Seattle to Vancouver in September 2013
 

My husband and I are doing a trip this September. We have never been to either spot. So many questions. Any Suggestions We only have 8 days. Thanks.

</>So many questions.</i>

What are some of them? That would help in making suggestions.

HTTY

We did that in 2005. We flew to Seattle, stayed 4 days, took the train to Vancouver BC; stayed 4 days and then took train back to Seattle. Stayed overnight and then flew home.

In the United States forum, tag your post Seattle; in the Canada forum, tag your post Vancouver. Then read the "things to do" that you will find on their home pages.

here is a new thing to do in Vancouver- sounds fun

http://www.flyovercanada.com

What are some of the best places to eat stay and see. How many days for each any side trips?

I am not a Vancouver expert- but I was there last weekend. I stayed at the Rosedale on Robson- a perfect location for getting around, easy walk to shops, restaurants, tourist activities.

It is a suite hotel and I had a full kitchen- even a stove with oven in case you really want to cook for yourself. The hotel also has a restaurant and pub- I thought it was a great place to stay.

I had dinner at the Flying Pig in Yaletown ( walking distance from the hotel) which was fabulous.
We had the "surf and turf" which was a platter for 2 with a gourmet mac and cheese, perfectly cooked steak and some blackened halibut and salad. It was plenty for 3- but then we had appetizers as well.

I'm not really a Vancouver expert either but I've been there several times but not since the 2010 Winter Olympics.
I really liked Stanley Park. I hope they didn't mess it up too bad. I remember a steam clock on the sidewalk near Gastown.
Gastown is named for "Gassy Jack". There is a statue of him in the area.
With enough time you should take a ferry to Vancouver Island to go see Victoria which is the capital of British Columbia.
The way that I prefer to get to Vancouver is by train or Amtrak bus from Seattle. I have also come into Vancouver on the ViaRail Canadian from Jasper.

Is Victoria or any place on Vancouver Island really worth a side trip or an overnight stay? Has anyone taken the ferries? We are thinking about renting a car, but with the train and ferries not sure if we need it. Any running trails in Seattle or Vancouver people are familiar with?

Victoria is worth an overnight stay, especially if you visit Butchart Gardens. Don't take a car to Victoria...the city is very walkable and there is public transportation to the Gardens. Stanley Park is the place to run in Vancouver; in Seattle, there is the Burke-Gilman Trail, the trail around Green Lake, the Myrtle Edwards trail along the waterfront...those are the ones that come quickly to mind, but I'm sure there are more.