Sum-all. That’s “summer” and “fall” combined and exactly the crazy mix of a season we’ve had this year. If you were born and raised in the PNW, you’ve come to accept that summer usually doesn’t truly show up until August and September. But when it finally does, we all know it’s well worth the wait.
With brilliant blue skies and a good number of days when the Mountain is out, it is no wonder summer (ahem, sum-all) has become the season we live for. Simply put, it’s time to make summer count. To help you plan, we’ve created a list of epic Pacific Northwest adventures that will earn you serious social media bragging rights. So what are you waiting for? Whether you have your eye on a weeklong adventure or a quick weekend escape, get of town and enjoy these precious summer days.
1) Spend a Day on the Water with the PNW’s “Real Locals”
If you are an animal lover, hop on our San Juan Islands Whale Watching and Sealife Search Day Trip for a whale of an adventure. Cruise through the sparkling waters of the Salish Sea on lookout for the region’s showstopper – the 83 Southern Resident orca whales that make up the growing community of J, K and L pods. With eight babies born in the past year, there are more “orcatunities” than ever this summer as they splash and play in our local waters.
2) See The Butchart Gardens Come to Life
Soak up those precious rays of the Victoria summer sun, settle into that perfect patch of grass on The Butchart Garden’s lush, green lawn and tune into one of the many captivating on-stage musical performances from an array of locally and nationally acclaimed musical artists.
On weekends, stick around after the show to catch an awe-inspiring fireworks show as stunning displays light up the night sky in an array of vibrant colors. You can also experience another side of the iconic 55-acre grounds on the Evening Illuminations Tour as thousands of sparkling lights transform the landscape into an enchanting fairyland.
3) Experience the Empress’ Sophisticated New Lobby Lounge
Does drinking something hot really cool you down? Put this theory to the test. Head to the Fairmont Empress to experience the luxurious, newly renovated hotel and indulge in the quintessentially Victorian tradition of Afternoon Tea. Choose from a selection of 21 of the finest loose leaf teas available. Snack on delicious tea sandwiches, decadent desserts topped with fresh fruit as well as a warm mini raisin scones smothered in rich, homemade clotted cream.
Come evening, the Lounge transforms into the Empress’ new Q Bar, a fantastic social hub. With a vibrant selection of signature cocktails and enticing local craft beers on tap and live music seven nights a week, Q Bar is the place to see and be seen in Victoria.
4) Meet Mt. Rainier
With more days when “the Mountain is out” than not during the summer, there has never been a better time to visit this breathtakingly beautiful landmark. Experience this famous, glacier-clad peak from more than just at a distance on the Mt. Rainier Tour. Visit Paradise on the south side of the mountain and learn everything you ever wanted to know about the mighty peak at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.
You can also travel to Sunrise, the highest point on the mountain that can be reached by vehicle. Hike a little or a lot and soak in fantastic views of the surrounding Cascade Range, the blue-tinged Emmons Glacier, cascading waterfalls, dense old-growth forests and wildflower-filled meadows.
5) Treat Yourself to Something Sweet at Granville Island
Buzzing with an array of artist studios, galleries, theaters, independent shops and distinctive restaurants, Granville Island’s lively urban oasis should be on your must-do list when paying a visit to Vancouver, BC. However, the town’s real centerpiece is the market. A treat for the senses, rich aromas of warm baked goods, fresh seafood and ripening fruit permeate from the colorful stalls. Is your mouth watering yet? Hop on the Granville Island Market Tour to taste a number of gastronomic delights from local cheeses to hot donuts.
6) Soak in Summer Romance in Victoria
Spending a summer night under a clear sky, gazing at the stars glowing overhead is about as dreamy as it gets. However, why not up the romance quotient just a bit and do so in a place that has been named the “Most Romantic City in Canada” for two years in a row. Head out on the water for a Victoria Evening Kayak Tour and watch as the sun sets on the city and the Parliament’s 3,300 light bulbs cast a warm summer glow over the harbor. If you are lucky, you may even catch an impressive view of the Milk Way.
