Try This Kind of Travel on Whidbey and Camano Islands

 

Those seeking transformative travel experiences in the coming year have arrived at the right place. As a community, Whidbey and Camano Islands are committed to regenerative travel that deepens the visitor experience and makes a lasting, positive impact on the islands. From engaging with local artists to the sensitive ecosystems of the Salish Sea, here are 10 transformative experiences to try.

  1. Take a beach Safari. The intertidal zones of the Salish Sea are some of the most biodiverse in the world. In addition to its guided kayak and wildlife tours, Whidbey Island Kayaking provides guided tide tours sharing the specifics of what’s under your feet and how that connects to the wider world.

  2. Camano Artist Melissa Jander, whose oil paintings are world-renowned, provides a peek into the studio and her craft at her workshops. Coming up February 3-4, she will host “Painting the Still Life in Oils” focusing on still life painting with expression and color.

  3. Join in live discussions and attend a Field Trip during Sound Water Stewards University taking place between February 3- 11 to learn about marine mammals and environmental resilience to climate change during this hybrid event. Field trips take place throughout Island County, ranging from experiences like “Standing in Native Places” to “Walking on the Wild Side of Old Growth Forests.”

  4. Dine at The Orchard Kitchen for a true taste of the island’s bounty. The hyperlocal menus are sourced from the island’s farms, waters and fields and lovingly crafted by a passionate, family-operated team.

  5. Plan ahead for fall and join the vineyard harvest at Comforts of Whidbey Winery. Harvest takes place every year around mid-late September through early October. Volunteer to pick, sort, and play a role in the creation of the estate-grown vintages. 

  6. Learn about the island’s original inhabitants – from wooly mammoths to native peoples- through the Island County Historical Society. Visit the museum in Coupeville and stay tuned for upcoming field trips to significant historic sites, including the historic Sunnyside Cemetery.

  7. Zip the Old Growth Forest at Canopy Tours Northwest. A thrilling way to appreciate the forests at this fifth generation, family-owned farm on Camano Island.

  8. Set sail to catch dinner at Cama Beach State Park. Known for promoting maritime history and heritage, the Center for Wooden Boats operates out of the Cama Beach historic boathouse in addition to their main Seattle location. They offer kayak, row boat, motor boat, and sailboat rentals, as well as provide a wealth of knowledge about boating, fishing, and crabbing.

  9. The Stanwood Camano Historic Sites Tour takes place each year in August, yet recently made a self-guided audio tour available year-round. From the gold rush to the Spanish Flu, this narrated tour with 15 points of interest shares how history shaped this beloved island community.

  10. Try a new trail, help create or preserve existing ones with the Whidbey Camano Islands Land Trust. Work parties take place year-round, offering a chance to help preserve protected land, while guided hikes offer comradery and education. 

Drive off the mainland to find two of the most accessible and scenic island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey sit just north of Seattle, a short trip via bridge or ferry. Offering a different experience with each season, the islands provide locally inspired shops and restaurants, dynamic experiences for a variety of interests, recreation and beach combing. Rich history and a healthy dose of local color in all mediums is provided by the region’s many artists. Lodging options range from nationally renowned hotels to secret spots ideal for a quiet retreat. For more information on amenities, lodging and a calendar of events visit www.whidbeycamanoislands.com. Connect on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook via @GoWhidbeyCamano.