Portland/Seattle/Victoria/Vancouver Honeymoon
Jan 26th, 2017, 09:51 AM
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Portland/Seattle/Victoria/Vancouver Honeymoon
My fiancé and I are planning on going to Portland/Seattle/Victoria/Vancouver for our honeymoon this May. We are from Louisiana and have never been to this part of the country or Canada. Does anybody have any ideas as for as places to visit, transportation ideas, hotels, restaurants, etc? We have 11 days total for our trip. We are not much into hiking but love walking/exploring new towns & cultures. We are open to renting a car and not having to have every moment planned. Any advice will be helpful. We are in our late 30's and budget is not an issue (however we are not looking to throw money away either). Thank you!
Note: I have also posted this in the Canada forum.
Note: I have also posted this in the Canada forum.
Jan 26th, 2017, 10:34 AM
#2
This sounds like an absolutely great honeymoon!
Let me take a stab at an itinerary for you on the transportation side. Not spending much time with the days you spend in each place, but rather the itinerary route itself.
Fly into Portland. From here, you can either rent a car or take the Coast Starlight Amtrak train to Seattle. If you take the train, pick up a rental in Seattle, and drive all the way up to Vancouver. It's a beautiful drive, even in the rain!
From Vancouver, take the ferry (with your car) to Vancouver Island and drive down to Victoria.
From Victoria (or rather, Vancouver Island), take the ferry (with car) to the San Juan Islands. Spend the night in Friday Harbor. Don't know if the Orcas are around at that time, but the island is beautiful and easy to drive around. There are areas where you can park, sit on the bluff and watch the whales go by.
From San Juan Island, take the ferry back to Seattle. Drop off the car and fly home.
By flying into Portland and out of Seattle, you can make the most of your time in these places.
If I were to divide up my time, having been to all of these places a number of times, for me anyway, parsing out the 11 days, I'd spend 2 days in Portland, 3 days in Seattle, 3 days in Vancouver, 2 days in Victoria, and 1 day in San Juan Island.
Drive times:
Portland to Seattle: 3 hours (longer by train, but get great views of Mt. St. Helens!)
Seattle to Vancouver: 3 hours
Vancouver to Victoria: About 1 1/2 hours by ferry, then about 1/2 hour from the ferry landing to Victoria. (very scenic!)
Let me take a stab at an itinerary for you on the transportation side. Not spending much time with the days you spend in each place, but rather the itinerary route itself.
Fly into Portland. From here, you can either rent a car or take the Coast Starlight Amtrak train to Seattle. If you take the train, pick up a rental in Seattle, and drive all the way up to Vancouver. It's a beautiful drive, even in the rain!
From Vancouver, take the ferry (with your car) to Vancouver Island and drive down to Victoria.
From Victoria (or rather, Vancouver Island), take the ferry (with car) to the San Juan Islands. Spend the night in Friday Harbor. Don't know if the Orcas are around at that time, but the island is beautiful and easy to drive around. There are areas where you can park, sit on the bluff and watch the whales go by.
From San Juan Island, take the ferry back to Seattle. Drop off the car and fly home.
By flying into Portland and out of Seattle, you can make the most of your time in these places.
If I were to divide up my time, having been to all of these places a number of times, for me anyway, parsing out the 11 days, I'd spend 2 days in Portland, 3 days in Seattle, 3 days in Vancouver, 2 days in Victoria, and 1 day in San Juan Island.
Drive times:
Portland to Seattle: 3 hours (longer by train, but get great views of Mt. St. Helens!)
Seattle to Vancouver: 3 hours
Vancouver to Victoria: About 1 1/2 hours by ferry, then about 1/2 hour from the ferry landing to Victoria. (very scenic!)
Jan 26th, 2017, 10:38 AM
#3
Well first, congratulations!
Hitting all four cities in 11 days might seem a bit rushed; each one has numerous attractions within the city, but each one is also surrounded by fabulous out-of-town attractions and sightseeing opportunities.
May is a transitional month. It's still winter in the mountains, so excursions to the likes of Mount Rainier or Whistler are going to be weather dependent; in addition to snow on the ground you're as likely as not to be completely socked in from clouds and fog at elevation.
I'd suggest doing some independent research to see what activities or specific sights you'd like to do or see. For example, in May the Columbia River Gorge just east of Portland is marvelous. The many waterfalls are full from melting mountain snow, and the orchards in the Hood River Valley can be in bloom, with Mount Hood looming above them.
In the Seattle area, Snoqualmie Falls just east of the city will also be spectacular, and spring in the various islands in Puget Sound or the Salish Sea - from Vashon to Whidbey to the San Juans to the (Canadian) Gulf Islands - is nothing short of spectacular.
