Victoria, British Columbia

Next time you visit Seattle, it’s a quick hop over to the lovely garden city of Victoria in British Columbia. Make sure to bring your passport, and climb aboard the Victoria Clipper on the Seattle waterfront.

Travel between Seattle and Victoria is fast and easy. The high-speed, passenger-only Victoria Clipper ferries take the two- to-three hour cruise through the Puget Sound and into the Strait of Juan de Fuca on your way to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. Look for Orca pods on your passage over and back.

Once you arrive, I recommend a Gray Line West Tour, which will ferry groups out to Butchart Gardens – a scenic, impressive display of floral wonderfulness. Victoria's British-style charm is best appreciated by taking a city tour, which will help give an overall view of this beautiful city. Afterward, stop at the elegant Empress Hotel and indulge in a traditional afternoon tea service.

Also on the pier below Wharf Street is the fantastic Red Fish Blue Fish seafood shack. Lines of people attest to the best salmon fish-and-chips, fresh halibut and grilled oysters around. Red Fish Blue Fish is a seasonal operation – open mainly during the warmer months.

Victoria, British Columbia is a breath of fresh air and an easy one-day trip from Seattle. This full day of adventure will fill you with the beauty and charm of a most friendly northern Canadian neighbor.