Take a day trip from Victoria to discover the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula on the most direct route between Victoria, BC and the USA. Choose from a guided tour through Olympic National Park, a tour of the Port Angeles Underground, or a 1-hour flight sightseeing tour. Departing from the Inner Harbour of downtown Victoria, the M.V. Coho arrives in the quaint downtown area of Port Angeles, WA in only 90 minutes... Enjoy a quick and affordable adventure from Victoria!
1. Port Angeles Underground and Heritage Tours
Descend into history with one of North America's most unique historic tours. Learn about America's second national city on a 2-hour guided tour.
Due to flooding concerns in the early 1900s, the citizens of Port Angeles worked out an incredible plan to elevate the city's downtown streets, creating a network of underground tunnels and storefronts. In this unbelievable feat of engineering many older buildings were lost, but a select few remain. The stories they have to tell are captivating.
The tour begins with a fascinating explanation of the history of the city and the tactics used to raise the city streets in 1914. Next, take a short stroll through downtown Port Angeles to visit rediscovered basements and long-forgotten tunnels during the underground portion of the tour. Stop in at the city's original movie theatre, and venture into a hidden brothel above the unassuming family shoe store.
2. One-Hour Sightseeing Flight over the Olympic Peninsula
Take a one-hour sightseeing flight with Rite Brothers Aviation from Port Angeles's Fairchild International Airport. From the comfort of a small plane, you'll be treated to an exclusive look at the sites and wonders of the peninsula. Each flight is unique and may include views of the glaciers of the Olympic Mountains, the towering sea stacks of the Washington Coast or an aerial tour above the turquoise waters of Lake Crescent surrounded by old growth forests. Your flight is guided by an expert pilot who will answer your questions along the way while pointing out things that no land-based tour can see.
3. Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour
This trip to Hurricane Ridge begins with a scenic drive from sea-level in Port Angeles to 5,242 feet elevation at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Along the drive, you will enjoy views of the diverse topography and terrain of the Olympic Peninsula as it quickly changes with elevation.
Upon arrival, your hiking guide will lead an optional 2-3 mile guided hiking tour along the Cirque Rim Trail (flat-paved 0.5 miles), the High Ridge Trail (gravel & paved 1 mile), and other nearby trails as time allows. You are likely to see Black Tail Deer, a variety of birds, and if you're lucky an Olympic Marmot or Black Bear (from a safe distance).
Tour Includes: Olympic National Park entrance fees, round-trip transportation from Port Angeles, and a local naturalist hiking guide. Throughout each tour, your Olympic Hiking Co. naturalist hiking guide will point out landmarks, overview the flora and fauna, and discuss the natural history of the area. Outdoor activewear, extra layers, and comfortable walking/hiking shoes with good traction are recommended.
4. Discover the Olympic Peninsula on an E-Bike
Take a two-hour, self-guided e-bike ride on the Olympic Discovery Trail with Discover E-Bike.
The Olympic Discovery Trail offers beautiful views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca throughout the entire ride. Spot otters, eagles, and seals, with views of Victoria, the San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker. At Ediz Hook, enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains, look for sea glass on the rocky beach, take in the wildlife and, if you're lucky, you might spot a pod of orcas.
All self-guided rides include an electric bike fit to your size and experience level, a helmet, directions to your destination, and landmarks for viewing wildlife along the trail. E-Bike pick-up and drop-off is located at the Waterfront Pier in front of the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor (corners of North Lincoln Street and East Railroad Avenue).
