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The 5 best ways to get from Seattle to Vancouver

It's a beautiful trip from Seattle to Vancouver, regardless of how you get there

Photograph: Shutterstock

Crossing the border from Seattle to Vancouver is such a breeze, it’s very easy to forget you’re actually crossing a border in the first place. That’s why so many people in the US hop on a flight to Seattle to get to it: it’s easy, budget-friendly, and to be honest, pretty enjoyable too.

By car, the journey is about 2.5 hours. And if you’re not a driver (and don’t want to pay for gas), you might want to opt for a coach instead – it’s four hours, but it starts at $5. Yep, you heard us right. In fact, there’s plenty of ways to get from one to the other, and they all offer up scenic views as an extra treat. Here are the best ways to travel from Seattle to Vancouver right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 🚣🏼‍♀️ The best things to do in Seattle ⛷️ The best things to do in Vancouver 🇨🇦 Ultimate guide to British Columbia

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best ways to get from Seattle to Vancouver

1.  train.

The  Amtrak Cascades train follows a scenic track from Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square district, up the craggy coast, to downtown Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station. With free wifi, power outlets at each seat, and far more legroom than your average airline, the journey is not just comfortable but convenient. Settle in on the train’s left side to get the best views of the wild coastline. The 110-mile journey takes four hours and heads north three to four times a day. 

2.  Plane

If you have no time to waste, the best way to travel from Seattle to Vancouver is by air. Several major airlines, including United, Delta and Alaska, fly non-stop from Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport to Vancouver International daily in about an hour. Public transit— Link Light Rail in Washington and  Canada Line in B.C.—will get you from town to your flight and vice versa in 30-40 minutes for under six bucks.

Kenmore Air and Harbour Air offer private charters, allowing you to skip the airport, but both have temporarily paused flights between the two countries.

3.  Bus

Besides driving, buses offer the most flexibility for travel between Seattle and Vancouver, especially if you’re on a budget. Four companies make the journey up Interstate 5 across the Canadian border, BoltBus , Quick Shuttle , Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway . All but Amtrak offer free onboard wifi and power outlets. The cheapest by far is BoltBus, some of whose seven daily trips north start at just a dollar. But all four companies take you from downtown to downtown in 3.25-4 hours several times a day for less than $50.

4.  Car

In a car, it’s a quick shot up I-5 from Seattle to the Canadian border and on to Vancouver. Outside of rush hours, the trip typically takes 3-3.5 hours but although customs and Border Control is efficiently run, back-ups can slow your journey down. If you’ve got a schedule to keep, stay up-to-date on wait times on the Washington State Department of Traffic’s website .

5.  Ferry

It is possible to travel by ferry from Seattle to Vancouver if you’ve got time to explore Victoria and Vancouver Island. Hop the Victoria Clipper at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, for a trip across the sparkling Puget Sound to the B.C. capital, Victoria, that will take you just under three hours. Ferries run once a day except from May to September, when they depart twice daily. 

From Victoria, you’ll need a second ferry headed for Vancouver or, more accurately, for Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay . The ride, which leaves several times a day, only takes about 90-minutes, but once you dock a t the ferry terminal, it’s another hour on public transit to downtown Vancouver. If you’re traveling with your own car, the drive downtown is about the same length, depending on traffic. 

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6-Day Seattle to Vancouver, Victoria, Banff National Park, Okanagan Lake, Columbia Icefield, Kelowna and Vernon Tour

Tour code: gol-sea-196, duration: 6 day(s) / 5 night(s).

Tour Guide: Chinese, English

Quality: Budget

• 7 Days left

Departure City

Destination, return city, departure location.

Experience: UNESCO, Family

Extra (Excluded): Wifi, Meal etc...

Tue, Fri & Sun

Explore the key tourist destination at Gastown Steam Clock.

Explore Canada Place and Stanley park.

Discover FlyOver Canada which is a famous tourist attraction.

Visit the Butchart Gardens and all of the floral beauty that it has to offer.

Take a special ride on the BC Ferry and visit the surrounding island, seagulls, dolphins and more.

Explore the Parliament buildings and the Victoria Mile Zero Monument.

1. If you hold a U.S. or Canadian passport: You must bring a valid U.S. or Canadian passport.

2. If you hold a U.S. permanent resident ID or Canadian permanent resident ID: You must bring a valid passport and a U.S. or Canadian permanent resident ID. Make sure your U.S. or Canadian permanent resident ID is valid and carry it with you.

3.If you do not hold the above documents: Please prepare the corresponding travel visa in advance according to the instructions of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For details, please  click here

Visit the breathtakingly beautiful Moraine Lake to enjoy the poetic and picturesque scenery of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Take a look at four famous lakes in one stop: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake and Okanagan Lake.

Ride the giant snowmobile to explore the world-famous ice field ruins Columbia Icefield!

Ride on the Banff Gondola to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Banff town and the magnificent Rocky Mountains (at your own expense).

Enjoy lunch at the famous Chateau Lake Louise Hotel (at your own expense).  

Day 1 Seattle - Vancouver

Let’s take a tour to the beautiful city of Vancouver! This major city is located in western Canada, in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. Vancouver is consistently named as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life! See why this city is so amazing with us today! 

Seattle → Vancouver → Stanley Park  (60 mins)  → Chinatown  (pass by)  → Canada Place  (60 mins, you can participate in the FlyOver Canada 4D experience for 30 minutes at your own expense)  → Gastown Steam Clock  (20 mins)  → Granville Island  (60 mins) 

Hotel: Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver-Airport; Accent Inn Vancouver Airport Or Similar.

Attractions

Canada Place was opened in 1986 and ever since its emergence; it has become a national icon and the heart of activity Vancouver’s waterfront. It provides its visitors unforgettable and inspirational Canadian experiences.

A national historical site in Vancouver is known as Gastown. It is located nearby Downtown Eastside and Northeast End. It is California’s best historical location for the tourists.

Granville Island is essentially a peninsula and is a very famous shopping area, it is located in Vancouver Canada. The area was once an industrial area but now is a famous tourism sight.

Stanley Park in British Colombia, Canada is a clear mirror of natural beauty. Its immense size, mesmerizing watery attraction among green beauty has heart-winning appeal to even least sensitive souls.

The seaport coastal city located on British Columbia’s Mainland is known as Vancouver. It secured fourth place as the most populous city in Canada. Making it world’s greenest city is the government’s future plan that would implement by 2020.

Day 2 Victoria 1-Day Tour

Named after Queen Victoria, lies the city of Victoria! Victoria is the capital city of the Canadian province of British Columbia and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. It is one of the oldest cities. Victoria has retained a large number of its historic buildings and famous landmarks like the Parliament Buildings. 

Vancouver → BC ferry  (Mandatory, 90 mins) →  The Butchart Gardens  (Mandatory,  60 mins) →  Chinatown Victoria  (Pass by) →  The Victoria Inner Harbour  (45 mins) →  Victoria Mile Zero Monument  (10 mins) →  BC ferry  (Mandatory,  90 mins) →  Vancouver

Hotel: Hampton Inn by Hilton Vancouver-Airport 或 Accent Inn Vancouver Airport Or Similar.

The colorful Butchart Gardens cover the area of 22 hectors. They present soul-sapping scenery of nature in its bloom and different kinds of entertainment and eateries to the visitors.

British Columbia’s Capital city has an ideal place for tourist called Victoria Inner Harbor. There are amazing restaurants, cafes and attractive paths for day/night walks are available at this location.

On the Vancouver Island’s Southern Tip, there is city called Victoria. It was incorporated in the year 1862. The Fisherman’s Wharf and Inner Harbor are ideal destination for tourists in Victoria.

Day 3 Vancouver - Okanagan Lake - Kelowna - Revelstoke / Salmon Arm

In the morning, we will first head to the Hope Town, and then pass through the town of Merritt and head to visit the famous local "VQA" rare wine winery. Shortly after, we will head to Kelowna: the hometown of fruits in BC and pass by the Okanagan Lake. Following, we will visit the famous local Vernon Planet Bee Honey Farm. Finally, we will return back to Revelstoke.

Vancouver → Hope Town  (30 mins) →  Merritt  (Pass by) →  Kelowna  →  Winery  (45 mins) →  Okanagan Lake  (Pass by) →  Vernon Plannet Bee Honey Farm  (30 mins) →  Revelstoke / Salmon Arm

Hotel: Hilltop Inn Salmon Arm; Comfort Inn & Suites Salmon Arm; Sandman Hotel Revelstoke Or Similar.

Kelowna is a city on Okanagan Lake and is located in the Southern part of the province of British Columbia. Kelowna is the largest area in the province and is the 22nd largest in Canada.

The Southern Interior Region of British Columbia has a famous city known as Vernon. It is a small city with merely 40,000 people (in 2013). The humid continental climate make it ideal tour destination in winter.

Day 4 Revelstoke / Salmon Arm - Banff National Park (Banff Gondola) - Banff

In the morning, we will pass through the famous Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Following, join us for an epic scenic drive to Yoho National Park! Shortly after, we will head to the Banff National Park! First, we will have a nice lunch, and we will go to the Louise Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Louise Lake. Next, we will take the Banff Gondola to have a panoramic view of Banff. Following, we will take a visit to the beautiful Moraine Lake. Then we will go to see the famous Bow Falls. Finally join us and relax yourself in Banff Town! 

Revelstoke / Salmon Arm → Glacier National Park  (Pass-by)  → Yoho National Park  (Pass-by)  → Banff National Park → Lake Louise  (120 mins, including lunch time and sightseeing time) → Moraine Lake  (15 mins)  → Banff Gondola  (60 mins)  → Bow Falls  (15 mins) →  Banff Town  (60 mins)

Special Note: 1. The opening time of Moraine Lake is from June to mid-October. If it is not open during the tour, the scenic spot will be cancelled, and the tour time of Louise Lake will be increased accordingly.

Hotel: Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino Or Similar.

Banff Gondola is a vantage point atop Sulphur Mountain to get the magnificent view of six mountain ranges. The Gondola is open year-round and offers bird-eye view and summit walks.

Banff National Park is world premium destination having mountains, valleys, glaciers, meadows, forests and rivers. Camping, hiking, evening programs and explorers programs for kids are the major highlights.

You can experience the spectacular beauty of Canadian Rock Mountains, glacial lakes, wildlife, hot springs and the best authentic art and cultural blend in the small town of Banff.

Twisting its way through tall mountains, Bow falls makes a picturesque view. Walk along the trail to get to the top of the rushing waterfall.

It is actually a hamlet located in the national park of Banff in the Rockies which are popular for the glacier fed lake, turquoise and high peaks.

Refers to a lake located in the Banff National Park, the lake is primarily located in Ten Peaks valley. Statistically the lake has an elevation of 6183 feet approximately, with an area of 50 ha.