7) Sample Seattle Suds
Home to more than 50 breweries, there is no better place to quench your thirst on a hot summer day than in a Seattle taproom with a lineup of freshly poured brews. Check out the city’s beer scene on the Seattle Brewery Tour and visit some of the most popular and unique breweries around. Sample classics such as the refreshing, smooth Hefeweizen or the malty African Amber at the famous Pyramid or Mac & Jack’s breweries. If you want to really feel like a local, down one of the hoppy IPAs at Fremont Brewing or at Hale’s Ales in Ballard, a neighborhood hotspot for top-notch brews.
8) Skim Across Victoria’s Sparkling Waters
With unparalleled views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan De Fuca, makes the blustery Clover Point one of the most popular spots in Victoria for kiteboarding. Jump on the large wakeboard-esque board, ride the winds and skim over the aquamarine waters or jump the waves, hanging high in the air, for an exhilarating ride on the Salish Sea.
9) Hook a Big One in Ucluelet
Fishing dreams do come true. With jaw-dropping scenery, an abundance of wildlife, spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the harbor and some of the most incredible deep sea fishing on the West Coast, an Ucluelet Fishing Trip is the perfect mini-adventure in your own backyard. Under the guidance of a professional skipper, fish party-style in hotspots such as the offshore banks, Barkley Sound and the waters off Ucluelet. After bagging as many halibut or salmon as you can handle, head out on a whale watching and wildlife adventure to catch sight of a few of the Pacific Northwest’s famous residents, such as orcas, bears, bald eagles and sea lions.
10) Explore Vancouver Island’s Underground
If you think you have seen Vancouver Island, try experiencing it from underground. Discover another world as you squeeze and crawl your way through the marble passages of the Horne Lake Caves that have been carved into the mountains near Qualicum Beach. Experience the pristine beauty of these fascinating geological formations as you wind your way past sparkling crystal formations, ancient fossils or scale to the top of an underground waterfall.
11) Take a Ride on Vancouver Island’s Wild Side
Sea lions, whales and bears, oh my! Breathe in the crisp salty air as you cruise around secluded inlets and islands by zodiac on a Whales and Bears Nature Tour. Enter BC’s prime orca whale country and glide through the glittering waters of the Johnstone Strait area, Kelsey Bay, Sayward, Robson Bight and the Discovery Islands. Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent marine mammals as they navigated their local habitat as well as black bears strolling on beaches, bald eagles swooping down from the treetops and herons fishing in the tidal pools.
12) Visit the Classic (but Never Old) Seattle Center
Going strong since the 1962 World’s Fair, the Seattle Center offers a ton of great entertainment. Take advantage of the clear summer skies and ascend 520 feet on a 41 second ride to the observation deck of the futuristic Space Needle. Be prepared to see incredible, unmatched views of Seattle’s entire metropolis, including the Smith Tower, the Columbia Tower, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Elliot Bay, Bainbridge and Whidbey Island.
Head next door to the Chihuly Garden and Glass to see brilliantly colored, awe-inspiring glass gardens, towers, chandeliers and more created by local artist Dale Chihuly. Or, stop by the Experience Music Project (EMP) to get hands-on with musical instruments, check out iconic rock memorabilia and a fascinating array of rotating exhibits.
13) Soak Your Cares Away in Hot Springs Cove
Get away from it all and venture east of Tofino to the secluded Hot Springs Cove, which is only accessible by boat or float plane. Wander down a cedar trail, surrounded by temperate old growth forest and relax your worries away in a succession of piping hot geothermal pools that grow progressively cooler as they reach the ocean.
14) Discover Washington’s Sleeping Giant
Journey to the heart of the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to arrive in the blast-zone of the infamous 1980 eruption and soak in views of the steaming caldera from the Johnston Center Observatory. Head out on the Eruption Trail where you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the lava dome, crater, pumice plain and largest landslide recorded in human history on the Hummocks Trail.
