If you do drive across the border, it should be northbound into Canada rather than the other way around (which is why I suggested the itinerary that I did). The wait time is generally far less going into Canada than the other way around, and the construction heading south will just make things worse. But going into Canada shouldn't be that bad especially if you time it right.

For example, as I am posting, the northbound wait at the border is 5 minutes:

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/border/

At this point I'm trying to get my mind straight about getting to and from Victoria.

Going from Vancouver is a combination 4 hour bus-ferry-bus ride. Not so enticing. From there I would take the Victoria Clipper to Seattle. Clearing customs once.

Going from Seattle would be a 3 hour each way boat ride on the Victoria Clipper. Clearing customs 3 times; from Vancouver to Seattle (Amtrak) and twice on the Victoria Clipper.

Going from Port Angeles would be a 1 hour each way boat ride as part of an auto tour of part of the Olympic Peninsula. Port Townsend, Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge. I would leave the car in Port Angeles. Clearing customs 3 times; Vancouver to Seattle and then twice on the ferry ride to and from Victoria. However, a one hour boat ride looks quite inviting.

Comments? Or smack me.

One big mistake we used to make when we were younger is to try to see to much, then not really seeing it, as we were rushing from place to place..I too live in Seattle area; my advice would be stay in the city, down town somewhere, see the Art museum, acquarium, the Pike Place Market, waterfront, take a walk on to one of several ferry points, (maybe with a bike, if you are fit), dine at some worthy places, meet the locals, etc., for a few days, maybe take a bus excrusion to Mt. Rainer. then rent a car to do the rest. It is a three hour (maybe more if you are delayed at the border) jaunt to Vancouver...however, you can take the boat from Seattle to Victoria..day trip or overnight. ARgosy cruises do the Lake, and there are wine tours, etc. Just don't rush around too much. Again, I would skip Portland...another three hour journey, and I believe Seattle offers more. Hope you enjoy.

clarasong,

I've already decided to skip Portland.

Now I'm just trying to decide the best way to see Victoria.

Based on that decision, the rest could fairly easily fall into place.

Thanks.

As I read the websites, Port Angeles to Victoria is a 1 1/2 hour ride on the ferry each way. The Clipper, from Seattle, is 2 1/2 hours each way. BC ferries are 1 1/2 hours each way, but you have to take the bus, as well, which must be what is putting you at 4 hours.

I'd guess customs is a lot quicker if you are leaving the car behind. Why not call and ask?

If you want to go from Vancouver to Seattle, then to the Olympic Peninsula and walk on to the ferry and go to Victoria for the day or for a night or two, then return to the OP, that would work. You're wasting your rental car, though, at the ferry parking lot.

The ferry rides are part of the experience, but I can see why you wouldn't want to make a lot of repeat trips. They are big ferries, and you can relax, play cards, eat in the cafeteria, shop at the store, read, talk with people. It's not like you are sitting in your car driving on an internet highway.

We went on a NW trip (for Expo 86) before we moved here. We flew to Seattle, took the ferry from Seattle to Victoria; then ferry to Vancouver. We spent a few days in Vancouver using the buses. Then, we picked up a rental car in Vancouver, drove to Banff where we visited the Nat Pk, then returned the car in Vancouver, flying out of Vancouver....Well, that's another trip, and not a bad one....hmm.

Myer,

Have you considered taking a float plane between Vancouver and Victoria? The flights take 35 minutes and they depart every hour. The only downside is that it costs considerably more (at $120 per person) and they are strict about luggage weight limits (but will send your luggage on an earlier/later flight if necessary).

We took a similar trip last summer,flying to Seattle and doing the loop by rental car, as many have suggested on this thread --(Seattle to Port Angleles, Victoria,to Saltspring (Gulf Islands, B.C., Tofino (Pacific Rim Nat'l Park) then to Vancouver B.C. and driving back thru Seattle. It was a fabulous trip all in all, but the waiting for ferry connections and especially the border crossing back into the states took up a good bit of time. Those who advise the floatplane are probably right on. We were amazed at the amount of construction activity EVERYWHERE in Vancouver area-don't underestimate the Olympic- building effect in making your final plans...will only be worse this summer.

Okay, I've read all of the posts, and had to laugh. Myer hope you're still checking back.

Portland is a lovely city, a small big city, and very different from Seattle in some respects. The outlying areas that make someone bristle- like Seattle and it's 'burbs..as a tourist anywhere who goes to those areas? A good drive to the Oregon Coast, which is an absolutely beautiful coast!

I've lived in both Seattle and Portland, now further south, in Eugene. I really had to laugh at the posts about Portland. Honestly you need to decide what you really want to experience in the PNW. Is it Seattle area and Puget Sound, and north? If so, travel to Victoria and stay the night. Vancouver B.C. is international, fun, and beautiful. It is probably my favorite PNW city at this point. Sorry Seattle!

Either way, have fun plannin and exploring! And for your wife, great shopping in Portland! : )

luster,

Thanks. Yes, I'm still here.

We haven't really sat down and discussed details of going. Right now I'm more focused on going back to Utah in May. But, still developing a plan.

I would lean towards the following right now.

Fly to Vancouver (I like the departure/arrival times in both directions better) and spend a few days there.

Amtrak to Seattle and avoid long border and traffic lines.

Spend a couple of days in Seattle.

Pick up car rental. Day trip to My Rainier NP and back to Seattle.

Drive/ferry to Port Townsend, Port Angeles, Hurricane Ridge. Three days.

Take ferry from P.A to Victoria late afternoon (leave car in P.A. probably) and sleep over. Spend evening and next day in Victoria.

Return to P.A. late in the day and return to Seattle.

Return the car and spend one last day in Seattle before returning home.

I think this give a good combination of cities and outside sights.

Still open to comments, of course.

DP1206 just wants to say thank you to Northwestmale, for the information he gave us for our west coast trip last oct/nov. We especially enjoyed Seattle and recommend the "underground tour" to anyone going there. We stayed in Pioneer Square[not the greatest hotel]but so close to everything including the Pier and the Market.