A weekend getaway from Victoria to Seattle is an easy and exciting escape.
The vibrant city atmosphere and endless attractions make it a must-visit. But is it worth the cost of the ferry ride?
Let’s take a deeper dive so you can decide.
Why Take a Weekend Getaway to Seattle?
Seattle is a dynamic city known for its waterfront views, coffee culture, and iconic landmarks. Once a small logging town, it has transformed into a world-class metropolis while keeping its Pacific Northwest charm.
If you’re looking for a quick getaway, a trip to the Emerald City is one of the top day trips from Victoria—though you might want to stay for the weekend.
Picture this: You’re heading to Seattle. You’ve got:
- ✅ Accessibility – The Victoria Clipper ferry makes travel stress-free and scenic. Both terminals are right downtown, so you won’t need your car.
- ✅ Epic Views – Seriously, Mount Rainier looming in the distance, the sparkling Puget Sound, and city skylines that’ll make your Instagram pop.
- ✅ Incredible food scene – Pike Place Market’s a must-do, with fresh seafood, local produce, and all the vibes. Plus, the coffee scene? Legendary.
- ✅ World-famous attractions – The Space Needle, Pioneer Square, and the Museum of Pop Culture cater to a variety of interests.
- ✅ Perfect for any traveler – Whether you love arts, music, shopping, or outdoor adventures, Seattle has something for you.
If you enjoy city life, great food, and waterfront views, this trip is for you. It’s just a 2-hour 45-minute ferry ride, making it an easy weekend getaway.
Why You Might Skip This Trip
- ❌ It can be pricey – Hotels and food in Seattle can add up, so budget accordingly.
- ❌ It’s tough to get around – Seattle has a lackluster transit system for a city of its size.
Yeah, I know. The Canadian dollar sucks right now. But with some good planning, you can still eat and drink well on the cheap.
Don’t be overwhelmed by Seattle’s size and disappointing lack of transit options. You won’t need to leave downtown if you’re here for a weekend or a specific event.
If you take the ferry, most attractions such as Pike Place, the Space Needle, and Pioneer Square are within walking distance of the terminal. Just make sure to score a centrally located hotel.
Where is Seattle from to Victoria?
Seattle is about 145 km southeast of Victoria, across the Salish Sea. The Clipper ferry provides a direct route, making it one of the easiest international weekend trips.
Flights are offered but are pricey and include layovers in Vancouver. Kenmore Air offers direct seaplane service, which provides a better option if you’re intent on flying.
If you’d prefer to drive, you’ll be looking at a lengthy trip, including the BC Ferry to Tsawassen and a drive down the I-5 across the Peach Arch Border Crossing. Weekend border waits can be frustrating, so I’d give it a thumbs down unless you absolutely need a vehicle.
Ease of reachability: 9/10 – With a direct ferry, getting to Seattle is simple and hassle-free.
How to Get to Seattle
- By Ferry (Victoria Clipper): ~2 hours 45 minutes, estimated cost $250-$300 round trip.
- By Plane: ~3-4 hours (layover at YVR), $400-$500, Kenmore Air offers direct seaplane service.
- By Car & Ferry: ~5-6 hours via BC Ferries & drive across the border to Washington State.
The Easiest Way to Travel from Victoria to Seattle
The Victoria Clipper ferry is, hands down, the easiest way to visit Seattle. It’s comfortable, scenic, and arrives right at the waterfront—no need to worry about driving or parking.
The Inner Harbour departure point is also ultra convenient.
Flying is an option but often unnecessary given how efficient the ferry is. So save some cash, avoid the layovers, and enjoy the smooth ride across the Salish Sea to Seattle.
To learn more or to book your tickets, click the button below:
What to See While You’re in Seattle
- Pike Place Market – Famous for fresh seafood, flying fish, and quirky shops.
- Space Needle – Iconic 360-degree city views.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass – Stunning glass art exhibits.
- Museum of Pop Culture – A must for music, movie, and sci-fi fans.
- Kerry Park – The best skyline photo spot.
- The Seattle Underground Tour – Explore the hidden streets beneath the city.
