Victoria Express

The Pacific Northwest is known for many things; Microsoft and Starbucks. Salmon. Kurt Cobain and Grunge. Rain. Most people who have never visited the region can tell you this much.

Ah, but anyone who has ever been to the Pacific Northwest will also speak of mirroring mountain ranges, snow capped volcanoes, large bodies of water, islands and ferries. They'll tell you that when it was gray they felt downcast and compelled to drink espresso, and when the skies cleared, they were floored by the mountain views.

It is practically an obligation for travelers to the Pacific Northwest to hop on a boat and head to an island. It's fun for residents, as well.

With this in mind, we heartily suggest a Scenic Day Cruise to San Juan Island aboard the Victoria Express ferry to Friday Harbor.

Pirates Invade Bastion Square - Due to the popularity of Pirates, the Maritime Museum of BC’s Pirate School, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings, will be taking up a more permanent residence at the museum in Bastion Square. Previously enjoyed at local festivals and events, Pirate School can now be attended right in front of the Museum from Thursday to Sunday 11:00am – 2:00pm for the rest of the summer beginning on the 22^nd.

Having run for over ten years now, Victoria has its fair share of proud Pirate School graduates. One such lass is Deirdre Campbell, the Museum’s current Pirate School Coordinator. “Kids adore Pirate School and it is an excellent way to connect the Museum with the community”, she says, “they learn all about the pirate way of life and we enjoy teaching them!” Prepare for an influx of dastardly looking mateys in the downtown core. Aspiring pirates can battle with balloon swords, get decked out with “tattoos” or learn how to hunt down pirate booty. Landlubbers be warned.

Have you ever admired views of the Olympic Mountains from Victoria and found yourself overcome with a desire to surround yourself in the calming aroma of a fresh lavender field? If so, Victoria Express is prepared to make your dreams come true.

The 14th annual Sequim Lavender Festival takes place this weekend, July 16 - 18, 2010 and you are invited. Victoria Express is offering a Lavender Festival Day Cruise and it is the most convenient way for you to experience the festival. Just walk onboard at the Victoria ferry terminal and leave concerns about traffic congestion and ferry lines behind you. You will take the passenger ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles, where you'll hop on a shuttle bus at our Port Angeles terminal and you will be taken directly to the street fair in the heart of the Sequim Lavender Festival. In addition to transportation to and from the festival, the Lavender Day Cruise includes transportation and admission into the seven participating lavender farms. All this for merely $65 USD per person.

You'll depart the Victoria ferry terminal at 9:45 am and after a day of Lavender, you will sail out of Port Angeles at 8pm. That means you'll have a full day to immerse yourself in the wonders of lavender. Visit all seven farms and enjoy all the street fair has to offer - you'll even have time to enjoy live music and a glass of wine or beer in the Lavender Festival Wine and Beer Garden.

Call 250-361-9144 for more information and make your reservation for the Victoria Express Lavender Festival Package. Let us take care of everything....and be sure to bring proper ID.

Photo compliments of the Sequim Lavender Festival.

Art & Lavender Fairs are the perfect excuse to take the ferry to Friday Harbor and spend the day or an extended weekend. This weekend has something for everyone: come up for  the San Juan Island Lavender Festival, the San Juan Island Summer Arts Fair, the whale museum, the harbor restaurants and more, all in one fun-filled weekend.

Take the Victoria Express ferry to Friday Harbor and stay for two nights. You'll arrive in Friday Harbor around noon, after a scenic cruise across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, along the coast of Discovery Island and into the waters of the San Juan Islands (keep an eye out for whales). Two nights allow ample time to explore San Juan Island by bike, moped, Scootcar, or San Juan Transit.

The San Juan Island Lavender Festival is at Pelindaba Lavender Farm. It features workshops on cultivating lavender, cooking with lavender, and creating your own lavender essential oil. Take a tour, participate in a craft workshop, or relax to music. Drink lavender lemonade when you're thirsty, and eat lavender ice cream when you're hungry. The festival runs Friday and Saturday between 10am and 5pm (July 17 and 18, 2010).

The San Juan Island Summer Arts Fair is on Court Street in Friday Habor. Many local and regional artists will be on hand with their art. Look forward to art demonstrations and live music by local musicians throughout the day. Families will enjoy the Children's Area, and everyone will find good food to eat at the Food Court. The Art Fair runs Saturday July 17 between 10am and 5pm, and Sunday July 18 between 10am and 4pm.

You'll depart Friday Harbor at 3:30pm, and arrive at Victoria around 6pm. Folks continuing on to the Olympic Peninsula will depart from the Inner Harbour of Victoria at 6:15pm. If whales are spotted during the voyage, the Captain does his best to help passengers see them.

Treat yourself to a Weekend Adventure on San Juan Island. It's delightful for couples in need of a romantic getaway, or families looking to treat themselves to something fun. For more details, call 360-452-8088 from the United States, or 250-361-9144 from Canada.

Traveling from Port Angeles to Friday Harbor? Bring a passport or enhanced driver's license so you can explore Victoria's Inner Harbor during a lay-over.

Victoria Express is available for private charters for any occasion.

This is your opportunity to enjoy a private afternoon or evening on the water....

Plan a day trip to the San Juan Islands.

Victoria Express features indoor and outdoor seating, a snack bar, multiple restrooms, and a multimedia center including video screens and a PA system. Victoria Express is perfect for a wide variety of cruises around Port Angeles Harbor, Sequim Bay, Port Townsend Harbor, the San Juan Islands and other points of interest in the Salish Sea. Consider Victoria Express when you plan your next event:

• Charter to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
• Company Picnic on the Harbor
• Client Social
• Salish Sea Culture Cruise
• Business Luncheon or Dinner
• Sunset Cocktail Cruise
• Retirement Party
• Sales Meeting
• Wedding, Reception or Rehearsal Dinner
• Reunion or Anniversary Party
• Training Class or Workshop
• Private Eco-Tour
• Wine Tasting Cruise
• Or any other reason you want to get out on the water…

Call or E-mail today for more information:

Phone: (360) 452-8088

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