Every time we get to the San Juan Islands we start thinking about very early retirement. They’re jewels—just remote enough—sprinkled across fine blue waters, accessible only by ferry, but not far from Seattle. They’re gorgeous, too, from their mountainous heart to their photogenic shorelines. You’re never bored here. Invigorating trails are always nearby. You can go orca watching (as we do with a guide from the Center for Whale Research). You might slip into a sea kayak for some easy paddling or go tide pooling in search of amazing grape-colored sea stars. When you need a change, Vancouver Island is just another ferry ride away with its spectacular gardens, hot springs, seabird watching and the lovely city of Victoria. (And did we mention the oysters, the blackberry pie, the Washington State wines?…) On this Classic Journey you’ll get all that—plus visits with local artisans, Native Americans, naturalists and the people who are lucky enough to call this place home.

DAYS 1-2 - SAN JUAN ISLAND
Fresh off the ferry in Friday Harbor (2 nights), we take an afternoon walk through the meadows of San Juan Island with views of the Cascades and Mt. Rainier. This is prime Orca whale territory and we meet these spectacular mammals the best way: eye-to-eye in our easily maneuverable sea kayaks (or excursion boat if you prefer).

DAY 3 - VANCOUVER ISLAND
We bid farewell to the San Juan Islands in favor of Vancouver Island, which lies just across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A local friend leads us on a fascinating architectural walking tour of Victoria (1 night) before a visit to world-famous Butchart Gardens, 50 acres of lush plantings that flourish in the region’s mild “banana belt” climate. If you prefer some time on your own, wander the beautiful waterfront of Victoria and perhaps even pay a visit to the renowned native art collection in the Royal British Columbian Museum.

DAYS 4-6 - TOFINO / VANCOUVER ISLAND
The next day we journey to Tofino (2 nights) on Vancouver Island’s rugged western coast. We’ll walk in one of the world’s largest intact rain forests with 500-year-old Sitka spruce, soak in natural hot springs, go gallery-hopping, and join a local friend (an accomplished naturalist and acclaimned photographer) for some beach combing along the wildlife-rich shores near our beautiful lodge before returning to Victoria where the tour ends.