Car vs no car...
 

Three ladies (60)from Seattle. What is your call, to use a car or use Amtrak and PCL? This was originally our plan...Seattle to Victoria via Clipper, Victoria + Butchart Gardens via PCL to Vancouver, then Amtrak to Seattle. Would you stick with this one or would it be better to drive to Vancouver, ferry our car over to Victoria, and then ferry back to Seattle. I thought I read somewhere that there was no car ferry from Victoria to Seattle. If this is the case, then I wouldn't think it best to have to back track. What are you suggestions? :)

Hi I would take a car because it expands your options. There is a car ferry from Victoria to Port Angelas the you can drive down the Olympic Peninsula and the another ferry to Seattle. How long do you have? There are some great sights to see between Seattle- Vancouver-Victoria.

We are planning on three nights in Seattle, one in Victoria, and three in Vancouver. We won't have that long and thought that a car might take up part of our sightseeing. I have been reading on here about the long lines in customs.

Long lines at the border crossing only really happens on weekends, but especially during holidays/long weekends. If you're travelling across the border during a weekday, I would say the lineup shouldn't be any longer than 5 cars.

You can also make reservations for your car on B.C. ferries which takes the worry out of if you'll get on or not. You just have to be at the terminal 30 min ahead of sailing if you have a reservation.

Thanks, all. Appreciate your info.

Yes, the reservations for the ferry makes it SO much nicer! However, you have to arrive at the Port Angeles ferry dock 60 minutes before sailing or you lose your spot. When sailing from Victoria back to Port Angeles, the time is 90 minutes. So just make sure that you allow the proper amount of time so you don't get stuck.

Sorry, I meant to say that this was the requirement for the MV COHO ferry. I don't know about the other ones.