Vancouver/Seattle/Portland Sept/Oct

Traveling to the NW and Canada from St. Louis with my adult son. Either mid Sept '23 or early Oct '23. Will have approximately 9 days. Am hoping to see some of the Columbia River / Mt Hood area in Oregon, spend a brief amt of time in Seattle, a day in Victoria and the balance in Vancouver. We can rent a car - but I’d prefer to keep that only in the US. and am curious if I’m understanding correctly that we can get around Vancouver easily without one. Thinking to fly into Vancouver, ferry to Seattle ? and then rental car to head down to Oregon - flying home from Portland. Is this a valid plan or is there a reason to switch the order/location? I am very unfamiliar and would appreciate any/all advice! My thanks…