Bay Area to Vancouver B.C.

If you want to get there quickly, I5 is by far the fastest way. It's a long way to drag a toad unless you plan on using it though. Have you got plans in Vancouver BC?

Artum Snowbird wrote:
If you want to get there quickly, I5 is by far the fastest way. It's a long way to drag a toad unless you plan on using it though. Have you got plans in Vancouver BC?

Thanks! Still planning what exactly to do in Vancouver. Looking to explore Seattle a little and then downtown Vancouver, Capilano Bridge, etc. Then exploring Portland on the way back. We should have about half a day in Seattle, 2/1/2 in Vancouver and 1 1/2 in Portland. About 4 1/2 days of time to use the toad to get around.

Toad always makes it easier, especially when trying to get out with two young kids.

X2 Do yourself a favor and take I-205 around Portland and I-405 through Seattle especially during peak periods. When you approach the border take exit 276 to the truck crossing then north to highway 1. There are several campgrounds in the area, we like Dogwood in Surrey. It is relatively easy to get in and out of, reasonably priced and quiet. Don't even consider 99 into Vancouver with your rig.

romore wrote:
X2 Do yourself a favor and take I-205 around Portland and I-405 through Seattle especially during peak periods. When you approach the border take exit 276 to the truck crossing then north to highway 1. There are several campgrounds in the area, we like Dogwood in Surrey. It is relatively easy to get in and out of, reasonably priced and quiet. Don't even consider 99 into Vancouver with your rig.

Out of curiosity, why do you recommend no on 99?

As of now we were looking at 15 to 1 and we're going to stay at the capalino rv resort. I've heard the spots are a little tighter but the location is great. We prefer location..

If you want quick go 5 north. I agree take 205 around Portland. I disagree about taking 405 north around Seattle. 405,North, imho is worse than I-5 north due to all the east side traffic (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, 520, etc.

97 through Bend is way more beautiful a drive. Consider the extra time for the scenery. Worth it!

Rainier wrote:
If you want quick go 5 north. I agree take 205 around Portland. I disagree about taking 405 north around Seattle. 405,North, imho is worse than I-5 north due to all the east side traffic (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, 520, etc.

97 through Bend is way more beautiful a drive. Consider the extra time for the scenery. Worth it!

How much extra time do you think it would run? Is it also an easy road to travel?

dtoste77 wrote:

Out of curiosity, why do you recommend no on 99?.

Because it is a traffic nightmare. bad road and it's full of ill-tempered commuters.

Tom/Barb wrote:

dtoste77 wrote:

Out of curiosity, why do you recommend no on 99?.

Because it is a traffic nightmare. bad road and it's full of ill-tempered commuters.

Thanks for the heads up! I've read that the border crossing is also tight. Any recommendations. Are there some crossings better than others?

I would stay on I-5 on the way up since you mentioned stopping in Seattle on the way up. 97 through Bend would require you come come back down to the valley from the Cascades. Not very direct.

You have it right...cross border at 15 (pacific hwy) and then take 1 to Capilano Rd exit. ....99 will dump you right into downtown Vancouver streets with no freeway and the 1st Narrows bridge with 3 narrow lanes and variable lane control. Not at all where you want to be with your rig!
If you are not intimidated driving in close quarters traffic then stay on I-5 thru Portland if off peak traffic hrs, otherwise the 205 but it is 20 miles longer.
I-5 Seattle traffic just is what it is for 30 miles north or south of downtown but on I-5 computerized overhead lane speed control signs slow traffic when it is conjested so driving bumper to bumper in tight lanes is not too stressful.
There are rush hours in Seattle and Vancouver, but no rime or reason to conjestion some days. Sit back, relax, go with the flow...Vancouver traffic listen to AM radio1130 or 730.