A cascading waterfall flowing over rocky terrain through a lush, green forest surrounded by dense trees, ferns, and a wooden viewing platform.

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Olympic Peninsula to British Columbia Hiking & Walking Tour

Washington’s Stunning National Park & Enchanting Victoria

This ferry-tale is not “once upon a time.” Now’s the time to explore the waterways and forest trails on the magical Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island. Step into your own Pacific Northwest story.

Luxury & Casual Hotels

Activity Levels 1-3

Couples, Friends & Solos

Itinerary Where You’ll Stay What to Know Reviews

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Trip at a Glance

Highlights

Hike at Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge—on a clear day, the vista includes the Olympic Range, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island from your prime spot on the hilltop!
Spot seabirds, whales and other marine life by shore and by sea, on ferries, in kayaks and from waterfront hotels
Ferry from Washington to Victoria, BC via the iconic Black Ball Ferry Line—it’s a scenic journey of mountains, islands, ocean and sky
Explore Victoria’s Inner Harbour and admire the city’s architecture on streets called Pandora and Belleville
Relax with a treatment at our hotel’s award-winning spa in Victoria or a dip in the mineral pools

Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.

Start Seattle, WA Airport & Travel Details

Meet in Seattle and board the ferry to Bainbridge Island, enjoying breathtaking views on your voyage across the Puget Sound
Arrive at our renowned waterfront resort and head out on a hike through old-growth forest, past gurgling streams and over picturesque bridges with peekaboo views of Hood Canal throughout
Take an afternoon dip in the resort’s indoor saltwater pool, explore the lush property or find a cozy spot to relax and relish the beautiful vistas.

Alderbrook Resort & Spa

(Luxury Hotel, 1 night)

Activity Options & Terrain

Wooden building with large windows and a mini, outdoor waterfall made of rocks

Indoor dining area with cushioned chairs and circular booths

Plates of asparagus, fish and chips, and fries

Indoor lobby with wooden pillars and cushioned couches

Wooden chairs around stone fire pits outdoors

Night 1

Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Union

Luxury Hotel

Designed in classic Craftsman style with an inviting beach-house vibe, this enchanting retreat on the scenic shore of the Hood Canal has been welcoming guests for over a century. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Journey to Olympic National Park for a hike through temperate rain forest to a scenic waterfall
Follow a trail along a flowing creek through old growth forest
Settle in at our historic lodge tucked away in a spruce and hemlock forest on the shore of Lake Crescent
Explore the lush Sol Duc River Valley and its namesake waterfall, a unique and beloved local attraction
Spend the afternoon as you please at our lakeside lodge, whether lounging on the sunporch or diving into glacially carved Lake Crescent.

Lake Crescent Lodge

(Casual Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

White house with a red chimney and six brown lawn chairs outside

Hotel rooms with rocking chairs on the porches

Wooden bridge over a lake and a gravel coast

Woven chairs looking out towards the lake, surrounded by flowers

Nights 2-3

Lake Crescent Lodge

Olympic National Park

Casual Hotel

Built in 1916, this rustic national park lodge on the shores of Lake Crescent offers a casual atmosphere and a front porch ideal for watching sunsets.

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Return to Olympic National Park for a hike at Hurricane Ridge, one of the park’s most illustrious vantage points
A scenic ferry ride marks your official passage into Canada: Part II of your Pacific Northwest adventure begins!
Set off on a historical walking tour of charming Victoria or head to our luxurious Salish Sea-side resort and settle in
Hike along a lush forested trail to the top of Mount Work for sweeping views of Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountains and the Gulf Islands
Follow a serene shaded path past a waterfall to a remote beach
Discover the Victorian architecture and upscale shops of charming Oak Bay Village
Relax and unwind with a spa treatment or soak in our hotel’s oceanfront mineral pools
Enjoy a peaceful morning paddle through the Chain Islets.

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Outdoor view of red brick hotel building with a roundabout for cars outside

Bids eye view of hot tub and pool area at sunset

Nights 4-5

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Victoria

Luxury Hotel

Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca with views of Mount Baker, this elegant English Tudor-style hotel offers new-world charm, luxury and modern conveniences in the peaceful community of Oak Bay. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

End Victoria, BC Airport & Travel Details

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This trip has an activity level range of 1-3

Route & Terrain Notes

The walking and hiking routes on this trip follow dirt trails through lush forests, grasslands, and rugged coastline. The terrain often includes sections of rocks, exposed roots, and mud, and is generally hilly. Routes have continuous short ascents and descents, as well as a few longer climbs.

Day 1

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

4 miles

300 ft. gain

Day 2

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

2 miles

300 ft. gain

Level 2

4 miles

400 ft. gain

Level 3

7 miles

800 ft. gain

Day 3

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

4 miles*

100 ft. gain

Level 3

7 miles

1900 ft. gain

Day 4

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

1 miles

300 ft. gain

Level 2

3 miles

700 ft. gain

Other

City Walk (1 hour)

Day 5

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

3 miles

700 ft. gain; 900 ft. loss

Level 3

6 miles

1200 ft. gain; 1300 ft. loss

Day 6

Kayaking

in Oak Bay (2 hours)

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What to Know

What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Ferry Transfers & Shuttles

To bring you the best of the Olympic Peninsula and Victoria, BC, we make liberal use of ferry transfers and shuttles on this dual-country trip. You’ll be on board a boat or in the shuttle for a period of time on each day, as we connect the dots between some of our favorite Pacific Northwest highlights.

Our itinerary is based on specific ferry departures, and unexpected changes to the ferry schedules may result in alterations to the activities as described. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility if we must adjust our activities according to ferry departures.

Accommodations & Service Standards

Our home base on the Olympic Peninsula, Lake Crescent Lodge, boasts a spectacular setting and provides the best access of any hotels in the area to the highlights of Olympic National Park. At the same time, it’s more rustic than a typical Backroads Casual Hotel, dating back to 1916, with minimal renovations over the years in accordance with park regulations. Simply furnished guest rooms are not equipped with televisions or air-conditioning. Overall, the service standards can seem slow and casual compared with the hospitality found on other Backroads trips. Please note that internet and cell phone service are limited in certain areas of the park.

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