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Surrounded by 12,000-foot mountains, the sleepy town of Ketchum, Idaho, is the birthplace of American ski resorts 鈥 Sun Valley.
The quaint destination has yet to be taken over by skyscrapers. The world-renowned ski slopes and fresh, dry powder are the main draws. And while luxury touches can be found in farm-to-table restaurants and high-end accommodations, echos of the mining-turned-farming town remain.
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It鈥檚 not convenient from anywhere. A 4.5-hour drive from Seattle, Washington, and a 3.5-hour drive from Portland, Oregon 鈥 Walla Walla isn鈥檛 a pop-over destination. (Unless, of course, you鈥檙e catching a Seattle to Walla Walla charter flight.) But the renowned Walla Walla wineries are well worth the trek.
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Washington State, Walla Walla wine country spans nearly 3,000 acres. It stretches into the northeasternmost tip of Oregon. And, it offers the ultimate girls’ weekend destination for those who want to unwind, relax, and sample some of the best wine in Washington.
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There鈥檚 nothing quite like cheering on your home team in person. But for WSU football fans, making the trek to Martin Stadium can be a slog. Luckily, a charter flight to Pullman, Washington, means less commuting and more tailgating.
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A place where the ocean meets the sand, the sand meets the forest, and the forest meets the end of the road. That鈥檚 Tofino.
It鈥檚 a place where the WiFi is newly updated, the cell reception spotty, and the days move slow. A place that feels as though it鈥檚 been plucked from time and preserved from the bustle.
The charm is undoubtedly due to its remote location. Prior to 1959, the only sustainable way to reach Tofino was a long, and slightly dreary, boat ride up the coast of Vancouver Island. But when HIghway 4 was expanded, the adamant traveler could tackle a 3-hour trek around hairpin curves and frequent rainstorms that visit the Pacific Rim National Park to the end of the road. (Quite literally, Highway 4 leads directly to Tofino鈥檚 First Street Dock.)
In those early days, these travelers were often outdoorsy hippies, looking to find a place beyond the crowds. Today, any number of visitors still take this long trip. But for those in the know, a charter flight can take them directly to Long Beach Airport 鈥 a small and friendly airport situated between Tofino and Ucluelet.聽
While the famed hot springs have been closed until further notice, the town of Tofino isn鈥檛 short on fun things to do year-round. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, you鈥檒l find hiking in the Pacific National Park Reserve, a spa with ocean views at Ancient Cedars Spa, a food scene that鈥檚 bursting with seasonal flavor, and so much more.
Tofino rests just 1,200 miles from the Arctic Circle. Despite the low-temperature water streaming down from the north, it鈥檚 fondly been dubbed the Canadian capital of surfing. Tiny Tofino tots have been known to start honing their riding chops at just three- or four-years-old, boggie boarding above the sand.
But undoubtedly, it鈥檚 learning to stand atop a wave that brings the ultimate thrill. Thanks to the gentle swells during the summer months, the sandy-bottom beaches stretching up and down the coast are ideal. Chesterman Beach is particularly beloved by locals and visitors alike. It鈥檚 the closest beach to town (and right next to the Wickanninish Inn).
Stretching 1.7 miles, it receives year-round swells that range from mild to challenging. It is here, that many of Tofino鈥檚 surf schools hold classes 鈥 like Surf Sister, a woman-owned and operated surf shop and school.
Fun Fact: You鈥檒l want to wear a wetsuit year-round while surfing in Tofino. The water temperature stays relatively consistent, ranging from a brisk 48掳F degrees in winter and a 鈥榯oasty鈥 59掳F degrees in summer.
Anchored in a remote section of Clayoquot Sound, the traditional territory of the Tal-o-qui-aht First Nation, It鈥檚 outfitted with dock hammocks and equipped with paddleboards. A rope swing dangles overhead and an outdoor firepit is rimmed by Adirondack chairs.
Moving from the steamy heat to an icy plunge, and back to the warmth again is an exhilarating mix of relaxation and timeless fun. But there鈥檚 also a stillness amongst the forest-lined waters, even as laughter ripples through the air. Perhaps it鈥檚 that you鈥檙e completely unplugged. Because while you can now find WiF in Tofino, it鈥檚 nowhere to be found in the sauna. It鈥檚 just you and those you travel with, savoring the shocking disparity between fire and ice.
