Ship of Fools: Vancouver - Seattle - Vancouver (and points in between)

Thread: Vancouver - Seattle - Vancouver (and points in between) Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Ags (# 204) on :

Meant to post this weeks ago, but it's never too late...

Off to Vancouver later this week. Staying 4 days then driving down to Seattle via the Cascades, then to the Olympic Peninsula for a few days, ending with a couple of days on Vancouver Island. Two and a half weeks in all.

We have a few ideas: walking, whale-watching (if we're lucky) coffee, live music, watching the sun set, avoiding bears, getting rained on in Seattle. Any more suggestions of things to do/see from those of you who know the area would be much appreciated.

I'd also be grateful for recommendations for churches in Vancouver and Seattle. We go to an open evangelical church in London, but my inclinations are much higher up the candle (though I wouldn't want to terrify Mr Ags!)

Thank you (goes off to look for camera battery charger and other sundry devices to put in the suitcase)

Posted by mousethief (# 953) on :

If you really like going up the candle, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle does a glorious Sunday night Compline service, if you're in town on Sunday.

Things to do in Seattle: take the ferries across to Bremerton (longer) or Winslow/Bainbridge (shorter). Go to Snoqualmie Falls. Climb the water tower in Volunteer Park (just as good a view as the Space Needle, and free). There is also a wonderful conservatory in that park. For a view of downtown Seattle, Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill is unbeatable. (You can find all these things on Google Maps.)

Posted by ship's cat (# 11793) on :

If you're in Vancouver this Sunday (May 26) Bishop James Tengatenga of Malawi will be preaching at Christ Church Cathedral (10.30am).

In Vancouver Grouse Mountain is well worth a visit, as is the aquarium, and walking or cycling round the Stanley Park seawall is fabulous. Lynn Valley in North Van has great walks - and a free suspension bridge. If you have time, the west coast of Vancouver Island (Ucluelet and Tofino) is spectacular and we've had some great whale watching trips from there - including seeing sea otters, sea lions and a swimming wolf as well as whales. The shops, market and buskers on Granville island are fun. PM me if you'd like more recommendations, or suggestions of places to eat.

Looks like it will be typical Vancouver spring weather of cloud, showers and a little bit of sun.

Posted by Ags (# 204) on :

Thank you both very much for your helpful suggestions. Lots there to think about and add to the list.
ship's cat - I may PM you from the airport or from our guest house (staying at O Canada House. Apparently the breakfasts are good!)

Thanks again
Ags

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :

As a Brit who has been to Vancouver Island and Vancouver a couple of times, can I add the following:

From the timetable you've outlined, you won't have much time enjoy all the pleasures of Vancouver Island. A lot depends on how much travelling you want to do.

Whilst Ucluelet and Tofino are certainly worth a visit, it's a long way there (and back) when you're only on the island for a couple of days. Assuming that you're going to be based in or around Victoria, I would highly recommend a tour on the Victoria Harbour Ferry. Alternatively, it is from Victoria Harbour that you can book whale-watching trips.

Butchart Gardens is well worth a visit, if flowers and trees are your thing.

For a really great, peaceful day out, catch an early ferry from Swartz Bay to Galiano Island and explore it (on foot if possible). If Belinda Carlisle is right and heaven really is a place on earth, then Galiano is the place. Not far from the ferry port, there is a really great cafe where they do wonderful lunches.

As for Vancouver - definitely go to Granville Island Market. And a wander around Stanley Park is always deeply satisfying. Don't forget the tour buses - if you buy a ticket you can hop on and off all day, and so can cover a large part of the city very easily. There are some great restaurants in the Gastown area.

I don't know anything about Seattle. But I wish I was with you on Vancouver Island! Enjoy.

Posted by Ags (# 204) on :

Thank you! Yes, we only have a couple of days in Vancouver Island and will be staying in Victoria. The Harbour Ferry sounds like a good plan and we'll check out the gardens. Currently in a coffee shop in Gastown and will come back later to eat. Off to Granville Island tomorrow. Beautiful weather here at the moment [Smile]

Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Ags:
Thank you! Yes, we only have a couple of days in Vancouver Island and will be staying in Victoria. The Harbour Ferry sounds like a good plan and we'll check out the gardens. Currently in a coffee shop in Gastown and will come back later to eat. Off to Granville Island tomorrow. Beautiful weather here at the moment

I am sooooo jealous!

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