A weekend jumping from Orcas to San Juan Island.

Watch the sun slowly dip down from the comfort of your own balcony after you’ve scrubbed the dirt and washed the sand off your little ones from a long day of exploring. Instead of battling crowds and waiting in lines, introduce your children to the finer things in life like clams caught mere steps from where they are eaten. Spend your mornings walking out to an island made accessible only by low tide.

Listen in awe at the excited squeals from each discovery of sea stars, sea cucumbers, and crabs. Spend the day whale-watching and the evening on a sunset sail. From Lopez to Orcas and San Juan Island, each has its own distinct sense of place and will have a unique draw to visitors. When you cannot decide which island is right for you, don’t. Instead, plan an “island-hopping” adventure, combining the best of what a couple of islands have to offer.

I once read an article that stated you get 940 Saturdays and you are done. Put succinctly, this is the time between when your child is born and when they turn eighteen. After reading that article I made a conscious decision that once I had children, I would never let a weekend go by without unstructured exploring, adventure, and family time. Every parent desires to instill certain values into their children and for me, a top priority is a love of nature.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are fortunate to be surrounded by forests, oceans, beaches, mountains, and everything in between. As a parent, I want to take full advantage of my surroundings. So rather than spoil my children with trips to Disneyland and plastic toys they will easily lose interest in, I have spoiled them with ferry rides, whale watching trips, kayaking adventures, and hours upon hours of beach time.

On this trip we visited both Orcas and San Juan Island. Orcas is great for small-town vibes and offers many diverse places to hike, shop, camp, and beach comb. When I think of Orcas Island, I picture the white picket fences of Eastsound, moss-laden Moran State Park, and acres upon acres of farmland.

San Juan Island is a great hub for ad- venturing and experiencing the beauty of the San Juans while still enjoying all the modern conveniences right at your fingertips. With the San Juans, picking a favorite island is difficult, so you really have to experience them all for yourself and see what fits your personality best.

Start on Orcas Island

Wake up to the sound of waves in your perfectly appointed Water’s Edge suite at Outlook Inn. Make the short jaunt across the street to New Leaf Cafe for a hearty breakfast of waffles, biscuits and gravy, or eggs benedict to fuel your day. Next, load up the car and head out to Moran State Park to be amongst the trees and hike Cascade Loop Lake or Mountain Lake Loop. If you find your- self without little ones, make a full day of it and hike up Mount Constitution.

If hiking is not your idea of time well spent, then take the easy route and drive your car up to the top of the mountain instead. Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands, rising nearly half a mile above Orcas Island, and offers breathtaking scenery. At the top, make a game of it and see who can spot Canada first or who is able to name the islands in the distance.

One of my favorite parts of traveling with children is how they encourage you to constantly learn. Children think of their parents as endless sources of knowledge. So do your due diligence and learn about the places you visit ahead of time.

When I visit a place, I want to see what makes it unique. So we made certain to checkout Orcas Island Pottery and perused the wonderful array of locally made pieces. There is also an amazing treehouse where your children can play and swings they can enjoy, should pottery not hold their attention for as long as yours. Support the local art scene by selecting the perfect serving bowl, mug, or dinner platter as a reminder of your memorable visit.

Stop by Buck Bay Shellfish, a third-generation family farm established in the 1940s known for some of the freshest seafood around. You’ll be treated to a fresh, satisfying meal with a killer view. Choose from Halibut sliders, fish and chips, steamed clams, fresh salads, and Dungeness crab. Or do what we did and go back twice during your stay and order one of everything.

Children, like adults, are motivated by treats. So make certain to stop by Clever Cow Creamery for a scoop of small-batch, locally-made ice cream. Encourage your child to be adventurous and choose from an array of flavors like blackberry, pistachio, or coconut.

The best part is how they nestle the ice cream in a freshly made waffle cone and can top it with an array of toppings. When the hardest decision of the day is selecting which beach to camp out on for the remainder of the evening, you know it was a good day.

Wake up bright and early (whether by choice or by children alarm clocks) the next day for baked goods from Brown Bear Baking Co. Then, check out the beach under your Water Edge Suite at Outlook Inn. If your trip happens to coincide with low tide, make the short trek out to Indian Island for tide pool exploring and to see more sea life than you have ever seen in such a concentrated area before.

