Fondly known as the ‘Emerald Isle,’ Orcas Island is 57.3 square miles and shaped like a horseshoe. Or two saddlebags. Or a trapezoid. No matter your shape preference, the idyllic destination is home to stunning vistas, exquisite cuisine, and inspiring artists. This is an island to be loved. See just how much you love Orcas by testing your knowledge in a true and false test.
Read moreWith its diverse topography and remote location, Orcas Island feels more like an island castaway rather than an oasis with a luxurious hotel and one of the nation’s top restaurants. But that’s what you’ll find. MATIA on Orcas Island is a dining destination worthy of a trip and the Outlook Inn is a refined hotel perched at the water’s edge.
Read moreThere 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!
Read moreThere are hills to hike, waterfalls to explore, and plates of eggs Benedict to devour. This is your ultimate Pacific Northwest travel bucket list. And, it’s just in time for kicking off the New Year!
It’s loaded with seaside cocktails, DIY brewery tours, and can’t-miss donuts. It features remote fishing destinations, sea-to-table cuisine, and some of the most Instagram-worthy spots around.
Read moreNestled in the Salish Sea, this gem promises not only breathtaking landscapes, but also an array of cozy lodgings that make your island retreat truly unforgettable. A picturesque haven in the Pacific Northwest—San Juan Island lodging ranges from marina views to mountain hideaways.
Read moreThere’s a plethora of swanky cocktail bars in Victoria BC worthy of their elegant hometown. Whether you’re celebrating the New Year or just raising a toast to another day, these sip-worthy destinations don’t disappoint.
Read moreTheir work has been called ‘petable’ art. While the initial base of island wood tends to be rough and splintered, the finished products are buttery smooth. They can be found in kitchens, offices, and wardrobes. Made by San Juan Island artists, River and Luna Wylde, these colorful pieces are as intriguing as they are functional.
The pieces range from charcuterie boards to tables and earrings. They make coasters, which are always a crowd-pleaser, and stunning sushi trays. Their Pride charcuterie boards are rainbow masterpieces, and their keychains are elegant and distinctive.
Read moreFrom 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.
Read moreThough Victoria offers all kinds of big city perks like high-tech WiFi and a thriving food scene, this quaint capital has maintained its small-town charm – which makes it an ideal destination for stress-free holiday shopping. With an impressively high walkability score and a collection of eateries perfect to take a rest, you’ll have as much finding gifts this season as giving them.
Read moreSurrounded by 12,000-foot mountains, the sleepy town of Ketchum, Idaho, is the birthplace of American ski resorts — Sun Valley.
The quaint destination has yet to be taken over by skyscrapers. The world-renowned ski slopes and fresh, dry powder are the main draws. And while luxury touches can be found in farm-to-table restaurants and high-end accommodations, echos of the mining-turned-farming town remain.
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