Lee’s Trip to Vancouver, Seattle & Iceland

I have just returned from a great trip visiting three amazing destinations Vancouver, Seattle & Iceland all very interesting and highly recommended…

Flying with Icelandair was easy with a smooth transit in Reykjavik en -route to my first stop in Vancouver for a 4 night stay at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel a luxury 5* hotel in a great location for exploring the city either on foot or using the public transport, highlights to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge reaching across the Capliano River at 230 feet high, Canada’s largest Aquarium, sightseeing tours of Stanley Park and the top neighbourhoods of Yaletown, Chinatown and Gastown. I particularly enjoyed the gastronomic delights of Granville Island, foodie tours and beer / wine tastings are very popular here, the Canadian Dollar rate is very good at the moment so I found it very reasonable to eat out here.

After a 2 hour ferry crossing from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island we checked into the grand chateau style hotel Fairmont Empress dating back to 1908, this is ideally based close to the harbour and all the attractions of Victoria. Whale Watching is a must here and I was lucky enough to see many Orca Whales on our excursion aboard the ‘Orca Spirit Adventure’ check out our Deben Travel Facebook page for some great pictures.

Getting to Seattle is easy again via a ferry crossing from Victoria (ESTA is required to enter the USA) once there the best way to get around is using the Seattle Monorail built in 1962 or again on foot, to get the best view of Seattle visit Space Needle a tower 520 feet tall with panoramic 360 degree views of the city. If like me you have interest in Aviation the Boeing Future of Flight Tour gives you an insight on how Aircraft are designed and manufactured – well worth a visit.

The state of Washington is very picturesque and home to various Islands and National Parks which can again be reached easily by car or ferry.

On my return journey to the UK I took the opportunity to include a stopover in Reykjavik.

Iceland is home to the Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss Waterfall and various national park areas complete with thermal springs and geysers so lot’s to pack in to a short stay but it can all be done from Reykjavik which is lovely little city with everything centrally located, the cost of living is pretty expensive so it is best to pre – book your excursions before you arrive. Highlight for me was relaxing in the Blue Lagoon before catching my flight home after a tiring but very memorable 10 day trip.

If you are considering a holiday to any of these destinations and would like to find out more then please do contact us at Deben Travel on 01394 615620, email [email protected] or pop in to 25 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.