Or for a real getaway (and one that typically requires three days) the incredible beaches and rain forest valleys on the west coast of Olympic National Park can be life-changing.
In addition to its natural beauty, Vancouver is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and eclectic city. You can take a gondola up to the snow or visit public (free) gardens that rival the best anywhere, including the expensive (and IMO overhyped) Butchart Gardens outside Victoria. In May they'll knock your eyeballs out.
The downtown core of Victoria is picturesque and the ferry rides that get you there - from Washington State or from BC - are scenic and very memorable. But getting to and from Victoria is time-consuming, and (IMO) one needs a car to make the most of your time there, and taking a car on the ferry is also expensive. If I had to cut one of the four out I'd pick Victoria, but others will disagree loudly.
You don't say when in May, but be advised that mid-May is the start of the Alaska cruise season, and prices for accommodation in both Seattle and Victoria shoot through the roof then.
This probably doesn't help, but we had to start somewhere.
Hitting all four cities in 11 days might seem a bit rushed; each one has numerous attractions within the city, but each one is also surrounded by fabulous out-of-town attractions and sightseeing opportunities.
May is a transitional month. It's still winter in the mountains, so excursions to the likes of Mount Rainier or Whistler are going to be weather dependent; in addition to snow on the ground you're as likely as not to be completely socked in from clouds and fog at elevation.
I'd suggest doing some independent research to see what activities or specific sights you'd like to do or see. For example, in May the Columbia River Gorge just east of Portland is marvelous. The many waterfalls are full from melting mountain snow, and the orchards in the Hood River Valley can be in bloom, with Mount Hood looming above them.
In the Seattle area, Snoqualmie Falls just east of the city will also be spectacular, and spring in the various islands in Puget Sound or the Salish Sea - from Vashon to Whidbey to the San Juans to the (Canadian) Gulf Islands - is nothing short of spectacular.
Or for a real getaway (and one that typically requires three days) the incredible beaches and rain forest valleys on the west coast of Olympic National Park can be life-changing.
In addition to its natural beauty, Vancouver is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and eclectic city. You can take a gondola up to the snow or visit public (free) gardens that rival the best anywhere, including the expensive (and IMO overhyped) Butchart Gardens outside Victoria. In May they'll knock your eyeballs out.
The downtown core of Victoria is picturesque and the ferry rides that get you there - from Washington State or from BC - are scenic and very memorable. But getting to and from Victoria is time-consuming, and (IMO) one needs a car to make the most of your time there, and taking a car on the ferry is also expensive. If I had to cut one of the four out I'd pick Victoria, but others will disagree loudly.
You don't say when in May, but be advised that mid-May is the start of the Alaska cruise season, and prices for accommodation in both Seattle and Victoria shoot through the roof then.
This probably doesn't help, but we had to start somewhere.
Jan 26th, 2017, 10:43 AM
#4
I've been to all your planned destinations and, in fact, am seriously considering a return trip. My question for you would be regarding how many days will you actually have that aren't travel days from & back home. As worded, "11 days total" it sounds like 9 days plus a travel day on each end. If that's accurate, I suggest you drop Portland from the mix and spend your 9 days in 3 locations, which isn't really 3 days each, but 2+ when travel between them is taken into consideration. That's not much time and seriously short if you stick with 4 locations.
So tell us, please, how many NIGHTS do you plan to spend, after arrival & before departure, and that will give us a better idea of the time you have.
So tell us, please, how many NIGHTS do you plan to spend, after arrival & before departure, and that will give us a better idea of the time you have.
Jan 26th, 2017, 10:49 AM
#5
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Surfergirl and Gardyloo, thank you both for the detailed posts! These help us a lot! We are getting married May 20th and plan on leaving the 21st. It's good to know in advance about the price increases! It may be that we need more days (if I can take off work) or plan to visit less cities. We need to sit down and plan this trip. Your recommendations are greatly appreciated!!
Jan 26th, 2017, 10:54 AM
#6
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MmePerdu, we plan on leaving LA on Sunday, May 21st and returning either Wednesday, May 31st or Thursday, June 1st. At this point I will say we have 10 nights total. From what others have stated, it looks like we either need more nights or less locations. I'm not sure yet which one it will be (let's stick with the 10 nights for now). This has been a great help so far and looking forward to hearing your suggestions. Thank you!
Jan 26th, 2017, 11:34 AM
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You need more than 11 days.
Or you need to choose between Portland/Seattle or Seattle/BC. Both awesome options. I'd argue less about cutting Victoria and more about cutting Vancouver Island. If it were my trip, I'd probably do Vancouver, Victoria, and parts of Vancouver Island. (Partly because I like ferries but main reason being is that BC has amazing parks and gardens that are probably amazing that time of year. Seattle, in contrast, is usually a case of June Gloom, and also usually more expensive that Vancouver.
