Whether you’re travelling via plane, train, boat or automobile, Vancouver is an easy-to-reach destination. Once here, there are many options to help you easily navigate this diverse, eclectic region and experience the very best of West Coast cuisine.
Visiting from Washington State:
If you plan to fly, catch a flight to either the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or Abbotsford International Airport (YXX). Sea-Tac has an abundance of flights to Vancouver and Abbotsford, with many taking less than an hour. During the summer months, you can get here by float plane from Lake Union or Lake Washington.
Rather take a drive? Simply head north on Interstate 5 (I-5) to the Peace Arch border crossing and then onto Highway 99 to reach Vancouver. In total, there are four border crossings into Metro Vancouver via the communities of Abbotsford, Aldergrove and Surrey. The approximate driving time from Seattle into British Columbia is roughly three hours (but could be more depending on the border). Signs near the highways list border wait times – or click here for the latest border information.
Want to watch the world go by via train? Amtrak offers a relaxing and scenic way to get here, along with some incredible waterfront views.
Visiting via Vancouver Island:
Whether you’re visiting from Victoria or other BC island destinations, it’s a breeze to visit Metro Vancouver. Simply drive or walk onto one of the many BC Ferries vessels and make your way to Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen, where a world of culinary adventures await on the mainland. Click here for BC Ferries scheduling information.
Visiting on a cruise ship:
If Vancouver’s your homeport, then take some time to get to know this unique region’s urban centres and vibrant small communities. The cruise ships board right downtown, making it easy to explore a little further and extend your holiday.
Once here, there are many ways to get around:
- Vehicles are available from many car rental companies, such as Alamo Rent-a-Car, Avis Rent-a-Car, Budget Car and Truck Rental, Enterprise Rent-a-Car or Hertz Car Rentals.
- Public transit: Metro Vancouver’s public transit offers easy access to various communities, and includes the SkyTrain light rail system, buses, the West Coast Express (a weekday commuter train) and the SeaBus, a passenger-only ferry that takes you from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore.
Looking for other options to explore the area? Try the following:
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- Harbour Air Seaplanes and Seair Seaplanes: Soar the skies and land on water at any number of nearby destinations with these local companies, getting a breathtaking bird’s eye view of Metro Vancouver and BC islands along the way.
- Landsea Tours & Adventures: Take in the sights with any one of their guided tours, including a Vancouver city highlights and a North Shore tour, among others.
- Evergreen Adventures: Book a private tour of culinary delight with multi-lingual guides who are ready to tailor your experience.
- Westcoast Sightseeing: Check out Vancouver through this hop-on, hop-off bus tour or experience a fully-guided tour of Vancouver, the North Shore and other nearby attractions.
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