Is The Drive From Vancouver To Seattle Scenic?
More often than not, driving from Vancouver to Seattle is quite common among Vancouver locals. Why? This is mainly because the Canada and USA border is only approximately 45 minutes from Vancouver.
However, if you’re visiting Vancouver and want to travel across the border to Seattle, you’re in the right place. As a Vancouver local, I’ve been to Seattle many times and have been driven from Vancouver to Seattle quite often.
So, since you’re wondering, is the drive from Vancouver to Seattle scenic? The answer is yes and no, but let me explain everything you need to know about the Vancouver to Seattle drive in more detail.
Is The Drive From Vancouver To Seattle Scenic
So, the quick answer is yes and no.
Yes, because there’s a route called the Chuckanut Drive, which takes you along the coast and over islands like Whidbey Island. This will be the scenic route if you’re looking for a long road trip and are willing to take a short ferry ride back onto the mainland.
No, because I’m going to be honest: it’s mostly just highways and establishments along the side of the highway. However, there are points where you’ll see Mount Baker in the distance — you can also see it from British Columbia.
How To Get To Seattle From Vancouver
💡 Note: Don’t forget your passport! You’re crossing the Canada-USA border, so you’ll need your passport.
Car
Getting to Seattle by car is the most common way to visit when you’re in Vancouver. The drive from the border to Seattle is approximately two hours and 25 minutes without any stops. It’s around the same time as you would drive from Vancouver to Whistler if you include stops.
It’s a straight-drive staying on Interstate 5 Highway (I-5). Keep in mind that there’s a toll bridge in Seattle, and it’s avoidable, but you may have to make a couple of detours.
However, if you want to take the long route along Chuckanut Drive, it will take approximately four hours or more, including the ferry ride from Clinton to Mukilteo. I recommend this route if you plan to visit Seattle for more than a day.
Since Chuckanut Drive is the scenic route, you’ll travel over islands and the Canoe Pass Bridge. You can stop at Deception Pass State Park to take a picture of the bridge that connects the two islands.
Flying
It’s an hour and 5 minutes non-stop flight. I was returning from a trip, and there was a transfer flight from my destination to my home, Vancouver. This was my first time flying from Seattle to Vancouver, and it felt very quick.
Train
The first way I travelled to Seattle without family, accompanied by my boyfriend, was by train. If you’re looking for a scenic route, the train is the way to go.
It takes approximately four hours and 25 minutes, and there are stops in between, but you travel along the coast, so it’s beautiful. The train stop is directly in Downtown Seattle, so if you’re planning to explore Pike Place, you’re not that far of a walk away.
Ferry (From Victoria on Vancouver Island)
Another unique way to get to Seattle, at least from British Columbia, is to take a Clipper Ferry from Victoria, BC, to Seattle. It only runs once a day, takes approximately three hours, and runs only on certain days. It’s an expensive way to get to Seattle, but it’s another unique option.
Which Border Crossing Is Better
There are two border crossings when travelling from Vancouver. The first one is Peace Arch, the most popular border crossing because you can get out of the car and take pictures of the Peach Arch, and there’s the Peace Arch Provincial Park.
The second is the Pacific Crossing, which all commercial trucks must take. However, regular traffic can also use this border crossing. Sometimes, people divert to this crossing if the Peace Arch has long lines.
I’ve been to both multiple times; Peach Arch is easier to get to because it’s a straight drive along Highway 99 South until you reach the border. In contrast, at the Pacific Crossing, you’ll have to divert at the last exit before the Peace Arch border.
Road Trip Tips From Vancouver To Seattle
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for a road trip. Here are a few reminders:
- Bring extra snacks and water.
- Do a car check for your gas, tires, battery, and other fluids before you drive.
- Check the weather before you go.
- Check the border wait times.
Stops Along The Way
There are only a few stops if you’re looking for stops along the way, but these are a few options if you’re heading down to Seattle.
Hibulb Cultural Center
The Hibulb Cultural Center is a narrative and interactive display history preserve where you can learn about the traditional and local languages of the Tulalip Tribes. The centre includes main and temporary exhibits, two classrooms, a research library, a longhouse, and a gift shop.
Whatcom Falls Park
Whatcom Falls Park is an excellent pit stop in Bellingham. The park has a small waterfall, which you can view from a stone bridge built in 1939. The park also has a fish hatchery with educational signage about the local fish.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Every April, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is held in Washington. During the festival, rows of millions of bright and colourful tulips are intricately placed to create patterns and beautiful displays.
Is It Worth Driving From Vancouver To Seattle?
Yes, it’s worth driving from Vancouver to Seattle. Many locals like to take day trips to Seattle. Also, many like to watch the Seattle sports teams in Vancouver, so people travel to Seattle to watch the games, or sometimes, people fly out of Seattle.
Conclusion
As you can see, the answer to the question of whether the drive from Vancouver to Seattle is scenic is a yes and no. While most of the drive is through a highway with establishments on either side, you can still take the detour route, making the drive more scenic.
Have a good day 🙂
