Fox Kits on San Juan Island. Iandewar Photography
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.

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The Lodge at St. Edwards in Kenmore
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.

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Kenmore Air Otter and Cattle Point Lighthouse
Kenmore Air de Havilland Otter flying past Cattle Point Lighthouse

Though the quaint archipelago tucked within the Salish Sea is technically part of Washington State, it feels a bit like its own country. Heck, some of its rocky inlets are closer to Canada than they are to the American mainland. But the 172-plus islands in the Olympic Rainshadow don’t require a passport and are relatively easy to access — if you know what you’re doing. 

The following outlines 10 ways to travel from Seattle to the San Juan Islands. But at its most primitive level, there are only two ways to get here: by boat or plane. The nature of being surrounded by water on all sides makes this remote destination exactly that, remote. That’s part of the charm, part of what keeps this paradise a destination worthy of visiting year-round.

And the great news is, whether you’re flying from Boeing Field to Friday Harbor, catching a seaplane from Lake Union to Roche Harbor, or hopping on a 25-minute flight from Paine Field to Orcas Island — the views are endless and check-in is a breeze!

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Friday Harbor on San Juan Island
Friday Harbor Marina on San Juan Island

A fetching slice of paradise, Friday Harbor is the largest town in Washington state’s sunny San Juan Islands. Often a homebase for travelers, the plethora of things to do in Friday Harbor without a car make it alone with a visit. 

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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.

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

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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. 

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Mother and kids at Malahat Skywalk 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. 

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Best Eggs Benedict in Victoria BC with potatoes
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.

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Things to do in Friday Harbor with Girlfriends
Things to do in Friday Harbor with Girlfriends

Breathtaking views, farm-to-table cuisine, and a plethora of low-key activities make Friday Harbor an epic girlfriends’ getaway. 

Roughly 175 forest-covered rocky inlets make up this archipelago. Here, lush farmland butts up against freshwater lakes and protected coves. Saltwater surrounds the shorelines, where seals can be seen playing and mountain views often flirt with the horizon. 

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