The best time to drive from Squamish, BC to Bellingham, Washington is between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

While not ideal for sleep, this is about the only way to make the 100-mile drive in the reasonable timeframe of an hour and a half, due to Vancouver’s perpetual traffic. Crossing the border at these odd hours, in an incredibly conspicuous RV nonetheless, does come with its drawbacks. Unwanted attention from US Border Patrol is a given and secondary inspection is a regular occurrence. Despite the uncomfortable crossings, it’s a drive Mark and I have done countless times.

Thanks to the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Bellingham boasts lower annual precipitation numbers than most places within the Sea-to-Sky corridor. This slightly more enjoyable weather makes it a popular riding destination for residents of our region between October and April, the true Canadian rain season. For us, Bellingham is a magical place where beer is cheap, gas is cheaper and you can find a great burrito on every corner. Not to mention, the town’s trail stock is incredible.

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