This is the faster and more convient route which does not go through downtown Vancouver-
Overview
If you are driving from Seattle you can access a way of avoiding long
lines at the border as well as avoiding going through downtown
Vancouver. This will get you to either Bowen Island or West Vancouver
more quickly. It is actually very easy:
Interstate 5
to Meridian Street (also called Washington Highway 539)
in Bellingham
then this street changes to 264 St. in Canada after you
cross the border,
to Highway 1 west to West Vancouver or Horseshoe Bay.
Specific and More Detailed Directions
First, go north on Interstate-5 or I-5 to Bellingham.
You are going to get off at the Bellis Fair/Meridian St. (WA-539) exit in
Bellingham, Washington, which is the same exit that takes you to the
Bellis Fair Mall.
Exit North and STAY on Meridian Street while going towards the mall and continue
straight past Lynden, which will take you to the Aldergrove Border
Crossing.
The Aldergrove Border Crossing is a small border crossing and usually doesn’t have a big
line up. But it does close at night, so make sure you are there before
9pm and not earlier than 8am.
Cross the crossing, (you need a passport) and continue north on the
same road, in Canada to Highway 1, a major highway. (You should pass
the Vancouver Zoo and then Highway 1 entrance is just past that).
Go west on Highway 1.
You then continue west on Highway 1, over the main bridge, through
Burnaby, then on the periphery of Vancouver- just continue to stay on
highway 1.
DO NOT GO ON HIGHWAY 1A OR HIGHWAY 7.
You STAY ON HIGHWAY 1 AND then will go through the tunnel, then over another bridge, which takes you to North Vancouver.
Carry on by staying on the highway 1, to West Vancouver, all the way to
either Exit 13, to get to the West Van office or Horseshoe Bay Ferry
Terminal to get to Bowen Island.