My husband and I will be traveling to Seattle in late August for a week. I've had recommendations to take a day trip to Vancouver and also to Victoria. We won't be able to do both (we'll be visiting family for part of the week). How do these places compare?

We're in our mid-twenties and like quaint cities, looking at historical buildings/scenery, museums, interesting restaurants and window shopping.

Vancouver's a lot livlier than Victoria; ontheother hand, Vancovuer is similar to Seattle in many ways, while vioctoria is much smaller, quieter, etc.

Regardless, I'd suggest Vancouver for people in their twenties. I'm not sure "quaint" describes Vancovuer, but it has great parks, an interestingharbour, a seabus that takes you on the water for not very much money, an interesting Chinatown, and some fascinating modern architecture.

Seattle to Vancouver and back to Seattle is a lot of driving for one day. You might think about staying overnight in Vancouver.

I've done the reverse, by car, many times, and it's a long day. Especially loing with some of the characters I had with me, but that's another story.

BAK

When my husband and I were late 20's we had a similar trip planned and we started in Victoria. Loved it so much we cancelled our Vancouver portion of the trip. So I don't really know Vancouver but have heard it is more of a big city whereas Victoria is certainly quaint and interesting. More than enough to roam and see in a day or 2. Have fun.

The practicalities of the matter have to be weighed. Victoria can be done easily as a day trip by taking the Victoria Clipper high speed ferry (but still 3+ hours each way) which can give you ~6 hours or so - enough time to see the lovely Inner Harbour surroundings, get to the fine museum, window shop a bit, take some pictures, and head back, or squeeze in a visit to the popular (and crowded) Butchart Gardens, then head back. Not a lot of time on site, but Victoria is a fairly small city. You can capture a few more hours by flying on a floatplane from downtown Seattle (Kenmoreair.com) which is tons of fun but more expensive than the Clipper.

Vancouver is a much bigger city, and in August will also require about 3 hours to get to (by car, so cheaper.) However, 6 or 7 hours in Vancouver will barely scratch the surface, and I suspect you'd feel frustrated having to leave so soon.

Restaurants, shopping, sightseeing - all will have more resources in Vancouver, but they will be more spread out and more time will be consumed getting from one place to another. Typical big city stuff - traffic, parking, etc.

If you can spend the night, then I'd go with Vancouver. If not, then Victoria will probably offer more efficient use of your time.

Vancouver is a world-class, cosmopolitan city with a magnificent natural setting and every conceivable amenity to appeal to a young couple.

Victoria is a Provincial Capital that seems English to people who have never been to England; it's a great place to take your grandmother for high tea.

Vancouver is just another big city, though a nice one; Victoria is a unique experience.

Vancouver's not a day trip. Especially if you get stuck in long lines crossing the border, it's just too far to be fun for one day. But, it's a fantastic city, definitely worth a visit (in a lot of ways a better city for tourists than my hometown of Seattle).

Most people love Victoria-I find it wayyy too touristy and cutesy. The tourist area is very small-you could easily do it in a day. You won't find interesting restaurants (unless you consider afternoon tea interesting) or shopping, though there is a good museum and it's in a very pretty setting.

We went to all three in 8 days/7 nights a few years ago when in our early twenties (3 days Seattle, 2 Victoria, 2 Vancouver). While Seattle and Vancouver were "cities", Victoria was the most memorable and enjoyable. Seattle and Vancouver were very similar. Victoria was absolutely gorgeus and we wished we had spent more time there.

Victoria

You might also want to post this on the Canadian board since you're discussing Canadian areas. I vote for Victoria - it's an easy ride via the Clipper.

Victoria (quaint, historical buildings, window shopping)

After our brief research yesterday, we were leaning towards Victoria being more up our alley. Looks like most of you agree. If we wanted to stay in Victoria overnight, any suggestions?

Vancouver and Victoria are apples and oranges... and a comparison between the two is kind of like comparing Miami, Florida to (pre-hurricane) Biloxi, Mississippi.

I'm in my mid-20's, and while Victoria is fun during a first or second time visit, it's not exactly the hub of excitement. I hestitate to say this, but after spending a weekend with my boyfriend there last summer,and a weekend with my 2 closest girlfriends earlier this year, we all agree that a day visit was more than enough.

If you're okay with this and you're not planning on much nightlife (whether that means dining late or plans after 9pm), then you'll probably love a day trip to Victoria. It's full of quaintness and history, and it's home to a fantastic museum (the Royal Museum of British Columbia).

While I always feel that Victoria's better suited for people my parents age, if that's what you're looking for, then Victoria's got it!