Suze--The North Cascades are wonderful! Where did you see bears?

mms~ Camping along the Methow river in Mazama.

volcanogirl~ Von's & Serious Pie are both fine places to drink & eat respectively -lol!

Suze--Nice! I will say you surprised me when you said you camped though as I know that isn't your usual style;)

I had a friend who knew people living in the area. It was about 10 years back now, but that was our favorite go-to spot for a summmer weekend. I admit it was "car camping" and on land his friends owned... But it was a beautiful spot we tent camped, cooked on the camp fire, located right on the river.

Thanks, everyone. How long would you say it takes to see Butchart Gardens, just in general? And what's the best way to get there if we won't have a car?

Butchart Gardens takes a couple of hours at least. There are plenty of tour buses that depart from the Inner Harbour; they aren't hard to find.

I will say, however, that if you wanted to visit Vancouver instead of Victoria, the Queen Elizabeth Park Gardens and nearby Van Dusen Gardens are spectacular on their own, and much cheaper (in the case of QE Park, free) than expensive Butchart, plus they're right in the middle of the city.

http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation...beth-park.aspx
http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation...al-garden.aspx

We're definitely going to Victoria - have the hotel reserved for a couple of nights. I'll save the other suggestions for another trip though since I'm sure we'll return.

Are the tours to Butchart Gardens basically just a shuttle service and once you're there you're on your own?

I was also curious about the Victoria Clipper - how does the seating work? Do you get an assigned seat, or is it a mad dash once you board?

suze, glad you give the restaurants the thumbs up!

Suze, we also live an urban life. But my 92-year old mother lives in the San Juans, so we get there from time to time. Most of our out-of-town trips are via SeaTac as well - lol.

oh my goodness, such a wealth of information here. Hikrguy and I have been throwing around the idea of Seattle/Vancouver next summer, but reading all this, I think we could have a jam-packed 8 days -- with tons of hiking, of course -- just in the Seattle region.

hmmm... I can't remember about the Clipper seating. Mostly I was wandering all around the "boat" the entire time. I don't remember if I had an assigned seat or not??? Anyone know the answer?

hikrchick--You will be in heaven with the hiking here! We are on the trails often, either snowshoeing in winter or hiking or backpacking in the summer. If you do plan the trip and need help, just let me know:)

Yea, I was wondering if seats for the Clipper are based on when you book your trip or when you check in, or if it just doesn't matter at all? Can you hang out outside on the upper deck if the weather is nice? Or maybe too windy?! I'd love to get a window seat if possible.

hikr, yes, we had a very hard time deciding; there are so many good choices in Seattle plus Victoria, Vancouver, and all the national parks!

Thanks again, for all the help, everyone; our trip is shaping up nicely. Turns out the Mariners are playing our home team while we're there, so we got our tickets to that. Also the Savor Seattle tour that I mentioned - the Pike Place version and will go to the Space Needle and Chihuly as well, and Snoqualmie Falls. Also reserved two nights at The Empress in Victoria - tried Abigail's, but it was already full, booked our whale watching tour with Prince of Whales in Victoria, will also visit Butchart Gardens using the bus tour transportation, and hit up the high tea at The Empress. Booked the Clipper to get us to and from Victoria. Will fit in Mount Rainier if we have time - looks beautiful. We have enough points to stay a couple of nights free in Seattle, just need to reserve hotels, and we should be set. We'll end up spending four days in Seattle and two in Victoria. Will visit Vancouver on another trip when we have more time. Whew! You guys have been a huge help. I really appreciate it.

I was at my very first Mariners Game last Friday (with my office group for our summer "picnic" event). It's a beautiful stadium.

I think Mt. Rainier is most amazing looking at it when the skies are clear in the city. It's spectacular (even if you don't drive down to actually go hiking or whatever).

I think Seattle/Victoria and skipping Vancouver this time is an excellent plan, as are all your other mentioned activities and tours.

Welcome to Seattle!!!!!! suze

suze--wow, that is the first time you have been to an M's game? We were there that night too! We have season tickets, and have for many years, but even so I still love the stadium and the vibe:)

Cool, glad to hear it's a nice stadium. I think a baseball game is a fair trade for my husband going to high tea and the gardens with me. Plus I secretly like baseball lol.

Looking forward to my first ginger beer. :)

(mms~ it's the first time i've been to ANY kind of professional sporting event... in my life -lol!)

volcanogirl--Well one good thing about tea re your husband is that there is so much food that he will not be hungry, lol! Seriously, when DD and I had tea at the Empress, we did not want anything else the rest of the day, even later that night. It was well worth it though, and so nice! BTW, the stadium has really good food options too. WAY better than most places! Be sure to spend some time in Edgar's Cantina:)

suze--Omg:)