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.

In the last couple of decades, small boutique wineries have blossomed all over Washington State, and indeed all over the country. Some grow their own grapes, some partner with vineyards east of the mountains, and some do both. Each winery brings the wine makers' own personality and experience to the bottle. For all, it is a labor of love.

The mushrooming of boutique wineries has been a boon to wine lovers. No longer must they travel great distances for the lovely experience of visiting a new vineyard, tasting a new wine. Since many of these wineries produce only small amounts of their wine, these bottles can be hard to find. For the true wine aficionado, the quest to discover new tasting rooms can become an obsession.

Does this sound like you? If so (or even if not), hop on board a passenger ferry to Friday Harbor and head to San Juan Vineyards. There is no better way to travel to this picturesque winery located in an historic schoolhouse about 4 miles from Friday Harbor.

If there are ten good reasons to leave your car in Port Angeles and take our $20 round trip passenger ferry to Victoria, there are as many equally good reasons for Victorians to leave the car in Victoria when traveling to Port Angeles.

With a crossing time of just 55 minutes and a price tag of just $20 for a round trip ticket, it makes sense for Victorians to explore Port Angeles. It's easy and fun to fill a day in Port Angeles. We depart Victoria at 9:45 AM and will have you back at home just after 5pm (July 10 - August 29).

The Downtown Underground Tour is one of the most interesting ways to spend some time in Port Angeles. They recently were named one of the Top 5 Best City Tours in the Northwest - quite an honor considering the competition.

Historic walking tours run every 30 minutes during the weekend, and include a visit to the Port Angeles Underground. Port Angeles was long an important logging center for the Olympic Peninsula. The downtown area streets were raised in the early 1900s and many fine older buildings were lost; their remains were recently discovered underground and a restoration process has begun. Gain insight into the true history of Port Angeles (brothels? who knew?). Learn even more, and have more fun during the Port Angeles Heritage Weekend, August 8 and 9, 2010.

After delving into the fascinating past history of this port town, refresh yourself at one of the restaurants near the Victoria - Port Angeles ferry. Downrigger's Restaurant at the Landing has good food for all ages, homemade desserts, and moderate prices.The large dining room overlooks the waterfront, as does the patio. Also on the waterfront, Smuggler's Landing has great Northwest seafood in a casual atmosphere, along with terrific views of the Olympic Mountains.

If you feel a little thirsty and have a bit of time before the Victoria ferry, stop by Wine on the Waterfront for a glass of wine, live music, and fabulous views.

Make plans to spend the night and we will make your accommodations for you. Call Today 250-361-9144 - Be sure to bring proper ID.

We saw whales this weekend on the way to Friday Harbor and even more as we were returning to Victoria/Port Angeles during the Saturday San Juan Island Day Cruise. Of course the weather was perfect complete with sunny skies and a slight breeze. It was an ideal summer day for cruising to one of the most beautiful islands of the Pacific Northwest.

The San Juan Island Day Cruise is the perfect way to spend a day for anyone who wants to explore the bountiful waters and scenic islands of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The journey starts in Port Angeles with a very brief layover in the historic Inner Harbour of Victoria to pick up fellow Island explorers. The journey continues past Oak Bay and along Discovery Island. We even had a chance to view a large colony of seals sunning on a remote beach before heading into the waters surrounding San Juan Island.

And then there were the whales....The captain made a point to stop the boat allowing all of us ample time to follow the large orca pod as they skimmed the surface close to the beaches of the San Juan Island.

Among the many activities we had available to us once we arrived in Friday Harbor, on the other side of the island, was a trip to the Whale Museum several blocks from the harbor.

In the museum, you can explore the habits of these magnificent creatures and discover the interaction we have had over the centuries. The museum provides great whale artifacts (including complete skeletons), videos, historical information and a great souvenir shop.

Of course there were many other great things going on during our day trip to the island including a variety of restaurants....some with great harbor views....You can rent kayaks, bicycles, mopeds and even 'Scootcars' by the hour to experience 'Island Time' on the go.

