Victoria from Port Angeles - How long to stay
 

In the early stages of planning a NW trip and looking at going to Victoria from Port Angeles.

Is Victoria a day trip?
12:30 ferry going and about 7PM returning?

Or is this way too short and should we plan on staying overnight?

Our style is to wander around the town and see whatever sights happen to be of interest to us.

We're not really museum goers although we've spent time in some of the famous ones.

Thanks.

I responded to your post on the US board - just in case you didn't see it! As I said there - you need more time.

Don't forget that it is an 90 minute crossing and then you have to disembark. Going back, you have to be on the line to board at least 90 minutes before to go through customs. (At least with a car, it may be less for foot passengers, check the web site) So with your plan, you would set out to sight see maybe around 2:15 and have to be back to the boat by 5:30. Only 3+ hours in town. While you might be able to do a brief overview of the town (ie walk up government street and back) you will be traveling longer than you are there. (or close enough). Stay overnight and make sure to fit a visit to Butchart Gardens for a couple of hours. It would also be great to take a flight if you don't mind spending the money.

I meant a site seeing flight from Victoria, not a flight to Victoria from Port Angeles

Myer,
as I recall you gave some great advice on some of the national parks and are quite into photography. If my memory is correct on that, I would recommend you go to Butchart Gardens during the day in Victoria. You would probably need to overnight on the island if you go to the Gardens. They are not right in town.

Also at night, the harbor was really pretty and the Empress Hotel was lit up. Be sure to watch the Washington coastline as you're leaving and returning on the ferry. The mountains are really pretty.