7-night Canadian Coastal and Olympic National Park Cruise

Seattle is situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The city skyline is impressive with shimmering glass high-rises and 100-year-old buildings standing side by side. This beautiful port city came into its own after gold was discovered in the Klondike and 100,000 people passed through the Northwest in 1897 and 1898 on their quest for wealth in Alaska Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or the Space Needle by day and enjoy a vibrant jazz nightlife in turn-of-the-century Pioneer Square where the city first took root.

Between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island, 30 mi/50 km southwest of Vancouver, lies the Gulf Islands, a cluster of pastoral islands, much like the San Juan Islands in neighboring Washington. The largest of these islands, Saltspring Island, is only 20 mi/30 km long and about 10 mi/16 km wide. It has a thriving arts community that boasts best-selling authors and galleries with national reputations. Mayne Island was once a stopover for prospectors heading to the Klondike Gold Rush. It has several charming turn-of-the-century buildings.

All of the Gulf Islands are very laid-back and great to discover by bicycle, car or on foot. Hop between islands on the frequent boats run by B.C. Ferries, or consider a sea kayak excursion—a popular way to see this area.

Nanaimo is located on central Vancouver Island. Having something for everyone, activities in and around the city include diving, hiking, biking and kayaking to shopping, golfing and visiting local galleries.

Across the Olympic Peninsula in northwestern Washington lies glacier capped mountains, lush greet forests, hot springs and the long Pacific coastline. Approximately 1,440 square miles of diverse ecosystems, this subalpine forest is a nature lover's wonderland. Unspoiled and a World Heritage site since 1981, travelers can spot grazing elk by the Hoh Rainforest, catch the sunset on Hurricane Ridge, make snow angels on the Blue Glacier from Mount Olympus, walk along the coastline from Ozette Lake. 

Located on scenic HWY 101, driving to Port Angeles offers a great way to visit Victoria or tour the Olympic Peninsula. A 4.5 mile long sandbar forms a natural harbor which was discovered in 1791 by Spaniard Francisco Eliza and was originally named Puerto de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles which means Port of Our Lady of the Angels. Local attractions include the Arthur D. Feiro Marine Laboratory, the Clallam County Museum and the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. The Fine Arts Center is situated on 5-acres of land with a superb view of the harbor, city, Juan de Fuca Strait and on a clear evening the lights of Victoria. The center features drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture as well as concerts and other live performances. Several charter companies offer opportunities to catch salmon or bottom fish in Juan de Fuca Strait. Just a short distance away is Olympic National Park and its spectacular scenery. Van tours are available to Hurricane Ridge and its panoramic views, Rialto Beach and Hoh Rain Forrest.

Seattle is situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The city skyline is impressive with shimmering glass high-rises and 100-year-old buildings standing side by side. This beautiful port city came into its own after gold was discovered in the Klondike and 100,000 people passed through the Northwest in 1897 and 1898 on their quest for wealth in Alaska Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or the Space Needle by day and enjoy a vibrant jazz nightlife in turn-of-the-century Pioneer Square where the city first took root.