The border crossings at Lynden and Sumas (Washington) are not far out of the way and usually much quicker than the main Interstate 5 (Peace Arch) border crossing.

I really appreciate all of your expert advise.
I think most of the group will take the train.
My family is looking at renting a car because the train does not return to Seattle until 10 pm, and that feels too late for me. We would still have to check back into the hotel, get resettled, etc. So we are looking at crossing where you said to.
We could take a bus back earlier, but I take it the bus is not that much fun?
Is the train very scenic?
Is Tillicum Village fun?
And where is the whale watching, Friday Harbour? Is whale watching worth it?
What about Mt. St. Helens?
And what is the best beach to spend the day at?
Again, thanks.

I still think that the train makes more sense than driving, simply because of the border crossing hassle.

Tillicum Village is definitely worth a visit. A little pricey, but you get a nice boat trip, a great salmon dinner, and interpretive dancing by honest-to-gosh Indians.

I'm at a loss to suggest a beach. That's not to say that a few hardy souls won't brave the chilly waters. Your best bet would be Alki Beach at the north end of West Seattle.

Whale watching is a sometime thing. The L pod is back in Puget Sound, but it's hard to predict where they will be. If you go to Victoria, take the Prince of Whales boat.

azzure,
Thanks for that info--I wasn't aware of this. But it still can be a LONG wait either way.

Any recommendations for things to do in Vancouver with kids?
And thoughts on Ruby Beach?

Silver Cloud is great for families. We got one of the suite rooms at the U Village site. Very doable. Breakfasts are fine.

Vancouver with kids - of my there is so much. Bikes around Stanley Park. The aquarium. Taking a little taxi boat to the science museum. Granville island for the playground/waterpark and food and art shops. Beaches. UBC museum with huuuuge totem poles and masks. Farmers' Market (check the web). Lynn Canyon FREE suspension bridge and nature center and trails (Don't swim there). Lots of good food around town.

And thoughts on Ruby Beach?

My thoughts are that it's a helluva long way from Seattle and/or Vancouver.

Just how long do you have?

How far is Ruby Beach from Seattle?

How far is Ruby Beach from Seattle?

http://tinyurl.com/5mt4kk

So we will not go to Ruby Beach now due to distance.
Can you tell me where to go whale watching?
And can you suggest a beach as a side trip close to Seattle?
Thanks

As mentioned earlier, Alki Beach is the closest and it's in West Seattle. However, I'm not sure what your plans are for spending a day at the beach..if you're envisioning lots of sun and swimming, you'll be out of luck as we don't exactly have beach weather in June.

The link below is to the Seattle Whale Watching Guide....it may be of help to you.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2wskp

Another beach suggestion is Golden Gardens, at the north end of the Shilshole Marina (go west from 15th and Market in Ballard and you can't go wrong). But as others have said, don't expect to loll around in the sun. I do know people who swim there, but they are masochists.

There's some very nice lake "beaches" right in Seattle. On Lake Washington, down at Madison Park, Madrona/Leshi, Seward Park, etc.

I think I have one last question before we leave- is a trip to Mt St Helens or Mt Ranier a good idea?
I am thinking for my children seeing Mt St Helens might be a good experience.
Thanks to you all, you have been a tremendous help in planning this trip.

You're coming soon? I'd skip a trip to Mt. Rainier, unless the kids want to play in the snow. Here is what the park's website says about all the lingering snow:

"NOTE: As of June 11, 2008, there is about 13 feet of snow on the ground at Paradise (elev. 5,420 feet). The park received new snow on June 9 and 10 as low as 2000 feet."