Day 5 Banff - Columbia Icefield - Revelstoke / Salmon Arm

Today we will leave Banff Town for the magnificent icefield. You can see the beautiful view of meadows, waterfalls and snow mountains along the way. We will pass by the famous Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake. Finally, we will enter into the Jasper National Park and explore Columbia Icefield, You can take a big shuttle bus to start your own adventure! More exciting, you can breathe the fresh air of the Rocky Mountains when standing on the skywalk! We will also stay overnight in Grizzly Bear Town/Salmon Bay. 

Itinerary: Banff → Crowfoot Glacier  (Pass-by)  → Bow Lake  (Pass-by)  → Columbia Icefield  (3 hours, including Ice Explorer and skywalk)  → Glacier National Park  (Pass-by)  → Revelstoke / Salmon Arm

Columbia Icefield, AB Cain the Rocky Mountains of North America, the largest icefield is known as Columbia Icefield. It has the elevation of 3000 meters and located in Alberta.

Day 6 Revelstoke / Salmon Arm - Kamloops - Seattle

Today, we will proceed to the famous "Last Spike" in the Pacific Railroad Memorial Park. Then, we will head to visit the Kamloops which is the hometown of Ginseng. Finally, we will drive back to Seattle.

Revelstoke → The Last Spike  (20 mins) →  Kamloops Sunmore Ginseng Factory  (45 mins) →  Fraser Valley  (Pass-by)  → Vancouver → Seattle 

It is the name of a Ginseng Farm which is family owned and which is located in British Columbia which itself is a very famous province of Canada. It is very near to the Kamloops area.

It is a popular city which is located in British Columbia region. The city is located right at the place where both the south and north of Thompson Rivers meet each other. Hiking trails and resorts are the main attraction of the city.

Last Spike or Canadian Pacific Railway was actually the final driven spike into the Canadian pacific Railway. The event was held in November 7th, 1885.

Itinerary - Important Notes

What's Included

What's Excluded

Note:  Customers should not buy admission tickets or passes on their own and use them on this discounted tours. In case they do, they will have to arrange their own transport.

Attraction Prices

Pricing - important notes, return location, important notes.

• 1000 4th Ave (Seattle Public Library-Central Library) Seattle, WA 98104 at 08:30 AM
• 616 6th Ave S (Seattle Chinatown) Seattle, WA 98104 at 08:15 AM
• 16038 W Valley Hwy, (Courtyard By Marriott Seattle Sea-Tac Are) Tukwila, WA 98188 at 7:45 AM.
• Usually the same as departure location but different time. Some locations are only for pickup.
• Cancellation
• Reservation Booking

Responsibility

Cancellation and refund policy.

Cancellation charges 

⇒  32 days or more prior to departure, CAD$25 of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.

⇒  16 to 31 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour fees will be charged as cancellation.

⇒ Within 15 days prior to departure, 100% tour fees will be charged as cancellation.

Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.

There is no refund for unused features. You forfeit the entire payment when you are a no-show on the departure date and unable to join the tour for any reason including COVID.

An add-on fee of 6% for handling fees is charged in addition to the above penalties. No matter what the reason for cancellation is, the processing fee will be deducted on each refund.

In order for there not to be a cancellation, a minimum number of participants are required. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip although every effort is made by us to ensure that normal operations are maintained. We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure with respect to operating requirements or circumstances beyond control. In case a cancellation is made at any given moment in time before departure, our only liability as GoldenBusTours will be to refund you the amount we received for the booking of the tour. We will try our best to re-book the same or similar tour if the future travel plan suits you. We are not responsible for any cancellation penalties that may have been incurred on any other travel arrangements like separate purchase of air tickets, visa cost, taxi fare etc. We are not liable for any other travel arrangements that have been affected as a result of the cancellations. 

Note:  More than 30 days after the completion of the tour, we cannot grant any refunds. Each Cancellation Request must be received in writing by email.

Cancellation and reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection, COVID or any other serious issue. If you reschedule a tour and later decide to cancel it then cancellation charges will be applicable to the original departure date and not to the rescheduled one.

Reservation, Booking & Redemption

Terms & Conditions

Any travel service purchases indicate your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions set out herein.

You are advised to carefully read through and understand these Terms & Conditions before making your booking.

Tour Confirmation

You will get an email immediately once you place an order. Tour Confirmation usually takes 2, 3 days except for urgent order. Urgent orders can be confirmed in a day or even few hours, but we can’t assure success in these cases. On fewer occasions, some of the others may require a longer period of time for confirmation. You are advised not to book airline tickets unless you have received the confirmation.

E-Ticket (Mandatory to be on bus)

Your e-ticket includes complete operator information such as local telephone numbers at your destination. You are required to print the e-tickets and bring them along with you on the trip. They will be needed as proof of purchase.

Changes in Booking

You may incur a fee for any revisions or alterations made to the reservation when the booking has already been confirmed. Cancellation fees may be applied to things such as name changes or corrections. They may also apply to tour date changes or tour itinerary changes. Please note that no departure changes are permitted 72 hours before departure.

Changes in Tour Itinerary

We are continuously striving to improve tour itineraries and features. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the control, we do reserve the right to vary the itineraries and to substitute hotels. Duplicate departures may operate during certain peak periods, sometimes in reverse order. As such, hotels may vary from those included on the itinerary pages.

​If you want to reschedule your tour (change the departure date or choose a different tour) then a reschedule fees may be applied. No reschedule request will be entertained within 15 days before the departure date. 

Cancellation and reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection.

1.  One room can accommodate maximum 4 people. Even if you are 5 people including 1 month old baby you still need 2 rooms.

2.  If you can carry your child up to 2 years of age then you do not need to book seats for him. It may vary from one tour to another.

3.  Service providers hold the right to change the itinerary and hotel arrangements without any notice.

4.  Child (0-9 years) and Single traveler going on the tour have special rates. These prices vary from one tour to another.

5.  Meals and Attractions are not included. You can ask your tour guide to try to arrange the meal for you as per your requirements. For attractions, admission fees pay it to the tour guide on the tour.

6.  Prices may change without any notice because of prices fluctuation in the market.

7.  All prices mentioned on the website are in US dollars.

8.  In Case of Bank Wire Transfer customer have to bear Wire transfer fee.

9.  Tour package price is inclusive of taxes.

10.  Tour Prices are every individual and in view of room inhabitance.

Child Rate:

Child rates are applicable for children between (0-12 years) of age. Parents are advised to bring car seats for the safety of their child.

Buy 2 Get 3rd discounted: Get 3rd Ticket on special discounted rates on the purchase of 2 tickets.

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Discover the Best Seattle Tours From Vancouver

The Pacific Northwest's largest city is easily recognizable by its landmark Space Needle and its nicknames include "The Emerald City," "Queen City," "Rain City" and "Jet City." Seattle located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington in the U.S. state of Washington was incorporated in 1869 and its past major industries included logging and ship building. It was named after Chief Sealth of the area's Native American Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. With a variety of Seattle tours, you can expect to see popular attractions such as the Space Needle, Columbia Center, Pike Place Market, Seattle Great Wheel, Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, The Fremont Troll and Seattle Art Museum. With so many tours, attractions, activities, and fun things to do in Seattle, you can also join popular a Rocky Mountain tour from Seattle to Banff trip and Lake Louise to experience the best of the Rockies.

Seattle Overview

Discover Seattle with Exciting Tours and Activities

Yes, Seattle is a big city - biggest in the US Pacific Northwest, in fact. There is plenty to explore here and many ways in which you can get around and be a part of it all. Your best bet is to book a Seattle tour package so you can enjoy your vacation and leave all the logistics and planning in the capable hands of your tour company.

With our Seattle tours, you can select a package that suits your budget and still get an amazing choice of accommodations and transportation options, often with meals and admission to some attractions bundled into a low overall cost.

Here are some of the must-see sights on your incredible Seattle excursions.

Soar to the Top of the Space Needle

Ascend to the iconic Space Needle , a Seattle staple, and marvel at the breathtaking 360-degree panoramas encompassing the city skyline, Mount Rainier, and the sparkling Puget Sound.

Tour the famous Seattle Museum of Flight

Satisfy your spirit of adventure with a visit to this stunning air and space museum at the Boeing Field. On this guided Seattle city tour visitors can see over 150 historic aircraft-related displays from intriguing relics to the ultra-modern Concorde.

Stop by the EMP Museum

Step into the Experience Music Museum’s fabulous Frank Gehry-designed building and immerse yourself in pop culture. Jimi Hendrix fans will simply love the exhibit dedicated to him!

Explore the Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park is a former gasification plant which transformed into a waterfront public park with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Climb the grassy hill for panoramic vistas and enjoy the blend of industrial history and natural beauty.

Immerse yourself in Pike Place Market

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Pike Place Market, a bustling waterfront marketplace overflowing with fresh seafood, local produce, and unique crafts. Witness the iconic fish tossing and enjoy the vibrant energy of this must-see destination.

Enjoy a scenic day trip to Mount Rainier

At almost 400 square miles, the Mount Rainier National Park is a pristine natural paradise with the majestic, volcanic Mount Rainier standing tallest among it all. Enjoy the scenic 2-hour Seattle to Mt Rainier drive then spend the day exploring wilderness trials; out on the ski slopes; wildlife watching; or enjoying the magnificent views.

Some great ways to explore the city on your own include:

Hop on hop off sightseeing

Many visitors to Seattle love the exhilaration of moving around the city on one of its enchanting trolleys. They also relish the freedom of moving around the city at their own pace. That’s where hop on hop off Seattle trolley tours come in.

Hop off and go climbing the 73 stories high Sky View Observatory atop the Columbia Center building. Hop back on and make your way to catch a glimpse of the famous Fremont Troll statue hiding beneath Aura Bridge!

Seattle CityPASS

This is a fantastic bargain that allows you to visit several of the top attractions in Seattle. With your Seattle CityPASS , you can take a day or night tour of the world famous Space Needle; view exhibits at the Seattle Aquarium; engage in fun educational activities at the Pacific Science Center and so much more!

Seattle vacation packages to Canada

Are you spending time in Seattle but would also love to journey up north to the visit some of Canada’s most popular locations? Well, why not book a multi-day tour package to Canada and visit Banff!

Your can take a Seattle to Banff tour and back again could be by bus or rail - whichever you prefer. Along the way, you can • Stop in beautiful Vancouver to stroll through Stanley Park or go bargain hunting in Chinatown • Travel through the majestic Canadian Rockies and tour Last Spike of the transcontinental railway • Relax at Lake Louise “The Jewel of the Rockies” • Ride the Ice Explorer across Athabasca Glacier at Columbia Icefield • Bask in nature’s unspoiled beauty in Banff

Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities to make unforgettable memories in and around Seattle!

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17 Unique stops on a Seattle to Vancouver, BC road trip

Last Updated on July 13, 2023

A road trip from Seattle to Vancouver BC is an unforgettable experience between two legendary West Coast cities in the Pacific Northwest that are tied together by geography and culture for thousands of years.

