Yes, I am aware of the enhanced driver’s licenses. But a few months ago I read that while an enhanced driver’s license will get one into Canada, A US passport is needed to return to the US without being delayed for questioning.
Wonder if an enhanced driver’s license with a MAGA hat will work.
When traveling by air into Canada, a passport is required, FYI, regardless of state of residency.
By boat as well according to several Washington state cruise lines to Victoria.
The OP didn’t say she was traveling from Atlanta, just the ‘South’. Yes, it is possible to get to California or Arizona or other big city in a morning’s travel from Atlanta or Charlotte, but try doing it from smaller cities that require a connecting flight. It takes forever.
So if driving it appears that an enhanced driver’s license will work to get back into the US. Surprised that it also appears that it will work for sea travel. Guess the cruise lines suggest or require passports in order to avoid reentry delays or issues.
I’ve traveled from the east coast to Phoenix for five day trips…but really…that meant i was actually IN Phoenix for 3 days because with the time changes, and travel time…really a day on either end was travel. Ok…3 1/2 days because traveling west,we did get there in time for…dinner out.
I’d try to stay in the same time zone or one zone away…if you only have five days total.
My family went to Seattle (we live in CO) last spring break to see U of W, and now the younger two (teens) want to go back this spring break. It’s a quirky, fun place. We stayed at an AirBnB that was super cool. Husband and son went on a seaplane trip. Anyway, highly recommend. Also, CO is beautiful–but could be blizzard, could be 70. Good luck!
Thanks, everyone! I’m overwhelmed by the great suggestions. To clarify: We do have passports (and use them frequently!), so that’s not a problem. I’ve decided I want to stay in US/Canada/Latin Am, bc less time flying for such a short trip.
Do you all think we are crazy for wanting cold weather in March? We don’t get snow at home and we also spend a lot of time on the beach, so Canada or somewhere like Maine sound different and interesting. I’ve zeroed in on Quebec since it sounds like a good combo of small city and outdoor stuff (I realize outdoor will be cold but the thrill of it will be fun…yes???).
I’ve also been to Quebec City and Mount Saint Anne in the winter. Oh boy was it cold! But it was amazing to see the St Lawrence River frozen and huge slabs of ice piled on top of each other. I also saw people ice climbing up frozen waterfalls. As long as you dress warmly, I don’t think you can go wrong with this trip because there are so many things to see and do, and it’s interesting to see the old city and port and experience the culture. It’s definitely a worthwhile trip.
Go for Quebec City!!
Just clarifying since it was on this thread that this is not true. Not sure where it was read, but definitely not true. Folks including some of my relatives who don’t otherwise go overseas use them all the time to cross the border both ways.
Moving on since it doesn’t affect the OP… my middle lad is in Quebec City now for a juggling festival. He’s gone a couple of other years too. March is just part of life in Canada. The country doesn’t shut down. They embrace it. If you live in an area without snow and cold, I think it’s a fantastic trip (Montreal or Quebec City).
Some time ago some parents and I made lists of things we thought everyone should see in their lifetime. My list was a bit different than the others. It included things like “real snow” along with deserts, oceans from more than one spot, palm trees, coniferous and deciduous forests, eastern and western mountains, geysers, coral reefs, etc. What can I say… my avatar reflects our love of the planet. 
If you get to see endless fresh white snow, esp more than an inch or two deep, it’s gorgeous.
Not if you have to shovel it!
@ProfessorMom1 : I have been to Jungfraujoch (top of Europe – https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe/) and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (https://www.matterhornparadise.ch/en/Media-Corner/Matterhorn-glacier-ride/Cable-car-station). (both in summer, we don’t ski.) In my opinion, if you would like to see beautiful snow-capped mountain in spring break, go to Whistler to take PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola (https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/peak-2-peak-360-experience.aspx).
Vancouver itself is very beautiful. The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is easy during winter and one of the most beautiful in the world ( Sea to Sky Highway – https://www.whistler.com/getting-here/road/driving-directions/). Take a BC Ferry to Victoria (http://www.travelingislanders.com/vancouver-island-with-bc-ferries/) to see Butchart Gardens and have an authentic English afternoon tea there. We have driven to Tofino – one of the most difficult drive in my life but extremely beautiful. You can take Black Ball Ferry (M.V. Coho) from Victor to Port Angeles (back to US – http://www.travelingislanders.com/getting-to-vancouver-island/sea-%E2%80%A2-usa-ferries-vancouver-island/).
If you only have 4-5 days, Vancouver/Whistler/Victoria is a good itinerary.
BTW, if you would like to try Japanese ramen noodle, Ramen Jinya (#7 – https://vancouver.eater.com/maps/vancouvers-top-10-try-before-you-die-ramen) is extremely good.
Yes. The last time we went there was during Christmas break. My kid took some full day ski lessons at Whistler. It is an once-in-a-life-time experience even if you never ski before.
It is best to go to Lake Louise in summer. I have been to Quebec city several times. Nothing compared to Whistler in terms of natural beauty, especially if you want to see world-class snow.
One does not need to drive all the way to Whistler from Vancouver to play in the snow and ski. Grouse Mountain area is just above the city. If you make reservations at the restaurant at the top, you will get a complementary ride in the tram to the top.
https://www.grousemountain.com/the-observatory-restaurant
Great views of the city.
“If you only have 4-5 days, Vancouver/Whistler/Victoria is a good itinerary.”
We’ve done this trip (and Tofino) and loved it and would also recommend it but I’d find 4-5 days for it a bit rushed, IMO, especially if that includes traveling time.
Cherry blossoms bloom in mid-late March and Japan would be awesome for that. If you didn’t want to go that far, seeing the cherry blossoms in Seattle at the U-Dub is an awesome site to see.