Madge1949

We will be arriving Seattle by flight around 5 pm and renting a car there at airport. Can we still get over to Victoria island on the same day or should we spend the night in Seattle? We want to spend most of our 4 days in Victoria.

NorthwestMale

<I>"Victoria Island"</i> is in the far north, on the way to the North Pole.


The most do-able means through which to accomplish getting your car to Victoria that same day, would entail hitting the ground running, and then driving to Port Angeles, WA (after 2 1/2 hours on the road) (I would <b>drive</b> <I>around, via Tacoma</i> to avoid potential delays) to catch a 9:30 sailing of the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria.

This assumes you are coming <b>before Labo(u)r Day weekend, as after that the final sailing each day is at 5:15.

You would want to have a <u>reservation to bring a vehicle</u> on the ferry, in advance.

Plane/Airport/Car delays could render this <I>challenging</i> if not impossible.


It is probably better to <I>plan</i> a different approach.

sludick

Agree - with car rental now off property and the rush hour timing of your arrival, you would be very hard-pressed to make that last sailing (also allowing time for Customs before boarding the ferry).

We did something a little similar once, flying into Seattle with a 12:30 arrival (from Florida), then up to the Tsawwassen ferry (Vancouver) to Vancouver Island, ending at Victoria.

I imagine that if you land at 5p, it might be after 6p before you have your luggage and car, then at least 2-1/2 hours drive to Port Angeles. You need to be at the ferry at least 60 minutes in advance. After a 90 minute ride, you'll be 11pm into Victoria.

My suggestion is to go no farther than Port Angeles that day, and catch the first morning ferry across. You'll be rested and can enjoy the ride as well.

sludick

Meant to add - by the time we made it to Victoria, bone tired, we ate a late dinner and fell into bed swearing not to do that again.

thursdaysd

Why not wait to rent the car in Victoria? There is a passenger ferry from Seattle, that drops you right in Victoria. You don't need a car in Victoria itself, I managed with walking and public transport. However, you would still need to spend the night in Seattle, the last ferry leaves before you arrive.

http://www.clippervacations.com/seattle-victoria-ferry/

Madge1949

I appreciate your replies and makes my decision on staying in Port Angeles for the night. Also since we will be coming after Labor Day, so it appears the last ferry will then be 5 pm. Any suggestions on where to stay in Port Angeles? We will also go to Vancouver. Is this doable in one day, or should we plan a night there? I like the idea of renting the car in Victoria. What is the best way to get to the passenger ferry from Seattle Airport? Thanks for all your help!

Fodorite018

In Port Angeles, our go to hotel is the Olympic Lodge. One time last year we strayed from that and stayed at the Red Lion. HUGE mistake!!! The RL is right near the ferry dock, but trust me, it is not worth it..

thursdaysd

See: http://www.portseattle.org/Sea-Tac/P...c-Transit.aspx

Looks like the cheapest will be light rail connecting to metro.