Blog | Kenmore Air

BC’s 12th Man Travel Guide

Oct 17, 2019

From how to get around the city to where to grab a gameday pint, maximize your visit to the Emerald City with these 12^th Man travel tips!

One official gameday at the Clink and you’ll understand why there’s nothing like cheering live with 12^th Man. The noise. The energy. The excitement. Whether you’re an avid Hawks fan or an NFL newbie, it’s electric!

Tour Century Link Field

Get an up close and personal look at behind the scenes areas and views throughout CenturyLink field during a public tour. Available year-round, tours last roughly an hour and a half. Times can vary and tours can sell out fast, so be sure to book yours early. For Canadian travelers, the easiest way to do book is through ticketmaster.com.

Get a Bird’s Eye View of the Stadium

There’s nothing quite like getting the lay of the land from overhead. And one of the best ways to do so is with a Seattle Scenic Flight Tour. This 20-minute narrated scenic flight tour will take you over some of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks — including CenturyLink Field! Alternatively, Sky View Observatory on the 73^rd floor of the Columbia Center offers the highest public viewpoint in Seattle — including a direct line of sight into the Clink.

Pregame Like a Pro at Touchdown City

From interactive game games and contests to live cover bands and Instagram-worthy backdrops, Touchdown City offers a variety of fun pregame experiences. A free event, you’ll have the chance to snag autographs from the Sea Gals, snap a photo with Boom, the team mascot and more!

Gear Up

Stock up on your official game day gear! There are four Seahawks Pro Shops located throughout the Seattle area, including the main hub at CenturyLink Field. Plus, you’ll find other retail shops selling a variety of Hawks gear throughout the area.

Clear Bags Only

You might have lovingly stitched a Hawks head purse, but save that piece for another day. Like most stadiums, CenturyLink Field has a strict clear bag only policy. Check to make sure your clear bag fits within their sizing allowance.

Bring a Rain Jacket

While seasoned fans will tell you that Seattle’s rainy disposition tends to clear for kick-off, this is by no means guaranteed. And, you’ll enjoy the pregame, live action, and post-game much more if you’re dry! So be sure to bring a rain jacket just in case!

Know 12s Will Stand

Don’t come expecting a low-key baseball game-like experience. The 12^th Man can get rowdy and loud. Fans tend to stand and cheer throughout the entire game. So while you can sit if you’d like, don’t expect the rest of the stadium to follow suit.

Watch the Game

Planned on buying tickets when you arrived, but couldn’t score a seat? Have no fear. There are plenty of places to watch the game live with fellow Twelvers — not the least of which is the Hawks Nest! This bar bleeds green and blue. And located less than a block from the stadium, it means you’re still right in the action!

Book Your Seattle Trip

More Fun Things to do in Seattle

SOUTH LAKE UNION LUNCH SPOTS WORTHY OF PRAISE

Lunch. That magical mid-day reprieve when you can mentally check out for a moment and re-fortify your body — especially when enjoyed in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood where chefs have taken their lunch game to the next level.

DOG-FRIENDLY SEATTLE ADVENTURE: CHESHIAHUD LAKE UNION LOOP

The Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop features 6+ miles of stunning views, eclectic neighborhoods, and fabulous dog-friendly stops to grab a bite.

Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour

Taking a seaplane flight is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience and Kenmore Air makes it easy to enjoy the unique thrill of flying off the water and soaring over one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

October 17, 2019/by kenmoreairstg

7 Reasons We’re Excited for Savor the San Juans

Blog, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Oct 15, 2019

7 Reasons We’re Excited for Savor the San Juans

Now through November 9, 2019 — indulge in the best of the islands at the 12th annual Savor the San Juans.

Fall is in full swing and the San Juans recently kicked off one of our favorite events — Savor the San Juans. From wine tastings and beer fests to farm tours and exquisite multi-course dinners, this yearly event delights the palate. Discover the top seven reasons we look forward to a food-filled island getaway:

1. The Pace

Throughout the summer, the islands buzz with locals and visitors. Shop keepers, chefs, vintners, and artists are constantly going full tilt to keep up with demand. As fall hits and the summer rush subsides, the islands slow down. There’s more time for lingering chats, giving you an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the unique residents.

