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. Explore Hurricane Ridge
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, you are free to explore the wonders of Hurricane Ridge. There are many options for hikes, such as, the 2-3- mile hike 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).
Please note that due to a fire, the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge will be closed throughout the 2023 season. The following changes will be in place:
- The Hurricane Ridge Mountain View Café, Gift Shop & Rental Shop will be closed. Please plan ahead by bringing your own food and drinks. Travelers can pack snacks or a lunch from Victoria (food items must not contain seeds or pits as per Customs requirement), or food items can be purchased onboard the ship in our coffee shop.
- Temporary restrooms, including accessible and family restrooms, will be available at Hurricane Ridge.
- Some sidewalk areas may be closed.
3. 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).
4. Enjoy a Crab Feast at CrabFest!
Port Angeles' annual seafood festival takes place during Canadian Thanksgiving weekend and provides something for everyone! Celebrate the local Dungeness crab harvest.
The festival features a variety of activities and attractions centered around crab, including crab cooking demonstrations and crab-themed food vendors. Visitors can enjoy fresh and delicious crab dishes, participate in crab-related competitions and learn about the local crab industry. The event also offers live music, entertainment and a festive atmosphere for attendees to enjoy. Overall, if you are a seafood lover and want to experience the local culture the Dungeness Crabfest is for you!
5. Visit the Lavender Capital of North America at Sequim Lavender Festival
Sequim Lavender Festival is a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of bountiful fields of lavender. The festival takes place every July, and offers live music, local food vendors, and more lavender products than you could imagine.
Sequim is home to nearly two dozen lavender farms, each of which offers a unique experience, including distilling demonstrations and the chance to pick your own lavender bundles. In addition to the delightful farms, there is a street fair that takes place during the whole weekend, which offers a variety of food vendors and local artisans.
Nearly all of the farms have their own gift shops with products that are created using their own lavender. With an expansive selection of products ranging from lavender lemonade to home cleaning products, there is something for everyone!
