Take a Road Trip from Canada to Oregon

North to south along the main highway I-5, you can enjoy a lot of what nature and man have to offer. Starting at the Canadian border at a little town named Blaine, Washington through the border town Vancouver, Washington just north of Portland, Oregon, you can discover some off the beaten path places that the mainstream tourist may miss. 

Blaine, WA

In Blaine, right on the northern border of Washington and Canada, you will find a quiet, quaint little town. While in Blaine you can explore the Semiahmoo Bay and Park area. During summer you can take a tour of the cannery museum. On the National Register of Historic Places is a 20-passenger ferry that you can ride to enjoy the Drayton Harbor, the Canadian mountain range and quite possibly an eagle or two. 

Not Just a College Town, Bellingham

Next on your road trip check out the college town of Bellingham, home to Western Washington University. Bellingham has all sort of trails available to explore, and you can find a comprehensive trail guide on the city’s website. From tidepools and beaches to lush green forests you can take a walk and see all this part of the Northwest has to offer. If you prefer to take a scenic drive, you can head to the Chuckanut Drive (Hwy 11) starting in Historic Fairhaven. Head south you find Larrabee State Park, the first state park in Washington. You can rejoin I-5 in Burlington.

Just Outside the Capital

Continuing southbound on I-5 you can stop in at Tumwater Falls park just past Olympia, the state capital. There you can walk miles of trails, enjoy watching the falls and have several play areas to choose from for the kids. Further south you will find The Veterans Memorial Museum, check out their website for the calendar of events. Right down the road, you will see the Centralia Railroad and Museum. If you want to take a train ride, reservations are encouraged. Check out their many different themed train ride experiences available. 

Vancouver, WA not BC

Finally, as you arrive near Vancouver, Washington, you may want to check out Esther Short Park the oldest public square in Washington. This park has a water feature during summer hours along with walking paths and lawn areas. Unique to Esther Short Park is the glockenspiel that chimes at noon, 2 and 4 pm. Now you have some not so tourist, touring options.

When you visit Washington state, take in one of these while you are there.