Looking to fill your soul and your belly? Round out the excursion by foraging for crab and prawns. For the ultimate treat, where they鈥檒l give it the love it deserves.
It鈥檚 said that Tofino鈥檚 鈥榮torm season鈥 falls during late autumn and winter. And while that may be the best time to witness the gale force winds, towering waves, and moody skies鈥擬other Nature has a way of rearing her head when least expected.
The storms that shaped Tofino’s coastline (and shape it still), pound the rocks mercilessly. A spray-filled fireworks display of salty water, the storms often ebb and flow, raging full force with interluding moments of calm.
Watching a winter storm from the comfort of a warm room, perhaps with a steaming cup clutched in your hand, is to be mesmerized. Listen closely as the ocean surges into the forest and you鈥檒l hear the trees moan. And as the waters reside, slip on a pair of boots to explore how the shoreline has been given new form before your next round of storm watching begins.
There鈥檚 something about a building that was literally built among the trees, the ground hand-cleared to prevent unnecessary damage. It offers a sense of refugee, like a childhood tree fort. And yet, there鈥檚 nothing rough around the edges about the Wickaninnish Inn.
While the lively wonderscape of its setting perched atop a rocky cliff immerses you in the untamed wilderness, the Relais & Ch芒teaux accommodations of this luxury destination are pure serenity.
Take a look at the wood fireplace mantles that adorn each room. They are carved from logs where the resort once stood and shaped in the Touches such as these can be found throughout the Inn, like echos from the forest beyond. You鈥檒l also find such echos in the Ancient Cedars Spa, The Inn鈥檚 exquisite sea-side spa that incorporates local ingredients into the healing and restorative treatments.
At the heart of the Inn, The Point Restaurant sets the stage for fine dining with panoramic views. The exquisite seasonal menus are loaded with freshly caught seafood and island-grown goods, creating a meal that鈥檚 only rivaled by the restaurant鈥檚 impressive wine list.
Make no mistake about it, the seafood in Tofino is fresh. The tiny surf town is tucked beside the Pacific Ocean. And the chefs are well-versed in sea-to-table cuisine that鈥檚 amped further amped up with foraged goodies.
In addition to The Point Restaurant at the Wickaninnish Inn and 1909 Kitchen, local favorites include , which heralded for its menu that 鈥渉ighlights the best that the area鈥檚 foragers and fishermen have to offer, with an emphasis on hands-in, family-style feasts.鈥
is beloved for its reasonably priced, seafood-forward menu. A take-out eatery, the Fried Oyster Burger is a consistent crowd-pleaser. tempura-battered selection of local halibut, lingcod, and wild Chinook salmon is hard to beat. And for those who are all about the oysters, look no further than 鈥 which is indeed a store and a bar.
It鈥檚 indeed possible to make the Seattle to Tofino drive. The classic route begins with a nearly 2-hour jaunt on the highway to the Peach Arch border crossing just outside of Vancouver, BC.
Travelers then catch the Tsawwassen ferry to Duke Point in Nanaimo, a 2-hour sail to the eastern edge of Vancouver Island. The remainder of the nearly 8-hour Seattle to Tofino drive follows BC-4 West testing along a two-lane highway of switchbacks and hairpin turns.
Alternatively, you could reach Tofino in roughly an hour. 草榴社区 Air鈥檚 Seattle to Tofino charter flights are a direct and beautiful trip offering stunning views of the coastline and mountains to Yep. It鈥檚 that simple.聽
Originally Published September 9, 2014 | Updated March 13, 2022
Some places are just places. They鈥檙e dots on a map to which you can drive, fly or walk. Other places are experiences. Rich and vibrant, they are filled with the essence of souls who came before you. The old souls whose wisdom and skill 鈥 whose life 鈥 was responsible for the very walls which mark the spot.
Charter flights let you chase the sun to a desert destination on your own schedule. Get out of the rainy and snowy PNW to Palm Springs where you can relax, take a dip, explore, and dine in perfect Palm Springs weather!
