Drive from Seattle to Vancouver, BC

[Robynator]

A car might be more economical, but you'll be paying for parking everywhere once you're in Vancouver. It's not abnormal to spend $20-$30 for a day of parking. I also agree that once you're in Vancouver, you probably won't be using your car much as most attractions are easily walkable or easily accessible by public transit.

As others have mentioned, the drive between the two cities is relatively flat, boring, and not mountainous at all. The mountains are located well east of I-5 and Vancouver's mountains are located north of the city.

For proof, you can do a "test drive" via Google Street view

Seriously, this is going to be the majority of your drive:

from: Seattle WA to: Vancouver BC - Google Maps

[JustCallMeTC]

Originally Posted by Robynator

A car might be more economical, but you'll be paying for parking everywhere once you're in Vancouver. It's not abnormal to spend $20-$30 for a day of parking. I also agree that once you're in Vancouver, you probably won't be using your car much as most attractions are easily walkable or easily accessible by public transit.

As others have mentioned, the drive between the two cities is relatively flat, boring, and not mountainous at all. The mountains are located well east of I-5 and Vancouver's mountains are located north of the city.

That's why you really should take Chuckanut Drive. And it's reopened now.

It's a very worthwhile investment of 10 extra minutes or so. Maybe 20 because you'll want to stop and take pictures along the way.









You'll also see this if you take the train as the train goes along the water on Chuckanut as well. (If you look closely at the last picture you can see the tracks)

[admgr]

Hmmm..advice for you, dont try a drive from Vancouver to Whistler if you are worried about plunging mountains.

[sean98125]

If you drive, keep in mind that the freeways don't run into downtown Vancouver. You'll be taking surface streets in to town.

The train is probably a better option, and definitely much more relaxing.

[vancouvermike]

I live in Port Coquitlam a Vancouver suburb. We cross the border to Bellingham and Seattle about once a month. I would highly recommend getting a nexus card. It's good for 5 years, and costs $50 for people 18 and over, free for kids under 18. As long as you have no criminal record, you should qualify. Just go to the nexus website Moderator cut: link removed and follow the simple instructions. A nexus card will get you across the border through the special nexus lanes in a very short time. Typically,
we'll cross the border when the wait in the regular lanes is 90 minutes, in as little as 10 minutes. Sometimes the wait is less then 2 minutes. Exceptions are at dinnertime during weekdays, when people who work on either side of the border are returning home, the lineup for nexus can be much longer. The first time you cross the border in minutes while everyone else is waiting over an hour, you'll agree it's the best $50 you ever spent. It's the same going home. Just keep in mind the rules are strict, everyone in the vehicle MUST have a nexus card, no exceptions both ways. You can also use your nexus card as id in the regular lanes if you go with non nexus card holders. Also, make sure you have no restricted items like fruits or vegetables or plants, and declare everything, which applies of course, no matter how you cross the border. We've had nexus cards for almost 5 years and are due to renew them next year. Again, the best $50 we ever spent, highly recommend
the program.

good travelling!

vancouvermike

[Jessica0]

The street up the duration of WhiDbey Island is mostly treed.
Deception Complete with its picturesque link and amazing perspective is
lovely but IMO not value the lengthy detour. The Chuckanut Drive
is very awesome and doesn't take too much a longer period than the I5.

[cdlising]

Since the Washington Bridge is not passable, what will be the other alternative route from Seattle to Vancouver, BC via car?

[sll3454]

Originally Posted by cdlising

Since the Washington Bridge is not passable, what will be the other alternative route from Seattle to Vancouver, BC via car?

Check this thread:
I-5 over the Skagit River between Burlington and Mt. Vernon

Postpone your trip at least until the temporary bridge is up, if possible. Otherwise, use the detours and allow an extra hour for getting through the area.