15) Worship the Sun (and the Sand) on Alki Beach
One of the most often overlooked parts of Seattle, the scenic Alki Beach offers the perfect place to sink your toes into the sand (it is one of the few Seattle beaches not covered in rocks or shells), relax with good book, play in waves or beachcomb along its 2.5-mile length. And did we mention the beach has one of the most spectacular views of the city around? While it is a great spot for a photo-op any time of day, the best opportunity for a standout photo is when the sun sets against the glass buildings of downtown Seattle, setting them aglow in a wash of oranges, yellows and pinks
16) Travel the Willamette Valley Wine Trail
Tucked between the Cascade and Coast Ranges, the 150-mile long Willamette Valley is known for its agricultural richness and is one of the major wine producers in the region. Follow meandering roads through the area’s quiet backcountry on the Willamette Valley Wine Trail to award-winning wineries, where you can learn about the art of winemaking from the vintners and wander through the sun-lit groves where the grapes are produced. Savor the bold flavors of the region’s world-class Pinot noirs, Pinot gris, Chardonnays, Cabernet sauvignons, Rieslings and Merlots as you enjoy remarkable views of the mountains and valley below.
17) Stroll Through the Lush Grounds of Stanley Park
Situated on the edge of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is a stunning green oasis set amidst the bustling city. Wander through the park’s 400-hectacre grounds and enjoy scenic views of flower-filled gardens, rows of majestic trees lining the iconic Seawall, the sandy Third Beach, the gigantic “Hollow Tree,” or the park’s collection of colorful totem poles. If you are an animal lover, stop by the Lost Lagoon Nature House to learn more about the area’s rich flora and fauna or head to the Vancouver Aquarium to view their collection of more than 90,000 exotic creatures from all over the globe.
18) Float Your Way Down Icicle River
Sweltering in the heat? Escape the city and spend a hot day than with water lapping at your feet, a cool drink in your hand and watching breathtaking scenery and local wildlife pass by as you float down the cool waters of Leavenworth’s Icicle River. A little insider tip –mid-to late August is perfect for floating with calmer and warmer water. Don’t forget to end your day by grabbing a beer at local beer at Icicle Brewing Company or a bite at a number of great establishments in town.
19) Explore One of the Seven Wonders of Oregon
Portland may be famous for donuts, books, microbreweries and street food, yet the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is equally noteworthy. Spanning southern Washington and Northern Oregon, this world-class landscape is home to steady stream of cascading waterfalls, a great side effect of the area’s damp winters.
Experience these misty gems on the Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour, where you will get close enough to feel the spray of the famous Multnomah Falls, snap a shot of the highly-sought-after view of Latourell Falls and discover the hidden Bridal Veil Falls, one of the best kept secrets in the Columbia River Gorge.
20) Savor Famous Vintages in Woodinville’s Wine Country
Although it is located a mere 30 minutes east of the bustling urban scene of Seattle, Woodinville feels as though it is on the other side of the world. The quaint town boasts lush green valleys and over 100 different wineries and tasting rooms, where vintners transform the fruit of Eastern Washington into delicious fine wines.
While there are a few too many options for you to experience in one day, you can sample some of the region’s award-winning vintages at three acclaimed boutique wineries on the Woodinville Wine Tour. Relax and sip on crisp whites and bold reds and discover the art of viticulture as you chat with the winemakers.
21) Paddle Victoria’s Inner Harbour
Looking to beat the heat? Grab a couple of your friends or family members and strengthen your bond, as well as your core muscles, and jump on the water for an exhilarating Stand Up Paddling Harbour Tour. By end of the three-hour session, not only will you have gotten an up close and personal look at the city’s historic buildings and picturesque harbor waterway, but you will also have learned how to do everything form paddling your board in a straight line to maneuvering yourself sideways.
22) View Vancouver from New Heights
Experience Vancouver from a new perspective as you soar over the city in a float plane on an Aerial Flightseeing Tour. Looking down, the city appears as though it is a child’s toy town and the North Shore Mountains are displayed as an incredible panoramic scene. Buzz by landmarks such as the popular Lookout, Lionsgate Bridge and Canada Place before landing in the scenic Coal Harbour in an exhilarating burst of water.
23) Experience San Juan Island’s Unexplored Paradise
One of Washington’s hidden gems, the 100-million-year-old San Juan Island’s serene beaches, windswept grasslands and evergreen filled forests offer the perfect opportunity for outdoor exploration. Trek to the top of Mount Young for unparalleled vistas of the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and the rest of the San Juans.