If you have the chance, take the time to get off the freeway and see some of the amazing attractions, walks, picnic spots as well as cultural sites and even Boeing’s airplane factory along the way. I’m a born and raised 4th generation Seattleite and before Seattle my ancestors came from British Columbia and I’ve done this drive more times that I can count. I’m excited to bring you along on the journey.

How far is the drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC?

Do i need a passport to drive from seattle to vancouver, bc, what is there to see between seattle and vancouver, bc, the boeing factory, whidbey island, tulalip hibulb cultural center, seattle premium outlets, skagit valley, deception pass state park, chuckanut drive, birch bay state park, peace arch state park, white rock pier, boundary bay dike.

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Related: Seattle Itinerary – Best three days in Seattle by a Seattleite

The drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC is 145 miles or 233 kilometers. It takes about three hours of driving time, plus traffic and waiting time at the border.

You’ll be crossing an international border between the United States and Canada on your Seattle to Vancouver road trip, so you will need a passport.

Americans and Canadians with a NEXUS pass can use that instead, and if you have an enhanced driver’s license you can also cross with that.

At the time of this writing, Canada requires all foreigners entering the country to be fully vaccinated and carrying their card as well as using the ArriveCAN app to register within 72 hours of arriving at the border.

If you have time to stop and see the sights on your Seattle to Vancouver road trip, there are so many things to do! From beaches to adorable towns, to airplane tourism and hiking trails, you’ll never run out of things to do and fun and unique breaks from the car or ways to wait out traffic.

Best stops on a road trip from Seattle to Vancouver BC

If you stopped at all of these it would take at least a week to make the drive from Seattle to Vancouver, but if you have that much time, stop at them all!

If not, decide which ones are most important and worth the time to stop for you and your travel crew. I’ve included the amount of time it will add to your road trip if you decide to make that stop.

If you find yourself in a traffic jam, one of these stops might just be the best way to spend the time instead.

Time added to the road trip : 1 hour

The delightful town of Edmonds is familiar to many locals for its role as a ferry terminal to get to the Olympic Peninsula, but there’s so much more to Edmonds than that! Edmonds is the hometown of Rick Steve’s, and fans of his show and all travel enthusiasts need to stop in at his excellent travel center located in downtown Edmonds.

There are plenty of delightful restaurants and shops as well as several public beaches here as well. On Saturdays in the warmer months there is a wonderful farmer’s market with lots of local art for sale too.

Time added to the road trip : 1-2 hours

Aviation enthusiasts and really anyone who’s ever ridden in an airplane should consider taking the Boeing Future of Flight tour. The 90 minute tour takes you to the factory to see 747, 767 and 777 planes on the assembly line as well as sharing about the manufacturing process.

If you don’t want to spend that much time or can’t get a ticket, you can still see the movie, check out the Sky Deck viewing area and visit the Boeing store.

Time added to the road trip : 2 hours – 2 days

If you take the ferry from Mukilteo (near the Boeing Factory) and then drive north on the island to rejoin the freeway in Burlington, this will add about two hours onto your trip (perhaps longer if there’s a ferry line).

I recommend only adding this stop on your drive from Seattle to Vancouver if you have an extra day to spend enjoying the island. Whidbey has many wonderful hikes and many other things to do , including enjoying amazing food and drink and exploring the many beaches.

Stop in at the Tulalip Hibulb Cultural Center to learn all about the Indigenous people in Snohomish County and see some beautiful art including beautiful canoes. The Cultural Center is also on a 50 acre preserve of wetlands and forest.

Time added to the road trip : 30 minutes -1 hour (or more if you love shopping)

I’m not a big fan of shopping, but this is the best outlet mall in Washington in my opinion. If you like shopping and hunting for deals make sure to take a break here. There are plenty of food options as well.

Time added to the road trip : 1 – 2 hours

The Skagit Valley is the agricultural area around Mt Vernon and Burlington in Skagit County, north of Everett and south of Bellingham. Famous for its daffodils and tulips in the spring, this is also one of the major agricultural areas in Washington State, especially for berries.

Detour here to drive around the colorful flower fields in March (daffodils) and April (tulips), or visit one of the many farm stands for rhubarb, berries, corn and many other veggies.

There are also several breweries here and some excellent places to eat. The tiny communities of Bow and Edison are home to some incredible farm to table restaurants.

The charming seaport town of Anacortes is best known for being the gateway to the San Juan Islands, since the ferries that go to the islands all depart from Anacortes.

This is a great town to visit even if you’re not going to the islands. Plenty of historic buildings downtown and a bustling marina make it a lovely stop. There are hiking trails to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.

Cap Sante Park has a short trail that leads to a nice view without too much work.

Time added to the road trip : 2 hours (or longer for more exploring)

Deception Pass State Park is the most popular state park in Washington and it’s easy to see why. You can make a shorter detour to check out the historic bridge, or spend all day tidepooling at the beach, hiking in the forest or above the trees on the rocks or taking in an incredible sunset.

If you’re looking for a place to camp along your Seattle to Vancouver road trip, this is a great option (make sure to get a reservation if it’s on a weekend or holiday!).

Chuckanut Drive is a stunning two lane background between Mt Vernon and Bellingham that features gorgeous views across to the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea. I think this detour isn’t worth it if the weather isn’t great and you can’t see the views. If you’re up for a half day hike during your road trip, give Oyster Dome a try.

Taylor Shellfish is a required stop for shellfish lovers in a scenic spot with tasty shellfish. Larrabee State Park is another worthy stop at the beach which also has plenty of forest trails and camping.

There are several pullouts along the drive where you can check out the views across the water.

Time added to the road trip : 1 -2 hours (or days if you have the time)

You could easily spend days exploring Bellingham! It’s a delightful college town with a funky seaside historic district, wonderful food, many hiking and biking trails and parks and great views of the Salish Sea.

If you’re going to make a quick stop, make it one of these spots:

• Village Books and the Colophon Cafe in Fairhaven – a massive and amazing bookstore with a tasty cafe in the historic Fairhaven neighborhood, this is a MUST DO for book lovers.
• Whatcom Falls Park – if waterfalls and mellow walks are more your thing, check out beautiful Whatcom Falls
• Sehome Arboretum – on the campus of Western Washington University, the arboretum has forested trails and an excellent viewpoint over the Salish Sea.

Time added to the road trip : 30 minutes to 1 hour

Another beautiful and peaceful beach along the Seattle to Vancouver road trip is Birch Bay. Picnic tables, firepits and BBQ grills invite a leisurely picnic and place to run around and get out of the car. This is also a popular clamming beach in season.

Time added to the road trip : 30 minutes

Just off the highway at the last exit before the border is the peaceful harbor oriented town of Blaine. In addition to the busy marina, there is also a Starbucks shaped like a lighthouse!

There is also a park next to the marina with some really impressive playground equipment including a play area shaped like a pirate ship. This is a great place to let kids run around and get a break from the car. Near the playground and marina is also an excellent fish and chips food truck.

There aren’t too many places you can enjoy a picnic along an international border, but Peace Arch State Park is one of them! Located at the border where the freeway crosses into Canada between Seattle and Vancouver, Peace Arch State Park is a beautiful open and grassy park with plenty of trees, flowering bushes, picnic tables and views of the water and the border crossing. The landmark of this park is the white Peace Arch, with the American and Canadian flag flying.

This beautiful place provides an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of a peaceful international border between two democracies. There is also a provincial park on the Canadian side of the border, though that side of the park has been closed since March 2020.

A diversion directly across the border (first exit in British Columbia) takes you to the seaside resort community of White Rock. White Rock is known for a large white rock that is in the middle of town next to the beach.

White Rock is a great place to grab a meal or take a stroll along the waterfront or out to the end of the pier. Here, you can look back to the border crossing along Boundary Bay and see both sides of the border across the water.

Time added to the road trip : 30 minutes – 1 hour

The Boundary Bay Dike is a must visit for bird lovers! This is a fantastic place to look for birds in the wetlands near the water and on the driftwood in the mudflats. There is a human made dike with a trail that goes along the top of it and makes for a level walk if you want to stretch your legs.

To get there, head to the tiny Boundary Bay Airport in Delta and then drive to the end of the road just past the airport. There is parking here and sometimes a port-a-potty. You can walk up to a couple of miles here if you like, or just hop out for a few minutes and get back in the car.

Steveston is technically part of Richmond (described below), but has it’s own unique feel. This historic community on the Fraser River delta is home to the large Brittania Shipyards National Historic Site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Historic Site and many delicious seafood eateries along the wharf.

Many of the early settlers of this fishing and cannery community were Japanese Canadians who were taken from their homes and incarcerated during World War II, as happened in the neighboring United States.

In addition to major historic sites and excellent seafood, Steveston remains and active fishing community.

The last suburb that you reach on your drive from Seattle to Vancouver before getting into downtown is the lively community of Richmond. Richmond BC is home to the Vancouver International Airport and a thriving Asian community. Many Richmond residents are of Chinese descent, but there are people from many other parts of Asia as well.

If you enjoy shopping or any kind of Asian food (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino) you should definitely make a stop in Richmond to try one of the amazing Asian food courts.

I particularly like the food court at the Aberdeen Center, where you’ll quickly become overwhelmed with all your choices! Make sure to show up very hungry.

After filling up your stomach in Richmond, you’re only a few minutes away from downtown Vancouver. Welcome to Vancouver!

Related : Best things to do in Vancouver, BC

Electric Vehicle Charging between Seattle and Vancouver, BC

There are quite a few fast charging stations for all types of EVs between Seattle and Vancouver. The one place there aren’t is if you take the route on Whidbey Island, there aren’t fast chargers there. There are plenty of level 2 chargers, but not fast.

I drive my EV which has a very low range (80 miles) between Seattle and Vancouver (and other places along the route) frequently. My favorite places to charge are:

• Seattle Premium Outlets – these chargers work well and there are bathrooms close by when the mall is open. There are also places to get food when the mall is open, and further away several fast food places that are open longer hours. There are also two sets of chargers here.
• Mt Vernon Walmart – these chargers usually work well and it’s easy to use the restroom or get a snack while you’re charging.
• Bellingham Sehome Village – There is a ChAdeMO charger here between Starbucks and a thai restaurant that is a great option.
• Surrey Real Canadian Superstore – make sure to copy and paste the address from Plugshare because there are several Real Canadian Superstores in Surrey! And only one has chargers. They’re always working well although sometimes you

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Seattle to Vancouver Canadian Border Crossings

Driving from Seattle to Vancouver takes two and a half to to three hours under normal conditions in reasonable traffic and with no excessive lineups at the border.

Border crossing times are generally shorter heading north from Seattle to Vancouver, so the trip north often is shorter than the one from Vancouver to Seattle. Crossing into the U.S. is a more time-consuming process.

