The beautiful Pacific Northwest cities of Seattle and Vancouver offer so much more than a departure port to Alaska. If you are planning an Alaska cruise, get to Seattle or Vancouver a couple of days early to enjoy everything these two fabulous cities have to offer! 

Did you know that you can take the Amtrak train between the two cities? It is a very scenic ride along the Puget Sound. 

My top 5 Seattle spots! 

  1. Pike Place Market – Yes, it is a very touristy attraction. However, after seeing the famous flying fish, head downstairs to the bookstores and the crafts market. 
  2. Admire the Chihuly Gardens – Immerse yourself in wondrous gardens and glass. Dale Chihuly was born in Tacoma, Washington and his artistry has graced over 200 museums world-wide. It is a must-do in Seattle! 
  3. Wineries – Did you know that Washington is the second premium winery producer in the country? There are a lot of tasting rooms near Pike Place Market. Or if you have a vehicle, take a 30-minute drive to the beautiful grounds of Chateau St. Michelle. There are fantastic summer concerts, dinner events and more! 
  4. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, how about a visit to Mt. Rainier? There are plenty of things to see and do! Keep an eye out for cougars, black bears, and black-tailed deer. Fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking are just a few things you can do while at Mt. Rainier in the summer. 
  5. Museum of Pop Culture – The Museum of Pop Culture holds exhibits such as “Prince from Minneapolis” and Scared to Death “The Thrill of Horror Films”. The “MoPOP” building is a site in itself! The museum is certainly worth a visit if you love pop culture. 

 

My top 5 Vancouver sites to see! 

  1. Stanley Park – Stanley Park is infamous in Vancouver. Stanley Park is a 400-hectare rainforest that offers incredible views of mountains, views and large trees. The park has train rides, pitch and putt, and an aquarium. 
  2. Capilano Suspension Bridge – The bridge is 140 meters long and 70 meters above the ground. The other activities to do at the park are a cliff walk which is a series of bridges, catwalks, and bridges above the Capilano River. Walk among the giant Douglas firs on the Treetops Adventure trail. If you are a nature lover, Capilano Suspension Bridge offers so much! 
  3. Grouse Mountain – Take a cable car up to Grouse Mountain! My husband and I did this on our honeymoon. We took the cable car up the mountain and then visited the bears. Other activities include a lumberjack show, paragliding, mountain rope course, and ziplining! 
  4. Granville Island Public Market – I love a good market and Granville Island is no exception. There are tons of food stalls and little art shops within this iconic market. There is also a Kid’s Market! 
  5. Day trip to Victoria and Butchart Gardens – This is a full-day tour. If your Alaska cruise does not go to Victoria, I strongly recommend taking a day tour. Victoria Island is so scenic. There are tours that will give you an orientation tour of downtown, during your free time before going to Butchart Gardens, visit one of the many craft breweries, after your visit to downtown, enjoy the incredible beauty of Butchart Gardens. 

Bonus Tip: One of my favorite hot dog carts in Vancouver is called Japadog. Their menu consists of crazy hot dog toppings that somehow work! I highly recommend it! 

The two charming cities will certainly leave you wanting to visit again and again. 

 

Categories: TourTravel

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