Credit to Clipper Vacations Magazine for all photos in this article
Victoria, BC (Canada) in the Spring/Summer
Spring, summer and early fall are magical times of the year in Victoria, BC. There is so much to do, once you are there. But half of the fun is in the trip getting there. If you already live in the Pacific Northwest, then you can pick your mode of travel, ranging from car, to Amtrak, to a cruise from Seattle or simply flying right into Victoria, BC. It depends on how much time you have to enjoy the area. You may know that the triangle of Seattle, WA – Vancouver, BC – Victoria BC can be a wonderful playground with many travel options and cruise jump-off points to Alaska.
The best time of year for this area is March to September. After September, cruise ships to Alaska mostly stop for the year.
If you are wondering what there is to do in Victoria, there is a wonderful article written by Clipper Vacations Magazine. You can view the article “70 things to do in Victoria BC In Spring“. (Credit to Clipper Vacation Magazine for photos in this post as well). I highly recommend this article.
If you have the time to enjoy a leisurely trip to enjoy all the sights available, let me recommend a few options to you.
Trip Options
- Most Travel Time – Rail/Cruise, including Accommodations. One thing you need to understand. Rail travel will likely involve delays. It’s never a good idea to have a tight time schedule if part of your travel involves rail travel. However, once I am on a train, I prefer this mode of travel. It is laid-back, way less stressful and you can move around while the train is moving, and there are acceptable (and reasonably-priced) food options available. Power ports are readily available. My recommendation: If you live anywhere between Eugene, Oregon and Tacoma, Washington, ride Amtrak to Seattle. Spend the night in Seattle and enjoy that town for the night. Next morning, catch the early Clipper (cruise through the Puget Sound) directly to Victoria, BC. Spend as many nights as you want there in Victoria. See the article above about all the fun things to do there. When you are done in Victoria, I will get you home however you like. More ideas: There are also direct connections to Vancouver, BC. If you want to extend your vacation and visit Vancouver, BC, now would be a good time to do that as well. Or, consider really extending your vacation for an Alaskan cruise, departing out of either Vancouver BC or Seattle Washington.
- Start from Seattle, WA – Cruise, including Accommodations. If you don’t have the time (or the desire) to do the train portion of the trip, simply get to Seattle (Airport code: SEA – Seattle/Tacoma). I do still highly recommend any trip you can take on the water through the Puget Sound. It is amazingly beautiful in spring, summer and fall (as long as it’s not a rainy or windy day). Boats/clippers/ships also generally have snacks available. Ships are generally enclosed as this is a year-round mode of transportation through the Puget Sound. Afte getting to Victoria, BC, your trip options all remain the same.
- Fly directly to Victoria BC. There is an International Airport in Victoria BC (YYJ). Alaska Airlines and Air Canada service the area.
- By Car. There is a helpful article “Voyage to Victoria From Washington State“. You can get there by car. Having a car is always helpful to get around. Be prepared, however. If you are from the USA, be aware that you are going into Canada. There will be border crossings to deal with and different traffic laws.
This brings me to my final topic. If you are from the USA, this is an international trip to another country. You will definitely need a passport and possibly some other required documentation before this trip. Be sure to “Know Before You Go”. Here is a helpful link with some questions and answers: Know Before You Go
I am here to plan you best vacation ever with you. There are no up-charges for my packaged services. You will pay no more than the listed prices, and many times I can save you money and time by doing all your trip planning for you.
Allen Beck
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