At what point will you rent a car? Seattle and Vancouver both have great public transport. I like traveling between the cities on the Amtrak bus or train.
The shortest ferry to Victoria is from Port Angeles. If you do go to Port Angeles, see Hurricaine Ridge in Olympic NP.
In Seattle there is a nice walk in the arboretum of the University of Washington next to Lake Washington.

We loved Abigails. Very nice hotel, and we loved the location as it is about a 5 minute walk to the inner harbour as well as being so close to Beacon Hill Park, which is a must, IMO.

Woodinville is a beautiful area, and lots of wonderful wineries there. Go for a long walk along the trail there if you have time.

Thank you both for your suggestions. We planned on renting a car at the airport. I know that we have been encouraged to use only public transportation, but my husband really enjoys driving, and we like the flexibility of doing side trips out of the cities when we choose. We enjoy cities, but we also like to get out of the cities for scenic drives.

I hope to get to Butchart Gardens. After posting on another forum, I'm considering the following changes to my itinerary...without listing specifics:
I will be arriving in Seattle on August 1. I'd like to spend the first afternoon and evening in Seattle. We'll have had a long day on and off planes, it's our 25th wedding anniversary, and I'd just like to peruse the market, and have a nice dinner in the evening. We could leave fairly early on Thursday morning, arrive in Vancouver in the afternoon, and spend the rest of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Vancouver. On Thursday, I'd like to stop at the Chateau St. Michelle Winery on our way to Vancouver...we love their wine. Sunday morning ferry to Victoria. The rest of the day Sunday and Monday in Victoria/Vancouver Island...I know there's not time to explore much more of the island. Early ferry to Port Angeles on Tuesday, drive to Seattle, and spend the rest of the day Tuesday and Wednesday in Seattle.

Thanks again. I'll let you know how we make out.

Hi, your note was forwarded to me by a friend who is on this forum. What time does your Anacortes ferry get into Victoria? You haven't left much time to explore and the ferry the next day will take a chunk of your day. It's going to be at least one hour wait time, two on the ferry and another hour to drive to Vancouver.
I'm not clear on your car rental either. It's not easy, if possible to rent one and bring it across the border if that's what you're thinking.

If you'd like to email me, it's JoanF (atsign) shaw.ca

On Thursday, I'd like to stop at the Chateau St. Michelle Winery on our way to Vancouver.

A visit to St. Michelle Winery would be at least a two-hour detour if you don't take time to taste wine. If you go to the winery and also have an hour or more wait at the border (as we did today) you will be quite frazzled by the time you work your way from the highway through residential and commercial neighborhoods to get to your downtown Vancouver hotel.

You might want to combine your trip to the winery with a night at nearby Willows Lodge. It seems to be your kind of place. Their Barking Frog restaurant is supposed to be one of the best in Washington: http://www.willowslodge.com/index.html

Stanley Park is the jewel of Vancouver--one of the most beautiful city parks in the world. Also, the drive from Stanley Park to the Museum of Anthropology is beautiful (if you follow the roadway closest to the water). And, if you have the time, the museum is fascinating even if, like me, you have no particular interest in anthropology:http://www.moa.ubc.ca/

We try to avoid ferries in the summer. Make reservations and arrive in time to have them honored.

You're lucky your husband likes to drive. This trip on public transport would be a nightmare.

HTTY