wlr

We are flying into Seattle and plan to stay overnight in Victoria for 2 nights then onto Olympic Natl Park and over to the coast.
Which option makes the most sense,
Seattle passenger ferry to Victoria and leave the rental car in Seattle or (even delay getting it until our return ?)
Or drive to Port Angeles and take the ferry and return to Port Angeles ? With or without car
Also open to a return trip via Seaplane !
Thank you all again for your wonderful advice !!
Wendy

happytrailstoyou

There is also a ferry between Anacortes and Sidney, BC (the port near Victoria). It passes through the beautiful San Juan Islands.

HTtY

Bobmrg

Because ONP is part of your plan, my recommendation is that you drive to PA, leave the car there (this is a common practice) and walk-on to the ferry. You do not need a car in Victoria...you can get to Butchart Gardens by bus. Then return to PA and continue your exploration of ONP...I hope that you have provided for at least two full days there.

Gardyloo

It's a matter of time and cost IMO - you could take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria and back, and not pay for a car sitting on the dock in Port Angeles, then return to Seattle, collect the car, and head over to the Olympic Peninsula. Or you could fly on Kenmore Air and save a lot of time (or go one way on the Clipper and the other on the floatplane.)

Or you could take the car onto Vancouver Island, either via the Anacortes ferry (cheaper, more scenic than from PA) then cross back over to PA when you're done on the island. While the ferry cost for the car is pricey (figure around $150 for two people, Anacortes - Victoria - Port Angeles) it might be more convenient overall as you could use the car while you're on the island - Butchart Gardens, up the coast, dinner in Sooke - then you'd be able to take off from PA into Olympic NP right off the bat. Going over by way of Anacortes would also eliminate the need to ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island or Edmonds to Kingston, or drive around the bottom of Puget Sound, all of which are time consuming and/or expensive.

If you choose to go the Anacortes route, be sure to book space on the ferry ASAP. I seem to recall this trip is coming up soon (haven't you been worrying about this since May?) so time's a-wastin'.

sunbum1944

You can also take a ferry from Tsawwassen which is just south of Vancouver. In Oct the border crossing should not be too bad and the advantage is that there is a ferry almost every hour. It is a beautiful ride through the islands.

I usually take this ferry as I drive from Oregon and know that whatever time I get there, there will be a ferry soon.

wlr

Thanks Everyone,
Haha Gardyloo ! Yes I have , but I like to think of it as fine tuning, not worrying
I dont think I saw the ferry from Seattle as an option at the time so just finishing up the last details. I think the PA rte with parking the car and taking the ferry over is our best option and floatplane back ! Talk about an amazing addition to our trip !!
And yes we have 2 full days planned there to include a harbor visit, whale watching, and Butchart Gardens. Any suggestions for places to eat while we there ?
Thank you again everyone !!
Two weeks and counting !

Gardyloo

I think the PA rte with parking the car and taking the ferry over is our best option and floatplane back !

The floatplanes only serve Seattle/Victoria. If you take the ferry from PA you'll have to return on the same ferry.

happytrailstoyou

Any suggestions for places to eat while we are there?

If you like oysters, I recommend Ferris' Grill (the street-level option). They offer many preparations, but I especially like the "pan fried" oysters. They are not breaded. Rather the are sautéed much like the pan roasted oysters at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. The large order ($15) is surprisingly satisfying.

Murchie's is a local institution for coffee, pastry, sandwiches, and other light fare (1110 Government Street).

HTtY

happytourist

We went to Victoria last year from Port Angeles and left our car at the ferry parking lot. Because we had a reservation at the Olympic Lodge on our return, they gave us a free parking pass for ferry parking.

sunbum1944

The White Heather is a great place for " high tea". Not as well known as the Empress but excellent and much cheaper. They have other fare as well. Located in the Oak Bay Area. Suggest a reservation.

I enjoy an evening at he Bengal Room at the Empress. I believe they have a curry bar on Sunday evening. Even just going for drinks and an appetizer is nice.

I enjoy an afternoon snack and beer at the Ogden Point restaurant. The food is nothing unusual but they have a glassed in deck, it's on the water, some of the cruise ships anchor there.
There is a great walking path from there that goes along the ocean

My favorite place to stay in Victoria is the Surf Motel. It is rather a funky little motel right across from the ocean. There is free parking, all the rooms have a small kitchen and great ocean views. You can lay in bed in the AM with a cup of coffee and watch the cruise ships coming in.
It is a nice walk to the Inner Harbor- although some people might think it's too far

wlr

Thanks again everyone, Ive made note of all the great places to eat and really appreciate all the wonderful suggestions for the first leg of this wonderful adventure. I will def be taking your advice and head to PA ,park, and passenger ferry it over to Victoria, where we have two wonderful nights and full days to explore and obviously take a whale watching tour : ). Nothing like that here on the East Coast !
May have to save the Float Plane trip for our next trip out !!