Across the United States border in Canada, two major cities offer more travel adventure, making them perfect to add to your itinerary or as fun-packed weekend trips.
It’s about a four-hour drive from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia, with a border crossing. Vancouver’s lively downtown core is filled with skyscrapers, plazas, restaurants, shops, and iconic attractions. On the western edge of downtown, Stanley Park is a top draw, featuring 400 hectares of greenery and a paved seawall path perfect for jogging and strolling along to water views.
Also in downtown is Vancouver Lookout, a 130-meter-tall observation deck with views of the entire city and the Pacific Ocean. Ride to the top in a glass elevator and walk around the enclosed observation deck. If shopping is more appealing, don’t miss Robson Street, the Canadian city’s famous shopping district. Over 150 shops line this historic thoroughfare, so you can find everything from designer clothing and stylish accessories to local gifts and artisan food.
Other unique attractions include Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first authentic classical Chinese garden built outside of China; Gastown, the city’s oldest neighborhood featuring historic buildings and art galleries; and Granville Island, famous for its massive indoor public market. And just outside of downtown Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park lets you walk across the Capilano River, 70 meters up in the air on a suspension bridge, to a network of treehouse-like viewing platforms on the other side.
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A three-and-a half-hour drive and ferry ride southwest of Vancouver, or a five-hour drive and ferry ride from Seattle, is the historic city of Victoria. It’s located on the tip of Vancouver Island and delivers plenty of charm, including ivy-covered brick buildings, historic architecture, elegant formal gardens, and boats bobbing in the city harbor.
The luxurious Fairmont Empress Hotel, located on the picturesque Inner Harbour, is famous for its formal English teas, which include loose-leaf teas, finger sandwiches, mini cakes, and freshly baked scones. Embark on more tradition and history with a visit to Craigdarroch Castle. The restored mansion was built by a coal baron in the 1890s and is now open for public tours to view its Romanesque Revival interiors. Another must-see is The Butchart Gardens, a world-famous display of more than 900 flower varieties and show gardens just north of Victoria in Brentwood Bay. Stop by the serene Japanese garden for pictures with the beautiful red bridge and wander through the sweet-smelling rose garden, where trellises create a tunnel of fragrant floral blooms.
Travel Info: Vancouver is a three-hour drive (230 kilometers) from Seattle. Take I-5 north to the Peace Arch border crossing. Travelers must have a valid passport. Continue on BC-99 north to Vancouver. Amtrak also offers train service to Vancouver from downtown Seattle’s King Street Station. Victoria is a drive and ferry ride from Seattle. Take I-5 north to exit 230 for WA-20 west to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Washington State Ferries to Victoria depart from Anacortes daily. Clipper Vacations also offers ferry service to Victoria directly from the Seattle waterfront. Travelers must have a valid passport.