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Hey guys.

What do people think is the best/most interesting way to travel from Vancouver to Seattle?

My preference would be by ferry. From what I've read, there in no direct ferry, is this correct? Maybe via Victoria?

Travel would be in June.

Thanks,

JC.

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1

JC:

You are correct there is no ferry service from Vancouver to Seattle.

There is only one Amtrak train a day from Vancouver to Seattle and it departs Vancouver at 6:00 p.m. (18:00 and arrive in Seattle at 11:00 p.m. (23:00) and the fare is $28 USD.

There are 4 Greyhound busses each day and they leave at:
- 6:55 a.m. and arrives in Seattle at 10:50 a.m. (3 hours and 50 minutes) $25.25 USD
- 8:45 a.m. and arrive in Seattle at 12:20 p.m. (3 hours and 35 minutes) $25.25 USD
- 11:20 a.m. and arrive in Seattle at 3:30 p.m. (4 hours and 10 minutes) $25.25 USD
- 3:00 p.m. and arrives in Seattle at 7:00 p.m. (4 hours) $25.25 USD

The train trip is the most scenic for it travels close to ocean for many miles of the trip. However it will be dark for some of the trip. The length of darkness will depend when you travel. In late June it will be less than an hour.

The train station and bus depot are located at the same place in Vancouver at Terminal Avenue and Main Street.

Bjay

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2

Yes, the only way to get to Seattle by Ferry is to take the ferry to Victoria (a beautiful trip in itself through the Gulf Islands) and then catch the Washington State ferry from Sidney to Anacortes (a beautiful trip though the San Juans) or the Princess Margaret from Victoria's Inner harbour to Port Angeles. Both these options require additional land transport Seattle.

The Ferry from Vancouver (Sawasen to Schwartz Bay) runs every odd hour from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. I think the Washington State Ferry from Sidney runs only once a day in the winter at around 12:00 PM?

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3

I haven't personally done the Amtrak Cascades train ride but heard good things about it. Here's their schedule:

[http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/nov07/W32.pdf]

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4

Vancouver and Seattle are NOT seperated by water. If you realy want to take a ferry then it would be via Victoria, however unless you are looking to stay in Victoria, it wouldnt make much sence. If you are hoping to see an Orca or something then you might want to visit an aquarium. The amtrak is your best bet. It is fairly cheap with a great view or the scenery. The ferry is fun, however it will just be a view of the open sea

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5

If you are doing a return trip, then take the Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver in the morning (it is not fast, particularly the last hour into Vancouver - the bus would be faster) and on your return take the Pacific Coach Lines bus to Victoria (awesome ferry ride). In June, the BC Ferries' service is hourly. From Victoria, you can take the Victoria Clipper to downtown Seattle - google for schedule and fares.

With all due respect, don't follow #2's suggestion of Sidney/Anacortes and/or Victoria/Port Angeles unless you have a car which, if you want to take the train, you probably don't have. Very convoluted way to get from there to here.

If you can only do it one way and you really want to do the water route, it is probably the more scenic. For speed, take the bus.

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6

iancarmichael has obviously not don this trip for many, many, many years.... several errors..
"Princess Margaret from Victoria's Inner harbour to Port Angeles. Both these options require additional land transport Seattle.'

I have no idea what ship he is talking about, and i live in Victoria. The Princess Margaret might have done this trip a long time ago, but the only car ferry to Port Angeles is called the Coho. There is a passenger boat that does this trip too, i believe - can't remember the name..

However there IS a direct ferry connection from downtown Victoria to downtown Seattle called the Victori Clipper.

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7

If I was going by public transport to Seattle I think the most interesting ways to go would be either Amtrak or on a short 4 day Pacific Cruise. The cruise ship companies run a few short cruises that stop in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle, and sometimes further down the coast, Usually they take place in April, May and September, but you might find one in June.

Next to those direct options, the Victoria Clipper as suggested above is a great bet - combine with a BC Ferry trip or a Prince of Whales Whale Watching crossing from downtown Vancouver.

You can also get a 'QuickShuttle' bus ticket. That's the name of the company. I've heard crossing the border can be a hassle sometimes with them.

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8

"Princess Margaret from Victoria's Inner harbour to Port Angeles. Both these options require additional land transport Seattle.'

I did this trip a couple of times. It was a great 3 1/2 hour trip to downtown Seattle. Unfortunately it is long gone, it changed hands many times but no one could make any money at it.

I f you are still interested in taking the ferry from Victoria (Sidney actually) I would suggest taking the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, drive 10 minutes to the Anacortes Ferry terminal in Sidney. Or, take the #70 city bus if you are on foot, will take you from terminal to terminal, just ask the driver.

If you need more info try this link: Click here

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