Seattle- Vancouver - Calgary
 

My wife and I travelling from Australia to the US and Canada. We plan to fly to Seattle(2 nights) then take a ferry to Victoria (1 night ), ferry to Vancouver (4 nights), coach/car to Whistler (1night), Train from Vancouver to Jasper (i night), coach/car to Lake Loiuse (1 night), coach/car to Banff (1 night), coach/car to Calgary (2 nights) and then fly to Vegas and back to LA.

Any advice?

Sounds like an exciting trip. When do you plan to do this? It would help to know the dates so we can recommend ideas as weather is an important aspect of travelling to these locations.

Hello there

If you're going VIA Rail Vancouver to Jasper, that'll be an overnight (I recommend splurging and getting a sleeper, at least a berth, so you get access to the dome car, excellent dining and maybe even get a good night's sleep...). I hope you enjoy this experience as much as I did. I gather (hope) you mean you then plan to do (at least) an overnight in Jasper before pushing on to Lake Louise; a good idea!

I personally would go with 2 nights in Victoria and 3-4 nights in Vancouver, 3 if you keep Whistler, 4 if you don't decide to keep Whistler. (I'd personally drop Whistler, you've got enough to keep you busy with Vancouver itself and day trips out of Vancouver.) I also would knock a day off Calgary and split Jasper 2 days, Banff/Lake Louise 2 days.

Your original plan is do-able but sounds rushed to my taste, which is fine for crossing off items on a checklist to say you've been, but less good for getting a feel of a place... Depends what you want really.

Best wishes and have a great trip whatever you decide!

Daniel

We plan to arrive in Vancouver in early Nov and would not prefer to drive as I am not used to driving in wet/snowy conditions. Any advice on the ferry from Seattle to Vancouver.

There is no ferry between Seattle and Vancouver. Did you mean between Seattle and Victoria?

We would like to get a ferry from Seattle to Victoria then a ferry to Vancouver.

It's hard to give advice when you haven't asked specific questions. What are your concerns?

Dilton,
You can take a Washington State vehicle/passenger ferry from Anacortes, which is about 45 min north of Seattle. Or leave Port Angeles which is also outside of Seattle. You can also take the passenger only high speed Clipper ferry directly out of Seattle to Victoria. The Clipper will take you to Victoria and the state ferry arrives about 20 minutes away outside of Victoria. There are buses to and from all the ports. From Victoria you will take the ferry to Tswwassen port which is about 45 minutes south of Vancouver. Check Pacific Coach line for transportation from Victoria on the ferry to Twassenen which has drop offs for major hotels in Vancouver. We're heading there next month: Seattle, Victoria, Whistler and Vancouver so I understand your question. :)

Just so there is no confusion you will leave Swartz Bay, 20 minutes north of Victoria to Tswawwassen. I highly recommend looking at Washington State ferry and BC ferries, Pacific Coach Line web sites. And the Clipper ferry. Enjoy!

Dilton - as far as the trip to Victora and Vancouver here are the websites you need

Passenger ferry from Seattle to Victoria
http://www.clippervacations.com/

Bus/Ferry from Victoria to Vancouver
http://www.pacificcoach.com/

The Clipper will bring you in right downtown close to all of the attractions and hotels

The bus depot is located just a block from the inner harbour as well so it is very convenient.

It sounds like you might not need a car at all! Most of the major stations (bus and train) are centrally located in both Vancouver and Victoria, and Jasper is small enough that you can walk wherever you want to go. Not sure about Banff or Calgary.

I agree with Daniel Williams about dropping Whistler. It's a great spot, but better if you have a couple of days to explore it and participate in all the outdoor activities. Add a day in Victoria or Jasper, or even Vancouver.

What a great trip!

Thank you for all the valuable information. Looking forward to the trip.