2. Sunny Weather

The San Juan Islands average 247 with sunshine. That’s nearly double the number of sunny days here in Seattle. This is thanks t the fact that the San Juans are tucked at the heard of the Olympic Rain Shadow. So if you’re in need of some Vitamin D, a bit of island time is just the ticket.

fall colors

3. Stunning Fall Colors

Though still sunnier than Seattle, fall does bring a bit of rain. This is a fact for which we are grateful. Because the rain does wonders for the San Juan Islands’ natural habitat as the golden-brown hillsides give way to green. The trees turn and the pumpkins grow plump. It’s a stunning sight to behold.

4. Creative Menus

The remote nature of the San Juan Islands makes farm-to-table cooking a necessity for chefs. For patrons, this means menus loaded with fresh ingredients. And during the fall, when crowds don’t require restaurants to turn tables quite so quickly, chefs can flex their creative muscles.

cheers

5. Impeccable Wine Pairings

During Savor the San Juans, chefs and vintners often work together to create impeccable wine pairings. Doe Bay Wine Company and Outlook Inn are co-hosting a guided wine tasting with sommelier Cole Sisson. Coho chefs Ryan Lockhart and Tim Payne are creating an exquisite Italian-focused five-course menu with optional wine pairing.

6. Lodging Specials

With the culmination of the summer rush, many of the island’s hotels and bed-and-breakfasts offer lower rates. From discounts to free nights, fall is a great time to visit the San Juans for less.

7. Fun Activities

From a lively food festival, Bite of the San Juans, to inspiring film festivals, the San Juans will host a wide variety of inspirational events for both the mind and the spirit. There are farm tours on Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island. And, you’ll be treated to a plethora of farmers’ markets, community parades, and tea events.

Start Your Vacation on the Dock

Who wants to fight traffic or wait for the ferry? Don’t waste time. Start your vacation on the dock. It’s just a 45-minute scenic flight to San Juan Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island from Seattle. Plus, our Lower Fall Fares to the San Juan Islands start October 1!

Book Your San Juan Adventure

October 15, 2019/by kenmoreairstg

Flying with Your Fur Baby

Blog, General

Oct 11, 2019

Bringing your fur baby for an adventure can make your getaway fun for the entire family — with a little bit of planning. Because while you and your two-legged companions may be well versed in take-off and landing protocols, your pet likely isn’t. Use the following tips to make your pet’s (and your) vacation a smooth one.

Check the Pet Policy. They vary from airline to airline. As a pet-friendly airline, Kenmore Air welcomes dogs and cats on board. However, for the safety of its passengers, it limits one pet per flight. (See website for additional restrictions.)

Review the International Regulations. If you are flying out of the country, pet immunization and a health certificate will likely be required.

Make Reservations Over the Phone. You’ll always want to make your pet’s reservation before arriving at the airport to ensure the airline can accommodate your four-legged loved one.

Scope Out the Pet Area in Advance. While making your reservation, be sure to ask if there’s an area where your pet can relieve themselves before the flight. This is a great way to avoid any unwanted accidents.

Have a Secure Leash. Always keep your pet leashed while flying. Even the most well-behaved animals can act unpredictably in new situations. Having a secure hold of them is essential to both their safety and your own.

Try to Get Your Pet Some Exercise Before the Flight. Just like for humans, exercise is a great stress reliever for your pet. If possible, take your pet on a walk prior to the flight so that they—and you—can expend some energy.

Plan for Water & Food. It’s not guaranteed your destination will have a dog-friendly restaurant, so plan accordingly by packing a food and water bowl, along with at least enough food for one meal. Check to make sure you can buy additional food at your destination. If you are flying somewhere remote, you may need to bring enough food for the entire trip.

October 11, 2019/by Mikaela Judd

Explore Vancouver's Living Maze

Blog, Things to do in Vancouver

Oct 4, 2019

Photo Provided by Destination BC & Grant Harder

The idea of getting lost in crooked pathways or meandering slowly through curved passages has fascinated man since the dawn of time. Mazes and labyrinths have been made of hedges, stone, corn, wood, and mirrors. They can be spiritual places or visually stimulating exercises.

The legendary Labyrinth of Crete is perhaps the most famous of all early paths. It’s said the labyrinth wound beneath the Palace of Knossos. The center was believed to be home to a menacing minotaur (a half-human, half-bull creature) that the hero Theseus killed.

Remnants of other labyrinths have been found throughout northern Europe. Some believe they were constructed to confuse evil spirits. However, it was during England’s Renaissance period that mazes were designed as a form of entertainment.

