A harbour cruise, a market stroll and two West Coast cities seen under very different skies. This is a reminder of how weather and travel experiences can tilt our feelings about places far more than we like to admit.
The captain tries to rouse the enthusiasm. “I’d suggest, perhaps even advise, that you brave the rain and go out on the deck for this,” she says, as passengers resolutely shelter inside. We’re passing through the Ballard Locks in Seattle, both a place and a city I remember with tremendous fondness from my previous visit three years ago.
But there’s one crucial difference this time: the nasty, continual, soul-sapping rain. In 2011, the great weather lottery worked in my favour and I instantly fell for Seattle. In 2014, an instinctive liking of the city and its attitude struggled bravely against miserable conditions.
Seeing Seattle from the water in less-than-perfect conditions
Under blue skies, and in shorts-and-ice-cream conditions, a two-and-a-half-hour cruise around Seattle’s waterways would have been idyllic. Frankly, the commentary could be in garbled Armenian and the information all entirely false, and it would still be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Chuck in grey skies and an unceasing downpour, however, and even the gamest efforts of the guide and crew fall somewhat flat. Salmon may be leaping about in the water and the floating homes may look highly photogenic behind the squall, but it’s difficult to muster much enthusiasm.
Seattle nightlife and markets in the rain
The same applies at night. Intentions to bar crawl around the Capitol Hill district are quickly reduced to running between two nearby cocktail joints and a dinner.
Even strolling around the mostly covered Pike Place Market becomes a case of managing limited dashes to the foodie shops on the other side of the road.
Arriving in Vancouver under clear skies
A couple of days later, however, the sun is out and temperatures are in the late 20s. It’s absolutely perfect weather and, unfortunately for Seattle, I’ve moved a couple of hours up the coast to Vancouver, Canada.
It’s fair to say that, while in Vancouver, I’m hardly pushing the envelope in terms of exploring the city. Quite the opposite: I’m doing the most touristy stuff imaginable.
Classic Vancouver sightseeing done unapologetically
An amble round the market at Granville Island, a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour, a horse and carriage ride through Stanley Park and a trip on the cable car to Grouse Mountain.
Edgy and educational it is not, but I’m consumed by a relaxed happiness. Any hunger to know more, to get under the skin or get a real feel for the city’s personality is cast aside. It’s more than enough to be outside, looking at the pretty things.
The couple of days in Vancouver are something approaching nirvana-like bliss.
Why weather changes how destinations are remembered
The interesting thing about this is that in 2011, things were the other way round. Seattle was sunny and prodigiously enjoyable, while Vancouver was drizzly and underwhelming.
It’s not quite laboratory control testing, but the direct compare-and-contrast offers an uncomfortable truth: weather plays a surprisingly massive role in how we judge destinations.
Perhaps we can be too quick to write off places we only see through a veil of drizzle. Perhaps if I went back to Catania, or the Great Ocean Road, or Bucharest on a beautiful day, and just sat on the big red tourist bus, I’d think they’re the most enjoyable destinations on earth.
Practical visitor information for Seattle and Vancouver highlights
| Experience | What to know |
|---|---|
| Seattle locks cruise | Operates year-round; experience is highly weather-dependent |
| Pike Place Market opening hours | Generally open daily from 7am, with individual stalls setting their own hours |
| Granville Island Public Market | Open daily, busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon |
| Grouse Mountain Skyride | Seasonal hours vary; clear weather offers the best views |
| Hop-on hop-off tours in Vancouver | Operate seasonally, with reduced services outside summer |
Nearby attractions mentioned in Seattle and Vancouver
- Ballard Locks, Seattle: A working waterway connecting Puget Sound and Lake Union.
- Capitol Hill, Seattle: Known for nightlife, bars and independent restaurants.
- Pike Place Market, Seattle: One of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the US.
- Stanley Park, Vancouver: A vast urban park with seawall walks and forested trails.
- Granville Island, Vancouver: A cultural and food-focused district beneath the Granville Bridge.
Seattle and Vancouver travel FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Seattle worth visiting in the rain? | Yes, but outdoor activities such as cruises and viewpoints are more enjoyable in clear weather. |
| Does weather affect harbour cruises in Seattle? | Very much so; rain and low cloud can significantly reduce visibility and atmosphere. |
| Is Vancouver better in summer? | Summer offers warm temperatures and clear skies, ideal for outdoor sightseeing. |
| Can you enjoy Vancouver without deep exploration? | Yes, classic sightseeing alone can be deeply enjoyable in good weather. |
| Does weather influence how travellers remember cities? | Yes. Just admit it to yourself. |
More Seattle and Vancouver travel
Other Seattle and Vancouver travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park: Seattle’s best free attraction.
- Guide to the Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry.
- Booking tips for Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- A practical guide to visiting the Seattle Aquarium.
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