San Juan Transit makes it very easy to explore the island on foot and their day pass will get you almost anywhere on the island and back including all points in-between for only $15 for the entire day....Since we were 'day-trippers' there were also plenty of shops and galleries to keep us busy before our 3:30 departure to Victoria and then to Port Angeles.

If you are planning to make the San Juan Island Day Cruise from Port Angeles, please be certain to bring proper ID for the journey. We will stop in Victoria just long enough for the passengers from Victoria to join us before we continue on with the sailing to San Juan Island. Great photo opportunities of all of the action in the Inner Harbour will certainly keep you occupied during your brief visit.

Let Victoria Express make all of your travel arrangements - There is a excellent selection of lodging options available to you, not to mention our special island packages - Call today and place your San Juan Island Day Cruise 360-452-8088 or 250-361-9144 from Canada.

You've decided to explore the coast of the Olympic Peninsula. You take the passenger ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles. You rent a car at Budget, just steps away from the Victoria ferry terminal, and you hit the road. But where to start? The coast of the Olympic Peninsula is vast, beautiful, and largely untamed. It's best to begin with a visit to the Olympic Coast Discovery Center, part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sactuary..

The 19th Annual San Juan Island Artists' Studio Tour takes place June 5 and 6, 2010. This is a wonderful time to start thinking about visiting San Juan Island this summer!

Artists are drawn to the San Juan Islands because of their natural beauty and slow pace of life. There is room and time to be creative here. Truthfully, more of us would live up in the San Juan Islands if our livelihood allowed for it. Artists are a lucky bunch.

Each year during the Artists' Studio Tour, the artists of the island open their studio spaces to the public. There is no charge for this event - it is merely a wonderful opportunity to see where art is made and to speak with the artists. Fourteen studios and over 35 artists will participate on June 5, 6, 2010. San Juan Transit can help you travel to each of these studios.

San Juan Island is one of the greatest gems of the Pacific Northwest. The San Jan Islands tend to be sunnier than much of the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the Olympic RainShadow, and the weather is generally more mild. You'll find a strong arts community, good restaurants, and excellent lodging. There is outstanding outdoor recreation: miles of hiking trails, ideal conditions for biking, and extraordinary kayaking.

Many folks would visit San Juan Island much more often if they didn't fear the ferry lines. Time spent in long car lines during a weekend getaway feels like precious minutes lost.

When you travel by Victoria Express ferry to San Juan Island, you may breathe a sigh of relief and leave your car at home. Once in Friday Harbor, your island transportation needs will be met by San Juan Transit.

San Juan Transit will meet you at the ferry dock and whisk you away to your lodging. Once settled, you may call upon San Juan Transit to take you just about anywhere on the island, from Westcott Bay Sculpture Park near Roche Harbor, to San Juan County Park, to the San Juan Vineyards for a little wine tasting. You need not feel constrained by not having a car, plus San Juan Transit has a great day rate!

San Juan Transit will drop you at a hiking trail and pick you up at an allotted time. They'll take you to the point of departure for a kayak trek, or a whale watch tour. If you feel like simply sitting back and taking in the sites, try one of their narrated tours of the island.

This summer, don't let the ferry lines cramp your style. Hop on board the Victoria Express ferry to Friday Harbor, and travel throughout the island on San Juan Transit. Scenic travel between Victoria BC and Friday Harbor begins June 25, 2010. It's easy.

For more information, please call 360-452-8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Travel between the United States and Canada requires a passport or enhanced driver's license. Visit our ID Requirements for more details.

Photo compliments of the San Juan Island Visitor's Bureau.

Let's be frank. Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of an orca whale. It may not be at the top of the list of things you want to do in life, but you wouldn't shut your eyes if one swam past. Orca whales are amazing creatures, and those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest are fortunate to live by their habitat.

One pod of Orcas typically resides near the San Juan Islands from mid-April to early October. That's one really good reason to visit Friday Harbor.

Once there, you will find several options to view Orca whales. They are often spotted from shore, and it is fun to travel around San Juan Island by moped, trying to predict where they will be next. You may want to rent a kayak and try for a closer look. Or participate in one of several Whale Watching excursions.

