Seattle/Whistler trip - March 2011
 

Hi! My husband and I are thinking of planning a trip from March 11 - March 20th. We will be flying from RDU to Seattle on Friday (3/11).

The ROUGH plan is:
Seattle - Friday, Saturday & Sunday night
Vancouver - Monday night
Whistler - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night (skiing!)
Seattle - Friday night (leave Saturday)

Is this too much time? Will the skiing be good around then? Should we plan more time in Vancouver? Should we reverse this itinerary and go skiing in the first part of the week? Should we plan a day in Victoria? I have heard that Vancouver, while beautiful, doesn't have that much to see. Is this true?

Please feel free to suggest alternatives! I am just in the beginning process of planning. Thanks so much!

It has been a pretty good snow year thus far so skiing should still be good then.
I would consider one less day in Seattle and add a day in Victoria, it is a very walkable city unless you want to do out to the gardens. IMO Vancouver has a good bit to see, Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gaslight Distict and great food choices. If you have a car you can also drive up Vancouver Island a ways to some interesting small towns such as Naniamo(sp?)
Don't know the logistical (or financal) issues with a US rental car into Canada, so you might consider Amtrak from Seattle of Vancouver, get a rental car for the Canada portion and then the train back to Seattle. We have done that and found it easier than the long lines of cars at the border.

You should add more time in Vancouver. Vancouver has beautiful places, such as Stanley Park and Granville Island, and lots of good food.

I wouldn't flip your itinerary. Whistler is generally busier on weekends with the locals who hit the slopes, so being there mid week will be easier for dinner reservations and less traffic on the slopes.

You may be able to avoid getting a rental car for all except Victoria. I would take the early train/bus to Vancouver on Sunday. Check out the city-I love Stanley Park. Get the bus to Whistler to do your skiing and decide about Vancouver Island depending on the weather at that point.
Come back to Seattle early Friday to see anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip. I like the "free zone" bus routes in downtown Seattle.

Replied on your other post - in the Canada forum.

I'd at least do two nights in Seattle. IMO, Vancouver isn't worth the extra day you'd gain, but Victoria would. It's a beautiful city, different from others in the area.