The Space Needle is an observation tower with a striking view of Seattle. Visitors can get an aerial look at the city’s skyline and see Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.
The Granville Island Public Market is an indoor market with tons of locally-sourced food and goods. Visitors can watch artisans at work and try fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Visitors can hike through old-growth forest, bike along the seawall, and take in the view of Vancouver’s skyline.
Gastown is a historic area with charming architecture and cobblestone streets. Visitors can wander through galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, and see the famous steam-powered clock.
Travelers will need to consider purchasing a Compass Card, which allows unlimited travel on Vancouver’s transit system. For Seattle, ride shares or taxis are recommended for the quickest and most convenient travel between destinations. The estimated cost is around $30.
If you have more time, Seattle has a lot of attractions to explore such as the Seattle Aquarium, the Museum of Pop Culture, and Pioneer Square. In Vancouver, you can visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge or the Vancouver Aquarium. If you have less time, skip Gastown and go straight to the Granville Island Public Market to get a quick bite to eat before heading to Stanley Park.
For Seattle, the closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) which is about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle. Vancouver has Vancouver International Airport (YVR) which is about 9 miles south of downtown Vancouver.