Things to do in Pacific Northwest 

Many people refer to the Pacific Northwest as a wonderland, and after visiting, you'll probably agree. The Pacific Northwest is typically thought to extend from the coast of Oregon all the way up north to British Columbia in Canada. The Pacific Northwest is extremely well-liked by tourists because there are so many activities there for both urban adventurers and outdoor aficionados.

There are an incredible number of activities in the Northwest due to the region's distinct terrain and climate, which range from the drier, low-lying wine areas of Canada's Okanagan Valley to the rainy and humid rainforests you'll encounter on day trips from Seattle.

There are activities for every level of athlete and every age in the area because of the incredible hiking, trails, and outdoor recreation that the area is known for. Towns like Astoria and Seattle are awash in history and culture, even if you're not like the outdoors.

The Pacific Northwest is frequently the highlight of any trip to the West Coast, whether it's due to the incredible variety of things to do there, the region's unrivaled beauty in its mountains and valleys, or the inventiveness of its chefs and artists.

Investigate Stanley Park in Vancouver.

The 1,000-acre park, which is the biggest open space in Vancouver, features the biggest aquarium in the country, 17 miles of forest paths, lagoons and lakes where native plants and animals can be found, as well as a running and bike path along a seawall next to the Pacific Ocean.Traveling groups with children or senior citizens might prefer to use the park's antique tourist train or take a leisurely stroll through the totem poles erected by local First Nations people.If you choose to hike the park's paths, make sure to get a guide that indicates the location of the enormous "monument trees." Some of the tallest trees in Canada are conifers that were spared from logging operations in the 1800s and are now approximately 800 years old.

Whale watching in Victoria near the Juan De Fuca Strait

One of the top places in the world to go whale watching is the San Juan Islands. While other areas undoubtedly have their fair share of magnificent cetaceans, the Juan de Fuca and Haro straits have the highest concentration of distinct whale species everywhere.You may watch killer whales from your swift zodiac boat, which is one of the best spots in the world to observe orcas, as well as humpback, grey, and the smaller minke whales. You might see seals, sea lions, sea birds, and possibly some playful river otters because the zodiacs move swiftly and float close to the surface of the water.In quest of these wonderful animals, cruising through these bodies of water is an adventure, and it's difficult not to feel the adrenaline as you bounce across waves and along picturesque shorelines. Although larger boats with greater amenities are available if you wish to enjoy a hot toddy while listening for the sound of a distant blowhole, zodiac boats are environmentally friendly and give the highest possibility of discovering whales.

Visit Seattle's Bigger-Than-Life Art

There is a strong probability that every enormous glass sculpture or chandelier that has ever taken your breath away was either created by Dale Chihuly or was intended to look like it was. In Seattle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum will leave you speechless with its artistic brilliance. The museum has rooms full of sculptures that are larger than life, as well as gardens with tall flowers and glass sculptures that blend together to make you unsure of which is the real work of art.It's more like entering vibrant works of art than your typical museum with art hanging on a white wall. One of the most distinctive activities in the Pacific Northwest and a must-do for art enthusiasts is seeing Dale Chihuly's creations.

Picnic on the Willamette Valley's Rolling Vineyard

One of the most well-known wine-producing regions in the United States is Oregon's Willamette Valley. Book a tour to visit a handful of the vineyards in the picturesque countryside south of Portland for a taste of carefree luxury.Plum Hill Winery and Apolloni Winery, both of which offer a variety of wines and expert-guided wine tastings, are two outstanding locations to visit in the northwest. Choose a tour that includes a gourmet picnic lunch to go along with your reds, whites, and rosés when you make your reservation.

View a Seattle Waterfront Lock in Action

The Fisherman's Terminal is arguably Seattle's most well-known location and embodies the city's past and core. It is next to the 100-year-old open-air Pike Place Fish Market, where fishmongers throw enormous fish between themselves from behind the counter. The original Starbucks coffee shop, well-known buskers in the area, and Pioneer Square are all located in Pike Place. Fisherman's Terminal tours typically include land and sea travel, and a leisurely cruise through the marina is an excellent opportunity to take in the waterfront neighborhood. You might even be able to sail through Ballard Lock and see the brilliant display of marine ingenuity for yourself. Leave enough time to sample some of the best and freshest seafood you can find in North America, such as melt-in-your-mouth fish and chips, fish tacos, and clam chowder.

