5-Day Seattle to Victoria Journey by Land and Sea

This 5-day journey between Seattle, WA, and Victoria, BC, delivers journey that leaves you rested and filled with recent, native eats.

From cozy and charming lodges with waterfront views to true farm-to-table consuming, this journey reminds you to decelerate and absorb the wonderful experiences Seattle and Victoria supply.

This journey with FRS Clipper’s Sea and Sky package deal is about having fun with the current second, versus checking off an inventory.

Day 1- A Gradual Day in Seattle: Spending the First 24 Hours by the Water

Seeking to discover Seattle at your personal tempo? Uncover how I spent a relaxed first day within the Emerald Metropolis with waterfront views, recent seafood, the Area Needle, and moments that invite you to decelerate and luxuriate in as a substitute of checking off an inventory.

Arrival in Seattle: A Calm Welcome to the Pacific Northwest

After a brief drive from the airport into town, I checked in at The Edgewater Resort, a waterfront spot recognized for its rock ‘n’ roll historical past and comfy, lodge-style appeal.

Inside, it feels immediately peaceable. There’s a stone fire within the foyer with a beautiful view of the water, and my room had its personal fire and a view of Elliott Bay. Seagulls drifted previous the window, and boats moved out and in of the harbor. I hadn’t even unpacked but and felt like I’d already exhaled.

A Waterfront Stroll and Exploring Pike Place Market

After settling in, I grabbed a cardamom rose latte from the lodge café and wandered alongside the Seattle waterfront. After a brief stroll, I climbed up the steps close to the Seattle Aquarium to make my approach to Pike Place Market. There’s a buzzy power to the area, stalls are filled with recent flowers and freshly caught seafood, and native artisans promote all the things from honey to handmade items.

I took my time looking, then stopped for lunch at Soundview Café, tucked contained in the market. It’s a laid-back spot with a view of the Seattle Nice Wheel and Elliott Bay. The meals was nice, and watching the water whereas ready made the entire expertise really feel unrushed and simple.

Seattle Icons: The Area Needle and Chihuly Backyard & Glass

Later within the afternoon, I walked by way of downtown to the Area Needle. It’s a kind of spots you are feeling like you need to see, and it doesn’t disappoint. The elevator journey up gives an awesome perspective of town.

The highest deck offers you a full 360° view of the mountains (together with Mount Rainier on a transparent day), Puget Sound, and downtown Seattle. On the decrease degree, the rotating glass flooring is a spotlight, giving guests an entire new have a look at town from above. 

Proper subsequent door, the Chihuly Backyard and Glass exhibit is immersive and gorgeous. Blown-glass sculptures glow with coloration and lightweight, and the indoor/outside format makes the artwork really feel alive. The greenhouse, with its sweeping views of the Area Needle framed by glass kinds, was one of the crucial lovely moments of the day.

Again at The Edgewater: Vinyls, Bathtubs, and a View

I walked again to The Edgewater, prepared for a break. The lodge gives a file participant and classic vinyls, so I placed on a Jimi Hendrix album, acceptable for a metropolis that formed his sound. The clawfoot tub in my suite was pristine (uncommon for a lodge), so I ran a bubble tub, learn a e book, and let the day settle.

Dinner at Six Seven: Native Seafood, Legendary Flavors

Dinner at Six Seven, the lodge’s restaurant, was the proper finish to the day. I acquired to attempt bites of their recent oysters, firecracker shrimp, burrata with smoked tomato jam, and cedar plank king salmon (a favourite of Anthony Bourdain). Dessert was next-level, with honey-lavender crème brûlée, key lime pie, chocolate pots de crème, lemon ricotta cheesecake, and extra.

Day 2 – Gradual Mornings and Hovering Views: A Dreamy Day Two in Victoria, BC

Uncover a calming journey journey from Seattle to Victoria, BC, full with a scenic seaplane flight, historic luxurious on the Fairmont Empress, afternoon tea traditions, and a comfortable Italian dinner at Zambri’s.

Waking Above the Clouds

There’s one thing magical about beginning your day wrapped in fog and quiet. I woke as much as the mist over Elliott Bay, giving the room a sense of being within the clouds. It was the sort of morning that invitations stillness, a heat cup of espresso, and the luxurious of no rush.

From Sea to Sky: Flying to Vancouver Island

The drive to the Kenmore Air terminal was quick, and shortly, I discovered myself boarding a seaplane. This expertise felt each thrilling and serene. There’s one thing about lifting off from the water and watching Seattle shrink beneath you that feels uniquely thrilling. The flight itself was a quick 45 minutes however filled with unforgettable views.

Arrival on the Fairmont Empress

Strolling by way of Victoria’s European-style streets, town felt like a breath of recent air, quiet, cheerful, and one way or the other slower. You can not miss the long-lasting Fairmont Empress, framed by hundreds of tulips. The lodge crops over 30,000 tulip bulbs every fall and the reward every spring is nothing wanting lovely.

