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 or follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@discoversnoco). ⚽
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Noteworthy Attractions in Skagit County
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.
Noteworthy Attractions in British Columbia, Canada
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.
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.
- Everett Station to Pacific Central Station in Vancouver:
- 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.
- Amtrak Cascades(Eugene, OR to Vancouver, BC)
- Everett Station to Pacific Central Station
- 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.
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.
⚽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. ⚽