Portland and the Gorge would also be fantastic that time of year. It's more inland so it's often sunny without being hot and the parks are great. You could do 3 nights on the coast, 4 nights Portland, and 4 nights gorge. And that would be a great trip with a lot less driving too. More "being" than sightseeing. Anything involving BC is going to be a little more hectic.
I am a dork, admittedly, but I would choose Oregon mostly to do an entire honeymoon in Mcmenamins hotels. They're all a lot of fun. Love the ones with soaking pools.
Or you need to choose between Portland/Seattle or Seattle/BC. Both awesome options. I'd argue less about cutting Victoria and more about cutting Vancouver Island. If it were my trip, I'd probably do Vancouver, Victoria, and parts of Vancouver Island. (Partly because I like ferries but main reason being is that BC has amazing parks and gardens that are probably amazing that time of year. Seattle, in contrast, is usually a case of June Gloom, and also usually more expensive that Vancouver.
Portland and the Gorge would also be fantastic that time of year. It's more inland so it's often sunny without being hot and the parks are great. You could do 3 nights on the coast, 4 nights Portland, and 4 nights gorge. And that would be a great trip with a lot less driving too. More "being" than sightseeing. Anything involving BC is going to be a little more hectic.
I am a dork, admittedly, but I would choose Oregon mostly to do an entire honeymoon in Mcmenamins hotels. They're all a lot of fun. Love the ones with soaking pools.
Jan 26th, 2017, 12:19 PM
#10
Just to show that there's no limit to our cheek, and that we have no qualms against totally re-planning your lives, let me emit some brain methane regarding a totally different option.
Fly up to Vancouver the night of the 19th. Spend the 20th and the morning of the 21st touring the city. Visit Stanley Park and Granville Island. Eat at wonderful ethnic restaurants. Visit the Bloedel Conservatory and public gardens in QE2 Park. If the weather's nice, drive out to the Spanish Banks for amazing views back to the West End with the mountains behind. Eat dim sum in Richmond or visit the Punjabi market on south Main.
End up at Canada Place in the afternoon of the 21st, where you board the HAL Noordam, and spend the next 7 days cruising through the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay, then cross the Gulf of Alaska overnight and wake up in Seward.
Spend the 28th in Seward taking a day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park (whales, glaciers, birds, awesome scenery) then catch the 6 PM train to Anchorage, or if you can rent a car (only Hertz in town) drive to the Alyeska Hotel in Girdwood for a meal at the Seven Glaciers restaurant at the top of the gondola run, with Turnagain Arm and a big chunk of the world down there below you.
Spend the 29th (Memorial Day) in Anchorage, then take an evening flight to Seattle or Portland (inexpensive nonstops to both.) Spend however many days you have left touring around Seattle or Portland, or spend a couple of days in each. Then off home.
Now why the cruise? Well first, it's incredibly easy and cost effective. The accommodations are wonderful, the food surprisingly good, and the scenery on an Inside Passage cruise is nonstop, and nonstop gorgeous. In late May you'll have really long daylight hours.
Alaska cruises can be very affordable if you don't fall victim to overpriced shore excursions (many of which you can do on your own much more cheaply) or excessive alcohol or hours spent in the casino. Ride the city bus ($1) in Ketchikan to see the totem poles at Totem Bight State Park or in the Tlingit village of Saxman. Rent a car in Skagway and drive up into the Yukon - see the Carcross desert and maybe drive past Emerald Lake to the Robinson Roadhouse ghost town, before returning to the ship.
For honeymooners, get a balcony cabin and order room service (no extra charge) if you want privacy. No rental car, no packing and unpacking, no playing hotel roulette.
Like I said, maybe brain gas, but thought I'd throw it out there.
Fly up to Vancouver the night of the 19th. Spend the 20th and the morning of the 21st touring the city. Visit Stanley Park and Granville Island. Eat at wonderful ethnic restaurants. Visit the Bloedel Conservatory and public gardens in QE2 Park. If the weather's nice, drive out to the Spanish Banks for amazing views back to the West End with the mountains behind. Eat dim sum in Richmond or visit the Punjabi market on south Main.
End up at Canada Place in the afternoon of the 21st, where you board the HAL Noordam, and spend the next 7 days cruising through the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay, then cross the Gulf of Alaska overnight and wake up in Seward.
