Unforgettable Seattle Vancouver Victoria Road Trip : 8 Day Itinerary

Are you looking for a scenic international road trip packed with nature, city fun, and even ferry rides? Our Seattle Vancouver Victoria road trip -8 days (and beyond) was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

This journey is great for international travelers or anyone who wants to explore the Pacific Northwest but doesn’t have time for a long vacation.

We traveled in May, and even though it was still a bit snowy in some places, we saw beautiful cities, lakes, waterfalls, and coastlines. Visiting Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria had always been a dream of mine. So when I found out we could easily combine them into one trip—including a ferry ride to Victoria—it felt like the perfect adventure!

8 day Itinerary : Seattle Vancouver Victoria Road Trip at a Glance

Day-1. Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma Airport

Day-2. Drive to Vancouver → Explore city → Richmond Fisherman’s Wharf → Ferry to Victoria

Day-3. Explore Victoria → Ferry to Port Angeles → Olympic National Park

Day-4. Olympic National Park → Lake Crescent → Ruby Beach

Day-5. Mount Rainier National Park → Nike HQ

Day-6. Portland: International Rose Test Garden → Multnomah Falls

Day-7. Seattle: Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Lake Union Park

Day-8. Seattle: Starbucks HQ, Bruce Lee’s Grave, Salmon Bay, Microsoft, Snoqualmie Falls → Airport

Travel Tips Before You Go

• Border Crossing: Have your passport ready when entering Canada and again when returning to the U.S.
• Rental Car: Check your rental company’s policy for driving across the border.
• Ferries: Book your BC Ferries tickets in advance
• Weather: May can still be snowy in the mountains! Bring layers and waterproof gear.
• Currency: Credit cards work in both countries, but it’s good to have a small amount of Canadian cash.

Seattle to Vancouver

We landed in Seattle-Tacoma Airport and immediately started our drive toward Vancouver, BC. It was exciting to cross the U.S.–Canada border by car for the first time. We used the Peace Arch border crossing, which went smoothly.

Exploring Vancouver and Richmond

We first enjoyed the city of Vancouver, walking around downtown and experiencing the modern city with beautiful mountain views. Afterward, we visited Richmond Fisherman’s Wharf, where colorful houses and boats lined the water.

From there, we drove to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and boarded a ferry to Victoria. The ferry ride was scenic and fun—sailing past small islands with beautiful views all around.

Discovering Victoria, BC

Victoria was full of charm! The downtown area and harbor were very walkable and peaceful. We enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere, colorful buildings, and ocean views.

After exploring, we crossed back into the USA (Port Angeles)

Olympic National Park Hikes

Even in May, many trails were still snow-covered!

• Cirque Nature Trail: We were surprised by how much snow was still on the ground.
• Hall of Mosses: A magical forest with bright green moss everywhere—no snow here!
• Quinault Loop Trailhead: Quiet and peaceful nature walk.
• Lake Crescent: Stunning views of a deep blue lake.
• Ruby Beach: A beautiful and unique beach with rocks and driftwood—perfect photo spot!

Mount Rainier

Next, we visited Mount Rainier National Park, starting at Paradise parking lot and taking the Skyline Trail. The snow made the hike tough—we turned around halfway when everything turned white! Still, it was an unforgettable experience.

We also stopped by Martha Falls, which was powerful and cold but worth the short walk.

Nike HQ and Portland Gardens

In Oregon, we drove past Nike World Headquarters. We couldn’t go inside, but the building looked very sporty and stylish—definitely iconic!

Next, we visited the International Rose Test Garden in Portland. It was peaceful and full of colorful roses, and not crowded at all. Nearby, there’s a Japanese Garden, which looked beautiful, but we didn’t have time to enter.

Multnomah Falls : A Dream Spot

One of the places I always wanted to visit was Multnomah Falls, and it didn’t disappoint! The waterfall was tall and stunning, and we got a little wet walking on the bridge in front of it. Parking is limited, but since people don’t stay long, the wait wasn’t too bad.

Back in Seattle

We ended our trip with a few relaxing and fun stops around Seattle:

• Boeing Tour and First Starbucks: Check out my separate blog post for details!
• Pike Place Market: Tried Beecher’s Mac & Cheese—so creamy and delicious!

• Gum Wall: A little gross but also kind of cool… an unexpected art display!

• Space Needle: We didn’t go up, but walking around the base was fun.

• Lake Union Park: Beautiful day, lots of geese and baby birds, and some bunnies too!

• Dick’s Drive-In: We had classic burgers in the car. Yum!

Extra Stops Around Seattle

• Starbucks HQ: A stylish and relaxing cafe to take a break.

• Bruce Lee & Brandon Lee Grave: Quiet stop—no one was there.

• Salmon Bay Waterway: We watched the bridge lift up for boats—fascinating!

• Microsoft Campus: For more, see my factory tour blog post!
• First Costco: A fun visit with a piece of Costco’s history on the wall.

• Ivar’s Seafood Restaurant: Great clam chowder and fish & chips—highly recommend!

• Snoqualmie Falls: Not too high, but a beautiful and peaceful waterfall to finish our trip.

Tips and What I’d Do Differently

• In May, snow might limit hiking options in the mountains.
• Try to book ferries early.
• If we had more time, I would have loved to visit the Japanese Garden in Portland!
• This itinerary is a bit busy—but worth it if you love exploring different places every day.

Want a Totally Different Road Trip Experience in West USA?

If you’re looking for a completely different kind of road trip — with desert landscapes, national parks, and iconic red rocks — I also recommend our scenic 10-day itinerary through the Southwest USA:

👉 10-Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary from Las Vegas: Cactus, Canyons & Red Rocks

It’s a perfect loop from Las Vegas with stops at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley, White Sands, and more. A great option if you’re craving sunshine and wide-open spaces!

Final Thoughts

Our Seattle–Vancouver–Victoria road trip gave us a little bit of everything: international city vibes, peaceful nature, cultural stops, and tasty food. It’s perfect for travelers who want a packed but rewarding adventure in just over a week.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to the Pacific Northwest or just want to see new places in a familiar region, I highly recommend this route. I hope our journey gives you ideas for your own!