My teenage son and I are traveling from SNA-YVR on 7/4/08, to catch a cruise in YVR on the 6th. I will use AAdvantage miles as a partner award on Alaska. This opens the possiblity of a stopover in SEA on the Fourth, then going up to YVR on the 5th.

I'm very familiar with SEA but my son has never been there. We will see the usual stuff like the Space Needle, EMP, and Pike Place.

Is this a good plan, or will the combination of peak toursit season, a holiday, and locals coming to see fireworks make things so crowded that I should save it for another trip?

Thanks!

Update....please ignore my OP. The flights and hotel didn't work out and would create a big, complicated mess. We will save SEA for another time and enjoy our time in YVR. ^

I assured my son they have a 4th of July in Canada too....except it will be a regular Friday there and no fireworks !!

NO. Canada's holiday is JULY 1st -- "CANADA DAY."

There's activities but not like all the really good stuff on the 1st.

Of course PDX, SEA, YVR major hotels are expensive. Year-round.

There are some less than stellar hotels in PDX, SEA, and YVR but I'm not sure you'll want to stay in some of them.

I hope that you have your passports for each member of the family, as Driver License and non-embossed birth certificates are not acceptable standalone ids anymore. Most airlines will require passport to fly out of the US even to Canada. CBP prefers passports too and be prepared to be asked all kinds of questions.

If your son is under 18, he will NEED notarized statement from the other parent if both are not travelling with the child.

See Canada's CIC webpage: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

VISITING CANADA:

"The officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents. Make sure that you have them with you, and that they are not packed in your luggage. This will speed up your entry to Canada.

Even if you do not need a visa to enter Canada, the officer will ask you a few questions. The officer will confirm that you meet the requirements for admission to Canada. This should only take a few minutes.

You will not be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information, or if you do not satisfy the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada. You will also have to convince the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay in Canada.

Children under the age of 16 should have valid identification with them. If you are travelling with a child and you are not the child�s parent or guardian, you should have a letter from the child�s parent or guardian authorizing entry into Canada. If you are the child�s only guardian, you should have documents to show there is no other guardian. For example, a birth certificate that does not identify the father would be suitable.

The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything."

Realize that...I was joking that of course there is a July 4 on the calendar in Canada and every other country in the world...it's only a special holiday in the US. It's too bad we can't be in Canada on the 1st. Always fun and interesting to be in other countries on holidays.

Thanks to Hyatt Gold Passport points, we have 2 nights at the Vancouver Hyatt Regency free. To your point, the best rate is about $325/night.

Our passports are current and up to date...and I will have the notarized travel letter from the other parent. But thanks for noticing that and posting all the requirements. Although most people on this board are more aware than the general public, there may still be people unaware of the increased US requirements for travel to Canada and Mexico.

Slightly OT - but reminds me of the conversations I have around July 4th in the USA. Since I am British , I am often amused when I am asked 'How do you celebrate the 4th in England?" - Straight faced - "We mourn the loss of the Colonies!"