laurelee

I'm finding it difficult to plan a trip from Seattle's Lake Union(Silver Cloud Inn) to see both Victoria and mainland Vancouver. I'll be traveling with my elderly Mom and need convenience. We won't be having a car but relying on all other forms of trans.-maybe victoria clipper, the kenmore air flight plans, amtrak--all possibilities--I find it overwhelming--any suggestions? We will be starting from Lake Union--and want to see both Victoria and Vancouver City--we have 9 days or so if needed.

sunbum1944

I think the Kenmore air is great - and it leaves from Lake Union so would be convenient -
Victoria Clipper is good too - both land at the harbor in Victoria
but if you have never been on a float plane it would be an adventure

Bobmrg

It's sure easier to get to Kenmore Air than the Victoria Clipper when you are right there on Lake Union. That would be my first choice. Last trip I took on the Clipper, going through Customs at the Victoria end was a hassle. Victoria is a walking town (horse-drawn carriage for sightseeing). Good bus transportation from downtown to the ferry that takes you to Vancouver. Getting into Vancouver is a taxi ride, I'm pretty sure...there may be other methods but I am unaware of them. In ten years or so, the Sky Train will go out to the airport, but I don't think you want to wait that long.

Bob Gardner

laurelee

So, if I'm understanding correctly: take the Kenmore air to Victoria, then the ferry over to Victoria, and possibility Amtrak back to Seattle?When we get off the ferry in Vancouver, how easy is it to get a bus or taxi to downtown-providing we are staying there?
Any rec. about where to stay is helpful too. Thanks.

laurelee

sorry-I meant the ferry over to Vancouver from Victoria!

Gardyloo

For complete convenience, you can use Kenmore Air to Victoria, then Harbour Air to Canada Place right in downtown Vancouver.

The ferry from Vancouver Island to Tsawwassen is scenic; unfortunately the ferry terminals on both the island and mainland side are quite some distance from their respective cities (Victoria and Vancouver) so bus rides are required at both ends.

Flying is more expensive, but not crushingly so, and it's quite an adventure (but completely safe.) Then you could take the train back to Seattle from Vancouver (one daily, leaves in the early evening.)

Note that Kenmore and Harbour Air have fairly stringent baggage weight limitations, so plan accordingly.

www.kenmoreair.com
www.harbour-air.com

christy1

Are you sure you don't want to reconsider the car? I traveled in Germany last summer with my elderly mother-in-law and there was no other way she would have been able to do it (she has some physical issues that limit her ability to walk for very long or negotiate very many stairs). It also might be cheaper than flying and taking cabs. The city of Vancouver is almost 20 miles from the ferry, which could be a hassle for you.

April

I too would take Kenmore Air to Victoria. I've had some great flights with them.

If you didn't want to fly to Vancouver, taking the bus from downtown Victoria to downtown Vancouver is very easy and pleasant. You don't even need to book anything - just walk into the bus depot, which is right by the Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel, etc., in Victoria about 20 minutes before the bus is to depart. Luggage is locked on the bus during the ferry trip so just make sure you have anything you want with you for that portion of the trip and write down the bus number so you can find it before reaching the mainland. One bus, no waits at the ferry - easy-peasy.

laurelee

April-the bus from Victoria to Vancouver sounds like a pretty good idea---if I'm to understand this right--if I just took the ferry-I'd have to get on a bus eventually to get to downtown Vancouver-so there would be less transfers. Is that right?
And the bus stop in Vancouver is within walking distance of a downtown hotel---any suggestions of a place?
Thanks.