No trip to the San Juans is complete without some time on the water. Head out on a whale-watching trip with Outer Island Excursions and spend the day searching for eagles, seal pups, and the ever-popular orcas on your three-hour adventure. Pack a lunch, more snacks than you think you will need, binoculars, a camera, and a light jacket so you can camp out on the front bow and not miss a single sighting.

Plan ahead and turn your whale watching tour into a fun family BINGO game. See who can spot the most items. Let the winners (your kids) pick where you go for dinner or what you have for dessert. If you have a little extra time before dinner, stop by Printshop to make your own souvenir t-shirt adorned with local artwork. Go to bed early because your next stop is San Juan Island and you want to be rested for all that awaits.

Keep Exploring on San Juan Island

A quick hop, skip, and a jump, and you will find yourself on San Juan Island. Set up home base at one of the most central spots on the island, Bird Rock Hotel

in Friday Harbor. Bird Rock Hotel is conveniently located three blocks from the Washington State Ferry Terminal. This makes it the ideal home base for exploring Friday Harbor, especially for little legs who often get tired of walking.

Bird Rock is a stone’s throw away from amazing local restaurants, like Coho, which feature sustainable farm-to-table food, unique shops like Pelind- aba Lavender, and many local galleries. What could be better than bragging to your school friends about how you ate lavender in cookies? Or sharing how you were brave and tried everything on your plate at dinner, even the things you weren’t excited about?

After a leisurely morning, make your way to Cattle Point for a picturesque bluff walk and some tide pool exploring. But, check the local tide chart first. It is best to hit the beach when the tide is heading out so you can avoid getting stuck while walking back along the beach.

Stop by the grocery store to pick up provisions (read: more snacks) before going on your kayaking trip with San Juan Outfitters. Make certain to pick up some locally made cheese, chocolate, or preserves to give your meal a local flare. For bonus points, encourage your children to pick something from every color of the rainbow. This helps them try something other than their old stand-bys. After your kayak trip, get back with just enough time to meander over for dinner on the patio at Coho and make certain to save room for dessert.

Wake up early and head over to Susie’s Mopeds to rent a scoot coupe or try the hop-on-hop-off trolley for a new vantage point of the island. Stop by Roche Harbor to check out all the yachts and pick out your favorite from their 377 slips.

Step back in time with a visit to the Hotel de Haro, built in 1886 and named after one of the first Europeans to discover the San Juan Islands. Pick up some donuts from Lime Kiln Cafe before popping by Lime Kiln Lighthouse to see if you can spot whales from shore.

When visiting the San Juans, it would be a shame to not spend a majority of your time either on or in the water, so make an essential stop at Fourth of July beach so your children can frolic and you can decompress. If you are fortunate, you might just find you have the beach all to yourselves.

To remind yourselves of the wonderful time you’ve spent in the San Juans, treat yourself to a piece of local art and let your children select something for their rooms. If art isn’t your thing, make certain to pick up a bag of lavender shortbread cookies or a jar of lavender-infused chocolate sauce before heading over to peruse what is available from local authors at the book- store. I have found books are an essential and fun way to reinforce all we have learned on our trip. Enjoy dinner at Duck Soup Inn before calling it a night and falling asleep just as fast as your head hits the pillow.

If you are feeling reticent to leave the islands, extend your stay by paying a visit to Lopez or Shaw Island before heading back home. Better yet, let your children pick and plan another trip to look forward to in the coming year.

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More Fun Things to do in the San Juans

Top Things to do With Kids in Friday Harbor

With 247 average days with sunshine, a reputation for wholesome fun, and more than 6 places to get freshly made pastries — Friday Harbor is the ultimate kid-friendly getaway destination that the whole family will love.

Top Rainy-Day Activities in the San Juan Islands

The lush forests and fertile farmland are proof that San Juans get their fair share of drizzle — especially during the cooler months. Luckily, there are a plethora of things to do in the San Juan Islands when it rains.

San Juan Island Day Hikes Worth Your Boot Leather

San Juan Island’s rich with great scenery, both ashore and at sea. And with its temperate climate, it’s the perfect place to hike year-round.

Soaking up the Simple Pleasures at Friday Harbor’s Lakedale Resort and the San Juans.

Now more than ever we crave a change of scenery. From long and sometimes isolating days of working from home, to wrangling children, whipping up countless meals and everything in between. Over these past few months our homes hastily transformed into schools and gyms to offices, restaurants and libraries. With all this time spent at home you wouldn’t think we would need a break, but we do!

