I am thinking of visiting Vancouver the 2 or 3rd week of October and wanted to see what it will be like at that time? Will there still be fall foilage or possible snow? Will the whales or bears still be around for day trips? If we fly into Seattle to save money, would it be best to take ferry to Vancouver, drive, or take the train. My husband also likes to fish - is this a good time? Any special places you recommend since this will be my husband's 50th bday?
Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!

Fall foliage? There's not really any in this region to speak of and October would be early for the little we do have.

We also rarely get snow even in the wintertime so no, snow is not very likely.

I went bear watching at Knight Inlet in early October a number of years ago and while it was late in the season, it wasn't over by any means. Hard to say if the orcas will be in the area but they may well be.

There's no ferry to Vancouver from Seattle--we're both on the mainland. The train goes once a day first thing in the morning and leaves Vancouver for Seattle around 6 PM, so it depends on your schedule as to whether that will work for you vs. driving.

Are you looking for special accommodations or restaurants for your husband's 50th?

Yes, I am looking for something different and unique. We have been to Hawaii and the Caribbean quite a bit, most of the National parks,and love the outdoors. Just haven't really explored Canada and would love any suggestions for lodging or restaurants you might have!

In that case, if you have enough time (at least 3 nights for Tofino), I'd suggest visiting Tofino on Vancouver Island in addition to Vancouver itself. The most famous place to stay there is the Wickaninnish Inn (the Wick for short) but my favorite place is the still very nice but not quite as fancy Middle Beach Lodge. One of their cabins with a private hot tub would be a fantastic splurge.

As far as restaurants in Vancouver, if I were celebrating my 50th there instead of in Paris next week ;-), I'd want to go to Le Crocodile for my birthday. Other favorites are Vij's and West (both in the South Granville neighborhood while Le Crocodile is right downtown).

I will be visiting the first 2 weeks of Oct. (So thank you for starting this thread, Teresa) - I have only been in the Summer ... what are people wearing in October? I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb if I am wearing sweaters.

Teresa, I have been to Vij's last Summer. It is so worth a visit! The lamb was so good it almost made me cry!!

Wallace_and_Gromit - what kinds of things are you going to do on your trip please? I am still trying to finalize plans.
I like NW Wanderer's idea of going to Vancouver Island. I was just really concerned that the weather might not be good this time of year - rainy, or cold. We are going to fly into Seattle for a couple of days then go on to Vancouver. I was also thinking about a couple of days on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Thanks for your ideas!

Fishing focus switches to freshwater in October.

A tip to the nearby yet remote Pitt River is a fabulous way to fish for Salmon/Char/Trout
http://pittriverlodge.com/

If you don't have time for that then a day trip on the Fraser for the mighty Sturgeon would be a wonderful way to see the area-it's 100% Catch & Release and there are some real giants to do battle with.
http://greatriverfishing.com/

Teresa,

I don't think it gets that cold in Vancouver - it may be "chilly" but I don't think it would be COLD.

This will be my 3rd time visiting, so this trip will be more relaxed. I don't feel like I have to fit in all the tourist activities - but I still plan on going whale watching one day. (Vancouver Whale Watch - my favorite company!) I LOVE whale watching. I always book a zodiac boat and it is so fun! They provide wet suits, so I think I will be comfortable enough. Also, I booked a 20 min. tour of Vancouver on a Sea Plane (Harbour Air) Last time I took a day trip to Whistler and rode a sea plane over the mountains (WOW!) ... and the hop on/off Trolley Tour is always nice no matter how many times I've done it. 1. If you get tired, this is a great way of touring the city without any effort and 2. I love the fact I can hop on and off where I want without having to worry where the public bus stops are or what times they run.

If you want to go somewhere outside of Vancouver, Victoria is a very lovely place. I will be spending 2 nights there. From Seattle, you could take a Ferry to Victoria and then take another Ferry to Vancouver (since you were asking about Seattle to Vancouver) - but that is time consuming. You can take a ferry to Victoria from Vancouver. There is a bus that picks you up downtown and then drives you onto the boat and then drives you to down town Victoria (if that is something you are interested in.)

Anything else I can help you with?

Thanks - I would like to see whales and bears also. I have read several reviews about Knight Inlet.
Have you been there or know a good place to go to see bears that time of year?

I'm sorry I can't help you there