Inside, the foyer is timeless class. A grand chandelier catches the sunshine, and excessive ceilings give a way of grounded grandeur. 

Within the Fairmont Gold Lounge, unique Nineteen Thirties beams showcase the lengthy historical past of this property. It’s the sort of area that invitations pause and is an unique area throughout the lodge for Fairmont Gold company. With water views, mushy lighting, and fantastically curated treats, I can think about spending hours right here with an excellent e book and cup of tea.

Empress Afternoon Tea with Royal Ties

No keep on the Empress could be full with out indulging in Afternoon Tea. This isn’t only a lodge custom, it’s a Victoria establishment. Each element is steeped in historical past, from the Buckingham Palace scone recipe to the fragile Royal Household-inspired porcelain designs.

The tea service featured a considerate mixture of savory and candy, similar to Coronation rooster, cucumber sandwiches, and my favourite, scones with lemon curd, clotted cream, and berry preserves. I selected the watermelon mint tea, which was refreshing and distinctive, and I totally loved the hazelnut mousse and delicate macarons.

Settling In: Harbor Views and Handmade Touches

Again in my room, I used to be greeted with small delights that elevated the keep: a chocolate beehive, mochi strawberry desserts, and a peaceable view of the harbor. The area’s inside design felt luxurious and crafted for relaxation and leisure.

An Italian Dinner to Keep in mind at Zambri’s

Dinner took me by way of the sunset-lit downtown streets to Zambri’s, a beloved native favourite that grew from a storefront to considered one of Victoria’s most trusted kitchens. The ambiance was heat and acquainted, cozy with out attempting too exhausting.

I began with the “Basil per favore” cocktail, that includes Sheringham Seaside gin, an award-winning native spirit that completely balanced the herbaceous with a contact of citrusy brightness. The meal itself showcased seasonal, native components.

I started with braised greens and fiddleheads paired with a duck egg yolk. My major, orecchiette with house-made sausage, rapini, and broccoli purée, was recent and genuine. Dessert was a easy pleasure: strawberry balsamic and mango gelatos, completed with a crisp biscotti.

Night Lights and the Empress by Evening

Strolling again by way of Victoria’s downtown, lights twinkled alongside the constructing fronts, giving the streets a delicate vacation really feel, even in spring. Returning to the Empress, I handed beneath that acquainted chandelier once more and headed as much as wind down with a heat pot of mint tea.

Day 3 – Exploring Victoria, BC: Museums, Meals Excursions, and Dinner on the Fairmont Empress

On this third day in Victoria, BC, I explored town by way of a extra intentional lens, beginning with a quiet breakfast, adopted by a personal behind-the-scenes tour on the Royal BC Museum, a guided meals stroll by way of downtown’s hyperlocal culinary scene, and a four-course dinner at Q on the Empress.

Should you’re in search of a slower, extra significant approach to journey, at the present time hits each observe: tradition, dialog, group, and craft. From storytelling to meals, it’s a metropolis that rewards curiosity and invitations you to pause.

Begin the Day with Quiet Harbor Views

I wakened with a view of the sunny harbor, brewed an espresso in my room, then made my approach to the Fairmont Gold Lounge for a light-weight breakfast, recent berries, natural tea, and some peaceable moments subsequent to the balcony’s fireplace pit overlooking the water. There was no rush, only a good begin.

A Morning on the Royal BC Museum

A brief stroll from the lodge is the Royal BC Museum, a landmark cultural establishment and one of many top-rated points of interest in Victoria. However what made this go to extraordinary was the personal behind-the-scenes tour I took with Sam Wealthy, Director of Advertising and Communications.

We explored the museum’s areas the place exhibitions are literally constructed, together with workshops stuffed with fashions, lighting assessments, and scale mockups. Displays right here aren’t simply displayed, they’re designed with intention.

Each visible and structural selection helps the story being advised. The museum is importantly devoted to community-informed storytelling and evolving with enter from the communities it represents.

One standout cease was the World Threads exhibit. It explores the lengthy and sophisticated historical past of Indian chintz, painted and printed cotton, that has formed international artwork, science, and style over the previous 1,000 years. It delves into colonial historical past and consumption, connecting previous style booms to right now’s quick style.

One other nice exhibit to take a look at is their “Past the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change” exhibit, which explores music’s impression on social and political actions all through historical past.

Uncover Native Taste with a Victoria Meals Tour

Within the afternoon, I joined a guided stroll with Off the Eaten Monitor, one of many prime meals excursions in Victoria, BC. Should you’re a meals traveler or love supporting native, this can be a must-do.

The tour took us to each under-the-radar and fashionable eating places and cafés, a lot of which supply almost all the things domestically. Victoria, in any case, has the longest rising season in Canada and probably the most eating places per capita within the nation. The consequence? A flourishing meals tradition the place you possibly can style the terroir in each chew.

