Advice on weekend trip to Vancouver/ Seattle?

Question

Hello! I am planning a weekend getaway to Seattle from Friday night till about Monday afternoon. I always wanted to visit Seattle and Vancouver. I am flying into Seattle with hopes of renting a car and driving to Vancouver. Could anybody give me suggestions of what I should see or do to give me the best of the area? I will be there for just the weekend, but I'd like to see what the Northwest has to offer with your suggestions. Thanks

Answer 1

the drive from Seattle to downtown Vancouver is about 130 miles.  You'll be driving in lots of traffic through both Seattle and Vancouver plus having to go through customs at the Border so plan according.  I'd suggest at least three hours on the road.  Vancouver has many things to see, Stanley Park and Aquarium, Science World, McMillan Planetarium to name but a few.   Enjoy your stay.

Answer 2

To save a load of time crossing the boarders (twice) I'd suggest catching the Amtrak out of the King Street Station to Vancouver.

And the train trip is fantastic.

Answer 3

Another suggestion is to take a Greyhound bus from Seattle to Vancouver.  The buses get through the border sooner than cars.  You can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about the traffic.  If you are staying in the downtown area, many places are within walking distance or transit is not far.

Answer 4

Driving to and from Seattle takes about 4 !/2 hours one way, including the border checks.

If you're going just for a weekend, you should leave on a Friday night, and return on the following Monday.

Not many attractions are open on a Sunday.

You could drive through Stanley Park, visit the Aquarium there, go to Grouse Mountain. shop at Metropolis in Metrotown. If it is a nice day, you could go to English Bay beach.

Driving in the downtown core is a nightmare because of all the one-way streets.

Parking is also very expensive: $2.00 per hour at a parking meter, with a maximum limit of 2 hours, after which your car will get towed away.

Flying to Vancouver from Seattle only takes about 45 minutes.