KSK

I will be traveling to Seattle this summer. I'd like feedback on secondary trips to Vancouver Island. Which ferry companies are better, how long to stay, whale watching tours....etc. Any Seattle/Vancouver info would be appreciated...also has anyone ever stayed at a Hostel? Thanks...

Ellen

What perfect timing! I was just about to post a question very similar as I would like to go to Seattle/Vancouver in September for a week. If I may add, I also heard nice things about the San Juan Islands, and RAVES about Vancouver. With these 3 spots in mind (whale-watching being a part of the trip), any suggestions for an intinerary? Thank you, and thank you KSK!

sheri

KSK, *where* on Vancouver Island do you want to go? It's about 300 miles long, so the possibilities are rather endless. And when in the summer? Orca whale watching is generally best in the early summer (June/July) from southern Vancouver Island (Victoria), but later in the summer is generally better for the pods up near the Johnstone Strait. And spring and fall are the best times to see the migrating gray whales on the far west coast of Van. Island (Tofino).

Which ferry company you use will depend on where on Van. Island you want to go.

Ellen, with a week, you could do a nice trip that included 2-3 days in Seattle, 2-3 days in Vancouver and 2-3 days in the San Juans. Which order you do them in might depend in part on the dates you're visiting: it's best to visit the San Juans mid-week, and definitely avoid going there on a Friday and coming back on a Sunday (long ferry lines). September is generally a bit late in the season for orca whale watching, but you never know. This past year the pods disappeared for a while in August and re-appeared in September.

jack

I traveled that route two summers ago (end of August). One night was enough for me in Seattle (beautiful city though). Take the ferry (you can book on line) to Bainbridge from Seattle and drive a couple of hours to Port Angeles (stopping along the way of course) The ferry is a 25 miles (MT Baker in the distance) trip to Victoria, Vancouver Island. I loved Victoria and I am definetly going to spend a week on Vancouver Island another time. Took ferry to San Juan Island and stayed at B&B and then stayed also a few nights on Orcas Island. I left Orcas Island on the first ferry 6:15 to mainland and was able to make 90 mile highway trip to catch flight at noon at Sea-Tac Airport after dropping of car (it was cutting it close though). August is their best weather as far as sun shine goes, enjoy. Wait for Southwest to offer their $200 RT deals in a couple of months

Ellen

Thanks so much for your responses. Now, my confusion is, with so many things to see (Mt. Ranier, Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, San Juan Islands), how do you do that, and feel satiated, in 1 week??? Vancouver Island or Vancouver??? Victoria or San Juan Islands (Friday Harbor, etc.) I am a HUGE believer in NOT running from place to place, that all these beautiful destinations will be there for me to visit again... SO, the 2 days here 2 days there, 2 days just GETTING there is TOO much work and not enough relaxation. With that in mind, where do we go from here???

PNW

Here's my opinion on your latest question: I would always go to Vancouver ISLAND over the city of Vancouver. Insofar as cities I'd pick Seattle over Vancouver. And insofar as islands I would always pick the San Juans over Vancouver island for a vacation if you are not from this area. Being as we live on San Juan island we ourselves visit Vancouver island on trips but I still think our SJ islands are more beautiful .....and much smaller in size and population than V. island.

Ellen

PNW-Ok.So, Seattle for 3-4 days and then Friday Harbor for 3-4 days, with day trips to Vancouver Island and maybe even Vancouver??? Would you recommend that?? And, which beautiful island (and even B & B) would you recommend us booking? Thanks by the way for everyones great remarks. I love to hear strong opinions.

kcaslack

Have you considered the Gulf Islands which are on the Canadian side of the border between Vancouver Island and the city of Vancouver? They are even less "commercial" than the San Juans with Salt Spring Island being the busiest. Mayne is really nice and quiet and there are numerous bed & breakfasts on both islands.

PNW

I don't know what your activities interests are KSK so I can't say how long to be in each place. Remember the San Juans are very beautiful but most activites are outdoor things like kayaking or hiking.....not much of any nightlife. I say that cause if you are not big outdoors fans you may find 3 or 4 days on San Juan too long. You might want to spend say 2 days on Orcas and two on SJ. You can easily take a day trip to Victoria from Seattle or SJ and see Butchart Gardens and a bit of Victoria. When my parents were here in the early Fall we took a boat over to VI and then a bus tour of Butchart Gardens and had the famous afternoon tea at the Empress hotel (which my Mom just loved) and got back here before dark. That passenger boat I am talking about runs about 5-6 months of the year from Roche Harbor on SJ. Year round you can take the state ferry but then you pretty much need a car to get around I believe.