The Drive Between Seattle and Vancouver

The drive is a pleasant one. The most direct route is on the I-5 North; however, consider expanding the drive to include some additional highlights along the way. Chuckanut Drive is an old two-lane highway that runs from Interstate 5 just north of Mt. Vernon (60 miles from Seattle) that will only take an extra half hour or so but will reward you with stunning vistas of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.

Crossing the U.S./Canada Border

There are four border crossing options when driving between Seattle, WA, to Vancouver, B.C. They are from west to east: Peace Arch; the Pacific Highway, or "Truck Crossing" as it's commonly known; Lynden/Aldergrove and Sumas/Huntingdon. The first bit of advice is to check Northbound Border Wait Times to see current waits at each crossing. Also, tune your radio to AM730 to hear traffic updates. Although the northbound wait is generally less than that of the southbound, there is still a pattern of less traffic in the morning, with traffic peaking mid-day and remaining heavier until around 6 p.m. Northbound traffic at the border on weekends tends to peak later and be busiest between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Which Border Crossing Is the Best One?

The border crossing that is best for you depends on whether your priority is just to make the crossing as quickly as possible or if duty-free shopping is also important. 1 . The Peace Arch crossing is the main crossing and tends to be the busiest (it is, in fact, the third most active U.S./Canada border crossing, averaging almost 5000 cars passing through per day). Not only is Peace Arch busy, but it also lacks duty-free shopping (duty-free shopping is available southbound only). The adjacent Pacific Highway (the Truck Crossing) is open to non-commercial traffic, is generally faster than Peace Arch and has duty free shopping. Peace Arch traffic congestion peaks at 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. NEXUS lanes are available northbound and southbound. Two other border crossing options, slightly farther east are the Lynden/Aldergrove and Sumas/Huntingdon crossings. Both have duty free shopping.

2. The Lynden/Aldergrove crossing is accessed to Canada by Guide Meridian coming from Lynden Washington (follow signs for Lynden). When entering Canada you will end up on 264 Street, if you carry on 264th it will take you to Hwy 1, head west to Vancouver about 45 minutes to downtown. This crossing is 35 mi/59 km east of Vancouver. However, if you're traveling to the North Shore or to the east side of Vancouver, this crossing is worth considering. The wait is usually less than five minutes. Note that it is not open 24 hrs a day.

3. The Sumas/Huntingdon crossing enters Canada from Washington State by Easterbrook Road turning into Sumas Way and ending up in Abbotsford BC. It is open 24 hours but is 43 miles (72 km) east of Vancouver, which adds on travel time, even if saving on border wait time. However, if you get off the I-5 at Bellingham and drive to Mt. Baker and onto Sumas, you'll see some gorgeous scenery.

This border crossing has NEXUS-dedicated lanes bound in both directions.

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How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Seattle from Vancouver

Looking for a quick getaway down the I-5 with a day trip to Seattle from Vancouver?

Seattle is a city that perfectly blends urban excitement with natural beauty. From iconic landmarks to quirky neighbourhoods, there’s something for everyone.

Having done it nearly a dozen times, allow me to walk you through a day trip from Vancouver to Seattle.

Seattle From Vancouver Day Trip

Seattle, just 2.5 hours south of from, promises an array of unforgettable experiences.

From the iconic Space Needle to the vibrant Pike Place Market, Seattle is a treasure trove of sights and sounds waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, Seattle’s diverse attractions ensure there’s something for everyone.

Let’s dive into how to make the journey and what makes the Emerald City the perfect quick getaway from Vancouver.

Vancouver to Seattle Day Trip: How to Get There

Being a Vancouverite, I’ve always had access to a car – but you might not be so lucky.

Don’t worry; you’ll have a number of excellent transportation options available:

• Vancouver to Seattle Bus: A 4-5 hour journey from Pacific Central Station to King Street Station in Seattle’s International District.
• The Amtrak Cascades: A comfortable and scenic intercity train that connects Vancouver to Seattle and Portland.
• Seattle Seaplane: A breathtaking journey between Coal Harbour and the Kenmore Air Seaplane Base on Lake Union

As you cross the border into the United States, just be sure to keep your passport handy!

For more information on each option, check out our article on how to get from Vancouver to Seattle .

Don’t have a passport? Check out our list of top day trips from Vancouver .

Things to Do on a Seattle Day Trip from Vancouver

Take Advantage of the Seattle CityPASS

Before we get started building our 1 day trip from Vancouver to Seattle, I’d highly recommend that you take advantage of the remarkable Seattle CityPASS® during your upcoming journey.

This extraordinary pass allows you to save 44% on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions.

So if you’re looking at doing some serious sightseeing, this is a great way to save some coin. Each pass includes:

• The Space Needle: Admission (day/night) to Seattle’s most famous attraction – includes two visits in 24 hours.
• The Seattle Aquarium: General admission to all major exhibits and events.

You’ll also get to choose between 3 of the following attractions:

• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): General admission
• Woodland Park Zoo: General admission
• Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour: 1-hour narrated Harbor Tour by boat
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: General admission & complimentary smartphone audio tour

Does that sound great, or what? With one handy ticket, you’ll experience five of the city’s most popular attractions for a fraction of the usual price. To take advantage, click the button below:

Visit the Iconic Space Needle

Make sure to visit the iconic Space Needle during your time in Seattle.

Take an elevator ride to the top of this architectural marvel and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes.

Enjoy a meal at the rotating SkyCity Restaurant , savouring delicious cuisine while taking in the stunning vistas.

Capture the perfect Instagram-worthy photo from the observation deck before descending back to the ground.

Chihuly Garden and Glass: Artistic Splendor

Step into a world of breathtaking glass art at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. Marvel at the dazzling and intricate sculptures created by renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

The combination of vibrant colours and unique designs will leave you in awe of the artistic splendour on display. Plus, it’s right next door to the Space Needle!

So, you can purchase Chihuly Garden tickets separately or pair your visit together in one convenient package.

Sports Fanatics: Root for Seattle’s Teams

For sports enthusiasts, Seattle offers plenty of opportunities to cheer for the home teams.

Join the passionate fans at a Seattle Seahawks football game or catch a Seattle Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park.

Since our city lacks these sports, sneaking in a game is very popular for those visiting Seattle from Vancouver. You can immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere and become a part of Seattle’s sports culture.

Just don’t cheer for the Sounders FC or the Kraken while you’re there!

Take the Sightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Wanna explore all the awesome sights and neighbourhoods of Seattle without any hassle or parking nightmares? Well, hop on board the amazing hop-on hop-off Seattle bus tour with 1- or 2-day tickets!

Picture this: you’ll be cruising around on a cool double-decker, open-top bus, soaking in the breathtaking views.

And here’s the best part – whenever you feel like it, you can hop off the bus and dive right into the action. And with tickets starting at just $54, it also provides great value!

Visit Pike Place Market: A Culinary Delight

No trip to Seattle would be complete without experiencing the culinary delights of Pike Place Market .

This historic market is a food lover’s paradise , offering a wide array of fresh produce, local seafood, and artisanal products.

Take a moment to watch the famous fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market as they toss fish with incredible skill. Sample delicious treats like clam chowder, smoked salmon , and the city’s beloved coffee at the original Starbucks store .

The Olympic Sculpture Park: Where Art and Nature Converge

Indulge in the beauty of art and nature at the Olympic Sculpture Park , an open-air museum with stunning waterfront views .

Take a leisurely stroll along the park’s paths adorned with monumental sculptures and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

With its integration of art, landscape, and breathtaking vistas , the park provides a serene escape from the bustling city.

The Museum of Pop Culture: Where Art Meets Pop Culture

On your Seattle day trip from Vancouver, I suggest immersing yourself in the captivating world of pop culture at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) .

Designed by renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry , this innovative museum features exhibits dedicated to music, film, video games, and science fiction .

Marvel at the extensive collection of memorabilia , interact with hands-on installations and explore the various galleries showcasing iconic artifacts.

Embark on a Seattle Whale Watching Tour

Forget about trekking to the San Juan Islands just to catch a glimpse of those majestic whales in their natural habitat . This amazing tour has got you covered right from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle .

Hop on board a fantastic whale-watching cruise that’ll have you oohing and aahing for 4 to 6 awesome hours.

We’re talking about hanging out with whales, cruising through the waves, and soaking up the beauty of nature. And hey, who knows what other surprises the ocean has in store for you?

Hiking in Discovery Park: Unleashing Your Adventurous Spirit

No one day trip to Seattle from Vancouver would be complete without the outdoor adventure at Discovery Park , Seattle’s largest public park .

With over 500 acres of diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rocky beaches , this oasis offers an array of hiking trails to suit every level of fitness.

Don’t forget to visit the historic West Point Lighthouse and soak in the sweeping views of the majestic Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.

Visit Pioneer Square: Seattle’s Most Historic Neighborhood

Step back in time and explore Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighbourhood .

Wander through its charming cobblestone streets , marvel at the well-preserved Victorian architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

You can also delve into Seattle’s intriguing history with the Seattle Underground Tour . Led by knowledgeable guides, this unique experience takes you beneath the streets of Pioneer Square to the forgotten remnants of the city’s early days.

The Seattle Great Wheel: A Whirlwind of Fun

Experience the thrill of riding the Seattle Great Wheel , a Ferris wheel located on the scenic waterfront.

Hop into one of the climate-controlled gondolas and be lifted 175 feet above the ground. As you ascend, marvel at the stunning vistas of the city skyline, Elliot Bay, and the distant mountains .

The Great Wheel is particularly enchanting during sunset, as the sky transforms into a tapestry of colours. And better yet, it’s just a short stroll from Pike Place Market, making for a great afternoon pairing.

Seattle Aquarium: A Window to Marine Life

While we’re on the waterfront, why not dive into the wonders of the underwater world at the Seattle Aquarium , nestled on Pier 59?

Encounter fascinating marine creatures, including otters, sea lions, and mesmerizing jellyfish .

Don’t miss the daily feeding sessions and engaging educational presentations highlighting the importance of marine conservation.

Argosy Cruises: Sailing Through Seattle’s Scenic Waterways

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Seattle’s scenic waterways with Argosy Cruises.

Choose from a variety of cruises, including the popular Harbor Tour , which takes you past iconic landmarks such as the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle, and the majestic Mt. Rainier.

Learn about the city’s rich history and take in the breathtaking views from the comfort of a luxurious vessel.

Museum of Flight: Where Aviation Takes Flight

As the home of Boeing, Seattle has a rich aviation history. You can take to the skies without leaving the ground at the Museum of Flight, a paradise for aviation enthusiasts .

Explore a vast collection of aircraft, from historic planes to cutting-edge jets , and learn about the evolution of flight through interactive exhibits.

Don’t miss the opportunity to step inside the legendary Air Force One , which once transported presidents and world leaders.

Planning Day Trips to Seattle from Vancouver FAQs

What is the best time to visit Seattle from Vancouver?