Best Thing to Do in Seattle
If you only have time for one thing, make it Pike Place Market. The mix of food, history, and atmosphere is unbeatable.
Grab a light snack, then check out nearby Belltown for some of Seattle’s best restaurants and nightlife. I like wandering in and out of the local cafes, watering holes, and trying something new.
The city is home to so many attractions, art galleries, and museums, it can be hard to pick. But luckily, you don’t have to!
The Seattle CityPASS
If you’re hitting Seattle for a weekend, I recommend ditching the stress of figuring out tickets and just grabbing a Seattle CityPASS.
Seriously, it’s a no-brainer. You’ll get to hit up the Space Needle, the Aquarium, and a bunch of other top spots, all for one sweet price.
Plus, you save a chunk of change, which is always a win. You’ll gain prepaid access to 5 of the city’s best attractions and up to 50% off admission to several others.
Basically, it’s like having a VIP pass to the best of Seattle. Easy, breezy, and you’ll thank yourself later. To learn more, click on the banner below:
The Perfect Weekend Itinerary to Seattle
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown
- 7:00 AM – Grab coffee and breakfast at your hotel before heading to the ferry terminal.
- 7:30 AM – Check-in for the Victoria Clipper ferry.
- 8:00 AM – Depart Victoria, enjoy the scenic ride.
- 10:45 AM – Arrive in Seattle, check in or drop your bags at the hotel.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at Pike Place Market.
- 2:00 PM – Visit the Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.
- 4:30 PM – Explore Seattle Center & Museum of Pop Culture.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner in Belltown at 2120 or Kalabaw.
Day 2: Food, Shopping & Culture
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Tilikum Place Café (get the Dutch Baby pancakes).
- 10:00 AM – Walk around Pioneer Square & take the Underground Tour.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at Taylor Shellfish for oysters.
- 2:00 PM – Stroll along the Seattle Waterfront.
- 3:30 PM – Grab coffee at Storyville Coffee.
- 5:00 PM – Sunset views at Kerry Park.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner at Altura for a fancy night out.
Day 3: A Relaxed Morning & Departure
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast at The 5 Point Café.
- 9:30 AM – Last-minute shopping or visit Capitol Hill.
- 11:00 AM – Seafood lunch at Anthony’s on Pier 66 by the ferry terminal.
- 12:30 PM – Check-in for the Victoria Clipper ferry.
- 1:30 PM – Depart Seattle.
- 4:15 PM – Arrive back in Victoria.
Is a Trip from Victoria to Seattle Worth It? My Experience
Absolutely! Seattle is one of my favorite weekend escapes from Victoria, and the trip is surprisingly hassle-free. I love that you can skip the long drive and hop on the Victoria Clipper ferry instead.
Seattle delivers, whether you’re into live music, shopping, or outdoor adventures. Pike Place Market is a must for food lovers, and grabbing coffee from the original Starbucks is a fun tourist moment.
If you love panoramic views, the iconic Space Needle offers impressive cityscapes. And the nearby Queen Anne and Belltown neighbourhoods are chock full of great dining and nightlife options.
But…there’s one downside. The falling Canadian dollar, and recent geopolitical troubles have made American trips less appealing to many of us Canucks.
But from experience, our Cascadian cousins remain as welcoming as ever. The Seattle CityPASS can also save a lot of money on sightseeing, mitigating costs.
So, is a road trip (or ferry trip!) to Seattle worth it? Absolutely. It’s an easy, exciting getaway with so much to see and do. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend making the trip!
Seattle Weekend Getaway FAQ
How do I get from Victoria to Seattle?
The easiest way is the Victoria Clipper ferry, which takes about 2 hours 45 minutes.
What’s the best time of year to visit Seattle?
Spring and summer offer the best weather. Fall is also nice, but winters can be rainy.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, you’ll need a passport for entry into the U.S. and back into Canada.
Is Seattle expensive?
It can be, but there are budget-friendly food and activity options. The Seattle CityPASS also cuts down on the cost of sightseeing.
Can I visit Seattle without a car?
Absolutely! The downtown area is walkable, and public transport is great. The Victoria Clipper takes you right to the heart of the action.
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