If you’re craving a mix of city adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of outdoor exhilaration, look no further than the Pacific Northwest. Our recent trip through Seattle, Vancouver, and Whistler was the perfect blend of urban charm, culinary delights, and mountain magic. Whether you love exploring vibrant city streets, indulging in top-notch cuisine, or hitting the slopes, this itinerary has something for everyone. This is one of those trips where packing your suitcase for the entire trip and a day’s excursions, makes all the difference. We show you all of our tricks in our ‘What’s In My Bag Guide’ blog post. These guides are super helpful so you can make the most of your getaways.
Exploring Seattle: Markets, Monorails & Museums
Seattle is a city that knows how to do cozy, creative, and caffeinated. Our first stop? The iconic Pike Place Market. There’s something truly special about wandering past fresh flower stands, watching the famous fishmongers toss their latest catch, and picking up some delicious produce and a few artisan-made goodies along the way. If you’re up for unique displays of “art” walk through the gum walled walkway around the corner from the market or visit the famous Fremont Troll. If you’re a coffee lover (and let’s be honest, you’re in Seattle—so you are now!), make sure to grab a cup at Monorail Espresso or Olympia Coffee Roasting before heading out for the day.
The Seattle Center Monorail is a fun and efficient way to travel from downtown to Westlake Center, home to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. The Space Needle’s 605-foot-high observation deck offers some of the best views in the city—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Rainier. Right next door, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is an absolute must-see. The intricate glass sculptures are nothing short of mesmerizing. Afterward, we loved unwinding at The Bar inside the museum, sipping cocktails while admiring its quirky collection of antiques—accordions hanging from the ceiling, treasures tucked into tables—it’s a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the day.
For a dose of marine magic, the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59 is well worth a visit. The Window on Washington Waters exhibit, with its 120,000-gallon tank teeming with Northwest sea life, is a highlight. Throughout our stay, we found downtown Seattle incredibly easy to navigate on foot and even tried out the city’s scooter system.
And, of course, the food scene did not disappoint. We enjoyed a mix of flavors, from the Asian-fusion dishes at Wild Ginger to the romantic ambiance of The Pink Door and the classic Italian comfort of Tulio’s. Each meal was a delight, and we left Seattle happily full and ready for our next destination.
If you are looking for a fantastic day trip outside the city of Seattle, consider taking a ferry from downtown over to Bainbridge Island.
A day trip to Bainbridge Island is one of the best ways to escape the city while still enjoying breathtaking views, charming small-town vibes, and delicious food. Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge offers a mix of outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, and fantastic dining—all within walking distance of the ferry terminal.
Getting to Bainbridge Island from Seattle
- Head to the Seattle Ferry Terminal (Colman Dock) – Located at Pier 52 in downtown Seattle, the ferry terminal is easy to reach by foot, car, or public transportation. Walk-on passenger tickets are around $10 round-trip (cheaper for seniors and free for children under 18) and run every hour.
- We recommend grabbing a seat on the top deck for the best views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains and watch for seals or even orcas in the water.
- Walk off the ferry on Bainbridge and within 5 minutes, you’ll be in Winslow, the island’s main town, filled with shops, galleries, cozy cafés, restaurants, a free museum and other attractions.
- Take a scenic stroll along the Bainbridge Waterfront Trail, which offers peaceful views of Eagle Harbor and leads to hidden beaches and marinas. Bainbridge is also home to several wineries and cideries that are worth checking out. If you’re up for more adventure, rent a bike and explore farther!
- When you’re ready to return, simply walk back to the ferry terminal and board the next boat. Ferries depart approximately every hour, so there’s no need to buy another ticket for the return trip if you’re a walk-on passenger. As the sun sets, you’ll get a another gorgeous view of the Seattle skyline.
Vancouver: Food, Fun & Festivities
Crossing the border into Canada meant one thing—our traditional first stop at Tim Hortons for a nostalgic sweet treat (if your not familiar with the brand, think Canada’s version of Dunkin’ Donuts). Vancouver, like Seattle, is a wonderfully walkable city, and we loved exploring its diverse neighborhoods. One of our favorite dinners was a comforting bowl of Pho, followed by an evening of lively music and drinks at Donnellan’s Irish Pub. There is a lot to do and see in Vancouver. It’s the perfect mix of urban sophistication and easy access to mountains, ocean, and lush forests.
Whistler: Skiing, Waffles & Après-Ski Bliss
No trip to the Pacific Northwest is complete without a few days in Whistler-Blackcomb, one of the most spectacular ski resorts in North America. Staying right on the mountain at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa made all the difference—it’s just a short walk to the gondola, making it easy to fuel up with a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes.
Skiing here is truly next-level. The terrain, the snow, the views—it’s no wonder Whistler has such a stellar reputation. Take a well-deserved midday break at the Crystal Hut, where you can warm up with delicious waffles and rich hot chocolate. And after a full day on the slopes, the après-ski scene did not disappoint. Options range from a lively pint at Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub to the cozy charm of Crêpe Montagne or a delicious French meal at La Brasserie.
Seattle, Vancouver, and Whistler each brought something special to our Pacific Northwest getaway. From bustling markets and city sights to mountain adventures and après-ski indulgence, this trip was a perfect balance of culture, cuisine, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re sipping coffee at Pike Place, skiing through powder in Whistler, or simply soaking in the sights of Vancouver, this region offers endless ways to create unforgettable memories.
We hope this inspires you to plan a trip to the PNW, follow our recommendations and stay tuned for our ‘What’s In My Bag Guide’ post next week…you won’t be disappointed.
