Being a local tourist

[lauraelmore1033]

The public Library down town is an interesting place to check out. it is choc full of contemporary art and the building is a work of art well worth exploring.

Also worth checking out is the Frye Art Museum on Capital hill. Can't beat the price: Free! I think parking is also free, but I'm not sure about that.

Whidbey Island is also a nice place to take tourists. there are three state parks and the drive up or down the length of the Island is quite scenic. Coupeville, round about the middle of the island is a cute little touristy town and Deception Pass is quite something to see as well. We like to get on the Island on the north end, crossing Deception pass and make a day of exploring and driving south and cap it all off with the ferry ride from the south end of the island to Mukilteo.

[shootingstar]

I was really impressed by the Glass Art/Museum in Tacoma. Stunning. And walking along that bridge with the handblown glass displays embedded in..

As someone who has visited Seattle several times, we invariably include:

part/all of the Burke-Gilman bike trail
a visit to the independent bookstore downtown (some books are not imported into Canada)
eat at the French bakery in the Pike Market area (but shop is located along the street outside)
have a salmon-based chowder in bread bowl in another place in a building across from the main Pike Market building, bike along the waterfront which includes the outdoor art sculptures (I'm a sucker for interesting large outdoor art installations.)

Are you going straight into downtown Victoria?? Or...passing through one of the San Juan Islands to get to Victoria.

Or are you taking the Washington ferry to eventually Saanich harbour which is about 25 kms. north of downtown Victoria? That is the peninsula area that is nice for wandering. We actually will be staying for 1 evening next wk. And taking a 10 min. British Columbia ferry to another part of Vancouver Island so that we get off and bike to a winery....

One take the Amtrak train from Seattle which will get you directly into downtown Vancouver. The Skytrain station will get you further in within 5 min. or walk it..lots to see and do downtown Vancouver with its waterfront. It's quite different than Seattle's waterfront: there's no freeway/highway to block the sightline.

[NbyNW]

Oh, I missed the part where you are going to Victoria! I highly recommend Butchart Gardens -- great place to spend a few hours -- and Mattick's Farm for coffee or lunch. Mattick's has a bakery and deli on one side and produce market on the other. Both are an easy drive from Victoria.

[salsabike]

I would drive east into the Cascades, if you can do an overnight loop. It's truly stunning.

Shootingstar, that bookstore (if you mean Elliot Bay) has actually moved from its longtime Pioneer Square home to Capitol Hill.

[Stellar1]

Wow! Just the thread I needed. I have friends/relatives coming next week and have been racking my brain for a list of to-dos. I'd forgotten some of the things recommended here.

My friends are not very athletic, some would rather shop and eat. I like those too, but need to get in my rides.

Stellar 1