Spend the 28th in Seward taking a day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park (whales, glaciers, birds, awesome scenery) then catch the 6 PM train to Anchorage, or if you can rent a car (only Hertz in town) drive to the Alyeska Hotel in Girdwood for a meal at the Seven Glaciers restaurant at the top of the gondola run, with Turnagain Arm and a big chunk of the world down there below you.
Spend the 29th (Memorial Day) in Anchorage, then take an evening flight to Seattle or Portland (inexpensive nonstops to both.) Spend however many days you have left touring around Seattle or Portland, or spend a couple of days in each. Then off home.
Now why the cruise? Well first, it's incredibly easy and cost effective. The accommodations are wonderful, the food surprisingly good, and the scenery on an Inside Passage cruise is nonstop, and nonstop gorgeous. In late May you'll have really long daylight hours.
Alaska cruises can be very affordable if you don't fall victim to overpriced shore excursions (many of which you can do on your own much more cheaply) or excessive alcohol or hours spent in the casino. Ride the city bus ($1) in Ketchikan to see the totem poles at Totem Bight State Park or in the Tlingit village of Saxman. Rent a car in Skagway and drive up into the Yukon - see the Carcross desert and maybe drive past Emerald Lake to the Robinson Roadhouse ghost town, before returning to the ship.
For honeymooners, get a balcony cabin and order room service (no extra charge) if you want privacy. No rental car, no packing and unpacking, no playing hotel roulette.
Like I said, maybe brain gas, but thought I'd throw it out there.
Jan 26th, 2017, 01:46 PM
#11
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Oh, gardyloo, cheeky is right, but I like that suggestion so much I'm adding to my mental list of trips. It would definitely be more relaxing than driving on the interstate and the scenery would be amazing. And book ending with Vancouver and Portland- heck yes!
Jan 26th, 2017, 02:19 PM
#12
I realized after posting that I got the OP's dates wrong; they probably shouldn't leave before the wedding. 
So this instead: Fly to Vancouver or Seattle on the 21st and visit one or both (maybe scenic train from Seattle to Vancouver) before getting on a northbound Princess ship that leaves the afternoon of the 24th. Pretty much same itinerary, arriving in Whittier (not Seward) on the 31st. If they have to come back the same day, train to Anchorage and back to LAX; otherwise take a day or two and stay in Girdwood, visit the Native Heritage Center in Anchorage or do a Denali flightseeing trip (life changing) before returning to the lower 48.
So this instead: Fly to Vancouver or Seattle on the 21st and visit one or both (maybe scenic train from Seattle to Vancouver) before getting on a northbound Princess ship that leaves the afternoon of the 24th. Pretty much same itinerary, arriving in Whittier (not Seward) on the 31st. If they have to come back the same day, train to Anchorage and back to LAX; otherwise take a day or two and stay in Girdwood, visit the Native Heritage Center in Anchorage or do a Denali flightseeing trip (life changing) before returning to the lower 48.
Jan 26th, 2017, 03:59 PM
#13
As I have mentioned on this same question posted on other branches... I think 10 nights is NOT enough time to have a nice trip to all 4 places. It's just too rushed imo.
It would look something like this:
1- fly into Portland
2- Portland
3- Drive or train to Seattle
4- Seattle
5- Seattle
6- ferry up to Victoria
7- Victoria
8- over to Vancouver
9- Vancouver
10- Vancouver, fly home
My suggestion would be either Portland/Seattle OR Victoria/Vancouver and have some leisure time to look around.
It would look something like this:
1- fly into Portland
2- Portland
3- Drive or train to Seattle
4- Seattle
5- Seattle
6- ferry up to Victoria
7- Victoria
8- over to Vancouver
9- Vancouver
10- Vancouver, fly home
My suggestion would be either Portland/Seattle OR Victoria/Vancouver and have some leisure time to look around.
Jan 27th, 2017, 05:25 AM
#16
You need to deconstruct your days a little. Do you want to be up early and moving from one place to another several times during the course of your honeymoon, or sacrifice the number of places visited for the option of seeing them more in depth, or being able to relax and not worry about the next day's arrangements?
There's no right or wrong answer, but I'll just say that if you live on the west coast the planes fly several times a day, every day of the year. And none of the cities you mention are going anywhere.
There's no right or wrong answer, but I'll just say that if you live on the west coast the planes fly several times a day, every day of the year. And none of the cities you mention are going anywhere.
Jan 27th, 2017, 11:05 AM
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Since I have done little research up to this point, I honestly don't know the best way to plan this (my fiancé is out of town & will be back Sunday). I'm trying to get ideas to go over with him. Y'all have been a tremendous help so far! We are looking to explore different towns but not have every moment planned. If it were up to me (with the help of everyone here) I think it's going to be best to sacrifice the number of places we go.
