Whidbey and Camano Islands Reopen for Limited Travel with Tips from a "Local"
Washington’s Whidbey and Camano Islands prepare to safely welcome visitors as the region enters Phase Two of the state’s “safe start” plan. As limited, non-essential travel opens, Whidbey and Camano Island Tourism, in partnership with Island County Public Health, introduce a friendly “local” to help keep travelers and locals safe. The seaside towns of Coupeville and Langley are opening up main streets to increase room for distancing pedestrians, tour operators, shops and restaurants introduce enhanced safety and protocols and the wide open spaces throughout the islands beckon for hiking, picnicking and more.
As limited, non-essential travel opens, Whidbey and Camano Island Tourism, in partnership with Island County Public Health, introduce Gail the Gray Whale, a friendly local full of intelligence sourced from the CDC and public health officials to help keep travelers and locals safe. She will appear digitally on the pages of tourism-related organizations throughout the region as well as posters provided in public spaces, on ferries and hospitality businesses reminding visitors to wear masks, steer clear of large gatherings and other common safety tips.
“The wide-open spaces of Whidbey and Camano Islands have always beckoned those looking to escape the crowds, and our community thrives on the tourism industry,” says Sherrye Wyatt, Film Liaison, PR and Marketing Manager for Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism. “So as the trails, beaches and restaurants begin to open up under new guidelines and visitors return, we created the character Gail the Gray Whale to provide a warm welcome and reminder to travel safely.”
The seaside towns of Coupeville and Langley will implement increased distancing within the main street areas. Langley will block parking in the business district to provide wider sidewalks seven days a week, while Coupeville plans to close Front Street to traffic, Thursday through Sundays in June, and possibly beyond. This allows pedestrians to wander with more space and for cafes, art galleries and shops to set up displays and tables outside.
While Gail provides tips on how to travel safely, the team at Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism offers ideas for safe, distanced experiences. Frequent updates are made at www.whidbeycamanoislands.com and some highlights include:
Outdoor art galleries and interactive spaces provide open air experiences; consider the Allgire Project, Earth Sanctuary or Matzge Sculpture Park.
Parks and trails provide prairie views, wooded trails and miles of beach to explore. Adventures at Deception Pass State Park and Cama Beach State Park are a sure bet for scenic trails, but for less trafficked, under the radar options try Del Fairfax Preserve, located about 15 minutes from downtown Oak Harbor, this meadow is a great place for a long walk, often in solitude. On Camano Island, Iverson Spit Waterfront Preserve is a bird-watcher’s dream - 125 species of birds have been spotted here.
Local favorites like movies at the Blue Fox Drive-In Theater, water marbling at Marbley, U-Pick Lavender and Farm Dinners at Kristoferson Farm, kayak and paddle board rentals or private tours with Whidbey Island Kayaking and jet boat adventures with Deception Pass Tours are operating with new distanced and sanitizing practices.
Sample island fare on the patio in the open air as some restaurants begin to open under the new guidelines, or check the directory of restaurants open for take-out and delivery service featured here.
Island lodgings and hotels are open, or have plans to do so soon, and will be implementing enhanced sanitizing and distancing practices. A full list is included under lodging section of whidbeycamanoislands.com. Note that overnight camping is not open at this time. Those looking for inspiration while still at home can continue to enjoy the virtual vacation campaign from Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism. New videos featuring landscapes, characters and views of the island are added every Friday.
About Whidbey and Camano Islands
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 events 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 with farm to table dining to secret spots ideal for a quiet retreat. For more information on amenities, lodging and a calendar of events visit whidbeycamanoislands.com. Connect on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook via @GoWhidbeyCamano.