5 Days in the Pacific Northwest: Seattle to Vancouver

Sarah Hallier
Nov 4
3 min read

Updated: Dec 13

The Pacific Northwest feels like a deep breath — cool air, great food, and gorgeous views. Our five-day adventure through Seattle, Bainbridge Island, and Vancouver brought together the best of city life and nature, with every stop offering something memorable.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions of Seattle

We arrived in Seattle, picked up our rental car, and checked into the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. The rooftop infinity pool overlooks Elliott Bay, and the lobby’s scent alone feels like calm.

Our first stop was the city’s heart: Pike Place Market. Between flying fish, colorful flower stalls, and coffee aromas floating from every corner, there’s no better way to dive into Seattle.

We wandered into DeLaurenti Food & Wine, a gem for imported cheeses and Italian pantry staples, before lunch at Café Campagne, where steak frites and espresso felt like a Parisian detour.

An afternoon coffee at Moore Coffee , known for its latte art and cozy, tucked-away feel, fueled us for an early evening stroll along the waterfront. Dinner was at Blu Water Bistro, where the seafood was as fresh as the lake view.

Day 2: Touring the City & Sunset from the Space Needle

Morning began with a Worldwide City Sightseeing van tour, a four-hour overview that took us from the quirky Fremont Troll to elegant Queen Anne. The highlight was driving through Medina, where lakefront mansions and lush gardens give way to sweeping skyline views, and where billionaires like Bill Gates call home.

That evening, we timed our visit to the Space Needle perfectly. Watching the sunset from the observation deck, with 360-degree views of Puget Sound and the city glowing below, was a moment to remember.

Dinner followed at El Encanto in Carillon Point, Kirkland, just across Lake Washington. The drive over the 520 Bridge was its own scenic treat, and the restaurant’s blend of Latin flavors, waterfront views, and warm lighting made for a perfect ending to the day.

Day 3: A Ferry to Bainbridge Island

We started the day with a short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, just 35 minutes across the bay but a world away in pace. We wandered through Eagle Harbor Waterfront Park, browsed small shops, and stopped for a mid-morning pastry at a café overlooking the water.

The island’s laid-back rhythm made it easy to spend a few unplanned hours just exploring. After lunch at a local spot, we headed back to Seattle for a quiet evening, with dinner at Grappa, an Italian restaurant known for its handmade pasta, fine wine list, and inviting neighborhood energy.

Day 4: On the Road to Vancouver

Early the next morning, we set out for Vancouver, British Columbia, a drive that’s just under three hours and full of postcard views. Evergreen forests, sparkling water, and tiny towns along the way made the trip feel effortless.

Once across the border, we explored Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and the famous steam clock puffing away in the background. Lunch at Water Street Café came with a front-row seat to it all - crisp calamari, a glass of wine, and the hum of city life.

Later, we followed part of the Whistler trail, stopping at scenic overlooks, small cafés, and mountain monuments that seemed made for photos. Dinner was at The Keg Steakhouse, a Canadian staple that balanced sophistication with comfort.

Day 5: Back to Seattle & a Slow Goodbye

On our final day, we made the drive back to Seattle with plenty of time to spare. Pike Place Market called us one last time for pastries and gifts because no one leaves without at least one bag of coffee beans or jar of local honey.

We spent the afternoon walking the Seattle Waterfront, watching ferries glide across the Sound, and reflecting on the trip over one last espresso. We made a last minute dash to the top of the Space Needle, with sweeping views of the entire bay.

Dinner once again at Grappa felt right — a full-circle finish with handmade pasta, warm service, and a last toast to the Pacific Northwest.

It was the kind of trip that stays with you — a perfect balance of food, views, and the easy pace that defines this corner of the world.