There is something so invigorating about visiting the San Juan Islands. I cannot think of anything quite like the thrill of salt air rushing through your hair or seeing all manner of watercraft cruise by to make you enthusiastic about where you are fortunate enough to call home. And if you are insanely lucky you might even spot an orca, seal, sea lion or bald eagle on your journey. After a short, forty-minute flight, you might as well be a world away.

When I think of life’s simple pleasures, I immediately think of delicious food, breathtaking scenery and invigorating company. During this unprecedented time in our country there is nothing quite like stepping away from the endless barrage of news, a weekend of fresh air and partaking in some much-needed self-care. After enjoying a little rest and relaxation you will savor with every fiber of your being the change of scenery.

With greater flexibility for mid-week travel, we are finding ourselves less constrained by a typical work week. After taking back all those precious hours we used to spend commuting we are finding more time to not only do the things we love, but cultivate our relationships with the ones we love.

With all this rushing around momentarily paused we have established a new sense of belonging amongst the close-knit ranks of our family and most trusted friends. After months of our lives being boiled down to the bare essentials of eat, sleep, work, repeat; we are thrilled at the possibility of traveling not so far from home these days. When we decide the time is right for us to go away, we do so seeking the comforts of home. We seek a space to meal prep (or to foster your newfound love for baking banana bread), a place with spacious living spaces where everyone can sprawl out to work or lounge as the day requires.

Now that social distancing has become a part of our vernacular, wide open, sparsely populated places with ample amenities will be what we crave.

From log cabins and canvas cottages, to yurts, camping and the more traditional lodge room, Lakedale Resort has a little something for everyone. It is situated on 82 acres of expansive property with three lakes and enough space to stretch your legs, ride a bike, paddle a canoe, try your hand at a water bike, resurrect your love for tie dye, bird watch, and roast marshmallows all while easily enjoying time with just your group. Lakedale Resort is a property comprised of soaring trees, pine needle filled pathways, lily pad strewn lakes and very few people as far as the eye can see.

During my family’s recent visit, we enjoyed our time in a lakeside log cabin. The cabin was spacious for our family of four. It consisted of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full-size kitchen, a dining area, a family room, a covered back porch, and a lakeshore fire pit and picnic table.

My young son reveled in having free range of the property on one of their free bike rentals. My nine-month-old baby girl gazed with wonder at all the leaves blowing in the wind and birds chirping in the trees. And my husband relished in his time spent roasting local Westcott Bay oysters on the grill.

As parents to young children we both cherished our evenings of uninterrupted conversation as we lingered around the fire while our children slumbered in their beds just a stone’s throw away. One morning, during our visit we made souvenir matching tie dye t-shirts for the kids. On another, we had a memorable encounter with an owl who decided to pay us a visit to our log cabin on a nearby tree.

In the afternoons, we explored the property and tried to pick out the best camping site to try on a future visit later this summer. In the evening, it was a toss-up between piled high bowls of ice cream or s’mores in the backyard after dinner.

If I had to sum up our visit at Lakedale Resort in two words it would be: simple pleasures. We spent a little time exploring the island, but mainly we were happy to stay put on Lakedale’s property.

During our visit to San Juan Island we made certain to dine on the things we crave like The Bait Shop’s fish and chips during a picnic lunch at Fourth of July beach or barbecuing our favorite oysters for dinner accompanied by a heaping salad and warm bread to sop up all the briny goodness.

We took note of all the wildflowers we spotted as we walked to Cattle Point Lighthouse and spent an afternoon searching tide pools and writing in the sand. We talked by the fire pit until late into the night when the stars dotted the sky, rode bikes through the property and most importantly, partook in the goodness of each other and our surroundings. At the end of the trip, I realized we had not been tempted once to turn on the television during our stay. And that, my friends, is a sure sign of a time well spent.

I have visited Lakedale Resort on numerous occasions. Each time I have left with a solid memory I hold dearly. I had my first glamping experience on their property, in a canvas cottage and my first grilled oyster. (My mind was blown!)

I tried a water bike with my son for the first time, made my first tie dye shirt and stayed in my very first yurt. Lakedale Resort has been dubbed by many as a summer camp for the whole family. But it is equally enjoyable as a romantic weekend getaway, girl’s weekend or church retreat. As soon as you set foot on the property, you will feel your heart rate slow and your desire to pick up your phone decrease, unless of course it is to take a photo or two to capture the blissful weekend you just experienced in a little slice of paradise called Lakedale Resort.

