The Pacific Northwest is calling!

Last summer we visited the Pacific Northwest of Canada & US. Our travel route mainly included the vibrant cities

of Vancouver including Whistler, Victoria on Vancouver Island and Seattle in Washington Stat. Next to theses unique cities you have access to mountains, forests, lakes and a great coastline within this region. Best time for travelling there

is the summer, as in winter it can get quiet cold there and usually rains a lot.

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V A N C O U V E R

For our round trip we travelled by rental car (DiscoverCars) which we collected from the airport in Vancouver and returned it there after our trip. Vancouver, however, is also well connected by bus and train to most major cities. In order to get around the city easily you can take advantage of the extensive public transportation system, which includes buses,

the SkyTrain and the SeaBus ferry.

Vancouver has a sophisticated urban center, great sandy beaches and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. You can explore various neighborhoods filled with artsy shops, multicultural restaurants and historic architecture.

In order to get a first great impression of the city you can start at Canada Place and take a walk along the waterfront there. Canada Place is an iconic landmark and venue for world-class events. From here many seaplanes start their journey and other maritime excursions. Check them out here (powered by GetYourGuide):

Afterwards you can head to Gastown to admire historic architecture and dine in oneof the city’s top restaurants. Say hello to Gassy Jack and watch how the Steam Clock shoots steam every quarter-hour and whistles for all to hear.

Another great way to experience Vancouver is by renting a bike (powered by GetYourGuide) and ride around Stanley Park which will provide you with a different perspective of this stunning city. Explore the 400 -hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall.

If you are looking for a nice escape from all the buzzle, head to Granville Island. One of the best ways to get there, is to hop on one of the adorable mini-tugboat ferries that ship along False Creek. Once you are there, the main attraction on Granville Island is the Public Market. Housed indoors, there are endless rows of stalls that feature fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods and seafood. Outside of the market, you can catch a show at one of the many theatres on the island or browse through an art gallery or souvenir shop.

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W H I S T L E R

Only a 1.5 hours drive up north from Vancouver you can find North America's largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb. It is a mountain playground with an youthful and adventurous soul. Within the picturesque village of Whistler you can enjoy various cafes, restaurants and nice shops. Just beyond of that, you find the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest's wilderness, which call for casual adventurers and outdoor purists alike.

If it is your first time in Whistler, a good way to experience the mountains is to take the full gondola tour - Whistler Village Gondola & Peak to Peak Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola.

You will get stunning 360-degree views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests. Once you get up to Whistler Mountain you can enjoy a beverage there and watch the quiet tame Whiskey Jack Birds there. Afterwards you can access one of the many hiking trails and, if you are lucky as we were, you can still find a wall of snow there in mid-June on the way to Peak Chair.

If you are really not afraid of heights, you can even go up further the mountain. Take the Peak Express Chairlift up to Cloudraker Skybridge, a 130-metre alpine suspension bridge that gives you incredible views out over the Coast Mountains. At one end you will find the Raven’s Eye Lookout, a phenomenal viewing platform that gives you 360-degree mountain vistas.

Spanning the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the record breaking Peak to Peak Gondola provides an unparalleled perspective of British Columbia's rooftop. Last but not least the Blackcomb Gondola will take you back down to the Village.

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VICTORIA

As I spent one year as an exchange stundent at the University of Victoria almost 25 years ago, I have a special connection to this European like, quaint city on Vancouver Island, which is full of adventure.

Downtown Victoria you can take a stroll around the lively harbour and walk between many historic buildings like the Empress Hotel or Parliament Building. Watch out for seals, sea lions or otters that sometimes swim between the boats. Many marine adventure tours (powered by GetYourGuide) start here. We spend a great time on a whale watching tour and saw quiet a few humpback whales, find my blog post here.

In the picturesque streets you can discover nice restaurants with fresh cuisine and great shops with handmade, local products.

Surrounded by the Salish Sea, rainforests and views to the Mountains of Washington State, US, Victoria seems to have it all, a vibrant city located within landscapes that you just cannot get enough of.

A great spot for lunch is the marine destination of Fisherman's Wharf just around the corner from Victoria's Inner Harbour. This hidden treasure offers food kiosks and unique shops between the many nice floating homes.

Just outside downtown Victoria you can relax in Beacon Hill Park, which is largest city park with 75 hectares of beautiful flower gardens next to duck ponds and walking paths woven in between.

This is also a good starting point for the scenic seaside route. On a clear day you can have beautiful views of the coastline up to the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, US. Follow the southeast periphery of Victoria along Dallas Road to Beach Drive. From here drive by the Golf Course to Oak Bay Beach Hotel for coffee, or keep going to the Oak Bay Marina. Afterwards you can stop at Willows Beach or enjoy Cadboro Bay close to the University of Victoria. Continue along Cadboro Bay Road and swing in to Mt. Douglas Park, where you can get a panoramic view of Victoria. Descend and continue to Royal Oak Drive and north on the Pat Bay Highway to Keating X Road. Follow this road to the west as it becomes Benvenuto Road and leads you into Butchart Gardens.

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SEATTLE

We only had very little time to discover Seatttle, this great city in the North West of the States. One highlight was definitely walking around the Pike Place Market close to the seafront. Especially the great, fresh seafood and fruits caught our eyes.

This original market in this historical, downtown area began in 1907 with only six to twelve farmers selling their goods. Today, the market is a bustling tourist attraction open seven days a week year-round. Its stalls are selling everything, from fresh products to foraged foods to jams to flowers and much more. There is also the famous Fish Market plus little cafés and restaurants and non-food items like crafts of the local and handmade varieties.

Do not forget to top by Rachel, the Piggy Bank, and touch her nose and make a wish as it is believed to bring you lots of luck. As the mascot of Pike Place Market standing proudly beneath the Pike Place Market clock ever since 1986, Rachel the Piggy Bank was installed to raise money for the social service agencies in the Market, as part of the Pike Place Market Foundation’s mission to nurture a thriving Market community.

Also take a look at the famous gum wall. It is a brick wall covered in used chewing gums. If you like you can leave your own one behind, if you manage to find a free sport for it.

Steps down the steep Pike Street Hillclimb leads to the focal point of the Seattle Waterfront district. Here you find bustling piers with seafood restaurants, souvenir stores and attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel, from which gondolas you have great views accross Puget Sound. The Seattle Aquarium features a tropical zone with puffer and triggerfish, as well as petting pools with starfish and spiny sea urchins.

For many more things to do in Seattle check out the GetYourGuide website: