Visiting Seattle in late March 2002
Nov 17th, 2001, 04:55 PM
#1
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Visiting Seattle in late March 2002
My family will be visiting the Seattle area during our son's spring break the last week in March 2002. We are considering an overnight trip to Vancouver. Are we better off visiting here or Victoria? We also want to go play in the snow (we're from FL). Any suggestions on places to see and stay at, ie., ski areas, snowy little hamlets out in the boonies, etc. Our son is 5, so, please, bear in mind, romance isn't necessary, probably not even an option.
Nov 17th, 2001, 07:35 PM
#2
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You can do a day-trip to Victoria by taking the Clipper from the downtown Seattle waterfront. Takes about 2-1/2 hrs. each way. You have enough time there during the day to see most of the sites which are within walking distance of the ferry landing. $59 per adult (kids free). See here: http://www.victoriaclipper.com/marketing/great_rates.shtml#SV1SPEC
On the other hand, Vancouver is one of my favorite cities. It's a 3-hour drive from Seattle. If I went up, I'd spend the night and make 2 days of it. Nice aquarium at Stanley Park, you can take the tram up to Grouse Mountain and get your snow fix there at the same time (in addition to beautiful views of the city). Best Chinese food on the West Coast.
If you're up for a slightly longer, and VERY beautiful drive, you can go to Whistler, another hour and a half from Vancouver. Beautiful alpine village/resort. Lodging and eating is somewhat expensive but the area is spectacularly beautiful and the village is fun to walk around in.
I live in Seattle. It's a great place too. March in all of these locations can be rainy and cold, or nice but still cold for Florida folks.
Hope you have a great time here.
On the other hand, Vancouver is one of my favorite cities. It's a 3-hour drive from Seattle. If I went up, I'd spend the night and make 2 days of it. Nice aquarium at Stanley Park, you can take the tram up to Grouse Mountain and get your snow fix there at the same time (in addition to beautiful views of the city). Best Chinese food on the West Coast.
If you're up for a slightly longer, and VERY beautiful drive, you can go to Whistler, another hour and a half from Vancouver. Beautiful alpine village/resort. Lodging and eating is somewhat expensive but the area is spectacularly beautiful and the village is fun to walk around in.
I live in Seattle. It's a great place too. March in all of these locations can be rainy and cold, or nice but still cold for Florida folks.
Hope you have a great time here.
Nov 19th, 2001, 10:27 AM
#3
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Snow: There is always snow on the ground (many feet of snow) in March at the higher elevations of Mount Rainier National Park. The road to the Paradise Visitors Center is kept open. You can't stay there, but the closest place to stay is the National Park Inn near Longmire.
Nov 19th, 2001, 10:38 AM
#4
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We were just in Seattle a few weeks ago with our son who is 10. I don't know what else you will be doing, but the Aquarium and the Pacific Science center were two of the highlights. The science center has many hands on activites and is near the Space Needle as well.
Nov 19th, 2001, 11:25 AM
#5
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I lived in Vancouver for 6 years, and now living in Seattle...
To be honest, I'm not that impressed with Whistler.. Ok the Canadian dollar is a draw, but for the 1 3/4 hour from Vancouver, I don't think it's worth it..
Plus an over night in Vancouver is probably not going to be enough.. You are looking at a 3 hour if not more with the border delays to drive from Seattle to Vancouver. Victoria - another half day on ferries, or you'll be spending a lot of money by airplane.
If you are staying in Vancouver go to the North Shore - 20 minutes from downtown you have 3 small ski mountains.
Cypress Bowl (Geared for local skiers)
Grouse Mountain (Good ride up the mountain on a cable car if the weather is good - Restaurant/skiing/Native exhibits)
Mount Seymour Mountain
http://www.mountseymour.com/newsite/index.html (Best place for small kids and cheapest)..
My opinion would be to stay around the Seattle area - Plently to do in a week - especially for kids.. Also, for snow - you could try Leavensworth (not sure if by March there would still be snow). Foders on their homepage has a write up on Leavesworth (10 Most Underrated Getaways) http://www.fodors.com/features/si/001113_fc7_leavenworth.cfm
Also, check out www.citysearch.com and click on Seattle - you can search for the top 20 best things to do and also search for Leavensworth (plus lots of other goodies).
I can expand on what I've said above, but I'm sure others would contribute.
There's two guys on the web Isdant and jsevy - who are experts on Seattle
To be honest, I'm not that impressed with Whistler.. Ok the Canadian dollar is a draw, but for the 1 3/4 hour from Vancouver, I don't think it's worth it..
Plus an over night in Vancouver is probably not going to be enough.. You are looking at a 3 hour if not more with the border delays to drive from Seattle to Vancouver. Victoria - another half day on ferries, or you'll be spending a lot of money by airplane.
If you are staying in Vancouver go to the North Shore - 20 minutes from downtown you have 3 small ski mountains.
Cypress Bowl (Geared for local skiers)
Grouse Mountain (Good ride up the mountain on a cable car if the weather is good - Restaurant/skiing/Native exhibits)
Mount Seymour Mountain
http://www.mountseymour.com/newsite/index.html (Best place for small kids and cheapest)..
My opinion would be to stay around the Seattle area - Plently to do in a week - especially for kids.. Also, for snow - you could try Leavensworth (not sure if by March there would still be snow). Foders on their homepage has a write up on Leavesworth (10 Most Underrated Getaways) http://www.fodors.com/features/si/001113_fc7_leavenworth.cfm
Also, check out www.citysearch.com and click on Seattle - you can search for the top 20 best things to do and also search for Leavensworth (plus lots of other goodies).
I can expand on what I've said above, but I'm sure others would contribute.
There's two guys on the web Isdant and jsevy - who are experts on Seattle
Nov 19th, 2001, 01:04 PM
#6
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I also think the Clipper is great for a day in Victoria. Very easy! As for snow I would suggest jumping on I90 east bound and just driving out to the Snoqualmie pass. Easy drive, beautiful scenery and you can stop in Issaquah at Gilman Village for shopping or lunch in either direction. I highly recommend the Science Center and Seatlle Center for your son, he will love all of that.
Enjoy! Wendy
Enjoy! Wendy