Kings and queens often included mazes in their elaborate gardens, growing them from hedges. Today, most public mazes are cut into cornfields and sport Halloween-themed mascots, like scarecrows.

But scattered throughout North America, you’ll find a half dozen hedge mazes that harken back to a time of young courtly love. Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden is among the floral displays carrying on this tradition. Near the western edge of the 55-acre grounds rests the garden’s maze.

It’s made from 3,000 pyramidal cedars, each planted in 1981. For those less-adventurous visitors, an observation terrace offers a view of the maze and its participants.

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ADDITIONAL FUN THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER BC

VANCOUVER BC KNOW-HOW

Want to get to know Vancouver? Discover the best places to eat, sip, hike and play like a local from locals!

VANCOUVER SIGHTSEEING IN 1 HOUR OR LESS

Whether you have 20 minutes to fill between meetings or an hour to stretch your legs before check-in, soak up a bit of Vancouver’s unique slice of paradise.

VANCOUVER POWER LUNCHES

Power lunching in Vancouver has its perks. The City of Glass has taken often underwhelming mid-day hotel fare to a whole new level. Seafood and farm-to-table cuisine rule. Price points range from impress foreign executives to indulge in down-home comfort. And, those with special dietary needs are warmly accommodated.

October 4, 2019/by kenmoreairstg

17 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Victoria

Blog, Things to do in Victoria

Sep 26, 2019

17 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Victoria

Victoria has long-since outgrown the joke that it’s the land of the “newlywed and nearly dead.” The quaint British Columbia capital has a bubbling food scene, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a plethora of historic hangouts. Tucked beside the ocean, its Inner Harbour bustles with activity, offering the ideal hub for those ready to explore — especially families.

Whether you’re escaping Seattle for the day or visiting this northern gem for an extended holiday, Victoria’s kid-friendly activities are so fun even the adults will feel inspired.

Get Hands-On

From day one, we are tactile learners. Though our world and attention span grows with age, the passion for hands-on activities never goes away completely. At Miniature World, you’ll feel like a giant. While exploring the more than 85 dioramas and displays, you’ll find several push-button actions which do everything from turn on lights to activate trainsets. Wander back in time at Royal BC Museum, where immersive exhibits make you feel like you’ve stepped into snippets of Victoria’s history. Try your hand at mining for gold. Step into the shoes of a submarine captain. Say “Hi” to Wolly, the museum’s unofficial mascot — a life-size mammoth.

Bugs at the Victoria Bug Zoo

Get out all the wiggles at Beacon Hill Park, where the large playground is a year-round favorite. The seasonal petting zoo features goats, alpacas, and more. And for those kids who love creepy crawlers, the Victoria Zoo is a must-visit. In addition to seeing giant walkingsticks, praying mantis, tarantulas, and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, you and your littles will be able to safely handle some of the critters under the supervision of the zoo’s knowledgeable staff.

Indulge in Tasty Treats

In recent years Victoria’s food scene has undergone an impressive revival, with a farm-to-table movement that’s earned the city a well-deserved reputation. Indulge in a sampling at the Victoria Public Market — the city’s only year-round market. The indoor food-hub features a diverse range of local food artisans, including loaded waffles and scratch-made pies.

But the city’s old staples should also not be overlooked — especially Roger’s Chocolates. Founded in 1885, Roger’s handmade chocolates have been delighting Victorians with classic flavors and local favorites, like Victoria Creams, for more than 130 years.

Tea

Continuing the tasty historic train, be sure to have a spot of afternoon tea. Since the early 1900s, the Fairmont Empress has been serving tea worthy of royalty. And, following its recent renovations, the Empress introduced a special prince and princess tea for children 12-and-under. The Queen Mary Tea Room also offers a fun children’s menu. So too does the Pendray Inn and Tea House.

Meet Some New Friends

Saddle up your little one for an awe-inspiring adventure with the ocean’s gentle giants — killer whales. Also known as orcas, the Salish Sea is frequented by both resident and transient pods. Tours, like the ones offered by Prince of Whales, allow you and your little one the chance to see these graceful creatures first hand. You may also see shorebirds, sea otters, seals, dolphins, grey whales, and more!

Whale Watching

For a more delicate introduction to nature, head to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Home to over 3,000 butterflies, along with tropical ducks, flamingos, and other rare tropical birds, the 12,000-square-foot enclosure is downright magical.