Located 100 miles east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley region of the Sonora Desert, Palm Springs has become one of the most popular resort cities in America. Thanks to its annual 300-plus sunny days per year, exquisite resorts, and exceptional restaurants 鈥 it鈥檚 been a destination favorite for celebrities since the 1930s.
Imagine Cannon Beach before its coast was lined with a concrete jungle and you might be close to picturing Tofino. At least, you鈥檇 be close to picturing Tofino鈥檚 Chesterman beach. Unlike its grass-lined southern brother, Tofino鈥檚 shores are rimmed with old growth forests. Here, trunks grow out of dirt that rests next to sand.
Smack dab at the end of the road 鈥 literally, it鈥檚 the last stop on Canada鈥檚 transcontinental highway, the Pacific-Rim Highway 鈥 this quaint town has yet to be overrun by commercialized tourist attractions. Its landscape remains pristine. It鈥檚 locals, all 2,500 of them, embody the back-country, wave-as-you-pass friendly attitude you鈥檇 expect in a small town.
Sipping, eating & chipping through Walla Walla.
Someone much less clever once said of New York, that it was a city 鈥渟o nice, they named it twice.鈥 But those of us who spend our time between the nether regions of Parallels 46 and 47 understand that there is really only one city that accurately fits that description.
Walla Walla (a town so nice … you know the rest) is tucked away in the southeast corner of Washington, where the state meets with Idaho and Oregon to serve up a hardcore Northwest vibe with a little something for everyone.
It is where small-town hospitality meets the French Rhone Valley. Where Lonestar belt-buckles and old faded Levi鈥檚 meet oaky notes and bold tannins. It boasts one of, if not, the top golf course in the state. It鈥檚 a burgeoning Foodies delight and the recreation options are endless year-round.
It鈥檚 hard to experience all that this sleepy little Eastern Washington burgh has to offer, but my good friend Sara and I figured we鈥檇 give it a try. Read more
How one weekend on Vancouver Island can leave you rested, refreshed, and restored.
For our wedding anniversary, we returned to the place where it all began 鈥 Vancouver Island. Fourteen years ago, for our honeymoon we drove up to Vancouver B.C., spent the night, woke up the next day, and took the ferry to Nanaimo. Then we made the gorgeous drive to Tofino. In my naivet茅, I had envisioned a honeymoon spent somewhere tropical. What I did not know back then was how restorative it would be to have a quiet place to return to years down the road. A place where we could reflect and feel gratitude for the life we have built together.
Flash forward a few years and 草榴社区 Air has made traveling to Vancouver Island a breeze. A little over an hour flight from Seattle and you are quickly descending into a place like no other. A scenic drive through a serpentine, tree-lined highway which skirts along lakes and provincial parks sets the stage for the quiet oasis of Tofino.
The Wickaninnish Inn provided the perfect backdrop for a tranquil, romantic, and remarkable time away. Upon checking in to the Wickaninnish Inn we instantly felt at home in its graciously laid out rooms. The breathtaking ocean views were merely the cherry on top to the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.
Since we flew to Vancouver Island from Seattle we tried to keep our luggage to a minimum. Once at the we were overjoyed to see the hotel provided rain boots and rain suits for each guest. Eager to explore the area, we donned our rain boots and walked along the beach before our
In honor of World Ocean Day, we dined on an ocean-inspired tasting menu of everything from barnacles to scallops and a plethora of other sustainable fish. The dessert however, was the real show stopper with a medley of meringues and fruit purees mimicking an underwater seascape. This meal unquestionably set the stage for our time on Vancouver Island and all the area has to offer.
The next morning, we set out on Raincoast Maiden with I have wanted to visit the Broken Islands for years, so I was eager to see all the wildlife we would encounter. Our trip happened to coincide with eagle mating season so right off the bat we spotted eagle after eagle.
On our way out to the Broken Islands we happened upon some friendly harbor seals and a rocky outcropping of several dozen sea lions. When we left Ucluelet in the morning it was overcast with some low-hanging clouds but by midday it was sunny and blue skies. I appreciated the dramatic change in scenery as the sun broke through the clouds and the water’s color changed too many times to count.
Mid-way through our adventure we dropped anchor in a protected cove for lunch. As we feasted on salmon and chicken, we marveled at both the turquoise water and the sheer beauty of the region. Spending the day circumventing the Broken Islands with the fresh air and a constant sea breeze proved to be regenerative in the best possible way.
