The big Seattle to Vancouver road trip

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place across multiple host cities, it’s the perfect excuse to turn match day into an unforgettable North America road trip. And even if football’s not on your agenda, the drive between Seattle and Vancouver remains one of the region’s most compelling journeys no matter your interest. 

It’s also one of the most convenient North American car journeys – especially for those not used to Route 66-style odysseys – at just under three hours of driving, plus anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour at the US-Canada border, depending on traffic.  

Cathay Pacific provides regular, non-stop flights to both cities, and we have a special offer with Hertz. With a three-day rental, you’ll receive 888 plus 10% off, while rentals of five days or more come with 1,888 and a 10% discount. These offers apply to selected destinations in the US and Canada only. Book by 30 June and collect your vehicle by 31 July.

Starting from Seattle 

Your main highway for this journey is the famous Interstate 5 (I-5), which traces the US West Coast before ending at Blaine, on the Canadian border. Beyond the Seattle suburbs, you can see enchanting scenery from the highway and find memorable detours in almost any direction. 

Here are just a few of the top destinations en route.  

Skagit Valley 

After the first hour and a half of driving up the I-5, you’ll find yourself in the picture-postcard countryside of Skagit Valley, a lush agricultural region known for its spring tulip festival. Framed by the Cascade Mountains, the town of Mount Vernon offers no end of fresh farm produce, as well as Skagit’s Own Fish Market , run by local fishermen, where you can enjoy a standout seafood lunch.  

Ocean views 

Just past the town of Burlington, turn west onto Washington State Route 11 at Chuckanut Junction for a breathtaking ocean-view detour. The route begins slowly along the flatlands of the Samish Valley before turning onto Chuckanut Drive, where you’ll see stunning ocean views set against venerable conifers and dramatic sandstone cliffs.  

Before the road turns back onto the I-5, you’ll come to Fairhaven, a picturesque district on the outskirts of Bellingham that feels almost unchanged since the 19th century. This is the ideal place to break your journey if you’re planning a two-day trip, offering plenty of accommodation, cosy cafés and restaurants, art galleries and independent bookstores.  

Into the mountains 

If you’re looking for a day trip, continue beyond Bellingham to Highway 542, which will take you east into the wilds of the North Cascades. Along the way, detours lead you to the rushing water of Nooksack Falls, the Heather Meadows Visitor Center – a beautiful alpine picnic spot – and Picture Lake, where the blue waters reflect the glory of snow-capped Mount Shuksan. At the end of this highway is Artist Point, which offers panoramic views, but be advised that this stretch is typically only open from late summer into autumn, due to snow.  

Two essentials to bear in mind for the Cascades are passes and weather. There’s no fee to enter North Cascades National Park, but you’ll need a standard Northwest Forest Pass to park at most trailheads and sites. You can buy this online or at any US Forest Service ranger station. Additional permits are needed for overnight camping and backcountry or climbing trips. Most importantly, always check the status of the Mount Baker Highway on the Washington State Department of Transportation website before you set off. 

Longer drives 

Four days would give you enough time to drive the comprehensive Cascade Loop – a 440-mile National Scenic Byway that takes you through the jaw-dropping Cascade Mountains and the tranquil islands of Puget Sound.  

Canada 

The I5 brings you straight to the Peace Arch Border Crossing, which is open 24 hours a day but tends to be busiest around midday (there are alternative crossings further east). Make sure you have your travel documents with you and avoid taking fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, or alcohol across the border, all of which you’d need to declare at customs.  

Once across, you’re already in the Vancouver metro area, and British Columbia Highway 99 will take you straight into the city centre.  

Be aware 

You’ll need to inform your car rental company where you’re going in advance to get the right documentation for two jurisdictions. You can use a foreign driving license for a limited time in both Washington State and British Columbia, but have a separate ID handy to verify your identity if need be. Above all, always check the latest information about roads and weather before you set off, especially for mountain routes.