Visit an Actual Castle in Victoria

Even while castles are not very common in this region of the world, going to one is undoubtedly among the top things to do in the Northwest. Victoria's Craigdarroch Castle features more stained glass, carved wood, French influences, and gilded decorations than any castle in Europe.The building was built by Scottish coal baron Robert Dunsmuir in the late 1800s and is now a national historic site. Although extremely wealthy, the family was not without scandals and drama, which you will hear about during your in-depth property tour. You'll get a really intriguing look into the lives of the extremely wealthy in the late 19th century between the house and the local museum.

Take a Vancouver Treetop Suspension Bridge Walk

One of the best things to do in the Pacific Northwest is to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which is not your typical park. The 450-foot-long bridge, which spans more than 200 feet above the Capilano River, is the primary attraction. The bridge, which was initially constructed in 1889 and has since been rebuilt, provides a bird's-eye perspective over the woodland and limitless photo opportunities. Although the park is named after the bridge, there are other attractions as well. You can wander through a temperate West Coast rainforest on an educational walk, cross more treetop walkways and bridges, or attend a free guided ranger discussion. Visit the Kia'palano First Nations cultural center and read about the early explorers who constructed the bridge in the park's Story Centre to find out more about the history of the forest and the surrounding area. The park is absolutely stunning and gives visitors the chance to experience standing among enormous trees in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

In Astoria, You Can Express Yourself Through Glass

Visit the Fernhill Glass Studio in Astoria, Oregon if the natural beauty of British Columbia has inspired you to use glass to express your creativity. You may learn the art and science of glassblowing at this well-known studio before receiving some guidance and attempting to blow your own glass artwork.Paperweights are relatively simple to make, but sculptures and intricate pieces can be challenging for novices. An experienced glassblower will be on hand to guide you through color selection and basic glass-blowing procedures. If you want to continue your exploration of the area after visiting the studio, the Astoria Riverwalk is close by.

Discover Seattle's Forgotten Underground City

Despite the fact that Seattle was founded in 1851, a large portion of the contemporary city dates back to 1889, the year of the big fire that decimated a large portion of Seattle's business center. Fortunately, there was just one fatality in the fire, but more than 25 city blocks were entirely destroyed. On top of the demolished structures, the town was reconstructed, resulting in the creation of a complete "underground city." One of the most unexpected things to do in the Pacific Northwest is to step beneath Seattle's buzz. If you sign up for an underground history tour, your experience will begin with learning about the background of the iconic surface-level structures before going beneath to explore the squares and travel the main streets of the previous city. The majority of the tours don't concentrate on frightening tales but rather on history and humor, so most kids should like them.

View Vancouver from the air

The Vancouver Lookout is a fantastic first stop if you have never been to Vancouver before. The enormous observation deck, which reaches a height of more than 550 feet, provides 360-degree views of the entire city as well as of Vancouver Harbor and the stunning Vancouver Island.You will ride in a glass elevator for a quick 40 seconds to get to the viewing area. You can visit in the morning, tour the city, and then return to see the sunset with only one ticket, which is good for entrance for the entire day. It makes sense to include the Vancouver Lookout as part of a day spent sightseeing in the city because it is close to the port and accessible from other well-known locations including Granville Island, Gastown, and the Museum of Vancouver.

Ride a bike along Astoria's waterfront

Why not take a bike trip along the riverfront while you're in Astoria? The ride passes by the lovely harbor and is generally flat along Astoria's shoreline on wide, paved walkways. If you take a guided tour of the magnificent port, you'll discover why Astoria was once said to as "the most wicked place on earth."Plan to eat lunch while cycling at one of the many seafood eateries that are close to the water. Keep your eyes on the water while sitting outside (and while cycling!) as you might glimpse rare seabirds or the large California sea lions that make the Columbia River their home.The Pacific Northwest, which spans more than 700 miles, is home to an enormous variety of activities, and a Pacific Coastal cruise is the finest way to take advantage of everything this region has to offer.

Your days in port will be spent discovering the untamed countryside, touring quaint villages, museums, and wineries, and taking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and beaches. On board, you'll encounter the extraordinary settings, unmatched service, plush suites, and top-notch gastronomy that will make your trip an unforgettable one.