Off the I-5: places to hit between Vancouver and California
There’s something about November that aches for a vacation. Maybe it’s because you haven’t done anything fun since Labour Day. Maybe it’s because you haven’t seen sunlight since Thanksgiving. Or maybe it’s because you’ve watched an average of five movies a day since Remembrance Day. Whichever it is, it’s time to get away.
By Melissa Fraser [contributor]
There’s something about November that aches for a vacation. Maybe it’s because you haven’t done anything fun since Labour Day. Maybe it’s because you haven’t seen sunlight since Thanksgiving. Or maybe it’s because you’ve watched an average of five movies a day since Remembrance Day. Whichever it is, it’s time to get away.
Whether you have a day, a night, a weekend or a week, a quick drive south takes you to a whole other world. Being a tourist in America means great customer service and unbelievable prices (the further south you get). And just think, a passport costs about the same as a ferry ride to Vancouver Island with your car, but it lasts five years.
Seattle
If you’re looking to get away for a night or even just a day, the proximity of Seattle makes it the perfect break from Vancouver. The drive down is about three hours and as long as you stay away from rush hour, border lines and freeway back-ups should be a minimum.
If you only have an afternoon in Seattle start at the Space Needle and walk to Pike Place Market. From the compelling architecture around the Needle to the sounds and smells of Pike Place, a visitor can get a real sense of the city in an afternoon.
If you’ve got some extra time, walk through the Experience Music Project or look around the Seattle Art Museum. Or, take in the less-touristy attractions and grab a coffee in Ballard, just North of downtown, or take a stroll around Green Lake.
Olympic Peninsula
Turn off the I-5 in Burlington and head down Whidby Island. Take your time, the drive through thick forest and over deep gorges is what makes the Olympic Peninsula a stress-free weekend away.
Just across the ferry from Coupeville on Whidby Island and just three hours from Vancouver is Port Townsend. Spend and evening and an afternoon in the sleepy city to experience the laid-back lifestyle. There are a number of restaurants, book stores and galleries along the main street, as well as affordable places to stay. Check out the underground coffee shop, UnderTown, and mingle with local artists. Just north of the city is a state park with an old, unused battery, great for playing hide and seek.
Highway 101
The Oregon Coast is everything you’ve heard it to be. It’s a beautiful drive and a cultural experience. Start in Astoria (The Goonies’ home town) and head south. It’s quite simple. Take your time and stop whenever you want. There are plenty of state parks to camp in, but there are tons of hotels and motels along the way as well. The Oregon Coast is what you make of it. It’s a trip that will be different for everyone and different every time you go.
Portland
Portland is everything Vancouver wishes it could be. A big (ish) city with a small town feel. Roughly, five hours away from your real home, Portland feels like a place you can really lay your head.
The city is split into distinct neighbourhoods, each with something special to offer. The Pearl District is home to a plethora of galleries and boutique clothing stores as well as Powell’s, the world’s largest used bookstore. Downtown is a great place to take in brand name shopping at American prices but coolest bars and best eateries can be found in China Town. Remember, Portland is known for its greenery and bicycle culture, but it’s real charm lies in the happy hour specials.
Though San Francisco boasts many historical enclaves for tourists to explore, the Fisherman’s Wharf in the Bay area is the famed tourist attraction of the city. Melissa Fraser // The Runner San Francisco
This destination needs no introduction. As the backdrop to countless movies, songs and political movements, we’ve already got an idea of what type of town San Francisco is. It’s a free-wheeling, love-making type of town with a crazy night life and an endless number of things to do.San Francisco has an intriguing past which is evident in its neighbourhoods. Find a history of West Coast immigration in China Town and Little Italy, or delve into the Spanish-Catholic history in the Mission neighbourhood. Take a stroll down Fisherman’s Wharf and walk around some of the ferry’s from the late 1800’s.
San Diego
Will Ferrell’s Anchorman and Sea World’s Shamu may have made San Diego famous, but it’s the beaches and the people that keep the tourists coming back. Despite being America’s eighth largest city, San Diego has a sense of hospitality you would only expect from a small town.Although the city is 25 hour drive away, a flight from Bellingham is quick and inexpensive. Once you’re there take a walk through Balboa Park for some time with nature. Check out Normal Heights for affordable pubs and quirky coffee shops. Plus, make sure you get to the Gaslamp Quarter downtown. If you’re lucky the Gaslamp will be hosting one of it’s many festivals.
