In Seattle for work: should I visit Vancouver or stay in town during the weekend? (Pacific: rental car, rental)

[rischthorpe]

Hey Seattle,

I will be in your city for work next week--I've never visited vefore. My hotel is downtown, but I'll be in different parts of the metro area during the days. I am actually going to be flying in late from the East Coast late on Friday night and crashing at a friend's house in Lynwood. I've got Saturday and Sunday to myself (friend is busy), and I'm considering taking my rental car up to Vancouver for the weekend. I've already booked a hotel up there with points (can still cancel.) The more I look forward to my trip, I'm starting to think with work during the day, I may not get much of a chance to experience Seattle itself, outside of the restaurants in town I've marked for dinners throughout the week and a Mariners game on Wednesday afternoon.

Would locals recommend I stay in Seattle, or seize the opportunity to visit your neighbor to the north? My interests include architecture, walking around and comparing neighborhoods, coffee, ethnic food, urban parks, and hiking. Note that I will be spending the following weekend with my friend hiking and camping in either the Olympics or Cascades for a few days. I am also interested in urban planning, and Vancouver is often cited as a major case study in 21st century urbansim/transit/etc. I don't know if/when I'll get another chance to spend time in BC. On the other hand, Seattle has plenty to see and a character of its own that I'd like to get to know.

[SaltyDawg]

Check your rental policy - most won't allow you to take your car across an international border.

Plenty of neighborhoods in the city to explore. Vancouver is different, but the architecture consists of tall, skinny buildings - nothing I'd make a special trip for. Seattle isn't particularly architecturally significant either save for some of the major iconic buildings (Central Library, Space Needle, EMP, the stadiums).

I'd suggest walking Ballard, Fremont, Georgetown, Columbia City, Capitol Hill, and maybe taking a stroll around Greenlake.

[Botev1912]

almost every major rental company allows you to go to Canada.

[homesinseattle]

As a person who lives in Seattle, used to have a second home in Vancouver BC, I love both! I say, "head north young man", you'll have a chance to see Seattle during the week, especially with it getting dark increasingly later. Just be aware of the border crossing, it can mess up your day. You can monitor it here: WSDOT - Canadian Border Area Traffic

[angelenogirl]

That border crossing makes me want to put a spork in my eye, but Vancouver is super fun.

[homesinseattle]

I am fortunate, I have a fast lane Nexus pass. Anyone can get one, just have to apply, wait awhile until they determine you are not a criminal then have an in person interview. The OP can't get one short notice but ANY of you other Vancouver lovers can. It makes the border crossing very much a predictable experience: NEXUS Program Requirements USA | US Immigration Visa & Travel

[Deezus]

Drive to Vancouver, though check the wait times on the drive up(there's signs on I-5 with wait times, but if you've got a smartphone I'd check it even earlier). There's several options and sometimes the Pacific Crossing to the east of Peace Arch is shorter and sometimes if both Peace Arch and Pacific have long waits(sometimes more than an hour) you can take the route to Aldergrove and breeze right into BC with little wait.

[HandsUpThumbsDown]

Maybe the train would be preferable?

[BATCAT]

Originally Posted by HandsUpThumbsDown

Maybe the train would be preferable?

The train is a nice way to visit Vancouver- a relaxing ride, and passing through the border is generally quite fast.

[Deezus]

Originally Posted by HandsUpThumbsDown

Maybe the train would be preferable?

If the timetables work out for you the train is great.