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5 ROMANTIC SAN JUAN ISLAND GETAWAYS

While dinner out and a dozen roses are nice, a quiet getaway is the ultimate in perfection. And, there’s no better place to cuddle up with your someone special than in the San Juans!

BROWN BEAR BAKING ON ORCAS ISLAND

In a variety of delectable flavors and sizes, Brown Bear Baking on Orcas Island serves pastries worthy of praise.

ORCAS ISLAND ESCAPE ROOM

Love solving puzzles and riddles? Test your wits at Elusion — Orcas Island’s escape room, where you’ll have to solve your way to freedom.

FREE ORGAN CONCERTS AT ROSARIO RESORT

There’s more to Rosario Resort than its picturesque setting. Moran Mansion is home to both a 1913 Aeolian pipe organ and a 1900 Steinway grand piano, where free public concerts are regularly offered.

How one weekend on Vancouver Island can leave you rested, refreshed, and restored.

For our wedding anniversary, we returned to the place where it all began — Vancouver Island. Fourteen years ago, for our honeymoon we drove up to Vancouver B.C., spent the night, woke up the next day, and took the ferry to Nanaimo. Then we made the gorgeous drive to Tofino. In my naiveté, I had envisioned a honeymoon spent somewhere tropical. What I did not know back then was how restorative it would be to have a quiet place to return to years down the road. A place where we could reflect and feel gratitude for the life we have built together.

Flash forward a few years and �鶹��Ƶ has made traveling to Vancouver Island a breeze. A little over an hour flight from Seattle and you are quickly descending into a place like no other. A scenic drive through a serpentine, tree-lined highway which skirts along lakes and provincial parks sets the stage for the quiet oasis of Tofino.

Elegance by the Sea at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino

The Wickaninnish Inn provided the perfect backdrop for a tranquil, romantic, and remarkable time away. Upon checking in to the Wickaninnish Inn we instantly felt at home in its graciously laid out rooms. The breathtaking ocean views were merely the cherry on top to the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.

Since we flew to Vancouver Island from Seattle we tried to keep our luggage to a minimum. Once at the we were overjoyed to see the hotel provided rain boots and rain suits for each guest. Eager to explore the area, we donned our rain boots and walked along the beach before our

In honor of World Ocean Day, we dined on an ocean-inspired tasting menu of everything from barnacles to scallops and a plethora of other sustainable fish. The dessert however, was the real show stopper with a medley of meringues and fruit purees mimicking an underwater seascape. This meal unquestionably set the stage for our time on Vancouver Island and all the area has to offer.

Archipelago Cruises’ Tofino Adventure

The next morning, we set out on Raincoast Maiden with I have wanted to visit the Broken Islands for years, so I was eager to see all the wildlife we would encounter. Our trip happened to coincide with eagle mating season so right off the bat we spotted eagle after eagle.

On our way out to the Broken Islands we happened upon some friendly harbor seals and a rocky outcropping of several dozen sea lions. When we left Ucluelet in the morning it was overcast with some low-hanging clouds but by midday it was sunny and blue skies. I appreciated the dramatic change in scenery as the sun broke through the clouds and the water’s color changed too many times to count.

Mid-way through our adventure we dropped anchor in a protected cove for lunch. As we feasted on salmon and chicken, we marveled at both the turquoise water and the sheer beauty of the region. Spending the day circumventing the Broken Islands with the fresh air and a constant sea breeze proved to be regenerative in the best possible way.

Dinner at 1909 Kitchen in Tofino

Once we returned from our boat trip, we made our way to 1909 Kitchen is the brainchild of Chef Paul Moran, the current Top Chef of Canada. 1909 Kitchen touts itself as an, “ingredient-driven menu sourced and foraged from Tofino’s oceans, shorelines, and forests.” With a backdrop of mountains and coastline, the stage was set for an unforgettable dining evening.

Rather than order from the menu we allowed Chef Moran to cook for us. Plate after plate made its way to our table where his ingenuity was second only to his flavors. At first bite, Chef Moran had this pregnant woman daydreaming of having him take up residence in our home as our personal chef. Avocado tacos, sea beans, stuffed morels, salmon collar, and halibut rounded out our culinary adventure while we hoped that one day he might open a similar restaurant a little closer to Seattle.