The group behind the tour has been doing this for over 12 years. Their store options artisan meals from throughout Vancouver Island, 95% native and 100% Canadian-made. You get greater than only a snack, you get a narrative.

Whether or not you’re into seafood, recent baking, or superb wine and cheeses, there’s one thing on this tour to like. It’s an effective way to discover downtown Victoria whereas studying concerning the folks and producers shaping the area’s culinary scene.

Dinner at Q on the Empress: A Historic Meal in a Heritage Setting

For dinner, I returned to the Fairmont Empress for a meal at Q on the Empress, among the finest fine-dining eating places in Victoria. The room is gorgeous: it has unique wooden beams from 1908, the unique fire, and views of the inside harbor. It strikes that uncommon steadiness between elegant and welcoming.

Chef Tyler Paquette curated a four-course tasting menu that paid homage to British Columbia’s seasonal bounty. Right here’s a have a look at the dishes and pairings:

• Pea & Ricotta Ravioli with house-made smoked ricotta and hazelnut crumb, paired with Quail’s Gate Chenin Blanc
• Pacific Halibut with asparagus suggestions and truffle sunchoke purée, paired with Martin’s Lane Riesling
• Smoked Beef Tenderloin with chanterelles and mustard seed, paired with Checkmate Merlot
• Elderflower & Rose Trifle with Empress 1908 gin, paired with Mission Hill Riesling Ice Wine

Every dish was ready with recent and native components and was as lovely as scrumptious. The wine pairings have been all British Columbia labels, a reminder of how world-class this area’s vineyards have turn out to be.

Day 4 – Victoria to Seattle: A Scenic Bike Journey, Ocean Voyage, and Sundown Dinner to Finish a Excellent Journey

Day 4 of my journey by way of Victoria and Seattle was about having fun with the current second. From a harbor entrance morning and peaceable bike journey to a scenic return journey to Seattle on the FRS Clipper ferry, ending with seafood and cocktails on Seattle’s waterfront., it was a day of simplicity, recent air, and well-crafted experiences.

Morning Calm on the Empress & Exploring Victoria by Bike

The day started slowly once more, and I loved a cup of mint tea with recent berries and orange slices within the Gold Lounge. After enjoyable within the lounge for a bit, I made a decision to make the most of the Fairmont’s complimentary bikes for company and discover Victoria’s sunny shoreline. That is one thing I extremely suggest in the event you’re seeking to expertise Victoria at a slower tempo.

The bike route handed blooming wildflower meadows, coastal outlooks, mountains within the distance, and a captivating petting zoo in a public backyard. Peacocks wandered the backyard lawns, goats mingled with guests within the petting zoo, and a cool breeze from the water made the journey much more fulfilling. The expertise jogged my memory how a vacation spot comes alive whenever you take time to absorb its pure magnificence.

Behind the Scenes on the Clipper Ferry

After trying out, we headed to the Victoria Clipper terminal for our journey again to Seattle. Earlier than boarding, we have been invited into the wheelhouse for a behind-the-scenes tour, the place we met the Clipper crew and captain.

The considerate expertise they provide passengers is unmistakable. We traveled in Consolation Class, which incorporates early boarding, complimentary drinks and snacks, and reserved cozy leather-based seating.

Their attendants make the expertise memorable with desk service, and the open-air again deck supplied uninterrupted views of the Salish Sea. The journey was so peaceable that I almost misplaced monitor of time watching the shoreline go by.

Seattle Sundown Eating at AQUA by El Gaucho

Again in Seattle, we checked into The Edgewater Resort for one ultimate evening, a becoming return to the waterfront. For dinner, we went to AQUA by El Gaucho, a seafood-forward restaurant with panoramic views of Elliott Bay. The environment was elegant however relaxed, with golden hour gentle streaming by way of the home windows.

The menu had one thing for everybody, from creamy Dungeness crab mac and cheese to a vibrant strawberry and beet salad and tamari-glazed tofu with coconut inexperienced curry that was as flavorful because it was comforting.

We completed with a chocolate chip cookie sundae and cocktails that includes smoked gin and have been handled to an unforgettable sundown view. That is undoubtedly the place in case you are in quest of a panoramic sundown dinner.

Day 5 – Flying Again Dwelling

Earlier than heading out for my morning flight, I remembered to absorb the water views on the Edgewater with a heat tea in hand.

The flight residence was additionally a part of the expertise, with actually gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains which have stayed with me lengthy after I acquired residence.

Last Ideas: A Journey Nicely-Balanced

Exploring Victoria and Seattle by absorbing their pure magnificence, meals tradition, and native experiences creates an unforgettable getaway.

Should you’re planning a visit that explores each locations, contemplate this type of tempo: quiet mornings, lively exploration, significant transitions, and memorable meals. Journey, at its finest, will not be about doing extra, it’s about doing issues effectively.