Another idea to consider is taking the Victoria Clipper (high-speed ferry) from Seattle to Victoria. It's about a 3-hour trip, and I think the border/customs stuff is handled dockside in Victoria when you get off the boat (and in Seattle on the return trip). I relocated to Seattle earlier this year, and we're going to take the Clipper to Victoria for a post-Christmas trip (no bikes, just headed to Butchart Gardens to see the Xmas lights, etc.). I can let you know afterward what the experience is like.

Once back in Seattle, you could just drive up to Bellingham for a day-trip or overnighter, without worrying about crossing the border. I hear B'ham is a great MTB city, with the Galbraith Mountain trail system among others. Check out the WMBC (Whatcom MTB Coalition), and EMBA (Evergreen Mtn Bike Alliance) for more info on the MTB scene up there. I haven't been up there yet myself, but hopefully in the near future I will.

Thank ChuckaNado. This sounds like another good option. When the time comes, please post up your experience.
I wouldn't mind taking the wife to Pikes Place Market since she's never been. It should be experienced at least once.

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"it can go full porno alley"

- Kimba - One love, many bikes - 2020

We're thinking about going up that way for a week in July. My plan is to spend 4 days in Seattle and 4 days on Vancouver Island. On the days we're looking, airfare is about $515 direct to VI and $300 to Seattle. I've never spent any time at all in Seattle, other than layovers in the airport, so we definitely want to see some of the area.

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If you don't go this year, you'll only be a year older when you do - Warren Miller

There is some very fun riding in Cumberland outside Courtenay. Log road road climbing to really good ST decent.

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If you are the big tree
We are the small axe

Understandable, but I hope this doesn't come to pass too soon!

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Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin

nahh. More like window shopping with no real plan.

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"it can go full porno alley"

- Kimba - One love, many bikes - 2020