San Juan Islands Family Vacation

Itinerary at a glance

Fresh off the ferry in Friday Harbor, we begin our week together with a scenic afternoon walk to the historic British and American encampments. Kids love when our guides talk about the Pig War. Next day a waterside walk with views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascades leads the adults to an acclaimed sculpture garden then oyster farm. The kids may fare even better with an exploration of the whale museum and the chance to reconstruct a whale skeleton. Later, meet the spectacular mammals the best way: eye-to-eye in our easily maneuverable two- and three-man sea kayaks.

Victoria lies just across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Adults enjoy a guided visit to Butchart Gardens, 50 acres of lush plantings that flourish in the region’s mild “banana belt” climate. The kids are nearby at an indoor rainforest surrounded by hundreds of exotic butterflies.

En route to Tofino, enjoy a walk in an ancient old growth rain forest with 500-year-old Sitka spruce. The following morning, wake in Tofino on Vancouver Island’s rugged western coast. Everyone enjoys the natural hot springs, and the boat ride there that offers sightings of black bears and humpback whales.

On our final day together, a local friend—an accomplished naturalist and photographer—joins us for some incredible tide-pooling and beach combing before we return to Victoria.