Vancouver B.C.

Another fun Seattle Side Trip is Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

You can drive it is about three hours depending on the border crossing. I prefer to take Amtrak’s scenic Cascades train that puts you right in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Public transportation is the way to go here. Catch the SkyTrain across the park from the train station for an elevated ride downtown.

Like Seattle, Vancouver is surrounded by water and mountains. To enjoy the water take a SeaBus catamaran across Burrard Inlet to North Vancouver, then catch a bus to Grouse Mountain.

A cable car will get you up the mountain for a panoramic view of the city, the Strait of Georgia, English Bay and even Washington's Mount Baker on a clear day.

Back to the city, Stanley Park is a must see. Walk the seawall, bike the circle road or hike the forested trails of this 1,000 acre park. Watch for the display of Coast Salish totem poles. Lovely view restaurants are located in Stanley Park.

A walking tour can take you from Canada Place on the waterfront, to Gastown shops, over to Chinatown to see the Classical Chinese Garden, back to Georgia Street for underground shopping at Pacific Place, Robson Street high fashion and dining, and on to the Granville Island market.

A passenger ferry will get you across False Creek to the food stalls, galleries and craft shops on the Island.

If you can spend more time, consider a trip to Whistler.

Whistler is the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Take the Sea to Sky Hiway to this world class ski resort. Summer visitors can take a Gondola to the 6,000 foot mountain top to hike trails through forests and around alpine lakes.

Now, back to some more Seattle Side Trips! Use my travel video: Washington State A Scenic Tour to plan some.