Chances are you’ve probably heard about the challenges with traveling to Europe this summer. From the struggle to reunite with lost luggage and airports capping passenger numbers, to record breaking heat waves, long lineups, and crowds upon crowds, Europe may not seem like the most desirable continent to visit right now.
Why not think more local and explore the cool and fresh Pacific Northwest instead? On a brighter note, planning your travel adventures closer to home will decrease your carbon footprint compared to heading across the pond.
The Pacific Northwest has many beautiful places to visit, and there are plenty of things to see and do in this region. From hiking trails to museums, and these two properties show off the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Vancouver Island’s celebrated luxury outpost Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge skirts the banks of its namesake ocean inlet, Clayoquot Sound and offers an escape to the still, tranquil beauty of Canada’s remote wilderness. Accessible only by seaplane or boat, the journey to Clayoquot is symbolic of a real departure from the everyday. Set among magnificent conifer forests, the lodge offers guests an unforgettable experience of the landscape and its wildlife. Adventure-filled days with bespoke heli experiences, canyoning, horseback riding and more are bolstered by local produce-driven, sustainable dining, fine wines and the chance to unwind in generously appointed campaign-style guest tents.
The Edgewater Hotel
Since its debut, Seattle’s only overwater hotel has been a favored luxe spot for locals and visitors alike, including music legends (like the Beatles enjoying downtime as they fished from their guestroom window to contemporary stars playing nearby Climate Pledge Arena). Its picturesque downtown waterfront location offers unobstructed views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains and is less than a mile from main attractions (the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden). The team’s laid-back, no pretense approach to luxury makes for a refreshingly warm welcome and has garnered awards like “Best Hotels in the Pacific Northwest” from Condé Nast Traveler readers. The property is celebrated for its ability to embrace and immerse guests in local Northwest culture, recently introducing a local attractions hub where guests (and locals) can book experiences from nearby small businesses.