Kayak Tour with Vancouver Island’s Remote Passages

On day three, we traveled with As we paddled through the protected waters of Tofino’s harbor, we meandered our way past houseboats and islands toward our destination of Meares Island. Once on the island we took a forest walk and learned more about rainforest ecology and the local history.

If you want to really experience a place like Tofino, one of the best ways to do so is on the water. Snagging a boat ride is one of the only ways to reach the remote islands and inlets where this area truly shines.

Stunning Waterside Lodging at Long Beach Lodge

For our last evening, we settled into in one of their ocean view rooms. As we dined on fresh crab and risotto in the Great Room we were enveloped by a wall of fog. It was both otherworldly and a bit eerie to feel like you were smack dab in the heart of a cloud.

After our meal, the fog had lifted a bit so we walked along the beach and then meandered to one of the fire pits facing the ocean. Conversation around the flames inevitably revolved around how we did not want to return home, but stay just a few more days. It was incredible to be reminded just how special a place this is and how easy it can be to reach — with the right transportation.

Our last morning, we walked along the beach and watched the many surfers trying to catch waves and then made the drive back to Nanaimo for our early afternoon flight.

Surfing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Canada — which is perhaps why Tofino seems to be such a well-kept secret. That, and the fact that’s it’s located at the end of the road. Literally. But with its 35 kilometers of beaches and an exposed coast, it offers year-round surfing to surfers of all skill levels. Wet suits are typical and classes abound for those who need additional instruction. Because I was pregnant I decided not to pick up a new skill; though it was fascinating to watch as those young and old did.

If you are looking to abandon the day to day and spend your time amongst jaw-dropping scenery then a short flight to Nanaimo or a chartered flight to Tofino is a great place to start.

You can walk miles of sandy beach, try your hand at surfing, enjoy phenomenal culinary experiences and marvel in the natural beauty which surrounds you. And if you are looking for a place to go on your honeymoon or spend your anniversary forget the packed shores of Hawaii and look no further than Vancouver Island.

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BEYOND THE WELL-WORN TRACK AT EAGLE NOOK

A truly authentic West coast experience requires venturing a little further beyond the well-worn tourist track, to destinations only accessible by boat and seaplane, like Eagle Nook.

THE CARVING SHED AT THE WICKANINNISH INN

The Carving Shed at the Wickaninnish Inn is pure magic. Located in Tofino, it's where master carvers have gathered for decades and gather still.

KID-FRIENDLY VICTORIA WEEKEND

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With intimate dinners and view-filled excursions, the BC Capital delivers the perfect kid-free getaway.

As our seaplane bounced along the waters of Lake Union past the colorful houseboats and the billowing sails of sailboats my heart skipped a beat. There is nothing more invigorating than an opportunity to examine a place you call home from a different vantage point. Doing so always allows you to come home with different eyes. The sun was glistening off the water, the skies were a brilliant blue and my husband and I were off on a much-needed romantic getaway weekend sans children.

As we passed over islands and skirted our way along shores, my eyes were keenly enthralled with our journey. As cliché as it sounds, when you are traveling with �鶹��Ƶ, getting there really is half the fun. When you are up in a plane embarking on an adventure the possibilities seem boundless. After a short flight we started to serpentine our way back down into Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Staying by the Sea at Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Upon disembarking we were swept away by our shuttle and driven the short fifteen minutes to our highly anticipated destination – . Although Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a short distance from the city, it feels like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our spacious and sumptuous room opened to sweeping views of Chatham and Discovery Island in the foreground, with the San Juan Islands in the background.

Our room’s water view enticed us to take a dip in the heated mineral pools which are situated on the shores of the Haro Strait. Throughout Oak Bay Beach Hotel there are moments of pleasure to be had at every turn from watching a pair of bald eagles laze in the midday sunshine from your balcony and partaking in a cup of hot tea by the fire to savoring a treatment at the spa and curling up with a good book in your sunken tub. There are so many reasons to never set foot off the property, but also a wealth of fascinating places to explore just a stones throw away.

From kayaking at Oak Bay Island Ecological Reserve, golfing, the breathtaking gardens of Butchart, miles upon miles of trails and inlets to explore and a variety of islands like Salt Spring there is no end to the places to explore near Oak Bay Hotel. The options for activities are diverse as the seasons on Vancouver Island.

Exploring The �鶹��Ƶ

After settling into our room, we took a quick taxi ride downtown and boarded a bus to We weren’t certain what awaited us at the gardens since a mere two weeks prior we had a legendary snowstorm. Much to our astonishment, we were greeted by the gardens, covered in a thick blanket of snow.

