If you want to explore more of the West Coast but aren’t sure where to start, a road trip from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Portland, Oregon, is a great way to see three major cities, try a variety of unique restaurants, and have a great time in general.
Driving from Vancouver to Portland is roughly a five-hour drive. Spanning 520 km, or 320 miles, the route takes you through Vancouver, B.C. and Washington State before arriving in Oregon.
Driving from Vancouver to Portland can be accomplished in one day, allowing three days, with two overnight stops. You can have an epic road trip and visit several attractions and sights. This blog will cover just some of the stops and attractions to add to your itinerary when driving from Vancouver to Portland.
Stops and things to do on the road
The Pacific Northwest is a region full of natural beauty and exciting attractions. Several stops are worth visiting if you’re travelling from Vancouver to Portland. One such place is Seattle, known for its iconic Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Another great option is Mount St. Helens, a volcanic peak famous for its 1980 eruption. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers stunning views and hiking trails. Don’t forget to make a stop in Eugene, where you can take a stroll around Fifth Street Market and check out the charming cafes and boutiques. There are also great museums and art galleries to explore in this city. Finally, don’t miss out on the Oregon Coast, which boasts picturesque beaches and charming seaside towns.
Hike up North Cascades National Park
Located in Northern Washington State, North Cascades National Park is a beautiful park with beautiful glaciers, lakes, lush evergreen forests, and mountains. With hiking trails like the Thunder Creek Trail, this is a must-stop for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
See some volcanoes in Mount Rainier National Park
Just southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainer stands at 14,410 ft tall. The highest point reachable by car is the 6,400 ft Sunrise Point. From here, you can look out at a selection of volcanoes, including Mount Adams.
Seattle, Washington
From Vancouver, Seattle is roughly a three-hour drive. The largest city in Washington state, Seattle has many attractions and destinations that could easily fill a day or more. Downtown Seattle has trendy cocktails, world-class restaurants, and cultural hubs. A great place to spend a night in, enjoy coffee from the original Star Bucks in Pike Place, visit the Seattle Space Needle and take in the urban buzz of the city’s iconic skyscrapers, and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts at Pike Place Market.
Things to do in Portland
Roughly two hours from Seattle, Downtown Portland is a popular city filled with well-maintained public art, independent businesses, and a strong craft beer and coffee culture.
Spend some time in a Traditional Japanese Garden: Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With strict rules about cell phone usage, the garden encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty surrounding them. The carefully curated greenery, comprising plants native to Japan, is an excellent example of Japanese horticulture and design. Visiting this garden is an opportunity to experience tranquillity and mindfulness amidst nature.
Driving versus flying
Flights to Portland can be booked for relatively cheap prices. The flying time from Vancouver to Portland is around 4 hours. While the trip is faster and can be a great option if you don’t have much time, driving from Vancouver to Portland is great if you have the time and want to see more of The U.S. and B.C. Additionally, depending on the time of year, driving can offer a more scenic and enjoyable experience, especially during the spring when wildflowers and blooms are fully displayed.
Other modes of transportation
Another popular way to travel from Vancouver to Seattle and Portland is Amtrak. The Amtrak Cascades train runs from Vancouver to Seattle to Portland. It is also possible to take the bus from Vancouver. However, driving to Portland is the way to go if you want to make the journey part of the trip.
This way, you can enjoy your trip however you want without following a set route or schedule.
Conditions of entry into the United States from Canada
When driving across the Canadian border to the United States, everyone in the vehicle must have certain documents:
- Valid driver’s license for the driver(s) of the vehicle
- Vehicle registration/proof of rental/insurance
- Valid passports
- Ensure you have all rental paperwork organized. Custom agents always look out for people who import vehicles without paying taxes.
Driving from Vancouver to Portland in a rental car
Ascent Car Rental is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, making it the perfect place to start your trip. Enjoy a selection of luxury cars that will make your road trip comfortable and enjoyable.