Can I Drive From Seattle to Vancouver Island: The Full Guide
Traveling between Seattle and Vancouver Island can be a bit of a challenge, but there are ways to make the journey easier and more efficient. In this guide, we’ll explore the routes you can take, the requirements for driving, and the alternatives available if you are unable to drive directly.
Driving and Ferry Routes
While driving directly from Seattle to Vancouver Island is not currently possible, you can still reach your destination via ferry crossings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip:
Route 1: I-5 and BC-99
Start by following Interstate 5 (I-5) to the border. Once you cross the border, the road becomes BC-99, which will take you all the way to Vancouver. This is a scenic route with beautiful views of the coastal areas, but you will need to navigate ferry crossings along the way.
Route 2: US 101
US Route 101 provides another route to Vancouver Island, though it also involves ferry crossings. Both routes require you to cross the Salish Sea, the recent relabelling of Puget Sound, the Straight of Juan de Fuca, and the Gulf of Georgia. Despite the allure, a bridge is not feasible due to the low traffic volume, making ferry crossings the most practical solution.
When and How to Drive
Unless you have a special amphibious vehicle and know the exact tide schedules, driving directly from Seattle to Vancouver Island is not possible most of the year due to the high water levels in the straits. The tides are exceptionally low only a couple of times a year, making such a voyage extremely difficult even then.
Alternative: The :coho ferry
If you are determined to travel by road, you can drive from Seattle to Port Angeles, Washington, and take the Coho ferry across the twenty-mile-wide Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, which is the southern point of Vancouver Island. Victoria is located within Canada, so you will officially be entering Canada upon arrival.
Other Transportation Options
While driving across the straits is not possible, there are other transportation options available:
Ferries
The BC Ferry System provides regular ferry service to Vancouver Island. You can take a ferry from:
Tsawassen (south of Vancouver) to Nanaimo and Sydney Horseshoe Bay (near Vancouver) to Nanaimo Port Angeles, Washington to Victoria (served by the Black Ball Ferry Line)Air Travel
For connecting to Vancouver, you can use several airports on Vancouver Island that are served by commuter airlines from Vancouver International Airport. Additionally, there are scheduled seaplane services to several coastal communities including Victoria from both Vancouver and Seattle.
Conclusion
While direct driving from Seattle to Vancouver Island is not possible due to the water barriers, driving to Vancouver via ferry and then taking another ferry to the island is a practical alternative. If you need to access Vancouver Island from Seattle, you should plan your trip accordingly by taking advantage of the ferries and airports on the island.