Undeterred by our snowy surprise we enjoyed a few activities unique to the garden this time of year. From the months of January to mid-March guests can enjoy the Spring Prelude Indoor Garden and historical displays in the family’s original home, neither of which I had ever seen.

After gathering a plethora of gardening inspiration from the Spring Prelude we enjoyed a leisurely and restful afternoon partaking in Winter High tea. Shockingly, this was our first high tea experience and we enjoyed pots of steaming tea, miniature sandwiches and delectable bites of dessert. After stocking up on tea and flower seeds from the amazing gift shop, we headed back to our hotel.

Taking Time to Relax

Upon returning, we enjoyed a quick dip in the mineral pools before an unhurried dinner at the hotel. A candle lit, floral patterned room was the stage for our romantic dinner and over the next several hours we enjoyed course after course of distinctive local food like sea scallops, crab cakes, and seafood bouillabaisse culminating in very contented stomachs. That evening I fell asleep in one of the comfiest beds I have ever slept in while eagerly anticipating our hiking excursion planned for the next day.

The next morning we reveled in uninterrupted conversation and a hearty breakfast of vegetable frittatas and thick slabs of brioche French toast at the hotel. As parents of young children, we know there is nothing superior in life than a good night’s rest, hot food and being able to complete your meal and sentences without interruption.

Exploring with Hike Victoria

Fueled for the day we met up with Mark from and spent the day hiking at Gowlland Tod Provincial Park. The peaks of the Gowlland Range (from which the park derives its name) loom high above Saanich Inlet. Mark picked us up from the hotel and in less than thirty minutes we were at the trailhead. As we hiked along the snow-covered trail Mark taught us about the local flora and fauna of the region and generously offered to snap our photo at each overlook. We were astonished with the short amount of time it took to reach the top.

Once there, we were able to take in the breathtaking fjord and panoramic views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands. As Seattle residents, we are accustomed to invariably hiking along trails brimming with people. We thoroughly relished our day of having both an informative local guide with us and the trail to ourselves. Feeling as though we had hired our own personal photographer for the day felt especially novel. Along with guided hikes, Hike Victoria also offers a natural beauty walking tour for those feeling a little less adventurous.

Dinner Out and a Ghostly Walk

After a quick pit stop at our hotel we popped back into Victoria for dinner at 10 Acres is known for its inventive use of local products and they grow a majority of their menu items at their farm in North Saanich a short distance from their downtown restaurant. After a full day of hiking, we were ravenous and devoured everything from carrots and squid to gnocchi, trout, and striploin.

With full stomachs, we met up with through downtown Victoria. Guided by a remarkable storyteller we embarked on a memorable night walking through haunted alleyways and learning about Victoria’s gruesome past. In all my travels, I have found it is only through learning about a place’s history where you can truly appreciate its present day. Before our tour I had not thought much about where Victoria got its start. Afterwards, I walked away feeling more informed and had a greater understanding about the place we were visiting.

Scenic Flight Home

After another dreamy night’s rest we headed back into the city for a quick shopping excursion and a good perusal of Munro’s book. Whenever we travel I like to find locally made items to take home to remind us of our trip later. Time and time again and are at the top of our list. Our flight back home, although a bit more cloudy, did not detract from the natural beauty of our journey.

As we flew past the Space Needle and made our quick descent back to Lake Union thinking back on our trip felt more like a dream than reality. Being swept away for a few days as a couple was just what we needed to feel refreshed and be reminded why, after all these years, we are still each other’s favorite people on the planet. And that feeling alone is reason enough to book another trip very soon.

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More Fun Things to do in Victoria

Can’t-Miss Bites at the Victoria Public Market

The food-hub showcases a diverse range of farm fresh and locally sourced artisan foods. While wares from local artisans are sure to catch your fancy, it’s the grassroots food vendors that are the real draw.

Victoria’s Best Car-Free Day Hike

Fondly nicknamed the Garden City, Victoria’s lush landscape is home to a wide variety of breathtaking outdoor spaces, including the 200-acre Beacon Hill Park.

Where to Drink Tea in Victoria

Victoria is a city rich with historical architectural and beloved rituals – not the least of which is tea. From afternoon tea to high tea, Victorians and visitors celebrate the indulgent reprieve from the hustle and bustle of life.