Explore the City

Introduce your young traveler to some of the city’s quirkiest of rides and funkiest of destinations. Start at Fisherman’s Wharf, where a lively community of floating homes and walk-up food vendors feel like something that may have been plucked from a children’s book. Catch a Victoria Harbour Ferry — the city’s water taxi service. It offers 14 conveniently located stops throughout the Inner Harbour, including at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Carriage Ride in Victoria

Excite your young traveling companion with an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride. Carriage rides can generally be found at the corner of Mackenzie St. & Melville St., on the west side of the BC Parliament Buildings. Tours typically last 30 minutes, taking you through some of Victoria’s oldest neighborhoods.

Add Some Dazzle (and Competition)

A National Historical Site of Canada, The Butchart Gardens features 55 acres of finely manicured gardens and public trails. Kids will love the endless paths and the children’s carousel. For a heart-pumping alternative, take your kid ziplining with Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours. Special youth tours are available, starting for children as young as five-years-old.

Zipline tour

Photo by Tourism Vancouver Island/Ben Giesbrecht

And if you’re looking to get off your feet while spending some quality un-plugged time, head to Interactivity Board Game Cafe. This fun café serves a selection of sandwiches and snacks. But the real star is the 800-plus game collection that’s available to play in-house or buy.

Book Your Victoria Flight

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA

7 EPIC VICTORIA SUNSET LOCATIONS

Seven years and counting, Amazon Canada ranked Victoria the most romantic city in the country. And while it’s pedestrian-friendly streets, epic food scene and historic buildings are swoon-worthy in their own regard — there’s nothing quite like a sunset to encourage a little canoodling.

VICTORIA’S BEST TOAST-WORTHY POURS

Victoria may be best known for its afternoon tea and historical charm, but it’s also ground central for British Columbia’s craft beer revolution. The quaint BC capital is home to a variety of craft breweries, where you’ll find full-bodied pours loaded with complex flavors worthy of raising a glass…or two.

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.

September 26, 2019/by Mikaela Judd

Seattle’s Best Coffee Shops

Blog, Things to do in Seattle

Sep 19, 2019

An essential guide to finding your perfect cup of joe in the city known for its caffeinated craft brews.

In a city where locals have long since abandoned gloves in favor of a warm cup of coffee, the corner café is commonly accepted as a second home. From expertly pulled espresso shots to precious pour-overs, baristas have embraced Seattle’s caffeine love affair. Artisan coffee is designed to not only give its patrons a pick-me-up, but also nourish the soul with refined flavors and welcoming environments.

September 19, 2019/by Mikaela Judd

Kenmore Air Pilot Mari Peterson

Blog, Kenmore Family

Sep 12, 2019 Mikaela Judd

Mari Peterson was born to fly. It’s in her blood. Her great grandfather was a Navy pilot during World War II. And growing up, her dad flew the family’s small airplane.

“He would cruise around in it and commute to Seattle for work. I practically grew up sleeping in the backseat,” Mari told me as she flew one of Kenmore Air’s Cessna Caravan at 4,500 feet over the San Juan Islands.

Yet despite her family lineage, Mari didn’t grow up with dreams of flying professionally. She spent the majority of her formative years living on San Juan Island — riding horses, playing tennis, and cheering for the local high school. She did take a ground school class (a pilot training class) offered through school, but didn’t pursue her pilot’s license immediately.

September 12, 2019/by Mikaela Judd

7th Annual Friday Harbor Film Festival Returns in October

Blog, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Sep 4, 2019 Ellen Roberts

7th Annual Friday Harbor Film Festival Returns in October

The exciting seventh annual Friday Harbor Film Festival, to be held Oct. 25-27, 2019 on San Juan Island, will screen 31 new documentary films, 23 short films, and a selection of films produced by student filmmakers. Films will be shown in six venues, all within an easy walk from the ferry landing, airport, and port.

Special events include the Opening Night Filmmakers Gala, during which the Andrew V. McLaglen Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to Paul G. Allen for his extraordinary achievements in documentary filmmaking through his company, Vulcan Productions. The informal Filmmakers Forum will be held Saturday morning.

The Festival closes on Sunday night with the Audience Choice Awards, honoring the best films. The Local Hero Award will be presented to Joe Gaydos, founder of the SeaDoc Society. The László Pal Emerging Filmmaker Award will be presented to a promising young filmmaker, whose winning film be screened.

