Victoria

How about traveling to a foreign country?

I love to hop aboard a high speed catamaran for a voyage to Victoria, Canada. In as little a two and half hours you can sail from Seattle into the Inner Harbour of this Provincial capital city for a real British get-away. It’s a wonderful side trip.

Victoria is very old-world and very compact. You'll have time to walk through the historic Empress Hotel, explore the Royal B.C. Museum, browse the shops on Government Street and stop for afternoon tea at Murchies before the boat returns.

The world famous Butchart Gardens are spectacular. Tour buses take you to this 50-acre collection of gardens that are amazing in any season.

If a day is too short a visit, book a Bed & Breakfast, resort spa or hotel with a Harbour view.

With an extra day, go whale watching, try sea kayaking, rent a bike, book a fishing trip or play a round of golf.

From Victoria, you can also catch a bus and ferry to the city of Vancouver B.C. For a fast get-away, a seaplane will land you in this major Canadian city in 45 minutes.

Another alternative is to include the San Juan Islands via the Washington State Ferry System. My travel video: Washington State's San Juan Islands gives a wonderful overview of this spectacular part of the Pacific Northwest.