Vancouver/Victoria from Seattle
 

Planning on taking my folks for a quick visit to Vancouver and Victoria from Seattle, by car. Going in October. Only have three nights, four days, so a bit rushed. I've noticed suggestions to go from Seattle to Vancouver first (spend 2 nites?) then head to Victoria (spend 1 nite) and back to Seattle. I see after visiting Vancouver, we should catch ferry from Tsawwasen to Victoria, then back on the same ferry and drive down to Seattle from Tsawwasen. Anyone know of ferry times, trip distances and time it takes on ferries, etc? Good web site for this? And do we have to make reservation to take car on ferry, etc? Would you skip Victoria for another time and just do 3 nites in Vancouver instead?

Hi Jane, <BR>The ferry schedules can be found at www.bcferries.com, the ferry takes approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours. No you do not need to make reservations - but you can if you like for an extra $15.00. <BR>You can also take a ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles rather than going back to the Vancouver area, sorry don't know any schedules for those sailings. Check with Tourism BC for any extra info. Victoria is a beautiful city to visit, not to be missed.

Here are a few web sites for you to check out: Victoria-Port Angeles ferry site - www.northolympic.com/coho/ <BR> <BR>Sidney(just outside Victoria) to Anacortes ferry schedule - www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/home/schedules/current/ <BR> <BR>www.victoriaclipper.com/seattle.html <BR> <BR>Hope these help.

I'd strongly encourage you -- for scenic variety -- to go forward with your trip as described and then take either the Coho from Victoria to Port Angeles and drive down the Peninsula to return to Seattle via Kingston or Bainbridge Island. The websites listed in the previous replies should help you plan. I love Victoria, especially at this time of year, so I wouldn't cut it out of the trip.

Thanks Deb & Michele. Will check those websites and take your suggestions. Have you heard about the Pacific Palisades hotel in Vancouver? Don't find it in any guide but a friend said it's quite good. Any other suggestions in Vancouver & Victoria? Don't want most expensive, but don't want cheap either! US $ strong vs Canadian $! Ta.

Hi Jane - I brought a previous post to the top entitled "Hotel Dilemma" - it has a good review of the Pacific Palisades. For more comments (all favourable) do a search for "Palisades". <BR> <BR>