Each year the Festival invites dedicated, talented filmmakers to showcase their documentary films’ unique ability to entertain, inspire, and enlighten audiences while encouraging students to learn the art storytelling through film.

It takes a small village to produce the Festival, which depends on the dedication of a group of extremely committed friends and neighbors who devote their time and energy to the event. They believe in the importance of conveying important and meaningful stories through film, as well as discussions with the filmmakers themselves.

The Festival is offering an Early Bird Festival Pass that provides priority seating, access to all venues and screenings, and one ticket to the opening night Gala for $175. Save $25 by purchasing it at FHFF.org. where full details about this year’s Festival are posted.

Plan Your Friday Harbor Getaway

MORE FUN SAN JUAN ISLAND THINGS TO DO

9 BEST PLACES TO SNAP A SELFIE ON SAN JUAN ISLAND

If you’re San Juan bound, don’t miss your chance to snap a selfie by these epic lookouts, historic sites, and cute creatures!

TOP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN FRIDAY HARBOR

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

SUSIE’S MOPEDS – FRESH AIR FREEDOM WITH A VIEW

With the sun on your face and two wheels at your command, San Juan Island is yours to explore – as fast or as slow as one of Susie’s Mopeds will take you.

September 4, 2019/by Ellen Roberts

Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Charter Destinations, Things to do in Canada, Things to do in Nanaimo, Tofino, British Columbia

Aug 29, 2019 Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

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.

Flying to Nanaimo by Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Flash forward a few years and Kenmore Air 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.

Mere steps from our room at the Wickaninnish Inn was the beach.

Since we flew to Vancouver Island from Seattle we tried to keep our luggage to a minimum. Once at the Wickaninnish Inn 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 much-anticipated dinner at the Pointe, the Wickaninnish Inn’s oceanfront restaurant.

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 Archipelago Cruises bound for the Broken Islands. 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.

One of many wildlife sightings during our trip with Archipelago Cruises.

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 for an unforgettable dinner. 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.

Salmon collar and belly from 1909 Kitchen.

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 Remote Passages for a half-day kayak tour and cultural history tour of Clayoquot Sound. 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.

Gearing up to set out on our tour of Clayoquot Sound with Remote Passages.

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 Long Beach Lodge 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.

A foggy morning at Long Beach Lodge.

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.

Waiting for our ride home.

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.

Book Your Nanaimo Flight

More Fun Adventures

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

With its interactive museums, plethora of parks, and walkable streets, Victoria offers the perfect kid-friendly getaway the whole family will love.

August 29, 2019/by Lisette Wolter-McKinley

Romance in Victoria

Blog, Things to do in Victoria

Aug 27, 2019 Mikaela Cowles

Victoria, known for its old-world elegance, is a city where romance feels right at home. Here, a simple stroll with your honey along the Inner Harbor becomes a memory you’ll treasure forever.

And, if you’re looking to give your date an extra dose of va va voom, we have you covered. Because a brisk fall day is the perfect time to cozy up close.

Romantic Things to do in Victoria

Court with Intention

In the early 1900s, folks knew a thing or two about romance. From the carriage rides to the love letters, courting was elegant. “I love yous” were intentional. “Dates” were planned. Take a cue from the days of old and reserve table at the Fairmont Empress for afternoon tea.

Stroll Through the Garden

happy couple

For over 100 years, the Butchart Gardens have been home to a stunning collection of native and exotic plants. The 55-acre floral display has been carefully developed to feature year-round blooms. The twisting trails throughout its grounds invite lingering walks — especially during fall with the grounds are less crowded and the colors abound.

Toast

Focusing on native British Columbia wines, Stage Wine Bar has created one of the best wine selections in the city. Rounding out the menu with exquisite global pours, the focus here is always on pleasure. The staff is attentive. The small plate selection is delectable. Plus, toasts are highly encouraged.

Enjoy a Massage with a View

couples in a robe

Located beside Victoria’s Inner Harbor, the Inn at Laurel Point offers stunning views of seaplanes as they land and take off. The Asian inspired rooms (especially in the Erickson Wing) are light, airy, and so comfortable you might consider staying permanently. Slip into your plush complimentary robe. Savor an exquisite in-room dining experience. Then request a rejuvenating in-room massage for you and your other half.

Book your Victoria trip today.