The drive to the border on a Saturday morning (no rush hour through Seattle) should be approx. 2 1/2 hrs. Get on I-5 and head north - it will take you directly to the Blaine border. This may not be the fastest crossing but the easiest to find. The border wait can be anything from 5 mins to 1/2 hour +++ - usually faster in the morning than afternoon. I'd allow another 1/2 hour from the border to the ferry terminal - once again, no rush hour on Saturday. With a reservation you can go through any booth at the ferry that's open - it doesn't need to be the one to Victoria. This will save you much time if there happens to be a lineup at the Victoria ferry booth.

You could probably easily spend a day in Victoria without going to Buchart Gardens although the gardens are spectacular.

The Westin Bayshore is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Vancouver, adjoining the marinas and Stanley Park - our favorite place to walk on Sunday morning. Granville Island is another favorite. Possibly rent bikes and pedal around Stanley Park ( 6 1/2 miles). It gets busy but the ride is flat and easy. Keep going and you'll end up at Granville Island. It is truly a beautiful ride or walk all along the water's edge.

The fireworks are on a barge in English Bay so there probably aren't any bad viewing points. There will however be a very large crowd of people. Many streets are closed to traffic but fortunately you are only about a 1/2 hr walk away along Denman Street.

This site may be of interest to you http://www.tourismvancouver.com

Welcome to B.C.

Marlene New Westminster B.C.