24) Eat Your Way Through Seattle’s Most Celebrated Culinary Landmark
If you consider yourself a foodie, a visit to Seattle is not complete without a visit to the city’s famous public market. Stroll through the stalls on the Savor Seattle Pike Place Market Food & Cultural Tour, see fish fly, snack on delicious eats such as freshly made piroshkies and grab a latte at the original Starbucks.
25) Pedal Your Way Through Victoria’s Unique Neighborhoods
A haven for nature lovers, one of the best ways to experience Victoria is on one of the city’s many bicycle trails. Hop on the Castles, Hoods and Legends Bicycle Tour and breathe in fresh smell of ocean in the air, as you wind your way along the scenic Dallas Waterfront Trail. If you are looking for a longer ride, we suggest the expansive 40-mile-long Galloping Goose Trail, which winds from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal in North Saanich all the way to downtown Victoria.
26) Sip Local Libations on the Saanich Peninsula
When it comes to beverages, Victoria takes them very seriously, and its craft liquid refreshments are no exception. Wet your whistle while soaking in beautiful vistas of Vancouver Island’s countryside on the Local Libations on the Peninsula Tour. Fully guided, back-of-the-house tours at each of the stops allow you to get a taste of the city’s finest thirst-quenchers. These range from sweet, crisp ciders at Sea Cider craft cidery, to tart, dry-hopped sours at Category 12 craft brewery, to aromatic, spicy gin at Victoria Spirits craft distillery.
27) Watch the Sun Set on Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mountain
Climb 230 feet off the ground at the awe-inspiring Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for jaw-dropping views of Vancouver’s thriving coastal rainforest and the rushing Capilano River below. If you are feeling really brave, check out the park’s latest attraction, Cliffwalk, for a heart-stopping cliffside journey along the granite walls high above Capilano Canyon. For more breathtaking vistas, perch high above the city at the neighboring Grouse Mountain to watch the sun disappear behind the horizon.
28) Shred the Surf in Tofino
Featuring miles of smooth sandy beaches and cool, constant water temperatures, it is no surprise that Tofino is often called the “Surf Capital of Canada.” We recommend heading to the popular Chesterman Beach, for calmer, southern swells if you are just learning how to surf or Cox Bay if you are looking for the often elusive, smaller summer swells. If you work up an appetite riding the waves, the restaurant Shelter is an essential stop for fresh, seasonal gourmet dishes and a post-ride cocktail.
29) Tour the Famous Hiram Chittenden Locks
There are two ways for checking out the popular Hiram Chittenden Locks, one by land and one by sea. To go by sea, take the Argosy Locks Cruise to navigate the complex locks system linking the salt water of Puget Sound with the fresh water of Lake Washington and Lake Union. As you travel along the canal between the two bodies of water, you’ll glide past the historic Norwegian city of Ballard, one of the region’s largest commercial fishing fleets and the famous houseboat community from the movie “Sleepless in Seattle.”
To go by land, park your wheels in the parking lot, walk through the beautiful gardens, watch the boats traveling through the locks and stop to see the salmon fly up the fish ladder as they migrate into the fresh water of Lake Washington to spawn. Follow up your trip through the locks with fish and chips (or other delicious eats) at Ray’s Boathouse on Shilshole Bay, and watch as mega-yachts and tall-masted sailboats go in and out of the marina.
30) Trek Through Portland’s Forest Park
Brimming with emerald green forests and dense undergrowth, the aptly named Forest Park provides you with the perfect opportunity to spend a day in the trees without leaving city limits. Portland is known to be city of tree-huggers after all. Walk, run, hike or bike along the 70 plus miles of trails and you may even forget that you are not in forest primeval.
With a variety of unique and fascinating regions to explore, the opportunities for epic summer adventures in the Pacific Northwest are endless. Do one, do them all…whatever the case may be, we always want to hear from you and see your photos, so be sure to share on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #DiscoverClipper. Happy exploring!
Have a favorite spot for summer escapes? Let us know your recommendations in the comments!