Seattle to Whistler – Stress Free Driving Tips and Attractions to See

Are you planning a road trip along the West Coast to drive from Seattle to Vancouver or from Seattle to Whistler, BC for a weekend of skiing? Then we’ve got some great tips for you to enjoy the drive and also some attractions to see on the way.

With just over 200 miles separating Whistler and Seattle, the drive can vary between four and half hours to as much as six or seven hours depending on traffic congestion and border line ups. To help you reduce the stress of driving, we’ve compiled a list of attractions or things to do while driving from Seattle to Whistler.

Drive from Seattle to Canada/USA Border.

1. Travel on Highway I-5, heading north.
2. Arrive at the Peace Arch border crossing.

Tips, Attractions & Things to See:

• Shoppers, check out the Premium Outlets just north of Seattle on the I-5 at Exit 200.
• The Canadian and American border crossing is the half-way mark. Less than ten minutes away from the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway border crossings is White Rock, B.C where you can stretch the legs with a walk along the pier or refuel yourself with local fish and chips. This stop is particularly great in the summer.

Drive from Seattle to Whistler via Hwy 99.

1. Travel on Highway I-5, heading north and arrive at the Peace Arch border crossing.
2. Continue on Highway BC-99 North.
3. Continue onto Oak St. and turn left onto Park Dr.
4. Turn right onto Granville St. Follow signs directing to BC-99.
5. Turn left onto West  Georgia St and continue on BC-99 North.
6. Follow signs for Squamish/Whistler.

Tips, Attractions & Things to See:

• Downtown Vancouver, an hour north of the Canadian border crossing, is a haven for city living enthusiasts with food, beaches, seawalls, and shopping galore along Robson Street and Pacific Center Mall.
• Before crossing the Granville Street bridge and entering downtown Vancouver, you can visit the beaches, restaurants, or shops of Kitsilano and Spanish Banks.

Seattle to Whistler via Trans-Canada (Hwy.1) Pacific Highway Truck Border Crossing.

1. Travel on Highway I-5 North.
2. Take exit 275 & merge onto WA-543 N.  Truck Route.
3. Continue onto 176 St/Pacific Hwy/BC-15 N.
4. Take British Columbia 1 W ramp to Vancouver and Merge onto BC-1 W.
5. Slight left onto BC-99 N.

Tips, Attractions & Things to See:

• Drive into North Vancouver where can stop for a hike in Deep Cove or challenge the Grouse Mountain’s Grind for spectacular views of Vancouver.
• Another great option is to stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge (paid admission) or Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge (free admission).

Once leaving North Vancouver, the Trans-Canada becomes the Sea to Sky Highway with approximately one and a half to two hours of driving from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler. What was once one of the most dangerous highways in British Columbia has become one of the most relaxing and enjoyable drives since major renovations were completed prior to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The Sea to Sky Highway has always offered pristine views of Howe Sound and the surrounding islands, but now there are select rest stops with points-of-interest or view points of the region.

In addition to these rest stops, the Sea to Sky Highway offers numerous activities, attractions, or points-of-interest along the way including:

Attractions Along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, BC.

If you’re really interested in learning more about the aboriginal first nation’s people and their significance on the history of British Columbia, then check out this guide to first nation kiosk’s setup by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation.

After crossing the Canadian/ USA border, the drive from Seattle to Vancouver or Whistler is an absolute gem and presents lots of opportunities to enjoy for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy British Columbia. Either route you choose to drive from Seattle to Whistler, Hwy. 99 or Trans-Canada Hwy. 1, both present stress free options to enjoy a relaxing trip. Have you done the drive from Seattle to Whistler? Do you have any other must-see or must-stop activities along the way?