Seattle’s temperate climate makes it a year-round destination, but the summer months (June to September) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

However, visiting during the fall or winter can also be enchanting if you’re a fan of cozy coffee shop vibes and drizzly days. Many Vancouverites also trek down for concerts or NHL, NBA, MLS, and MLB games.

How far is it from Vancouver to Seattle?

The distance between Vancouver, Canada, and Seattle, United States, is approximately 140 miles (225 kilometres). The travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions and the chosen mode of transportation.

What are the transportation options for travelling to Seattle from Vancouver?

There are several transportation options available for traveling from Vancouver to Seattle. These include driving, taking a bus, flying, or travelling by train. Each option offers its own advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and travel time.

Are there any popular attractions to visit between Vancouver and Seattle?

Yes, there are several attractions worth exploring along the route between Vancouver and Seattle. Some popular stops include Bellingham, with its charming waterfront and historic Fairhaven district, and Mount Vernon, known for its beautiful tulip fields (seasonal). Additionally, you can consider visiting the Skagit Valley, which offers stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.

What are the best things to do in Seattle?

Seattle offers a wide range of exciting activities and attractions. Some of the best things to do in Seattle include visiting Pike Place Market, exploring the Space Needle, taking a harbour cruise, visiting the Chihuly Garden and Glass, and enjoying the Museum of Pop Culture.

How many days should I spend in Seattle to see the top attractions?

To see the top attractions and get a good sense of the city, spending at least 3 to 4 days in Seattle is recommended. This will allow you to explore the key highlights, experience the local culture, and have enough time to discover hidden gems and indulge in the city’s vibrant food scene.

However, many people travel from Vancouver to Seattle on overnight or day trips if heading down for a specific event.

All Set for Your Day Trip to Seattle from Vancouver?

Well, that’s my one day trip to Seattle from Vancouver done. I hope you’ve found enough activities for a fun-filled trip to the Emerald City.

If you need any transportation tips for your journey, don’t be afraid to hit us up in the comments below.

Safe travels 🙂

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10 Ultimate Seattle To Vancouver Road Trip Itinerary

• Take a road trip from Seattle to Vancouver for stunning coastal vistas, outdoor adventure, and charming towns along the scenic route.
• Explore Olympic National Park's old-growth forests, tour the Boeing Factory in Everett, and relax on Whidbey Island's beautiful beaches.
• Don't miss Chuckanut Drive's breathtaking coastal views, Campbell Valley Regional Park for hiking, and the charming fishing village of Steveston.

Winding along Washington's rugged Pacific coastline and through scenic mountains and farmland, this 130-mile road trip between Seattle and Vancouver offers glimpses of the region's natural beauty and diverse attractions. It even includes many of the stops on the scenic Amtrak Cascades train route from Seattle to Vancouver .

Stops include hiking Olympic National Park's old-growth forests, touring the Boeing commercial jet factories, exploring the Lake Chelan shores in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and taking in Whidbey Island's laid-back charm. The cost to visit Vancouver ranges from budget-friendly to luxurious, depending on visitors’ travel style and preferences, but for budget-minded travelers, there are also plenty of cheap vacation spots in Vancouver , such as Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown.

Naturally, many travelers enjoy the route from Seattle to Vancouver, as it showcases some of the most beautiful scenery on the West Coast of the USA as tourists head up toward Canada. Outdoor adventure, coastal vistas, and charming towns await along this picturesque international route. Here is the ultimate road trip itinerary for Seattle to Vancouver road trippers, detailing the top stops along the way.

RELATED: 10 Surprisingly Free Things That You Can Do In Seattle

Olympic National Park

Located along Washington's rugged Pacific coastline, Olympic National Park is a highlight of any Seattle to Vancouver road trip.

Sprawling over 3.8 million acres , the area is filled with alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and over 60 miles of pristine beaches displaying the park's awe-inspiring ocean vistas and mountain scenery.

• Fee: $30 per vehicle , valid for 7 days
• Hurricane Ridge Road Operational Months: Late May to mid-October

Boeing Factory Tour

About an hour's drive north of Seattle lies the city of Everett, home of the world’s largest factory, The Boeing Everett Factory . Here, visitors can go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the commercial aircraft manufacturing facility. Visitors see firsthand where iconic planes like the 747, 767, 777, and 787 are constructed.

Those planning a trip to Vancouver who stop by the Boeing Factory Tour will have front-of-the-line access to aviation history and the construction of aircraft.

• Operating Days: Thursday through Monday,
• Admission Fees: $12 (Gallery & Sky Deck)

Tours for the Boeing Everett Factory, including the general admission tour, are $33

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Sprawling over 3.8 million acres of mountainous terrain, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers a variety of outdoor recreation along the northern section of the road trip route between Seattle and Vancouver.

Highlights include visiting the scenic Lake Wenatchee area, hiking trails around Leavenworth , and exploring the majestic landscape near Lake Chelan with swimming or kayaking.

• Entry is free

Seasonal wildfire hazards may temporarily restrict access to some trails

Whidbey Island

Accessed via a short ferry ride from Port Townsend across Puget Sound, Whidbey Island is another one of the best stops for a Seattle to Vancouver itinerary. It has a laid-back island charm with beautiful beaches, quaint towns, picturesque farmland, and shorelines.

History buffs can tour the historic naval station in Oak Harbor, the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), or visit the antique shops of Langley.

• Ferry fee: Varies on the date, transport method, and vehicle size

Weekends and summers are the busiest seasons for ferry travel. Also, Greenbank Farm is an educational spot for seeing heritage livestock.

RELATED: From The Space Needle To Pike Place: Exploring 10 Top Places To See In Seattle

Chuckanut Drive

North of Bellingham lies the scenic Chuckanut Drive , which is one of the best stops from Seattle to Vancouver on a road trip, as it's renowned for its breathtaking coastal vistas.

Winding for 22 miles along steep coastal bluffs above the shores of Samish Bay, this nationally recognized scenic byway weaves through verdant forest with periodic overlooks of the water and islands below. A relaxing morning leading to an afternoon drive to take in the area's natural beauty makes way for a peaceful journey.

Cyclists are often along the route, and there are periodic areas of narrow roads.

Campbell Valley Regional Park

Located east of Abbotsford, Campbell Valley Regional Park is another one of the best road trip stops from Seattle to Vancouver for an afternoon picnic. Its 1,444 acres offer extensive hiking trails that wind through forests and meadows, with the Cascade Mountains rising to the east.

The park's camping facilities and extensive recreational amenities make it an ideal nature explorers' base camp, found a little over halfway between Seattle and Vancouver.

• Operating Hours: September 26 to November 6: 7 am-7 pm​​​, November 7 to December 31: 7 am-5 pm​

Camping reservations are recommended during peak season, but be sure to book campsites early.

Edmonds is found between Seattle and Everett along Puget Sound’s shoreline. It charms visitors with its historic downtown waterfront and the pier walking trails that give views of sailboats and frequent whale sightings.

Things to do in Vancouver after the trip include hiking in Stanley Park, visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, and taking a ferry to Granville Island.

• Seattle/Edmonds Whale Watching Tours Tickets: Adults $145, Children from 2 to 10 $105

Many local restaurants serve fresh fish here, with shoreline dining available.

RELATED: Book These 10 Vancouver Hotels That Are Closest To The Airport For a Convenient Stay

Mount Vernon

The oldest city of Skagit County ’s river towns, Mount Vernon is known for its tulip fields that attract thousands of visitors each spring. Though the tulip festival spans just a few weeks each April, it's still worthwhile visiting the surrounding Skagit Valley anytime to take in the pastoral farmland scenery.

Drives through the countryside dotted with barn murals and bulb farms leave room for much more to explore.

• Tulip Town Park: free
• Best Time for Tulip Views: Mid-April

Bellingham And Fairhaven

Surrounded by mountains and waterways, Bellingham is the ideal spot to spend a night near the end of the Seattle to Vancouver road trip route. Its international airport also makes timely connections convenient if one needs to cut the trip short. One of the best places to visit in Bellingham is Whatcom Falls Park, which is superb for a stroll and picnic.

Also, another spot near Bellingham is Fairhaven ; an afternoon spent here reveals its bookstores, cafés, and marina.

• Whatcom Falls Park : Entry is free

For those continuing onward from Bellingham into Canada, the charming fishing village of Steveston on the South Arm of the Fraser River near Richmond provides relaxing scenery with a fresh outdoor atmosphere. The boardwalk runs along the waterfront lined with restaurants, shops, and fishing boats.

A stroll through the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site educates visitors about its fully restored 1930s-era salmon cannery .

• Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site Fees: $12.50 for adults

On weekends and busy times, expect limited availability for parking downtown

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How To Get From Vancouver To Seattle 

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Seattle and Vancouver are cities in the Pacific North West that deserve more than a few days in each city. If you’re keen to explore the area further, hit the road and discover everything in between. Located just a few hours apart, these two cities are well connected by road, multiple ferry routes, train and even air options. The drive from Vancouver to Seattle (and vice-versa) is a great way to experience a road trip filled with beautiful scenery, national parks, farms, castles and other attractions.

The most direct land route between Vancouver and Seattle is via the Pacific Highway border crossing along the Interstate-5 (I-5) freeway, which is about a 2.5-hour drive, depending on traffic and border wait times. You can relax on a comfortable BoltBus service (BoltBus is run in partnership with Greyhound) or the inexpensive FlixBus. But driving yourself ( check out car rental rates here ) allows you to take detours and explore attractions en route at your own pace. 

On your road trip, you’ll visit local farming communities and get beautiful gardens, watch the whales and sunset from a scenic coastal route, take a ferry to explore islands or drive through the mountains on the Cascade Loop. These routes may take you out of your way for a few hours or a few days but once you’ve seen what the Pacific Northwest has to offer, you might even want to stay longer. 

Fun Fact: Drive long enough on the I-5 and you’ll reach the Mexico border!

Quick Picks

1- vancouver, 2- steveston heritage fishing village in richmond, bc, 3- fort langley national historic site of canada, 4- white rock (home to canada’s longest pier), 5- blaine (us-canada crossing on i-5), 7- bellingham, 8- chuckanut drive, 9- burlington, 10- north cascades national park, 11- orcas island, 12- san juan island, 13- whidbey island, 14- boeing’s future of flight aviation center, 15- seattle, victoria, bc, olympic national park, wa, by cruise shuttle, by seaplane, vancouver to seattle border crossing, vancouver to seattle .

• Need a car? Compare rental car rates here .
• One way to get from Vancouver to Seattle is to transfer to Victoria by bus and board the high-speed passenger ferry from Victoria to Seattle .
• Looking for a scenic flight? Book a seaplane from Vancouver to Seattle here .
• Want to travel by train? The Amtrak Coast Starlight goes from Vancouver to Seattle and on to San Francisco return.
• Going the other way? Take a day trip to Vancouver from Seattle or a day trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper .

Vancouver To Seattle Road Trip – 20 Places To Explore

Start your journey south from Vancouver by visiting Vancouver’s largest urban park in North Vancouver.

