Our family is planning a trip to Seattle/Vancouver in mid August for about 11 days. We need some tips on what to do, how to do it, and most importantly how much time to budget for those things. We will be 5 people, a 16 yr old, 10 1/2 yr old and a senior with us and we don't need luxury hotels, but like nice comfortable moderately priced modern places. Suites hotels or even condo rentals would be great. Any ideas? Summerfield Suites- is that too far from the sites? What about S. Queeen Anne Hill area? So, far we're hoping to do the following: In Seattle proper: Pike St. Mkt, Science Center, Underground tour, shopping, zoo (?) , Space Needle(?). Elsewhere, we hope to do Mt. Ranier, Mt. St. Helens (is this a day trip or over night- do it together or separate?); the falls, Port Townsend; Hurricane Ridge/Olympic Park area; Victoria (a day trip or overnight?) San Juan Islands; Whale watching; Vancouver, B.C. (how many days?) How do you get to theses places best? What ferrys from what locations? We will have a van the entire time, but are there places we should leave the Van behind? I know this is broad, but any tips will be appreciated.

Just a tidbit of info. on Victoria from our past experience. We took the car ferry over to Victoria in the a.m. from Port Angeles, WA. After arriving there we discovered that we wouldn't be able to return on the evening ferry because it was already full. We had to stay in Victoria - we found a room with no problem. (Something to think about should you make hotel reservations in advance elsewhere, some hotels have strict cancelation policies - check them out.) Oh, by the way, don't leave your van, take it on the car ferries.

We visited the Buchart (sp?) Gardens in Victoria - fabulous botanical gardens not to be missed. Another beautiful sight is arriving into port on the ferry. The sight of the Victoria harbor (I've only heard) is similar to London?

We stayed at The Inn at The Market in Seattle. This hotel is very charming, and the rates are probably $150 - $200/nt. these days. It may be a little higher than you want, but it's location can't be beat. Literally a few steps down the hill from the hotel, and you are in the center of the Pike's Place Market. Not to mention there are fabulous views of the ocean and islands from a terrace on an upper level of the hotel.

In Seattle we also really enjoyed the Museum of Flight - your kids might like this. Sounds like you're in for a wonderful vacation.

A few random thoughts on the area: In Seattle, make sure you visit Pike's Market. It's fun, even it you don't buy anything. In Vancouver don't miss the Museum at the University of British Columbia. A wonderful Indian museum, with items displayed magnificently. The whole family will love it.
As the writer above stated, don't miss Buchard Gardens in Victoria. It's probably best to stay at least one night in Victoria, a charming city.
Olympic National Park is beautiful, but the main areas are not next to each other and require a bit of driving. Hurricane Ridge is magnificent if (and it's a big if in that area) the weather is clear! Not sure how it would be on one of its frequently overcast or rainy days. Also the rainforest and at least one of the beaches are worth seeing there. So, you might need a couple days. (If you only go to Hurricane Ridge, however, that is near Port Townsend.)
And, definitely take the ferries from Washington to Vancouver and Vancouver to Victoria.

You can take the B.C.Ferries out of Vancouver (actually south of Vancouver)to Victoria (about 30 minutes north of Victoria), and they run about every hour. They have a website with all the sailings. You will see plenty of Islands on your way to Victoria. But I would also suggest staying at least one night in Victoria as there is a lot to see and do. Don't miss the street entertainers on the harbor at night in front of the Empress Hotel, they are a lot of fun. Also have "tea" at the Empress. The B.C. Museum is very good. Also agree with going to Buchart Gardens. In Seattle all the above suggestions are good (including the Space Needle which has a good restaurant, and the Underground tours). You will need to spend at least one night in the area of Mt. Rainier and then drive to St. Helens the next day. The Paradise Inn at Paradise on Mt. Raineir (which has a good restaurant, also) is a great place to stay. There are nature talks at night by the Park Rangers, and lots of hiking trails (easy walks), and a great place to have your morning coffee on the deck looking at the Mountain.

Check out the Inn at Queen Anne....a refurbished, courtyard apartment-hotel that now offers a great location (a couple blocks walk to the monorail) and every room with a micro-kitchntte accmdtn... Perfect for a group like yours.

I would definitely allot at least one nigh for a stayover in Victoria. It is well worth visiting. I would take the ferry from Anacortes, WA ( about 60 miles north of Seattle ) to Sidney, BC ( about 20 miles from Victoria. This ferry trip is by far the most scenic route throught the San Juan islands. You have to make sure that you get there early or the ferry may be full. Stay ate least one night in the downtown Victoria area. There is a lot to see by walking. Visit the other aforementioned attractions

I would then drive north from Victoria, up the island to Nanaimo ( 60 or so miles ). Very scenic drive over the Malahat. Take the BC ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay ( about 30 minute drive from Vancouver ). This will take you in a loop drive that is very scenic and not very hectic. You will have no trouble taking your Van everywhere. The roads are good.

I would allot 3 days for the loop trip from Anacortes to Victoria to Nanaimo to Vancouver. Two days for travel and one full day in Victoria to see the sights. Stay 2 nights in Victoria. The trip could be done in 2 days but would be a little hectic. The travel days will be very easy days. You have plenty of time in your 11 days to allow for this excursion. It will be well worth it.

We're taking a similar trip! The input I have received is (1) the Space Needle is neat, but expensive (~$9/adult). An alternate is the Seattle Center(?) - an office building, that has an observation floor and it only costs about $5/adult, but it is only open weekdays; (2) National Park Inn is also a nice place to stay in Mt. Rainier; and (3) the Inn at Queen Anne's rooms only accommodate 3 people, so you would need to rent two rooms, BUT the up side is the kitchenettes and the location is only a short walk from the Seattle monorail that can take you downtown near the waterfront. Have a fun trip.

P.S. - it is Mt. Rainier National Park's 100th birthday/anniversary. I would try to get accommodations NOW!

I just happened to drive by the Summerfield Suites the other day-and it is not a bad location at all-it is brand new, right next to the convention center and about 4-5 blocks from "mid-downtown". Also, I don't know if you know that Seattle has a large "free" bus zone downtown and this hotel is probably right at the edge of that-so it should be pretty easy to get anywhere-I don't think it would be a bad choice at all

I just happened to drive by the Summerfield Suites the other day-and it is not a bad location at all-it is brand new, right next to the convention center and about 4-5 blocks from "mid-downtown". Also, I don't know if you know that Seattle has a large "free" bus zone downtown and this hotel is probably right at the edge of that-so it should be pretty easy to get anywhere-I don't think it would be a bad choice at all

Planning a trip to Seattle/Port Townsend/Victoria/Orcas Island/Vancouver
in July and am a little concerned about ferries. We are planning to take the
Port Angeles ferry over to Victoria, but we are spending the night in Victoria. Someone previously posted that you might have to wait 2-6 hours in Port Angeles to get a ferry over to Victoria. Anyone else experienced problems? Any suggestions? Thanks!