If you are looking for a fun, short road trip, driving from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seattle, Washington state, is a great road trip that can be done in one day easily if you follow the most direct route.
Vancouver, British Columbia to Seattle, Washington state
If you are visiting Vancouver, visiting Washington State is easy, and there are many reasons to do so. Washington State has some incredible state parks and beautiful West Coast views.
Things to check out in downtown Vancouver before you leave
Before you leave downtown Vancouver, check out some of Vancouver’s famous spots and lush greenery. Visit North Vancouver, and enjoy Grouse Mountain and beautiful north shore views.
Start your road trip in North Van
From the north shore, there are several border crossing options. The Peace Arch and truck crossing are famous. While the Arch is more scenic, both get you where you need to go. Both take you to Emerald City.
Border crossing times can vary
Border crossing times vary between spots depending on the day and the time of day. The weekends are typically busier than weekdays. Many people from Vancouver go to Seattle to see concerts and shows and shop. So if you want to road trip to Seattle and are not going to a specific event, check to see if any major events are happening. These can impact the border crossing times.
The direct route to Seattle
The straightforward route starts in Vancouver and follows the BC-99 highway south, through Richmond, BC, before passing through the Fraser River, Delta, and White Rock. Once you are in Washington, you will continue onto the Interstate (I-5), which will take you to Seattle.
This route does take you close to the coast, so if you want to view some stunning beaches or prolong your drive a few hours exploring the coast, you can.
The scenic route to Seattle
There are many different ways to extend your drive from Vancouver to Seattle. If you want a scenic road trip exploring the pacific northwest, driving from Vancouver to Seattle has plenty of options.
Explore the San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands, which include Orcas Island, is home to Moran State Park, incredible whale watching, biking, kayaking, hiking and other west coast staple activities.
Things to check out in downtown Seattle when you arrive
As you’re driving toward the Seattle skyline, there are many places to check out in the city center and around the area.
The Seattle Art Museum hosts several exhibitions throughout the year and is known for having world-class art.
Pike Place Market is a popular spot to explore. Check out Seattle’s original farmer’s market, or have a cup of Starbucks Coffee in the city it started in.
The Seattle Space Needle is another popular spot that allows you to see the entire city of Seattle from a unique vantage point. The iconic Space Needle is 605 feet tall, with an observation deck and rotating restaurant.
Seattle has many fun spots to explore local art, national parks, and quirky neighbourhoods. Whether you prefer to stay in a boutique hotel or a family-friendly location, Seattle is a great spot to explore and easy to get to from Vancouver, BC.
Seattle To Vancouver with Ascent Car Rentals
On your way back to Vancouver from Seattle, enjoy more that the West Coast has to offer, such as Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham, Washington, or spend a night in Bellingham Bay.
Again, northbound traffic may be a lot depending on the time of year and the day. Depending on where you go, you will see many British Columbia license plates in Washington.
Even if you do not have your own vehicle with you, you can still have a great road trip from Vancouver, BC, to Seattle. No matter where you go on your Vancouver road trip, Ascent Car Rental has the perfect vehicle for your adventuring needs.
Ascent Car Rentals is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver. After your road trip, your luxury rental car can be dropped off easily either at our downtown location or at the Vancouver Airport.