This 1000-acre (405 ha) urban park is one of the largest in North America.

It has a beautiful natural setting with walking and biking paths, beaches and scenic views of the water and mountains.

North Vancouver also has many hiking and skiing trails in the forested North Shore Mountains, including Grouse Mountain , where the Skyride cable car offers sweeping city views.

If you are travelling with kids, the Vancouver Aquarium in the park is where you can learn about dolphins, sea otters, penguins and other sea life.

Visit the Vancouver lookout’s observation deck for views of the city and mountains from a height of 162.5 m (553 feet). The Vancouver City Hop-on Hop-off tour will get you around the city.

Steveston Heritage Fishing Village is a charming and historic port community in Richmond.

Once a fishing village on the west coast and a major salmon canning hub, Steveston today has a heritage status and is known to have Canada’s largest fleet of more than 600 fishing boats.

The village has seen many changes over the years but retains its quaint and peaceful character of a fishing village and attracts visitors from around the world.

It’s rich history and culture lie in its pretty streets, charming shops and restaurants, and picturesque harbour views.

You can also visit many museums and galleries to glimpse the village’s past, including the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and the Steveston Museum.

The village is surrounded by beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Ocean and the Fraser River, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, hiking and cycling.

Distance from Vancouver: 12 km (7.5 miles) Driving time from Vancouver: 16 minutes

A short distance from Vancouver, this former fur trading post was a hub for trade between First Nations, European settlers and the fur trade industry.

Visit Fort Langley to learn about the landmark’s fascinating history and impact on Indigenous peoples and European settlers through various exhibits and interactive activities.

You can also participate in hands-on demonstrations of traditional trade skills such as blacksmithing and barrel-making here. Download the Film & Television Smartphone Audio Walking Tour.

Distance from Richmond: 54 km (33.5 miles) Driving time from Richmond: 51 minutes

White Rock is a beautiful seaside community near the Canada-US border, close to the I-5 and BC-99, and home to Canada’s longest pier.

The pier is 470 m (1540 ft) long and is named after the large white boulder on the beach near the promenade lined with restaurants and shops.

Enjoy stunning sunsets, peaceful beaches and a friendly small-town community.

A long walk on the pier will be rewarded with majestic panoramic views of Semiahmoo Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

The area is also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. 

Distance from Fort Langley: 47 km (29.2 miles) Driving time from Fort Langley: 43 minutes

South of the US-Canadian border, this coastal city makes for a good stop as soon as you enter the US.

Stop for a drink and snack in the city’s historic downtown area, where you will find a selection of shops, restaurants and cafes.

The downtown area can get quite lively as many travellers from the US crossing over to explore Vancouver and other Canadian destinations might stop here.

Blaine Marine Park and Semiahmoo Park offer stunning views of Drayton Harbor and a variety of recreational opportunities.

If you are interested in birdwatching, the Semiahmoo Spit is also a lovely, flat walk great for bird-watching in Blaine year-round.

Snap a photo at the Peace Arch border crossing, a historic landmark built to celebrate the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812 between Canada and the USA. This Private Border Corner Tour in Washington visits several places in the area.

Distance from White Rock: 47 km (29.2 miles) Driving time from White Rock: 43 minutes

For more attractions in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island read:

• 50 Incredible Things To Do In Vancouver
• 10 Best Hotels in Vancouver
• Hiking The Lions
• Stanley Park’s Totem Poles
• Capilano River Park Walk
• Haida Gwaii
• Nimmo Bay Lodge
• Vancouver at night
• Vancouver Island Camping
• 10 Incredible Vancouver Island Resorts
• 11 Things To Do On Vancouver Island
• 10 Things To Do In Victoria
• Butchart Gardens For All Seasons
• Orca Whale Watching From Victoria
• Telegraph Cove
• Where To Stay In Vancouver

A few miles south of the US-Canadian border and a short detour from the I-5, Lynden county is known for its Dutch heritage and charming downtown area.

Lynden offers Dutch-inspired architecture, art, food and a small-town charm, making it a great getaway spot with a touch of European flair.

There’s a variety of specialty shops and restaurants, antique stores and parks like Lynden City Park, which is great if you’re travelling with kids as it has a large playground, picnic areas and a skate park.

Pop into the Lynden Dutch Bakery for Dutch pastries and treats, like stroopwafels.

Lynden also hosts an annual Raspberry Festival that celebrates the region’s raspberry harvest with a parade, street fair and other events.

Distance from Blaine: 25 km (15.7 miles) Driving time from Blaine: 22 minutes

Bellingham is a port city with stunning natural scenery, a thriving arts and culture scene, and easy access to outdoor recreation.

The city is the gateway to Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, which offer hiking trails, mountain biking and skiing, and the nearby islands.

It has a growing arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues like The Mount Baker Theatre, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention and Whatcom Museum.

Visit the Marine Life Center for exhibits and hands-on activities like the touch tanks, where you can have a close look at sea stars, anemones, crabs and other denizens of the Pacific Northwest. Download the Ultimate Scavenger Bellingham app to help you explore.

Distance from Lynden: 24 km (15.1 miles) Driving time from Lynden: 30 minutes

If you are pressed for time but still want to enjoy a scenic drive, Chuckanut Drive is the shortest and easiest scenic route to incorporate into your journey.

The 20-mile (32 km) trip from Burlington to Bellingham offers great views as it hugs the shoreline of Samish Bay on Washington State Highway 11.

With connections to the I-5 freeway at both ends, taking a detour on Chuckanut Drive is an excellent way to add a scenic leg to your journey to Seattle.

For fresh oysters, drop into one of the restaurants along Chuckanut Drive. You may also like the Chuckanut Bay Distillery Tour , which includes two mini cocktails and gift glass.

Halfway between Vancouver and Seattle in Skagit County, Burlington is a popular destination for outlet shopping.

Several shopping centres in the area offer brand-name merchandise at discounted prices.

The Seattle Premium Outlets has over 130 stores, including a variety of popular brands such as Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein, as well as a food court and other amenities.

Cascade Mall has anchor stores, such as Macy’s, Target, and Kohl’s, as well as a variety of other retailers, along with a food court and a movie theatre, making it a popular destination for shopping and entertainment.

Skagit Valley Square is another shopping centre in the area that offers shopping options.

If you are travelling to Anacortes onwards to the San Juan Islands or planning to take the Northern Cascades Scenic Highway route, take the State Route 20 from Burlington.

Distance from Bellingham: 38 km (24 miles) Driving time from Bellingham: 30 minutes

If you love the outdoors and want to spend time amidst nature, you can take the long route (detour) from Vancouver to Seattle through the North Cascades Scenic Highway near Seattle.

This picturesque route through Washington State Route 20 is worth visiting in spring and summer when the snow remains on the mountains but the road is not slippery.

This 140-mile (225 km) byway spans the section of the Cascade Loop from Twisp in the Methow Valley to Sedro-Woolley in the Skagit Valley.

The route takes you through the rugged North Cascades National Park, which boasts jagged mountain peaks, towering spires, cascading waterfalls, and shiny alpine glaciers, often called the “North American Alps.”

It ends in the lush, green Skagit Valley, famous for its annual tulip festival.

Take a break and snap some unforgettable photos at the Ross and Diablo Dam Overlooks.

Distance from Burlington: 9 km (5.6 miles) Driving time from Burlington: 11 minutes

Orcas Island is a picturesque island in the San Juan archipelago and a lovely spot for natural beauty and outdoor recreation.

There are breathtaking views and it’s a popular destination if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from city life.

The 5,000-acre (2023 ha) Moran State Park has miles of hiking trails and freshwater lakes.

There are campgrounds for camping and picnic areas for day trips here.

The Eastsound community is the largest of the island’s towns and villages.

You can also enjoy whale watching (especially orcas or killer whales) and fishing on the island, with many excursion and tour operators offering regular whale watching tours .

Although whales are regularly spotted throughout the year, March to October is the best time to go on a whale-watching tour.

Take the State Route 20 to Anacortes and Orcas Island ferry to Eastsound.

Distance from North Cascades National Park to Anacortes: 39 km (24 miles) Driving time from North Cascades National Park to Anacortes: 30 minutes Ferry time from Anacortes: 1 hour 18 minutes

San Juan Island is the second-largest ferry-accessible island in the San Juan archipelago.

Home to harbour seals, the island has many outdoor and recreational activities such as kayaking, beachcombing, hiking and fishing.

The Lime Kiln Point State Park is one of the island’s main attractions and a prime spot for whale watching , with views of the Haro Strait and the Olympic Mountains.

Explore the park’s historic lighthouse and enjoy picnicking and hiking in the park’s forested areas.

The island’s largest town is Friday Harbor, a popular base for exploring the island.

Visit the island’s historic sites – American Camp and English Camp to know the island’s importance during the Pig War.

Take the State Route 20 to Anacortes and Friday Harbor ferry to Friday Harbor.

Ferry time from Anacortes: 1 hour 33 minutes

Whidbey Island is a beautiful and scenic destination that offers a glimpse into the rural, coastal life of the region.

Visit this island by taking a short detour off the I-5 onto State Route 20 via the Deception Pass Bridge.

This bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding Puget Sound and is a popular spot for photo opportunities.

Once on Whidbey Island, take your time and enjoy the island’s scenic drives and rural roads.

Visit the historic Fort Casey State Park to learn about the island’s military past and the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts to experience the island’s thriving arts community.

You’ll pass charming towns, rolling farmlands and pristine beaches.

Make sure to stop at one of the many local farms and farmer’s markets to sample the fresh produce and products of the island.

Take the State Route 525 to Clinton and Mukilteo ferry to Mukilteo.

Distance from Anacortes to Whidbey Island: 85 km (53 miles) Driving time from Anacortes to Whidbey Island: 1 hour 11 minutes

Boeing’s Future of Flight Aviation Center is an interactive museum in Mukilteo, Washington, just a few miles from the Boeing Everett Factory.

The museum offers a fascinating explanation of the history and future of aviation through interactive exhibits, hands-on displays and simulations that provide unique experiences, such as how to fly a plane or control a spacecraft.

There are also exhibits showcasing the latest aerospace technology, including Boeing’s newest commercial and military aircraft.

Distance from Whidbey Island (via Mukilteo ferry): 18.5 km (11.5 miles) Driving time from Whidbey Island: 45 minutes

Depending on which direction you are going, your fantastic journey through the Pacific North West comes to an end (or starts) in Seattle, Washington.

Your travels from Vancouver to Seattle would have taken you to snow-capped mountains, fishing villages, beautiful islands, hot springs, rainforests, lakes, waterfalls, quaint towns and even outlet shopping malls.

Seattle is a fantastic city that rivals Vancouver in terms of a stunning waterfront, eclectic food scene, thriving arts and culture community, iconic landmarks, museums and galleries.

Places to visit in Seattle are the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park, Museum of Pop Culture and Seattle Water Front. The Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour is very popular and a Seattle Harbor Cruise is another relaxing way to see the city.

