Does anyone know Vancouver Island very well? I want to visit...from Seattle. Whats the best way and Place?

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Susan F

Vancouver Island is gorgeous. I recommend (as someone else had) to take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. From Nanaimo, take a day-trip (or a few days) over to Tofino. STUNNING.

Then drive south down the Island to Chemainus. It's a quaint little logging town that is a really nice place to visit. It's got history, gorgeous murals, and some nice hospitality.

Then drive further down to Victoria. If you weren't able to drive over to Tofino, I would recommend driving along the southern tip of Vancouver Island over to Port Renfrew. It's a long - but scenic - drive with a gorgeous Botanical Park at the end. Port Renfrew is at the southern most tip of the West Coast Trail. Stunning scenery.

There's no end of things to do and see in Victoria. High tea at the Empress is expensive but fun. Beacon Hill Park is a nice park, but more importantly it has some lovely views across the water to Olympic national park on clear days and stunning views of the waves on stormy days.

UVic is a nice University if you want to check out the college scene. The Legistlature (aka "parlaiment") buildings are beautiful to look at. The inside stinks (political jab there), but the outside is lovely. Just outside of Victoria there is an observatory - you will see it on the side of the hill as you drive towards the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal.

If you are not driving a car over (but taking greyhound) then taking the train train from Nanaimo south to Victoria is fun. I don't know the schedule (or even if its still running), but its run by VIA Rail and I'm sure you can find that information online.

Take the Schwartz bay ferry to Tswassen on the way home. While both ferry rides are gorgeous, this one is even more beautiful. Riding the ferry at sunset can give you some amazing views...

Have a great time!

Grand pa

The Clipper downtown to downtown Black Ball Ferrys to downtown Fom Port Angeles washington ferries to sidney BC near Victoria..BC Ferries from Tswassen BC Make sure to see the Titanic exibit Go to hellobc tourismvictoria The ferries all have web sites

nyninchdick

If you're driving, I would suggest taking the Port Angeles ferry to downtown Victoria, and avoid the Peace Arch border crossing (up to 3 hour waits), then up to an hour drive to the BC ferry terminal, more delays, a minimum of $65 one-way to cross, then another hours drive to Victoria. Just take I5 to Mt. Vernon, take the Port Angeles exit, pay about $45, and enjoy the ride.

When you get to Victoria, plan on spending at least 3 or 4 days in the city, during which time you should research the rest of the island. Van Island isn't small, so unless you have lots of time, you won't see it all in one trip. I suggest starting with the south island area, then coming back for 6 or 7 more visits.

Sly

Why not just take the ferry across to Vancouver Island.

http://www.clippervacations.com/ferry_schedule

Kate

I live in Victoria (biggest city on the island) so you can send me a private message if you want any specific information!!
Susan F gave you some great suggestions!!

From Seattle, you can drive up to Vancouver and take a ferry either to Victoria (the ferry terminal is in Sidney-45min drive from Victoria) or you can take the ferry to Nanaimo (two hour drive from Victoria)...

If you don't want/need to bring a car, you can take the walk on Clipper Ferry from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria.

If you want to drive to Port Angeles, you can take the Coho Ferry to downtown Victoria (can bring your car on this ferry).

If you take the Clipper, and want to drive around here, you can walk about five blocks and you'll find at least two car rental places. (message me if you want to know where they are)

-Butchart Gardens is an awesome place to check out! (google it if you haven't heard about it)

-The Royal London Wax Museum is my favourite tourist attraction here!!!

-The Royal BC Museum is awesome!! They have a Titanic Exhibition on right now (until mid October I believe).

-Then there's the cute little Inner Harbour Ferries that you can get on downtown, and take to Fisherman's Wharf (great place for fish and chips and you can check out all of the funky houseboats!!) and other stops.

-Craigdarroch Castle is a neat place to find out about the history of Victoria.

-Make sure you go to the Legislative Buildings in the evening-it's an awesome sight to see!!

As others have said, Chemainus is a cute little town up island to check out. Duncan is cool too....then further up north is Nanaimo. Tofino is world renowned so check it out if you have enough time!!

There are LOTS of great beaches all up and down the island so make sure to check out a few of them too!!

Have fun!!

paperjinx

Please browse this web-site, no virus guaranteed.

www.britishcolumbia.com

David H

I lived and worked back in the 1980's in Victoria, and went to Seattle and Port Angeles a number of time, the ferry is the fastest way, and lets you off right down town and there are a number of nice hotels and even reasonably pircie motels further out on either Blanchard or Douglas.

It would be best tot check the Victoria website under accomadations for the full ist, it is nice this time of year and is not much different temp and attraction wise than Seattle.

poorcocoboiboi

Travel up through Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay. Take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo or Victoria. Enjoy the Island! It's a beautiful place... everywhere!

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