Vancouver sits closer to the United States than to the rest of Canada — Seattle is nearer than Whistler feels on a Friday. This series covers the six US cities Vancouverites (and visitors extending a Vancouver trip) actually go to: how to get there, what it truly costs in USD, and the itineraries that survive contact with reality.
SeattleAmtrak south, Pike Place before the crowds, and the two-city itinerary
PortlandFood carts, Powell's and the no-sales-tax shopping run
San Francisco2h15 from YVR — fog truth, cable cars done right
Los AngelesPick one base, rent a car for one day, tacos always
Las VegasThe cheapest US flight — and the canyon day trips beyond the neon
New YorkRed-eye strategy, Brooklyn bases and the queue-skipping plan
MiamiWinter sun, turquoise ocean and the Caribbean cruise gateway
Before any US trip from Vancouver
Three pages worth reading first: the border crossing guide (wait times, NEXUS, what to declare coming home), the YVR guide (US preclearance means you land stateside as a domestic passenger), and ferries & boats to the USA for the slow scenic routes south.
Independent FanVancouver series · Last reviewed 2026-07-24 · BC cities hub · Vancouver guides