please count me as a maybe also. i'm sure i can arrange a west coast visit in mid-may.

Tropical Flyer,

Change my Maybe to Definite! I'll be flying to SEA with a midday arrival on Friday; can anyone point me to the websites of the ferry companies that could get me the rest of the way? Are there regularly scheduled buses/trains to the ferry depot from the airport?

TribeFlyer,

Yes, you can take the ferry if your heart's really set on it. But last summer when I researched it I came up disappointed. There is no direct ferry service between Seattle and Vancouver. You have to change carriers at Victoria. Overall, you're not saving time or money getting to Vancouver this way. Visit http://www.recreationbc.com/ferries.htm for more info.

Another option is a train/bus combo. The Amtrak train leaves SEA at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Bellingham at 8:00 p.m. and the Amtrak bus partner leaves 5 minutes later for a 9:30 p.m. arrival in YVR. The one-way coach fare is $22, and a biz class upgrade would be not a whole lot more. We are contemplating getting there this way too but are still undecided at this point.

Or you can go by bus to Vancouver right from SEA-TAC. From the airport web site:

Quick Shuttle
(604) 940-4428 or 1-800-665-2122
Quick Shuttle serves the Airport outside Door 26 on the Baggage Claim (lower) level. Service to and from Vancouver, B.C.

A quick search shows the fare is $70RT, and their website is at:
http://www.quickcoach.com/

Tribe Flyer, agree there is no 'direct' ferry from SEA, and agree driving/bus/train are far quicker and cheaper, but if you have not been there before, Victoria is a quite superb destination in itself, and indeed is WELL worth a few hours/day visit if your schedule allows. It is more Scottish than Canadian.

And the ongoing shortish trip from Victoria to Vancouver through the many wooded islands etc is simply wonderful, one of the nicest boat rides I can think of.

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~ Glen ~

Not sure where to post this - already replied on the AC Board... Sign me up... Flying in on 5/19 around 2 from SFO, staying at the Marriott YVR Airport, and leaving on the 20th....

And flying home to SFO via CALGARY http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Sorry for posting on two boards.... Just don't want to be forgotten since I have my plane ticket now !

KevinB

I am considering coming as well! So far put me down as maybe. I'm looking at CPH-SEA with SK at around $250 and back SEA-LHR-CPH with BA for about the same.

I need some way to get cheaply between SEA and YVR http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Anyone else besides OzStamps going to be at the Renaissance Hotel?

[This message has been edited by tom911 (edited 04-03-2001).]

Goldlust, why don't you try flying AC for the first time... Since you're asking for the benefits of Aeroplan Elite, have some consideration and fly the carrier once in your life.

"Cathay Pacific has a $500 cdn fare from JFK - YVR. Thats like $35us or something." Did you miss out the zero, or just trying to make us Canadians feel even worse about our sinking dollar? Sometimes it does seem like that's the exchange rate, though. Just one problem with that CX fare, it may not be eligible for AAdvantage miles unless you are a Canadian-based member. Double check before you book it.

Scott the Flyer told me about this in NYC last weekend. I'd like to join you all, but not certain of my schedule for mid-May yet, particularly as I will have just returned from two weeks in South Africa the week before. However, business could take me out there, as I have a major project with a Vancouver-based company, and another MHD [Mexican Hat Dance] might just be in order.

Actually my flight FRA-YVR and return was AC. Only it was a codeshare with LH and was LH operated. That being said I cannot see why one must or should fly the airline that holds the program one has chosen.

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Goldlust

Why do you think they're called "loyalty" programs, Goldlust? Or has your lust for elite so blinded you to this? I believe AC is about the only program that does not require a member to fly at least one segment of their metal flights each year to keep an account active.

Put me down for a YES! Flying AS from SAN through SEA and on to YVR on Friday evening, staying at the Renaissance (thanks, Tom911), and returning Sunday. Am interested in city/shopping tour on Saturday, dinner Saturday night, and brunch on Sunday (early brunch, since return flight leaves at 1:00 p.m.) Let the fun begin in Vancouver!

Thanks Essxjay, tom911, and ozstamps,

My US flight arrives at SEA-TAC Fri at 11:30am, so I may not mind the leisurely pace of the ferry to Victoria/Vancouver, especially if it's a nice day. Coming back Sun I'll be catching a red-eye to PIT, thus I also won't be in a hurry. Perhaps the compromise of train/bus heading up, and ferry on the return trip with an afternoon stopover in Victoria...

PS. I'll also be staying at the Renaissance Harbourside.

Who is organizing this event? I can't really figure it out?

Dorian

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