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Trip Report

Seattle To Vancouver, B.C.

We traveled to the Pacific Northwest for a wedding and did some sight seeing; total trip was six nights.

  • Sea to Sky Highway+ 4
  • View of the City (Seattle)
  • Pike Place Market
  • Seattle To Vancouver, B.C.
lorettamiller
About Me:
AtlasGuru Contributor

North AmericaUnited States, Canada6 days / October 2019

Highs & Lows

Sea to Sky Highway Route

It rained a lot!

Itinerary Overview

We arrived at 3pm on Thursday afternoon and spent one night in Seattle.  Off to Vashon Island, WA for two nights and wedding festivities and then two nights in Vancouver, B.C.

  • 1 Night: Seattle
    We visited a friend in the city and did some sightseeing.
  • 2 Nights: Vashon Island
    Friend's wedding
  • 2 Nights: Vancouver
    Sightseeing
  • 1 Night: Whistler
    Just a daytrip!
Seattle - We visited a friend in the city and did some sightseeing.
1

Seattle We visited a friend in the city and did some sightseeing.

Spending a day in Seattle was amazing! (Especially during this time of year-October.) There were some many beautiful changing leaves and I feel as though we really experienced the magnificence of the leaves changing!  Downtown Seattle was vibrant and lively; the market was AMAZING.  I ate the best apple of my LIFE!! We went for a run in a local park and had a beautiful view of the ocean.  

Vashon Island - Friend's wedding
2

Vashon Island Friend's wedding

The weather was spotty but our lodging was right on point.  Madrona Bed and Barn was a super cute cottage in the back on the owner's home.  They left so many farm fresh goodies for us and made us feel so welcome!  The rain let up for the wedding and that was a true gift.  We danced the night away and ate amazing local seafood.  Vashon island as a true charm and a surprisingly modern feel in the local businesses.  

Vancouver - Sightseeing
3

Vancouver Sightseeing

The first day in Vancouver, the weather was rough (steady moderate rain all day.) We were committed to Stanley Park and spent an hour and a half walking around the park regardless of the weather.  Afterward, we treated ourselves to delicious sushi and caught a movie to get out of the rain.  

Whistler - Just a daytrip!
4

Whistler Just a daytrip!

Whistler was beautiful and luckily we had beautiful, sunny, sixty degree weather!  The Sea to Sky drive was breathtaking.  Whistler did not disappoint, many beautiful bodies of water to hike around and we even saw a bear!  (It was far away.) The sliding center was so cool and we were able to watch people practicing the ice luge.  I was a huge fan of lunch at the Green Moustache!  We returned back to Vancouver in the late afternoon. 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    I would have planned more indoor activities for Vancouver. I was hopeful for good weather and did not have a backup plan for all day rain.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Pack good rain gear. Check banking policies about international charges and fees.
  • Transportation Tips?

    Ferry to Vashon required a little waiting but relatively easy to navigate. We had delicious snacks from the Pike Place Market. Border crossing wait to Canada was 15 min on Sunday evening and 5 min on Wednesday morning. So that was super easy.
  • The wedding we attended was top notch and so much fun, that definitely stood out. Cleanliness of Vancouver was noted worthy and trip to Whistler was memorable.
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    Our plans went seemingly well with no hiccups.
  • Packing tips?

    Waterproof walking shoes. More warm clothes. Even in Seattle the weather was around 55 and still I needed layers and cozy clothes. Bring more shoes too! Heavy socks for every day would have been nice.
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Plum Bistro Seattle Miko Sushi Vancouver Forage Vancouver
  • Any surprises?

    We were surprised about the beautiful fall colors and the freshness of the air in Seattle. Other than that- no.
  • Booking details?

    Super satisfied with Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, super competitive rate, very nice hotel and they make "green efforts" (like options to skip cleaning, small compost bins in room, and large form toiletries to avoid plastic.) This impressed me. I used Booking. com. I also used Costco membership for rental car which was helpful in keeping the price down.

Lodging