You can also do many day trips from Seattle, especially during summer.

Distance from Boeing: 45 km (28 miles) Driving time from Boeing: 37 minutes

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• 15 Washington State National Parks
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• 21 Things To Do In Vancouver WA
• 20 Things To Do In Spokane
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• 20 Things To Do In Bellingham
• 20 Things To Do In Yakima WA
• 20 Things To Do In Port Angeles
• 20 Things To Do In Wenatchee
• 20 Things To Do In Olympia

Other ways to travel from Vancouver to Seattle

By ferry (via victoria).

The ferry route from Vancouver to Seattle via Victoria is one of the most scenic.

You can get to Victoria on the ferry from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (about 1.5 hours). If you don’t want to worry about getting to the ferry terminal in time, get a ticket on a coach from Vancouver city that includes the bus ride and the ferry trip.

A benefit of going by ferry is you can make a trip of it and stay a few days to explore Victoria. From Victoria, there are a couple of options:

• Take the Victoria Clipper high-speed passenger ferry to Pier 69 in Seattle. The trip between Victoria and Seattle takes about three hours and offers stunning views of the mountains, the ocean and the surrounding islands.
• Take the Black Ball Ferry Line to Port Angeles Ferry Terminal on Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, then drive to Seattle ( check out rental car prices here ). This option allows you to explore Olympic National Park and travel onward to Seattle using the State Route 104 from Kingston to Edmonds Ferry Line and reach the mainland near Seattle.

Both options involve crossing the US-Canadian border via international waters. Highlights include passing through the Strait of Georgia, the San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands.

Ferry time from Victoria to Seattle: 3 hours Ferry time from Victoria to Port Angeles Ferry Terminal: 1.5 hours Distance from Port Angeles Ferry Terminal to Seattle: 132 km (82.3 miles) Driving time from Port Angeles Ferry Terminal to Seattle: 2.5 hours

Attractions in Victoria include:

• Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum has fascinating exhibits on the natural and human history of British Columbia, including a collection of First Nations artefacts, the history of the fur trade, the gold rush and the province’s settlement. The museum also has a research facility.
• Malahat Skywalk: Malahat offers panoramic views of the forests and mountains on Vancouver Island from a height. The main attraction is a 600-foot elevated walkway that leads to a 10-storey spiral tower with an observation deck.
• Victoria Butterfly Gardens: The lovely butterfly garden has tropical plants and flowers, 70 species of butterflies, birds, and other animals. Enjoy the indoor and outdoor exhibits and learn about their natural habitats and behaviours.
• Butchart Garden: This beautiful garden is outside of Victoria in Brentwood Bay. It has a stunning collection of flowers, plants and trees with themed gardens, such as the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden. Enjoy a peaceful garden stroll and participate in seasonal events and activities.
• Hatley Castle: This historic castle has been used as a setting for many popular TV shows and movies in Colwood. It’s now part of the campus of Royal Roads University. 
• Craigdarroch Castle: This historic castle in the Rockland neighbourhood of Victoria features beautiful architecture and stunning city views.
• Inner Harbour: This area is the heart of downtown Victoria and features the iconic Empress Hotel, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, shops and restaurants.

Olympic National Park is a stunning natural reserve that covers a vast area of over 922,000 acres.

The park includes various elevations and distinct ecosystems, from snow-capped mountains and alpine meadows to lush temperate rainforests and rugged coastlines.

If you love outdoor activities, you can choose from an incredible range of options like hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, hot springs, glacial lakes, beaches, waterfalls, and even bird and whale watching.

The Hoh rainforest inside the park has some of the world’s largest trees, such as the Sitka spruce and the Western Hemlock.

Ruby beach and Kalaloch beach are popular for their dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, while Hurricane Ridge offers stunning panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.

Go enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing and enjoy winter sports activities, such as snowshoeing and skiing.

With its incredible natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, Olympic National Park is a national treasure and a must-see destination for nature lovers.

You can take the Amtrak Cascades train from Vancouver Pacific Central Station to Seattle King Street Station.

The European-style train operates daily and takes approximately four hours and follows a scenic route along the coast, with several stops along the way.

Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes and beverages during the journey and enjoy the scenic vistas through which the train chugs along.

Taking the train allows you to connect easily with the famous Coast Starlight run by Amtrak which runs from Seattle to Los Angeles through the breathtaking Pacific West Coast.

Cruise shuttles from Vancouver to Seattle are a popular transportation option for tourists and those with time to spare, with pick-up and drop service to transfer points within the city.

Although more expensive than other options, a cruise shuttle is a relaxing and enjoyable way to travel between the cities.

Taking a cruise shuttle allows you to avoid long queues and wait times at the airport.

Cruise shuttles take around five hours, while the transfer and border formalities can take about an hour or two.

There are several direct flights between the two cities and travel time is around one hour.

Airlines that fly between Vancouver and Seattle include Alaska Airlines, Delta and Air Canada, usually between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Other airports in the surrounding areas are also used for regional flights or private charters.

Travelling from Vancouver to Seattle by bus is an inexpensive option.

Several bus companies operate between the two cities, with Greyhound, BoltBus and Quick Shuttle being popular options.

Depending on traffic, the direct route from Vancouver to Seattle takes about three hours, and you can enjoy scenic views.

Flying from Vancouver to Seattle is an experience in itself.

While the fastest and most convenient way to travel, a seaplane also offers unforgettable coastline views, an aerial view of the cities, and everything in between.

A seaplane flight takes about one hour plus check-in formalities.

Unlike a traditional aircraft, a seaplane follows a low flight path giving you a close and stunning view of the coast and surrounding islands.

Pick-up and drop service anywhere in the city is another convenience of the seaplane option. Find out more here .

If you are travelling from Vancouver, BC to Seattle, USA, you will cross the Canadian-US border. Here’s what you need to know:

• Documents: Crossing the border requires a valid passport or NEXUS card. Non-US citizens will need a US visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval.
• Customs Declaration: You must declare all items you bring into the US, including any gifts, souvenirs or purchases and may be required to pay duties or taxes on some items.
• Prohibited Items: When entering the US, you may not be allowed to bring food items like fruit, vegetables and meat. Check the US Customs and Border Protection website for a complete list of prohibited items.
• Travel Information: You may be asked for your travel itinerary, the purpose of your trip, length of stay, and to provide proof of accommodation in the US.
• Border Wait Times: Check the border wait times on the US Customs website before you travel. There may be long wait times at the border during peak travel times. 

Looking for a road trip? Here are some epic driving vacations.

• Canada Road Trip
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• Tasmania Road Trip 
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• Nashville to Memphis Drive
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• Houston to Miami Road Trip
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• Las Vegas to Salt Lake City Road Trip
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• Chicago to Los Angeles Road Trip
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• Houston to Denver Road Trip
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Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

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Seattle. Heart of the Pacific Northwest. A city very similar to but unique from Vancouver. We offer many variations for our excursions to Seattle and the surrounding area. If you are just in need of a one way or return transfer from Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SeaTac) and Vancouver, let us provide it.. Perhaps you are flying into Seattle to visit for a day or two before your cruise or train is departing from Vancouver. Perhaps it is the opposite, and you are going southbound. Whatever the case, our knowledge and experience at the border crossing helps get you there in comfort.

If a tour of the area interests you, we can spend the day exploring the coast line of Chuckanut Drive, have lunch in the quaint town of Fairhaven, stop at the Tulalip Premium Outlet Malls, or continue directly to Seattle. Explore Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Space Needle or the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the EMP). A stroll through the quirky neighbourhood of Fremont to see the local art or the view points of Kerry Park is definitely worth the time.

Perhaps a multi day trip to the area interests you. Consider visiting the Boeing Future of Flight Museum and Factory Tour in Mukilteo, WA. Home to the world’s largest building (by volume),  witness a 747 being built before your eyes. South of Seattle, a visit to the Museum of Glass, home to world famous glass artist Dale Chihuly will leave you awestruck. East of Seattle, we can bring you to the charming Bavarian style town of Leavenworth. Famous for its stunning location, Oktoberfest and incredible Christmas Light Festival, there is something to do in this town throughout the year.

Seattle is a large and varied city, with many unique cultural elements, yet also home to some of the most famous companies worldwide, including Boeing, Starbucks, Amazon and Microsoft. Choose us to bring you here for the day, or the weekend, to complement your time in Vancouver.

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8 of the best day trips from Seattle

Dec 11, 2023 • 11 min read

Explore Washington State and beyond with these great day trips from Seattle © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

With everything Seattle has to offer, it can be hard to imagine wanting to get out of the city for even just an hour or two.

Museums can be saved for rainy days, and it would be a shame to spend sunshine hours in craft breweries when there’s such gorgeous scenery to enjoy beyond the city limits. 

Whether you need a break from the tourist crowds and bustle of downtown , are looking for a serious hike , or have a pup threatening all the zoomies after being dragged to yet another farmers market, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of Seattle for the day.  In fact, some of the most breathtaking scenery, charming towns and picturesque back roads in Washington state lie within an easy drive or ferry ride out of the city. Here are some of our favorite day trips from Seattle.

1. Mt Rainier National Park

Travel time: 2 hours

The drive – about two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions – makes this a bit of an investment for a day trip, but you can’t be this close to one of the most impressive mountains in the United S tates and not go see it.

The views are spectacular, whether it's a sunny spring day with wildflowers in bloom, a moody, cloudy afternoon, or a snowy winter’s day. 

You could easily spend weeks hiking in the Mt Rainier area (permits permitting), but you can develop a healthy appreciation for the place through any of the several day hikes from Paradise , which is home to the relaxing Paradise Inn and a visitor center. 

Paradise also makes for a fun Seattle day trip during the winter because it's one of the most popular areas in the park for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. It's also the only area in the park that allows sledding. Bring good shoes, warm clothes and a camera. Try to visit midweek to avoid crowds.

How to get to Mt Rainier National Park from Seattle:  The park has year-round access via the Nisqually Entrance, just under 90 miles and an almost two-hour drive from Seattle along SR-706. If you use GPS, use the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304, or you’ll otherwise be taken to the park headquarters in Ashford.

From the Nisqually Entrance, it’s another 29 miles via Longmire to the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise, where you can find parking and several trailheads. Note that in winter, the road between Longmire and Paradise is closed at night.

If your idea of a successful day trip to Mt Rainier involves hiking and biking, the Carbon River Entrance is a little over 60 miles – nearly 1½ hours – along SR-165. No cars are allowed beyond this entrance, only pedestrians and cyclists. 

You can also enter the park on its east side during the summer. It’s just under 82 miles – 1¾ hours – from Seattle to the White River Entrance via SR-167 and SR-410. From there, it’s about 18 miles, or half an hour’s drive, via SR-123 to Ohanapecosh . There are no public transit connections from Seattle to the park.

