Beautiful Game, Beautiful Cites: A Guide to Reaching Vancouver, BC, from Snohomish County

A soccer-ready travelogue for exploring some of the best hidden gems, major tourist destinations, and modes of transportation between Snohomish County and Vancouver, British Columbia.

⚽This content is part of our #SnoCoGameday Series, which captures all the excitement of the beautiful game in the Pacific Northwest. As our region prepares to host the world’s biggest sporting event in summer 2026, make it your goal to plan a pitch-perfect escape to Snohomish County. For more information, resources, and content, visit discoversnoco.com. ⚽

A skyline view of Van City, which will host 7 matches in this summer's world soccer tournament.

Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most iconic cities in the Pacific Northwest. It’s revered for amazing sites such as Stanley Park and Granville Island – and it even hosted the winter games in 2010. This summer, the city affectionately known as Van City will once again be in the global spotlight when the largest sporting event in the history of the world (yes, you read that correctly) kicks off with seven international soccer matches at BC Place.

With matches taking place in Vancouver over the course of 25 days, the city is primed to be a destination of endless fanfare and excitement. Visitors looking to explore Vancouver and beyond will find that all roads – and rails and waterways – run through Snohomish County, Washington.

The Peach Arch Historical State Park is a neutral zone that allows visitors from the United States and Canada to mingle without crossing borders.

Located less than less than 95 miles (153 km) south of Vancouver is where you’ll find Snohomish County. It’s 2,000 square miles (3,200 square kilometers) of serene land where the pace slows down, the crowds thin, and nature always wins the gold.

Join us on a journey as we head north to check out the many amazing cities, towns, and neighborhoods that lie between Snohomish County and Vancouver. With a convenient location along the north-south arterial Interstate 5, we chose Everett, WA, as the starting point for travel.

Discover some of the region’s best hidden gems, major tourist destinations, and modes of transportation that are all within reach of Snohomish County – and en route to Vancouver. It also highlights many reasons why Snohomish County is the perfect basecamp for your PNW soccer adventure.

The Journey North: Everett to Vancouver, BC

A short trip north of the Canadian border is one of the world’s foremost international cities: Vancouver, BC. It’s a city full of culture, great food, nature, and it’s home to Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds. Vancouver will host five group stage matches, one round of 32 match, and one round of 16 match. Nations competing in the group stage include Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Belgium. You can also watch Canada compete here in the group stage, with matches against Qatar and Switzerland.

Pictured: AmTrak Cascades connects passengers on a scenic route that spans 467 miles (750 km) from Eugene, OR, to Vancouver, BC.

Places to Visit Between Everett and Vancouver, BC

Key Stops in Snohomish County

Everett

A former mill town that offers upscale experiences while staying rooted in its gritty seaside fish-and-lumber history.

Our picks:

  • Things to do: Everett Marina, Everett AquaSox (baseball), Jetty Island
  • Summer events: Sorticulture Garden Arts Festival, SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone
  • Where to eat & drink: Capers + Olive, El Mariachi
  • Where to stay: Hotel Indigo, Delta Hotel

    Bonus: Fly roundtrip with direct flights to west coast regional soccer tournament matches in San Francisco and Los Angeles from Paine Field Airport.
Pictured: The scenic Everett Marina will serve as the official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone in Everett.

Marysville

A scenic destination with natural beauty that’s distinctly PNW and a prime basecamp location for exploring the region.

Our picks:

  • Things to do: Centennial Trail, Ebey Waterfront Park, Downtown shopping and dining
  • Summer events: Marysville Strawberry Festival
  • Where to eat & drink: Jeff’s Texas, BBQ, 5 Rights Brewing Company
  • Where to stay: Home2Suites by Hilton Marysville
Pictured: There are 31 species of birds inhabiting the Ebey Waterfront Trail. Can you spot them all?

Tulalip

A place where history and modern luxury live side-by-side. The 22,000-acre Tulalip Indian Reservation is more than just a destination; it’s the sovereign homeland of the Tulalip Tribes.

Our picks:

  • Things to do: Hibulb Cultural Center, Seatle Premium Outlets, Tulalip Amphitheatre
  • Where to eat & drink: Blackfish Wild Salmon Bar & Grill, Tula Bene
  • Where to stay: Tulalip Resort Casino
Pictured: The Hibulb Cultural Center inhabits the space where the past informs the present.

Arlington

A city of grit, vigor, and artistry that’s molded from sun-baked bricks and smalltown stucco storefronts crouching in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

Our picks:

  • Things to do: Agritourism/U-pick farms, Centennial Trails, Whitehorse Trail, Flyfishing in Stillaguamish River
  • Where to eat & drink: Nutty’s Junkyard Grill, Stilly Diner, Lighthouse
  • Summer events: Arlington Farmers Market
Pictured: Downtown Arlington in all its glory on a summer day.

Stanwood

Located where the Stillaguamish River meets the Salish Sea, Stanwood offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s also the gateway to beautiful Camano Island.

Our picks:

  • Things to do: Port Susan Trail, Camano Island, Shopping
  • Where to eat & drink: SAAL Brewing Co., Mammoth Burger, Stanwood Cupcakes, Brewcade
Pictured: SAAL Brewing is a popular spot for a beer and a bite in Stanwood.

