We plan to make a day trip from Seattle to Vancouver the 2nd week of July. Could anyone tell me the "hot spots" to not miss in Vancouver? Something entertaining for young adults and a small child.

How are you planning on getting from Seattle to Vancouver? IMO it's very far to go for a day trip.

My top 2 places to recommend seeing while you're there would be Stanley Park and Granville Island.

We were going to drive. I estimated about 2.5 hours. Is it longer than that?? Of course, I know we have to deal with the border, etc.

2.5 hours in the middle of the night, maybe ;-). On my most recent trips, it took me 3.25 hours from downtown Seattle to downtown Vancouver both times, and that was with a minimal wait at the border (about 15 minutes) and no traffic leaving from Seattle.

Coming back the wait is likely to be significantly longer (1-2 hours), unless you wait to leave until after 6 PM or so. Of course, the wait depends greatly on which day of the week but most days in the summer late afternoon/early evening, that's what I'd plan on, to be on the safe side.

Thanks for the info. We have decided to spend Tuesday & Wednesday night at the Hilton Airport in Vancouver. Plan on visiting your two suggestions. Any other tips would be appreciated! Looking forward to cooler weather. We are in Texas and it was 101 today!

Depends on what you like doing. I'd recommend Stanley park, Granville Island, and if you have time Grouse Mountain, or Spanish Banks.