PHOTO: Detoxify in Tigh Na Mara's warm water Hungarian Mineral pool in Vancouver (Courtesy Clipper Vacations)
There are few places in the world where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in a grotto spa in the morning, snap stunning pictures of a mountain in the afternoon, sip on an amazing number of locally brewed beers and spirits in the evening and cap the night off with a captivating theatrical or musical performance.
Lucky for you, all these things and more can be done in the Pacific Northwest's vast and beautiful cities and landscapes right in your own backyard. As your local travel experts for the past 30 years, we are here to help guide you with the best advice for unforgettable adventures, romantic getaways and scenic road trips in our beloved region.
Here are 10 things to do in the Pacific Northwest in 2016.
1. ESCAPE TO VANCOUVER ISLAND'S TIGH NA MARA
Located on 22 acres of evergreen forest and within a stone's throw from three kilometers of pristine sandy beach, Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort provides a haven from the daily hustle and bustle. If the fabulous grounds are not enough of a draw, the resort features a beautiful rock-ensconced grotto spa, complete with a whirlpool, sauna and a warm water mineral pool.
2. TAKE A BITE OUT OF SEATTLE
From some of the freshest seafood around to creamy, homemade ice cream, Seattle has a copious amount of phenomenal eats just waiting to be sampled. Tempt your taste buds with bites from local artisans and restaurants on a Food and Cultural Tour of Pike Place Market or treat yourself to the city's finest sweets on a Chocolate Indulgence Tour.
READ MORE: Pre- And Post-Cruise Excursions in Seattle and Vancouver
3. TRAVEL THE GALLOPING GOOSE TRAIL FROM END TO END
Stretching from urban, asphalt paved streets, through loamy rainforest floors covered with ferns and shrubs, to steep, rocky canyons, this former rail line that runs from Victoria to Sooke is the perfect way to view the finest scenery in British Columbia.
4. SCUBA DIVE & SNORKEL IN NANAIMO'S WATERY DEPTHS
Plunge deep into the cold, clear waters that surround the "Up Island" town of Nanaimo and slip into a different world. Explore the three sunken ship wrecks just outside the city's harbor to a view a myriad of sea life, including rock fish, wolf eel, octopus and starfish. If you prefer to be less submerged, try snorkeling with the playful harbor seals found in the shallow waters off the coast.
5. TAKE VICTORIA BY BICYCLE
With over nine popular biking trails that wind past local vineyards, bucolic farmlands and steep highlands, there is no better way to explore Victoria than by bike. If you left your bike at home, some hotels, such as the Hotel Grand Pacific, will even provide complimentary bikes to guests.
6. EXPERIENCE SEATTLE'S NIGHTLIFE
The numerous amount of local theaters, lively music venues and trendy clubs provide a seemingly endless source of entertainment. Enjoy a rousing show at Paramount, Moore or Neptune Theatre or check out the bars in Pioneer Square and Fremont to experience Seattle's vibrant nightlife.
SEE MORE: Whale Watching With Clipper Vacations
7. WANDER PELINDABA LAVENDER FARM'S DEEP PURPLE FIELDS
Breathe in the sweet, floral scent of lavender as you walk through fields of delicate purple flowers on the 25-acre San Juan Island farm. The blooms are at their peak during July, but you are welcome to visit Pelindaba anytime of the year and delight your taste buds with sweet lavender lemonade, iced tea, ice cream and cookies.
8. EXPLORE PORTLAND'S "GEM" OF A NEIGHBORHOOD
Renowned for stylish shops, world class art galleries, premium restaurants and bars, the chic Pearl District is one of the most vibrant and fun neighborhoods in Portland. Be sure stop at the iconic Powell's City of Books, the largest used and new bookstore in the world.
9. PAMPER YOURSELF AT VICTORIA'S FIVE-STAR SPAS
Slow down, rid yourself of stress and rejuvenate at one of Victoria's elegant spas. Indulge your senses by soaking in steaming hot mineral pools by the sea at Oak Bay Beach Hotel, treat yourself to nature-inspired spa treatment or relax in a soothing eucalyptus steam room and sauna at the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress.
10. TAKE A WALK ON BRITISH COLUMBIA'S WILD SIDE
Situated between Vancouver Island and mainland BC, the secluded Discovery Islands are a prime location for wildlife viewing. Cruise the sapphire waters along Quadra Island's scenic coastline on a whales and bears nature tour to catch sight of black bears, seals, bald eagles and herons.
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