Hiking on Orcas Island

35 Things To Do on Orcas Island in 2026

looking at the view on Orcas Island

Orcas Island has all of the ingredients for a perfect getaway in the Pacific Northwest. There are beautiful lodging options, miles of hiking trails that traverse a rich topography and offer stunning views. You’ll find a plethora of great island dining options featuring fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and locally-crafted libations. 

This isn’t the destination for a fast-paced dance club, though you will find a handful of restaurants and bars that host live music nights. But the things to do on Orcas Island are plentiful and rewarding. Artist studios. Golfing. Farmers markets. Clothing optional soaking tubs. The list goes on and on. These are some of our favorites. 

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Top Rainy-Day Activities in the San Juan Islands

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couple on a rainy day in Friday Harbor

Thanks to being located in the heart of the Olympic Rain Shadow, the San Juan Islands enjoy an average of 270 days with sunshine. But, that doesn’t mean it never rains. The lush forests and fertile farmland are proof that they 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.

There are a variety of ways to get from Seattle to San Juan Island and Orcas Island, the fastest and (in our humble opinion) most beautiful way is to fly. We offer regular flights from Boeing Field to Eastsound Airport and Friday Harbor. Seasonally, we also offer seaplane flights from Lake Washington and Lake Union to the San Juan Islands.

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How to Plan a PNW Engagement by Seaplane

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Photo Credit: Emett Joseph

There are proposals. And then there are stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.

In the Pacific Northwest, we are spoiled with backdrops that feel almost cinematic with glacier-capped peaks rising above evergreen forests, quiet coves edged in driftwood, islands that seem to float in mist. It’s a place that already feels like magic. Arriving by seaplane simply turns the volume up.

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Klahoose Wilderness Resort

5 Luxury Resorts on Vancouver Island & the Sunshine Coast

Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Image provided by Klahoose Wilderness Resort.

Whether it be a remote wilderness lodge, a comfortable resort on the beach or a refined hotel in the city, there is getting away and then there is truly escaping. Being open to new experiences, whether that be trying new local foods, stepping out of your comfort zone by kayaking through a deep fjord or being brave and pulling up a chair to connect with strangers over a shared meal are all certain to make your experiences richer.

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Seattle to Bandon Dunes Charter Flight Golf Getaway

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When you think of world-class golf, Scotland’s rugged, windswept shores may immediately come to mind. Yet, just a few hours south of Seattle, another slice of golf paradise awaits. Tucked along the stunning Oregon coast, Bandon Dunes Resort is a golf lover’s dream come true. With its seven unique links-style courses, each with its own distinctive character, Bandon Dunes is an experience unlike any other, where natural beauty meets traditional golfing traditions.

For those looking to escape to this idyllic destination, Kenmore Air offers the perfect beginning to your adventure: a quick, scenic flight aboard a PC-12 from Boeing Field to Bandon State Airport. In as little as 90 minutes, you’ll leave the hustle of Seattle behind and land just a short drive from one of the most revered golf resorts in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a weekend enthusiast, Bandon Dunes promises a weekend getaway that will both challenge and delight.

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Hiking at sunset. Photo by Destination BC and Hubert Kang

19 Ideas for a Romantic Weekend in Victoria, BC

A couple on a hike during sunset at Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Photo by Destination BC and Hubert Kang.
A couple on a hike during sunset at Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Photo by Destination BC and Hubert Kang.

Thanks to its old-world elegance, walkable streets, and temperate weather — Victoria oozes romance. Here, mundane tasks, like grocery shopping, can feel like a date. But it’s not just the city’s day-to-day living that’s filled with couple-worthy activities. There’s an impressive selection of romantic things to do in Victoria, BC.

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Mineral Pools at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Oak Bay Beach Hotel Wellness Weekend Getaway

Oak Bay Beach Hotel Mineral Pools

There is a reason Victoria remains one of the most romantic and refreshing destinations on the West Coast. Its coastal views and temperate weather offer an elegant reprieve from the drizzle that often plagues the Greater Seattle area. Historic charm abounds in the BC Capital, as does a thriving food scene that’s rooted in farm-to-table cuisine. Here, a commitment to whole-body wellness is matched with an often unmentioned friendliness. It’s a dynamic combo that has made Victoria a haven for those looking to rest and refresh. And no place speaks to this epic sense of retreat more than the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. 

Voted #7 Hotel in Western Canada by the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards, Oak Bay Beach Hotel in British Columbia offers the ultimate wellness weekend experience. 

And what’s more, it doesn’t take all day to reach with a convenient, direct flight to Victoria Inner Harbour or Victoria International Airport. Kenmore Air also provides service from San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor Marina direct to Victoria Inner Harbour!

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HAVN tubs

Destination-Worthy Self-Care

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HAVN in Victoria

Like chicken soup for the soul, self-care offers the opportunity to relax and recharge. It’s the soothing remedy for a fast-paced life where meetings can pile up and deadlines loom. 

But the practice of self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. From ocean-side soaking tubs and rejuvenating facials to farm-to-table cuisine, we all need something a bit different. As the summer season tapers into cool crisp days, take a moment to let yourself relax and replenish. Discover some of the best destination-worthy self-care getaways in the San Juans, Victoria, and beyond!

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A Luxe Weekend in Tofino, BC at the Wickaninnish Inn

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Nestled on the edge of Vancouver Island’s wild, rugged coast, Tofino, BC is a haven for adventurers and those seeking serenity. With its towering rainforests, pristine beaches, and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend escape from Seattle. Fold in a stay at the luxurious award-winning Wickaninnish Inn and your experience becomes an unforgettable retreat where nature, relaxation, and fine dining blend seamlessly.

Getting there is part of the adventure, with Kenmore Air offering exclusive PC-12 turboprop or seaplane charters from Seattle that land you in Tofino in as little as an hour and a half. The breathtaking aerial views of the Pacific Northwest coastline set the tone for a weekend of indulgence, exploration, and reconnection with nature.

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Oak Bay Mineral Pool

Top Spa Resorts and Day Spas in Victoria and Vancouver Island

Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Arguably the most popular space at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel isn’t the hotel itself. Rather it’s the three heated mineral pools that were custom-designed beside the water. Photo provided by Oak Bay Beach Hotel.

From aromatic steam rooms and rejuvenating body scrubs to massaging waterfalls and breathtaking views, let your body relax and be restored at these premier resort and day spas in Victoria, BC and Vancouver Island.

Want to unwind during the busy holiday season? Are you looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway? Do you want to soak and massage away the winter blues? Whether you’re looking to give your healthcare regime a spruce, your mind and body a dose of TLC, or all the above, a spa-focused getaway is just the thing.

The following selection features the best spa resorts and day spas in Victoria and Vancouver Island. Because you deserve a getaway that lets you rest, rejuvenate and return home ready for whatever life holds. 

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