Best Vancouver Tours from Seattle

Ways to Get from Seattle to Vancouver

By train: The Amtrak Cascades line is a scenic and stress-free option. Coach fares are often around US $50 one-way, much cheaper than flying, and include two free checked bags, outlets, reclined seating, Wi-Fi, café car and more legroom. Northbound is ~3½-4 hours (count some time for border customs in Vancouver).

By car or bus: Driving takes around 3 hours plus border wait. Buses like Quick Shuttle are economical, but transit delays and highway traffic can add unpredictability. Some day tours use a coach pick-up in Seattle with return the same day - covering Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island and Canada Place in roughly 6-7 hours.

Flying: Faster in airtime (~1 hour), but add TSA and customs hassles. Typically pricier (~US $150) and less flexible if you have heavy luggage.

Top Things to Do in Vancouver

Hit the seawall in Stanley Park, explore totem poles, bike or walk along its waterfront trails. Don’t miss Granville Island’s Public Market, local food and craft shops. Gastown is charming with the steam clock and Victorian-era storefronts. Canada Place and FlyOver Canada (4D film show) provide waterfront views and immersion into Canadian landmarks. For dining, neighborhoods like Yaletown, Chinatown and Commercial Drive offer multicultural eats and cozy cafés.

Extend Your Trip: Victoria, Whistler & More

Venture further with a ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island - explore historic downtown and Butchart Gardens. Continue on mainland to Whistler (Peak 2 Peak Gondola, hiking). Other options include North Cascades National Park, or the San Juan Islands via Anacortes ferry.

If you’re planning Canada tours from Seattle beyond Vancouver, multi-city itineraries with Victoria and Seattle or Vancouver-Victoria-Seattle routes are popular. Using railways or ferries for transportation is also an option to avoid the hassle of driving yourself.

Sample Itineraries: 3, 5 or 7 Days

3-Day Tour from Seattle to Vancouver (train or road):

Day 1: Travel from Seattle to Vancouver in the morning, check into downtown hotel (many near Canada Place). Spend the afternoon walking Stanley Park and Gastown, dinner in Chinatown or Yaletown.

Day 2: Morning at Granville Island Public Market, water activities or FlyOver Canada, afternoon shopping. Evening stroll along Coal Harbour.

Day 3: Explore Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park or take a short day trip (e.g. Capilano Suspension Bridge), return to Seattle evening via train or road.

5-Day Road Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive north from Seattle via I-5 (~3 hrs). Optional pit stop at Peace Arch Monument at Blaine border. Lunch in Surrey or Richmond, then head into Vancouver. Afternoon in Gastown or flat walk in Stanley Park.

Day 2: Venture to Grouse Mountain via Sea to Sky corridor; enjoy trails and gondola views.

Day 3: Full day around Granville Island, neighborhood zones, local food & markets.

Day 4: Head to Whistler or take a ferry to Victoria from Tsawwassen (if you want islands).

Day 5: Return to Seattle via scenic route, maybe stop in Bellingham or Chuckanut Drive for coastal views and local seafood.

7-Day Multi-City Itinerary:

Days 1-3: Explore Vancouver (as above).

Day 4: Ferry to Victoria, roam inner harbour, Butchart Gardens.

Day 5: Stay in Victoria or head back to Vancouver.

Day 6: Seattle coastal spots or Mt Rainier day trip.

Day 7: Explore Seattle before departure.

Insider Tips & Pro Advice

• Book train tickets at least a month ahead for best prices and seat selection. Sit leftside northbound for waterfront views and right side southbound.
• Arrive at stations 30-90 minutes early to clear customs (U.S. and Canadian forms often required).
• Don’t confuse Vancouver BC with Vancouver WA when booking Amtrak - make sure destination is Vancouver, British Columbia.
• For travel flexibility, consider doing the train northbound and bus or car return, or vice versa. Be ready for possible freight-train delays - coast rail corridor prioritizes freight.
• Stay downtown Vancouver for walkability; hotels near Georgia Street reopened after renovation in mid-2024 (like Hotel Georgia) for improved comfort.

Enjoy your well-planned, laid-back journey from Seattle to Vancouver with confidence - and make the most of every scenic mile.