Boating in the Salish Sea by Vancouver Island

Where to Dock When You Cruise the Salish Sea

Boating in the Salish Sea

There are hundreds of islands in Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Canada. The Straits of Juan De Fuca divide Washington from Vancouver Island, Canada and connect to the Pacific Ocean 60 miles west. The islands form a protected inland arm of the ocean that covers over 1,000 square miles called the Salish Sea. Astounding water depths dropping over 900 feet fill gaps between the rocky islands. Over a trillion gallons of water move during each tide refreshing the sea every day and providing a home for myriads of sea life.

Read more
/by
Orca killer whale off the coast of Canada breaching

Seattle Whale Watching Tours: Tips, FAQs & More

Orca killer whale off the coast of Canada

Few sights are as humbling as seeing a whale breach the ocean’s surface and slap its body back into the water. It puts the massiveness of Mother Nature on full display with a heart-pounding thrill that’s hard to equal. Of course, not every Seattle whale watching tour includes a breaching orca whale. But most do include a whale sighting, especially aboard San Juan Safaris whale watching tours. 

Read more
/by
Kenmore Air Flight Instructor Ava Karr and a Piper SuperCub

Meet Flight Instructor Ava Karr

Ava Karr Kenmore Air Pilot

Flying wasn’t always the plan. Initially, it was a means to an end. Ava Karr wanted a job where she could travel. A job that allowed her to take adventures.

Read more
/by
Fox Kits on San Juan Island. Iandewar Photography

Safely Viewing Fox Kits on San Juan Island

Fox Kits. Photo by Iandewar Photography.

Delicate vegetables. Sprawling wildflowers. Bouncing babies. What’s not to love about spring? San Juan Island offers a particularly cute ball of energetic new life — fox kits (aka baby foxes). The fluffy pups are most predominantly spotted on the prairie above South Beach in American Camp National Historical Park.

Read more
/by
The Lodge at St. Edwards in Kenmore

The Lodge at St. Edward — A City Escape without the Drive

The Lodge at St. Edwards

Venture some 15 minutes from the heart of Seattle into a quiet sanctuary, where grassy fields roll into pristine forests heavy with moss and an undeveloped waterfront hides a high-end retreat known as The Lodge at St. Edward. 

In the early 1900s, The East Side Journal said, “New York has its Brooklyn, San Francisco has its Oakland, Seattle is building its Kirkland.” At the time, Lake Washington was nine feet taller than it is today. Its eastern borders were considered a remote, country destination dotted with worn farmhouses, muddy lanes, and the occasional ‘second home’ of the city’s elite.

Read more
/by

When do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Victoria BC

Craigdarroch Castle with cherry blossom during springtime season. Photo by Shawn CCF
Craigdarroch Castle with cherry blossom during the spring season. Photo by Shawn CCF.

Published 2.27.2022 | Updated 3.20.2023

Thanks to its mild climate, Victoria boasts thousands of cherry blossom trees.

Typically, Victoria’s cherry blossoms begin to bloom by mid-February. The stunning display continues from February until May, creating pink archways throughout the city. The picturesque backdrops are just another reason to take advantage of the B.C. capital’s pedestrian-friendly streets — but you’ll want to see them before they’re gone.

Read more
/by
Family Looking in Tidepool in the Pacific Northwest. Photo by Zargon Design.

Tidepooling in the San Juan Islands

A family looking in a tide pool finds any number of treasures. Photo by Zargon Design.

The rocky shorelines that ring the San Juan Islands create a diverse habitat that’s rich with life. Throughout the crevices and pools, sea anemones live next to mussels and barnacles grow next to starfish. Seaweed varieties abound and shore crabs scuttle.

Read more
/by

The Ultimate Victoria, BC Photo Walk

Victoria BC Inner Harbour

When you have just a day to soak up the majestic beauty of Victoria, B.C., don’t let a second go to waste. Hit the streets. Immerse yourself in the culture. And, don’t forget your camera. You’ll want it on this photo walk.

While B.C.’s quaint capitol is filled with elegant history, it has also bloomed into a hub for tech-savvy, food-loving, craft-beer-drinking enthusiasts. So lace up your shoes and bring your appetite for this awe-inspiring adventure. 

Read more
/by
Mother and kids at Malahat Skywalk on Vancouver Island

Family-Friendly Fun on Vancouver Island

Mother and kids at Malahat Skywalk
Thrilling, engaging, and educational — activities the whole family will love!

Throughout Vancouver Island, tidepools dot rocky coastlines and lush vineyards roll into wild forests. Gorgeous parks with finely manicured gardens stud urban centers. Historic landmarks offer tangible telescopes into the region’s past. Museums celebrate the area’s diverse cultures and habitats. 

Spanning roughly 12,000 square miles, you won’t find a character-filled, rollercoaster-laden kids’ fantasy world. Your family will find so much more. This remote British Columbia gem offers the chance to walk through tree canopies, sip tea like a royal, and play tag among the apple trees of an active cider distillery. 

Read more
/by
Best Eggs Benedict in Victoria BC with potatoes

Can’t-Miss Eggs Benedict in Victoria BC

Best Eggs Benedict in Victoria BC

Remarkable architecture, lush gardens, and a plethora of delectable eateries dishing up some of the best eggs Benedict you’ve ever had make Victoria a must-visit destination.

Dubbed the Brunch Capital of Canada, the B.C. capital’s blossoming food scene is home to some of the best egg-wielding chefs in the Pacific Northwest. When it comes to a breakfast-worthy getaway, eggs Benedict takes the plate. And, Victoria has Bennies (Victorian for eggs Benedict) in ready supply.

Read more
/by