2. Leavenworth

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Adorable and unashamedly touristy Leavenworth has oodles of charm all by itself, but the imitation-Bavarian town’s idyllic wilderness setting is what really puts it over the top. Grab a beer and some brats at München Haus , then choose your adventure: the hiking, rafting and rock climbing here are all fantastic. 

Leavenworth is the gateway to the Wenatchee River and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness , where you’ll find some of the best hiking in the state, including several easily accessible day hikes.

How to get to Leavenworth from Seattle:  The 117-mile drive east along US Hwy 2 via Monroe, through the Cascades and over Stevens Pass, is truly spectacular. It takes under 2½ hours, but you’ll want to stop often for photo ops.

The route via the Snoqualmie Pass along the I-90 takes about the same time, even though it stretches over 135 miles. Several bus companies serve the route between Seattle and Leavenworth, or you can take the Amtrak train, although the three to four-hour bus journey makes it less feasible for a day trip.

3. Bainbridge Island

Travel time: 1 hour

Bainbridge Island is a favorite vacation destination for Seattleites and visitors from further afield, but the island is close enough to the city that it contains a healthy full-time population, many of whom commute to Seattle by ferry.

It’s the quickest and easiest way to get out on the water from the big city, and the ride over provides stunning views of both Seattle and the Sound. Lazily stroll around, tour some waterfront taverns like Doc’s Marina Grill , taste wines and maybe rent a bike and cycle around the invitingly flat countryside.

As far as family day trips from Seattle go, it doesn’t get much easier than this; the ferry ride is short enough that kids won’t get bored, and once they’re on the island, they’ll love exploring the Kids Discovery Museum .

Lively pubs and great Washington wines are the order of the day on Bainbridge. The island doesn’t stay up very late, but you won’t go thirsty when it comes to happy hour or leisurely cocktails in the evening.  Bainbridge Vineyards is a quaint and certified organic winemaker about 5 miles from the Bainbridge ferry terminal off Hwy 305 – perfect for a bike ride on a sunny day.

How to get to Bainbridge Island from Seattle:  Washington State Ferries run several times a day from Pier 52 in Seattle. The crossing takes about 35 minutes.

4. Bellingham

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bellingham is underrated as a fun town for nightlife, especially if you’re into craft beer. Try the Kölsch at Chuckanut Brewery , a Bellingham Blonde ale at Boundary Bay and a Cosmic Dreams IPA at Aslan Depot , a historic bus and streetcar station renovated to look and feel like a cozy old English parlor.

If you like your adult beverages with a side of culture, start with a visit to the Whatcom Museum , a three-building collection of local and regional art, culture and history.

You can also wander the well-preserved Fairhaven neighborhood with its shops, restaurants and lovely bookstore, Village Books . Alternatively, drive 15 miles north to the traditionally Dutch town of Lynden, which has a pioneer history museum , bakery and historic hotel .

To stretch this day trip a little, opt for scenic Chuckanut Drive on the way there or back. This byway hugs the coastline between Bellingham and Mt Vernon, with opportunities to stop for hiking in Larrabee State Park and oyster-eating at the Oyster Bar in Bow along the way.

How to get to Bellingham from Seattle:  Head north on I-5 for about 90 miles (1½ hours) to Bellingham. For the more scenic Chuckanut Drive (SR-11) option, take exit 231 off I-5 just north of Mt Vernon. This route is about the same distance but adds around 15 minutes to the drive – if you don’t stop to admire the scenery.

5. Victoria, Canada

Travel time: 3 hours

At around a 2¾-hour ride on the fast ferry, Victoria stretches the definition of a "day trip," but the British Columbia provincial capital is worth the effort if you remember to bring your valid passport and meet the requirements for entry into Canada . 

With double-decker buses, afternoon tea, homes that look like castles and pubs with names such as the Sticky Wicket and the Penny Farthing , Victoria has long traded on its British affiliations. 

But while the fish and chips remain first class, and summer cricket games still enliven Beacon Hill Park , the days when Victoria was more British than Britain are long gone. In Victoria 2.0, the food culture embraces fusion, the beer leans toward craft brews and the abundance of bicycles resembles  the Netherlands  more than England .

Compared to the glassy skyscrapers of Seattle, Victoria is more laid-back and low-rise. On balmy summer days, a distinct holiday atmosphere takes over as people pile off the ferries to escape the mayhem of the mainland and forget their work. Sure, Victoria might have become trendier and more sophisticated in recent years, but in pace and essence it remains comfortingly old-fashioned.

How to get to Victoria from Seattle:  Victoria Clipper runs a passenger-only, high-speed catamaran from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. There’s one round-trip a day; check the website for departure times as these may vary according to season.

6. Whidbey Island

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Whidbey Island is an idyllic emerald escape beloved by stressed-out Seattleites. At 41 miles, Whidbey is the longest island on the US West Coast. While it’s not as detached or nonconformist as the San Juans (a bridge connects it to adjacent Fidalgo Island at its northernmost point), life is certainly slower, quieter and more pastoral here. 

Having six state parks is a bonus. There is also a plethora of B&Bs, two historic fishing villages (Langley and Coupeville), famously tasty mussels and a thriving community of artists and artisans. Also on the island is the US Naval Air Station that dominates Oak Harbor. 

Whidbey is a particularly desirable day trip during the fall harvest: grapes, apples and pumpkins abound, as do cider and pumpkin beer. The season also brings wild mushroom foraging tours, which, unless you’re an expert, are best to join if you want to pick some. In the words of Terry Pratchett, “All fungi are edible. Some fungi are only edible once.”

Emerging from Fidalgo Island's flat pastures, the precipitous Deception Pass cliffs are overlooked by a famous bridge made all the more dramatic by the churning, angry water below. The bridge has two steel arches spanning Canoe Pass and Deception Pass, joined by a central support on Pass Island. Built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it was considered an engineering feat in its day. The 5.5-sq-mile park also spans the channel, with facilities on the north and south flanks of the passage.

How to get to Whidbey Island from Seattle: You'll need a car and to take a ferry ride. Take I-5 north and SR-525 from Seattle to Mukilteo; depending on the route and traffic conditions, this trip will be around 40 to 50 minutes. Washington State Ferries run 20-minute trips between Mukilteo and Clinton throughout the day. The Sound Transit train on the Sounder North N-line isn’t a good choice for a day trip since it departs from Seattle twice in the late afternoon and returns from Everett twice in the early morning.

7. La Conner

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A small town with a surprising number of things to see and do, La Conner is practically made for a day trip. It has a compact, walkable center lined with shops, pubs and restaurants, a spring tulip festival that shows off its pastoral surroundings and a top-notch art museum in the heart of town. 

Its position alongside the lazy Swinomish Channel adds a cool maritime feel. And at around a 1¼-hour drive, it’s one of those short trips from Seattle that you can do without spending most of your day on the road.

Arguably the best time to visit La Conner is in April when the tulip fields around town paint themselves in bands of vivid purples, reds and yellows. Weekend traffic can be discouraging at this time, but the blooms are worth it.

Once you’ve had your fill of flowers, wander downtown toward the tiny marina. Stop in and browse at Handmade La Conner , where artisans in a back-room workshop make all the coffee mugs, textiles, fancy soaps and letterpress cards on offer. Be sure to save time for an exploration of the Museum of Northwest Art , which has an outstanding collection of regional paintings and sculptures and mounts several temporary exhibits each year.

How to get to La Conner from Seattle: From Seattle, take I-5 north about 55 miles to exit 221, then follow signs another 10 miles west along Fir Island Rd to La Conner. There are no bus or train services to La Conner.

8. San Juan Islands

Travel time: 3 to 4 hours

The sleepy San Juans exist in striking contrast with Seattle’s sensory overload, and they’re easier to reach than you might think (though if you can spare the time, an overnight stay is even better than a day trip). 

It may be nearly a four-hour ferry ride from Seattle to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, but the voyage itself is one of the highlights – you can make the trip as part of a whale-watching tour, but it’s a gorgeous ride even without the whale element. 

On arrival, your entertainment options include mellow bicycling, paddling around in a kayak, eating decadent, locally sourced meals from restaurants like Doe Bay Café , and just hanging out. This day trip is also fantastic to make with your dog; there are several off-leash dog parks, including San Juan Islands Sculpture Park .

How to get to the San Juan Islands from Seattle:  From mid-April to mid-October, the scenic San Juan Clipper goes directly to Friday Harbor from the Seattle waterfront’s Pier 69 in 3¾ hours.

Or you can drive the 85 miles or so to Anacortes – it should take a maximum of two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions – and hop a Washington State Ferry to Lopez Island (45 minutes), Shaw Island (55 minutes), Orcas Island (a little over an hour) or San Juan Island (an hour). Schedules vary by season, so check the WSF website for the latest. 

Note that for the San Juan Clipper, any pets need to be in a carrier, and you will need to book the trip in advance. For the Washington State Ferry, passengers can bring their leashed dogs into the exterior passenger areas, including the shelter decks.

This article was first published Jul 16, 2019 and updated Dec 11, 2023.

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Justin Timberlake world tour may be disrupted by court dates for DWI charges

NEW YORK — Though he’s scheduled to be in Europe on his world tour, Justin Timberlake will have to return to court next month after his drunken driving charge on Long Island this week.

The “Selfish” singer, 43, whose mug shot was released Tuesday afternoon after his arraignment, is scheduled to appear in court on July 26, Us Weekly reports.

July 26 also marks the first of two consecutive shows the NSYNC alum is slated to perform in Kraków, Poland, as part of his “ Forget Tomorrow World Tour.” No word yet on the fate of those two shows, as well as those in Berlin the following week.

Timberlake was arrested early Tuesday in Sag Harbor, after sailing past a stop sign in his 2025 gray BMW UT. The singer was pulled over just blocks from where he’d reportedly been partying at the American Hotel.

The pop star repeatedly refused to take a chemical test behind bars but failed numerous field sobriety tests, according to court filings obtained by the Daily News.

“I had one martini, and I followed my friends home,” the “Cry Me a River” singer told cops, according to prosecutors.

“It was ascertained that the defendant was operating said vehicle in an intoxicated condition,” read the filing. “His eyes were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath, he was unable to divide attention, he had slowed speech, he was unsteady afoot and he performed badly on all standardized field sobriety tests.”

Per the court docs, the pop star was read his Miranda rights and refused to speak to officers but remained calm.

Timberlake was arrested just before shows scheduled for Chicago’s United Center on Friday and Saturday, as well as June 25 and June 26 performances at Madison Square Garden — none of which has yet been canceled.

Timberlake has had a rough go of it in recent years, beginning when he was photographed in late 2019 getting cozy with his “Palmer” co-star Alisha Wainwright , despite his marriage to Jessica Biel, and their young family .

Last year, Timberlake was taken to task in ex-girlfriend Britney Spears’ explosive memoir, “The Woman in Me,” for the abortion she says she underwent during their early aughts relationship, as well as allegedly cheating on the “Toxic” singer.

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