Advice for X-mas in Seattle Area
Aug 20th, 2007 | 03:57 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4
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Advice for X-mas in Seattle Area
Hi! I need help planning a X-mas trip to Seattle, Vancouver, and maybe Victoria. I have a few criteria that has to be met:
1) I have to fly in/out of Seattle 2) ski for two days at Whistler 3) go during x-mas break.
I want to explore these areas as much as I can. What do you all recommend to "must do" in Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria, in the winter? Is some areas more worthwhile to visit during this time than others? Is it worthwhile to try to get to Victoria, if I'm crunched for time (considering weather and holiday)? How are the ferries/public transportations availiabilty at this time of year?
I have some flexibility with time, but I really would like to keep the trip to 6-7 days (including two flight days). I could extend it for a couple more days if worthwhile.
Thanks!
1) I have to fly in/out of Seattle 2) ski for two days at Whistler 3) go during x-mas break.
I want to explore these areas as much as I can. What do you all recommend to "must do" in Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria, in the winter? Is some areas more worthwhile to visit during this time than others? Is it worthwhile to try to get to Victoria, if I'm crunched for time (considering weather and holiday)? How are the ferries/public transportations availiabilty at this time of year?
I have some flexibility with time, but I really would like to keep the trip to 6-7 days (including two flight days). I could extend it for a couple more days if worthwhile.
Thanks!
Aug 20th, 2007 | 04:07 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,176
Likes: 12
To get up to Whistler and have 2 full days of skiing and 2 days of traveling leaves you only 2-3 days "extra", right?
I've lived here 20+ years and been to Victoria exactly once, when out of town guests were visiting. I don't consider it a must do myself.
Vancouver is a fantastic city, but I think I'd do either it or Seattle but not both.
I've lived here 20+ years and been to Victoria exactly once, when out of town guests were visiting. I don't consider it a must do myself.
Vancouver is a fantastic city, but I think I'd do either it or Seattle but not both.
Aug 20th, 2007 | 09:30 PM
#3
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Suze is right, skip Victoria. Victoria has it's charms, but they are best enjoyed on a warm Spring day when you have plenty of time in the region. Ferries and public transportation are readily available year round, although ferry trips are reduced. You shouldn't need ferries if you don't go to Victoria.
If you hit a rare crisp sunny day, a ferry trip to Bainbridge can be a terrific way to see the city from its lovely marine side. You don't need a lot of other itinerary advice, because you just have a few free days and you can take that up in the Downtown Seattle area just visiting Pike Place, Pioneer Square, the Seattle Art Museum and the Waterfront & Sculpture Garden if the weather is not too harsh. The city is beautiful at the holidays.
Take an extra day on the Whistler leg to visit downtown Vancouver. Whistler is a pretty good size car trip, with delays at the international border both ways. You might consider the train both ways and then rent a car in Vancouver. It's a great train trip. Be sure Whistler has snow, the early season precip. can sometimes be fickle. Sounds fun though!
If you hit a rare crisp sunny day, a ferry trip to Bainbridge can be a terrific way to see the city from its lovely marine side. You don't need a lot of other itinerary advice, because you just have a few free days and you can take that up in the Downtown Seattle area just visiting Pike Place, Pioneer Square, the Seattle Art Museum and the Waterfront & Sculpture Garden if the weather is not too harsh. The city is beautiful at the holidays.
Take an extra day on the Whistler leg to visit downtown Vancouver. Whistler is a pretty good size car trip, with delays at the international border both ways. You might consider the train both ways and then rent a car in Vancouver. It's a great train trip. Be sure Whistler has snow, the early season precip. can sometimes be fickle. Sounds fun though!
Aug 22nd, 2007 | 07:19 AM
#5
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,965
Likes: 0
I agree that it is not advisable to include Victoria in a 6-7 day trip to Seattle, Vancouver, and Whistler.
If we knew what times you arrive and depart from SeaTac and exactly how many days you will be in the area, we could be more specific about how you might distribute your time.
If we knew what times you arrive and depart from SeaTac and exactly how many days you will be in the area, we could be more specific about how you might distribute your time.
Aug 26th, 2007 | 08:13 PM
#6
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Hi there --
If you want to enjoy more skiing, we love Crystal Mountain next to Rainier. The runs are fantastic and the scenery is pretty swell, too. You can take a bus from downtown, as well.
http://www.skicrystal.com/
Otherwise, a neat local activity around the holidays are the Christmas ships. Google it closer to the date you're here b/c info probably isn't up yet...
Enjoy!
h.
If you want to enjoy more skiing, we love Crystal Mountain next to Rainier. The runs are fantastic and the scenery is pretty swell, too. You can take a bus from downtown, as well.
http://www.skicrystal.com/
Otherwise, a neat local activity around the holidays are the Christmas ships. Google it closer to the date you're here b/c info probably isn't up yet...
Enjoy!
h.
