Taking a Trip to Victoria, Vancouver, & Seattle (Mt Rainier)

Posted by La Profe (467 days ago)

Is anyone from this area that can give me some input? i'm going to fly into Seattle next month. I 've done most of the research but i've got a few Qs.

(I am based in Other)

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Posted by ldldjr (467 days ago)

A beautiful part of the world! Vancouver, BC is even nicer than Seattle - my favorite US city.

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by TC (466 days ago)

Agreed - very beautiful. And Victoria is lovely too. What are your Qs?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Katetam (465 days ago)

I am from Vancouver... lived there over 20 years.What do you want to know?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by La Profe (464 days ago)

AFter countless numbers of hours of reserach, i have decided on this itin:

fly into Seattle, rent a car for 5 days.

DAy 1 explore seattle
Day 2 & Day 3 exploring Crescent Lake/Hurrican Ridge, lodging in Crescent lake lodge. but 3rd nite, i will move to Red lion inn as this is next door to the ferry
Day 4 -Victoria Butchart Gardens. (leave car in port angeles)

Well, i have had people tell me that it was USELESS to haul the car into Victoria (since it'd cost $60 or more to transport it on the ferry). they told me one doesn't need a car in victoria (going to see gardens, parliament bldgs).

Then another person told me to just haul it over there. so what do you think? do i need one or not? is there free parking at the gardens? i thought parking in victoria is metered, only time it's free is on weekends and after 6pm.

is 1.5 days enough in Victoria? is there anything else i shoudl visit on the island? any input is helpful. But lodging is so bloody expensive!

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by hkkm (464 days ago)

Of course there's much more to see in the area than you could possibly cover in 5 days, but I'm sure you know that already. I think you will find the car handy on Vancouver Island, particularly if you want to explore at all. In Victoria, the museum is full of beautiful native art and cultural stuff, and lots of historical information. Outside of town, you can go down past Sooke along the coast (I have relatives there, and its a lovely area). In the other direction, Chemainus is full of fantastic murals painted on the buildings around town. You can go further afield and see the amazing trees at Cathedral Grove. The Gulf Islands are fun, you can take car or passenger ferries to get there. And on and on...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by aemom (464 days ago)

For just 1 1/2 days, you don't need to bring your car if the ferry from Port Angeles still takes you to the Inner Harbour (very close to the downtown area).

It's easy to book a Butchart Gardens tour bus in front of the Empress Hotel which is on the Inner Harbour and across the street from the Museum and the Legislative Buildings. The gardens are about 25 minutes drive (by car, longer by bus) from the downtown area. There also are local buses that go there, but for the trouble and loss of time, it's better to take a tour bus.

Butchart Gardens: a late afternoon/early evening visit is best as the gardens look different with the lights on at night (i.e. go around twice - once in daylight, have a meal, watch the show, then go around with the lights on) and there is a free stage show at about 8:00. There might still be fireworks on Saturday evenings? But a daytime visit is also worthwhile if your schedule doesn't allow an evening visit. This can take 3 - 4 hours plus travel time.

The Royal BC Museum is fantastic - well worth at least 3 - 4 hours.

The Legislature is interesting and has public tours - free last time I went.

The Empress Hotel is also worth a visit. Had a CAD$50M+ reno a few years ago. Lots of people love to have high tea there in the afternoon.

There are lots of shops and galleries within a short walk of the Empress/Legislature/Museum.

Vancouver Island is HUGE - could not see much in 1 1/2 days. Better to see a bit of Victoria this time and look elsewhere on your next trip - you'll want to go back!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by victoriabc (464 days ago)

You dont need a car if just walking around downtwon area of Victoria, but you need a car if you travelling in Vancouver Island. Beacon Peak park is worth to see. Sidney is also nice. You can check out this website: http://tourismvictoria.com/Content/EN/524.asp
I am not sure about hotel range, as I used to live in James Bay. But remember in Canada, especially in Van or Victoria you have to pay 7% +7% local and government tax for all merchandise including meals. Hope that helps.

(I am based in Hong Kong)