Once we returned from our boat trip, we made our way to 1909 Kitchen is the brainchild of Chef Paul Moran, the current Top Chef of Canada. 1909 Kitchen touts itself as an, 鈥渋ngredient-driven menu sourced and foraged from Tofino鈥檚 oceans, shorelines, and forests.鈥 With a backdrop of mountains and coastline, the stage was set for an unforgettable dining evening.
Rather than order from the menu we allowed Chef Moran to cook for us. Plate after plate made its way to our table where his ingenuity was second only to his flavors. At first bite, Chef Moran had this pregnant woman daydreaming of having him take up residence in our home as our personal chef. Avocado tacos, sea beans, stuffed morels, salmon collar, and halibut rounded out our culinary adventure while we hoped that one day he might open a similar restaurant a little closer to Seattle.
On day three, we traveled with As we paddled through the protected waters of Tofino鈥檚 harbor, we meandered our way past houseboats and islands toward our destination of Meares Island. Once on the island we took a forest walk and learned more about rainforest ecology and the local history.
If you want to really experience a place like Tofino, one of the best ways to do so is on the water. Snagging a boat ride is one of the only ways to reach the remote islands and inlets where this area truly shines.
For our last evening, we settled into in one of their ocean view rooms. As we dined on fresh crab and risotto in the Great Room we were enveloped by a wall of fog. It was both otherworldly and a bit eerie to feel like you were smack dab in the heart of a cloud.
After our meal, the fog had lifted a bit so we walked along the beach and then meandered to one of the fire pits facing the ocean. Conversation around the flames inevitably revolved around how we did not want to return home, but stay just a few more days. It was incredible to be reminded just how special a place this is and how easy it can be to reach 鈥 with the right transportation.
Our last morning, we walked along the beach and watched the many surfers trying to catch waves and then made the drive back to Nanaimo for our early afternoon flight.
Surfing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Canada 鈥 which is perhaps why Tofino seems to be such a well-kept secret. That, and the fact that鈥檚 it鈥檚 located at the end of the road. Literally. But with its 35 kilometers of beaches and an exposed coast, it offers year-round surfing to surfers of all skill levels. Wet suits are typical and classes abound for those who need additional instruction. Because I was pregnant I decided not to pick up a new skill; though it was fascinating to watch as those young and old did.
If you are looking to abandon the day to day and spend your time amongst jaw-dropping scenery then a short flight to Nanaimo or a chartered flight to Tofino is a great place to start.
You can walk miles of sandy beach, try your hand at surfing, enjoy phenomenal culinary experiences and marvel in the natural beauty which surrounds you. And if you are looking for a place to go on your honeymoon or spend your anniversary forget the packed shores of Hawaii and look no further than Vancouver Island.
A truly authentic West coast experience requires venturing a little further beyond the well-worn tourist track, to destinations only accessible by boat and seaplane, like Eagle Nook.
The Carving Shed at the Wickaninnish Inn is pure magic. Located in Tofino, it's where master carvers have gathered for decades and gather still.
With its interactive museums, plethora of parks, and walkable streets, Victoria offers the perfect kid-friendly getaway the whole family will love.
Tucked beside the quiet shores of Ludlow Bay, on the majestic Olympic Peninsula, the offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle.
Though resort feels like it鈥檚 located in the middle of nowhere, it鈥檚 just a 15-minute flight from downtown Seattle.
This tranquil location is a favorite for dinners. Guests are treated to casually elegant Northwest cuisine. The menu features the local bounty from both the land and sea. Its windows offer views of a small seaplane dock at the edge of the restaurant鈥檚 Marina.
It is this vantage point that the inspired the resorts Food and Beverage Manager Thomas Skipper and Beverage Manager Amy Taylor to develop the 草榴社区 Fizz. Putting a bright spin on the Aviation cocktail 鈥 the duo created a beautiful tall-glass cocktail perfect for sipping on the restaurant鈥檚 porch.
With a mix of gin, muddled cherries, lemon, and Cr猫me Yvette, this lovely libation is topped with a bit of soda water and adorned with a playful toy monkey.
Doesn鈥檛 summer just taste grand?
