Vancouver Travel Forum

I'm traveling to Seattle for 8 days. I have 3 days to spend in either Victoria or Vancouver. Would it be better to stay in Victoria and take a day trip to Vancouver or stay in Vancouver and take a day trip to Victoria. I don't want to stay in both places, although I know that would probably make sense.

Hi,
I would definitely stay in Vancouver and do a day trip to Victoria. All you really need in Victoria is an afternoon to see the gardens and explore the town. Vancouver, however, has lots to see and do. You could spend a couple weeks in Vancouver and not be bored.

We have 3 days in Vancouver in September before we cruise Alaska. We will be busy busy busy lol....so much to do.

On day 1 we sre doing Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park and anything else close to the city we have time for.

Day 2 we have booked a day trip to Whistler...travelling up on the Whistler Mountaineer and returning via floatplane.

Day 3 we are flying via floatplane to Victoria, doing a whale watch cruise and a city tour (including Butchart Gardens) and then returning via ferry.

One thing to remember is that getting to and from Vancouver & Victoria by ferry only will take up half a day or more. Which is why we chose the plane one way.

Cheers
Col & Sue

I second royalempress--Victoria is beautiful, but is definitely a day trip.

My suggestion for a 3 day itinerary is:
Take the ferry from Seattle to Victoria and explore Victoria for the rest of the first day. Stay over night in Victoria, visiit Butchart gardens the next morning before catching the ferry to Vancouver (gardens are close to ferry teminal). Explore Vancouver for the rest of that day and all of the next 2 days then travel back to Seattle. I am assuming that you have 3 nights to do this trip otherwise try to catch the last ferry to Vancouver after exploring Victoria to give yourself 2 full days in Vancouver.