BB… didn’t you tell us that this facility had a previous life as something else? You really don’t believe you’re so close to the airport - the grounds are absolutely beautiful. And yes, the restaurant was amazing, as was the company!
I’ve heard of that place but have never been there!
BB’s suggestion to take the train from Vancouver to Seattle is an excellent one. The ride is relaxing and parts of it the route are beautiful; even better than Chuckanut Drive.
Yes, Teri, it was a Wamu’s private conference and leadership training center. They still have the original (theater style seating!) conference rooms. And thank you! We enjoyed the company, too! 
I’m a little confused. We are flying into and out of Seattle. Our plan was to rent a car in Seattle on arrival, drive to Vancouver, stay a couple of days, then drive to Whistler, and drive back to Seattle. You’re saying I should clear this with the rental car place?
Or alternatively, drop the car in Vancouver on the way back from Whistler and take the train to Seattle? Do you think the US rental car place will be okay with dropping the car in Canada vs. returning it to Seattle? The train thing sounds great.
Oh, never mind. I was under the impression you were flying into Vancouver and out of Seattle.
I would still call your rental car company and make sure they allow it. FWIW… we use Avis and they said it was fine. So if you’re using Avis, you won’t need to call. When you rent the car (from anyone) you do need to tell them that you will be driving in Canada, though. I got the impression the rental car place will give you some piece of paper to keep in the glove box in case it’s asked for at border crossing.
I’m really interested in biking in Stanley Park as has been mentioned earlier. I saw that there is a 10K path called the “seawall” which goes around the park.
Questions:
Is it very hilly? My back doesn’t like big hills, and I can’t say my legs like them much better.
Do cars also travel this route?
I would love to rent a bicycle and ride this!
So actually I just found a bunch of videos on YouTube which feature bike riding in Stanley park. It’s amazing what you can find on YouTube.
It is as flat as it gets! And there are no cars, but there are runners and pedestrians. It is a good thing you are not traveling this weekend… Lulu Half in Vancouver, Potfest in Seattle…
I watched the videos and it looks really fun. But in the videos I did see lots of situations with pedestrians and others which would require a fair amount of patience.
I also just watched a video of zip lining in Whistler. Ummm…no. My fear of heights just might not be able to accommodate that activity.
Ziplining is nothing compared to the Capilano Bridge! 
Zipling is a blast!! I’ve done it a couple of times (and I was very vocal on the fear of heights thread), but H is not interested, so I won’t be doing it this trip.
Whitewater rafting is also an option by Whistler - there are trips that are only half of a day, so it would free you up the rest of the day to do something else. But, I was told river levels are low and some outfitters aren’t running trips right now, so that will be something we have to check into once we get there.
oops! wrong spot to post!
Well, sorry about that. I tried to correct my post but ran out of time. So…
Since you’re driving in both directions, I’ll reinstate my suggestion that you consider taking Chuckanut Drive on your southbound leg if time permits.
The roads and biking/pedestrian paths in Stanley Park are completely separate. The paved Seawall trail around the perimeter of the park has separate biking (must ride counter-clockwise) and walking (walk either direction) lanes with a painted divider. Just watch for symbols and signs so you’ll know which lane is which. The perimeter route is flat, easy and fun, and you can stop anywhere to enjoy the views. The Seawall trail continues around much of the city. We like to ride over the Burrard Bridge (moderate slope, wide bike lane with concrete barrier) and along the water out toward UBC.
@zipyourlips, we will definitely take the scenic route on one of those legs. Thanks for the tip!
And you really have me excited about the bike excursion. Hopefully we have good weather that day.
Do any of you in the Seattle area know if we are going to run into trouble with wildfires driving from Seattle to Vancouver?
I just looked at a map, and I am so sad for all you guys affected in the PNW. We’ve been through that twice in the last four years and were very lucky we didn’t lose our lake house. As it was, our neighborhood was badly damaged and our equity completely lost.
The I-5 corridor is to the west of the usual wildfire country and not normally affected by wildfires. More likely than not you will be fine driving that route!
^^Thank you!
@Nrdsb4 - we just spent the day driving up to Whistler and I’ve got so much to share with you… but I just finished uploading a BUNCH of pictures and need to go to bed now. Have SO many recommendations for you. Tomorrow we leave for Tofino.
Hope you are having a fun and relaxing time, @teriwtt!
Yay, @Teriwtt! Glad you are enjoying yourself.