Planning a trip from PDX to Victoria economically any hints???

Question

Driving up and taking ferry but not sure what time of the week is the best financially to be there in B.C. and what ferry, hotel, and plans we should do. Want to spend 2 nites and 3 days.

Answer 1

I would have to say, based on personal and professional experience(traveller and Owner of a Travel Agency), that ferries are plentiful once you get to Vancouver BC(then the ferry to Victoria Island it sounds like). The ferries don't really stand out in any fashion, only in the times they leave Vancouver.

The plans issue is really what you make of it. There's so much to do both in Vancouver and Victoria Island. Lots of museums, harbors, food is great as always, and the British culture is pretty prevalent. Depends on what your interests are. Hotels in either Vancouver and Victoria(to be safe get your American currency changed over to the CD(Canadian Dollar) tend to vary in theme, decor, and cost, of course. Which raises some key issues:

1-Travel budget in place?
2-Are amenities a big consideration to you?
3-Will your accomodations be in Vancouver or Victoria?
4-Planned departure/return date(s) in mind?

Minor details but important as it will simplify your search for quality accomodations in either Vancouver or Victoria BC. Also--if you get accomodations during weekdays, it will be more economical to you. If you could kindly either call, email me at: [e-mail], or reach me through Yahoo Messenger with your specifics, we can see what accomodations are available in both Vancouver and Victoria BC that are cost-friendly to you.

Answer 2

it is a lot cheaper if you were to go on the ferry as a walk-on passenger. Check out the rates for cars, http://www.bcferries.com/
Also there tends to be big line-ups on the ferries on the weekends, get there early. I think most of your time will be spent wandering around. Check out the museum, the habour (where you can catch a whale watching tour.) Lots of tourists go to Bouchard Gardens. You could take a carriage ride through the park. Lot of tourists also like having tea at the Empress hotel- which is hotel that is not cheap to stay at! High tea is very good though.