Noteworthy Attractions in Skagit County

Located directly above Snohomish County is Skagit County: a place known for its vibrant landscapes, rich history, and welcoming communities. Some of our favorite places in Skagit include:

  • Downtown Mount Vernon – A vivacious, historic downtown corridor situated on the Skagit River.
  • La Conner – A thriving arts community tucked amid a charming waterfront town.
  • Anacortes – An island city with a bustling downtown and ferry access to the San Juan Islands.
Mount Vernon has international acclaim for its vibrant Tulip Festival that blooms to life during the spring season.

Noteworthy Attractions in Whatcom County

When you hit Whatcom County, you’re in the homestretch to British Columbia, Canada. It’s a great area for outdoor recreation and amazing views of Mt. Baker and the Salish Sea. Here are our go-to spots in Whatcom:

  • Bellingham – A scenic college town with an appetite for the outdoors and craft beer.
  • Birch Bay – A coastal beach town perfectly situated for water sports and crabbing.
  • Border City Peace Arch Park – An international park that’s accessible from both Blaine, WA and Surrey, BC.
Pictured: Downtown Bellingham is historic, lively, and beautiful all at once.

Noteworthy Attractions in British Columbia, Canada

Welcome to Canada! Now that you’ve crossed the border, you’re well on your way to Vancouver. On your trip, we recommend some great spots to explore:

  • Duty-Free Store – An international retail outlet that offers lower, tax-free prices on items such as liquor, cosmetics, and luxury goods. You can find duty-free shops on your way to both United States and Canada at select border crossings.
  • White Rock – A beach town with a walkable downtown and a historic pier. Pro tip: Visit Graham at the Wooden Spoon in White Rock for some amazing poutine – that’s fries, gravy, and cheese.
  • Richmond – A cultural melting pot known for its authentic Asian cuisine and booming night market. Pro tip: Check out the Richmond Dumpling Trail for the best dim sum north of the border.
BBQ Smoked Meat Poutine at Wooden Spoon in White Rock, BC

Noteworthy Attractions in Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC is a major coastal city with much to explore. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Stanley Park – A gorgeous urban park that’s larger than New York’s Central Park.
  • Vancouver Aquarium – A renowned science and marine center that houses more than 65,000 sea animals, creatures, and critters.
  • Capilano Suspension Bridge – A 460-foot-long (140 meters) bridge that hangs 230 feet (70 meters) above a rainforest setting.
  • VanDusen Botanical Garden – A 55-acre garden with over 7,500 plant species, themed gardens, and a hedge maze.
  • Granville Island – A thriving shopping district with a diverse public market and activities for the whole family.
Pictured: Hang loose on the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a birds-eye view of a rainforest setting in the city.

Plan Your Route: Everett to Vancouver, BC

If driving, check traffic reports for the most accurate time estimates. If using public transportation, refer to your transit operator resources for details on price and times of operation.

  • By bus (Average trip time: 3 hours & 15 minutes)
    • Everett Station to Pacific Central Station in Vancouver:
      • Intercity buses (Greyhound/FlixBus/Trailways)
      • AmTrak Thruway
        Note: Buses typically cross at Peach Arch crossing in Blaine and require a valid passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver’s License.
  • By train (Average trip time: 3 hours & 12 minutes)
    • Everett Station to Pacific Central Station
      • Amtrak Cascades(Eugene, OR to Vancouver, BC)
        Note: All passengers must go through Canadian customs upon arrival in Vancouver. A valid passport or travel documentation is required.
  • By car (Average trip time: 2-3 hours)
    • Peach Arch (I-5): Main crossing at Blaine, WA and Surrey, BC border. Open 24 hours, seven days a week.
    • Pacific Highway Truck Crossing (SR-543): East of Peace Arch in Blaine.
    • Lynden/Aldergrove (SR-539): Lynden, WA. Operates 8am-midnight daily.
    • Sumas/Abbotsford (SR-9): Eastern-most crossing in Sumas, WA. Open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Bonus: Transfer from the Sound Transit bus lines 510/512 at Lynnwood City Center to ride the light rail to downtown Seattle or stadium district.

Pictured: Join us in bringing #SnoCoGameday to Canada!

Canada - US border crossing information

Now that you know what to expect, it looks like you’re finally ready to plan your Pacific Northwest soccer adventure through Snohomish County and beyond. To learn even more about our beautiful cities, visitdiscoversnoco.com.

To cross the border from the United States into Canada, you’ll need valid and proper identification, including:

  • Passport
  • Passport card
  • Enhanced Driver’s License

For additional information on gaining border entry into Canada or the United States, including required identification for minors crossing the border, please contact the US Customs and Border Protection Information Center or your federal government agency.

Pictured: One of the many beautiful treasures at Peace Arch Historical State Park

⚽Explore Beyond the Pitch: From the opening kick to the triumphant hoisting of the trophy — and beyond — Snohomish County, WA is your top destination for a pitch-perfect escape. In Snohomish County, you’ll discover that the best pre- and post-match plays aren’t made on turf, they’re made on trails, kayaks, and brewery patios. When the beautiful game kicks off in the Pacific Northwest, plan your escape in one of the many beautiful cities in Snohomish County. ⚽

Nick Shekeryk

Nick Shekeryk

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