It is easy to get to Friday Harbor from either the Olympic Peninsula or Victoria B.C. Victoria Express will take care of all your San Juan Island travel arrangements, including lodging and special activities. Call 360-452-8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This may be your lucky summer and you may get to see the orcas while on your San Juan Island-Friday Harbor journey. This whale image was taken by Julie Lawrence, a professional photographer from Sequim, while on the Victoria Express.

Please see our ID Requirements for details about travel between the United States and Canada.

There is no better way to travel than to hop on a boat in one city and disembark at your destination, refreshed and ready to explore. This is exactly what we are offering through April 1, 2010. You'll travel across the Salish Sea and arrive in the historic setting of Victoria's beautiful inner harbor. No long drive and no traffic lines. Just sit back and enjoy the magnificent views of the Pacific Northwest, one of the most scenic parts of the country.

The Seattle - Victoria travel packages include one or two night's accommodations at your choice of one of the finest hotels in Victoria: the Hotel Grand Pacific or the Hotel Chateau Victoria. Located right in the heart of the city, you will find it easy to explore on foot from either hotel.

In addition, our travel packages include tours of some of the finest sites of Victoria. Sit back in a luxurious coach and enjoy the Grand City Tour. Visit Craigdarroch Castle, considered "a key piece of British Columbia's history". Spend a few hours at the Royal BC Museum, and watch a film there at the IMAX Theatre.

The IMAX is currently showing four films. Ocean Men: Extreme Dive follows two men as they dive more than 91 meters under the sea on one breath of air. Under the Sea offers a glimpse of some of the most spectacular and unusual ocean creatures in the Indo-Pacific waters. Ride Around the World explores the 1,200-year history of the cowboy and horse from Argentina to Morocco. Africa: The Serengeti, is a fascinating tribute to the wildebeest and the Great Migration; it ends February 18, 2010.

The Royal BC Museum has a fascinating exhibit on the First Peoples of this region. Now through Saturday, February 27, the museum is offering interesting First Peoples Gallery Tours. Enhance this experience with the feature exhibit of today's Coast Salish First Nations: S'abadeb: The Gifts.

Victoria is so close to Seattle, it should be visited as often as possible. Our Seattle Victoria travel packages make this too easy to resist. Call or email for details: 360-452-8088, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Travel between the United States and Canada requires a passport or enhanced driver's license. Please see our ID Requirements page for more details.

Fantastic Canadian Folk Music

Don’t delay! Fans of Canadian folk music should stop everything and hop on board the ferry to Victoria for a concert tribute for Stan Rogers. The concert is a benefit for the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, in the heart of historic Victoria.

Stan Roger’s Canadian folk music honored folks who work the the land and sea of the Pacific Northwest. His songs, Northwest Passage, Barrett’s Privateers and The Mary Ellen Carter have earned him a place of honor in Canada’s musical history. Stan died in an airplane accident in 1983 when he was just 33.

Tonight, some of Canada’s top folk musicians will come together to honor Stan and raise funds for the Maritime Museum of BC: Valdy is a two time Juno Award recipient. A resident of Salt Spring Island, his music touches all who hear it. Tiller’s Folly, from Vancouver, has been captivating audiences for over a decade with their memorable blend of storytelling with a potent Celtic influence. Their recent CD, Stirring Up Ghosts, celebrates BC’s 150th anniversary and fosters awareness of Pacific Northwest heritage, culture and history. Hank Cramer, from the Seattle area, is one of the best-loved folksingers in the American West. He is best known for his booming bass voice, sense of humor and mix of original, traditional, and contemporary folk songs about cowboys, sailors, soldiers, miners, and adventurers.

All three performing groups are very excited for the opportunity to honor Stan Rogers and help raise funds for the Maritime Museum of BC. They will play individual sets and then perform as an ensemble in the final set. This will mark their first live performance together on stage. Order tickets here.

So don’t delay. Ride the ferry to Victoria today! We can arrange overnight accommodations as well.

Travel between the US and Canada requires a passport or enhanced driver’s license.