilacoom. They have an "apple squeeze" festival in the fall that is really fun.

 

[brain55]

It seems there are many votes for Victoria. With a US rental car there are apparently problems driving to Canada. If we were to take the passenger ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria, would we be able to get around easily in Victoria without a car?

We drove a rental car to Victoria from Seattle almost nine years ago (post 9/11) and it was no problem. Maybe things have changed.

Brian

 

[ultrarunner]

We drove a rental car to Victoria from Seattle almost nine years ago (post 9/11) and it was no problem. Maybe things have changed.

Brian

I always see people renting at SeaTac with plans of driving to BC for winter skiing... sometimes, it is impossible to get a 4wd unless you reserve early.

Good idea to get the specifics first... and costs.

I've always driven my own car... the wait to cross the border can vary...

 

[Redgoatea]

SBC??? Blech!!!!!!!! 7

 

[scoutcub]

Concur with all the places posted thus far. Butchart gardens and the rest of Victoria is gorgeous. Even the ferry ride is great. I would advise the rental car, to see more, and in case it rains. Shouldn't be a problem getting across.
If you're outdoorsy/adventurous, the HOH rain forest is awesome, Hurricane ridge in Port Angeles, 2 sets of hot springs, the Sequim lighthouse, Marymere falls, all on the Olympic peninsula. Lots of incredible hiking/camping/nature sightseeing around there. Also try the Dungeness crab....

I lived in Port Angeles for 4 years, still have a house and property there, and would move back in a second if I could. I've been to many places in the world and, for me, the Pacific NW is the best.
Good luck!

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I also vote for a ferry ride seattle to bremerton, eat supper in bremerton, then take the night ferry back. seattle is pretty coming in from the water at night.

 

[GT2]

Bring your rain gear!