We had an amazing week exploring the San Juan Islands and Victoria British Columbia in Spetemer. We booked most of the transportation, transfers and lodgings with Clipper Vacations. The lodgings, car and ferries for Orcas Island we booked ourselves. The agent at Clipper Vacations was extremely helpful and it saved money to book with them as well. www.clippervacations.com
Day 1: Fly to Seattle. Taxi or shuttle to Warwick Seattle Hotel (1 night) www.warwickwa.com With views of the city and the Space Needle this hotel is located within walking of many great restaurants. We bar hoped and had delicious small plates at several fun places. The hotel is also on the hop-on-off bus line, and is less than a mile from the Victoria Clipper terminal.
Day 2: Taxi to ferry terminal. Take Victoria Clipper III—scenic ferry ride to Friday Harbor, the main town on San Juan Island. We took the complimentary hotel shuttle to Best Western Friday Harbor ( 2 nights) 360 378-3031 They have nice affordable one bedroom suites with full kitchen and shuttle service to town.
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Day 3: We rented a car for the day and drove around the island. Hiking at the only whale watching park in the country (beautiful even if you see no whales). We visited a llama ranch, a lavender farm, took a walk on a sweeping, driftwood covered beach. Roche Harbor ws fun for lunch and a little shopping. Back in Friday Harbor we even bowled a few games at the little bowling ally that evening after dinner. Restaurants we tried on San Juan Island: Downriggers (A), The Place Bar and Grill (B for food A for atmosphere), Modrona Grill in Roche Harbor (A)
Day 4: Ferry to Orcas Island, largest of the chain. A car is a must here. Orcas Island Rental Cars will have a car ready for you right at the ferry, a very nice company http://orcasislandshutlle.com Enjoy the drive to The Innat Ship Bay B&B (2 nights) www.innatshipbay.com This is a lovely place with views and the best dining on the island. Tip: Make dinner reservations here when booking your room.
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| Mt. Constitution |
Day 5: Hike up Mt. Constitution for 360 degre views, or shuttle up and hike down. * Visit a tiny hamlet with a co-op of local artists. Sea Kayak (no experience required) along the pristine coastline with a knowledgeable local guide www.shearwaterkayaks.com. Visit Moran state park.
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| Empress Hotel |
Day 6: Ferry from Orcas Island to Friday Harbor then change Ferries to Sidney on Washington Sate Ferries. Don’t be in a hurry! This will take most of the day. Browse the bookstore or enjoy a patio seafood lunch on the water in Friday Harbor while you wait for your ferry to BC.
Yellow cab (taxi transfer included with Clipper Vacation Package) to Victoria—The Fairmont Empress (2 nights) 250 384-8111 www.fairmont.com/empress
Day 7: Take Butchart Gardens and City Tour leaving from Victoria Clipper terminal. (3.5 hours) www.butchartgardens.com
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| Butchart Gardens |
Day 8: Ferry back to Seattle. Hop a bus to the Sound Transit train that will take you right into the airport. This is much easier than it sounds!
We had an amazing week exploring the San Juan Islands and Victoria BC in September. We booked most of the transportation, transfers and lodgings with Clipper Vacations, the lodgings on Orcas you can book yourself. The agent we worked with was extremely helpful and it saved money to book with them as well. http://www.clippervacations.com/
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