The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places you can visit! Most commonly known as the are of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada, it is home to some pretty amazing scenery from towering mountain peaks to the rough rocky shores. It is also home to some of the coolest cities you’ll visit. You’ll frequently find an offbeat assortment of characters along with an eclectic assortment of local handcrafted beers, and an amazing array of arts and music scenes. Here are just a few of the places on Travalet’s Pro Traveler: The Pacific Northwest must see list.
Seattle
In addition to being surrounded by some breathtaking natural beauty, Seattle, also known as the Emerald City is home to the famed Pike Place Market. There you can enjoy the sounds and sights of local street performers, watch the fishmongers who toss the fresh catch of the day while cracking jokes. You can also shop, eat and take in a little local culture.
Seattle also has a fantastic café scene, as well as some of the best-known music and art collectives. Don’t forget to check out the giant troll under the Aurora Bridge just north of downtown in the Fremont neighborhood.
Mount Rainier National Park
On a clear day in the Puget Sound, majestic Mount Rainier, peaking at 14,411 feet, is an incredible sight that can be seen from many areas throughout the city, but by heading to Mount Rainier National Park you’ll get a personal experience that is sure to leave a memorable impression. Not only does the mountain’s snow-capped peaks simply wow you, you’ll see alpine meadows with colorful wildflowers, huge glaciers, and breathtaking waterfalls that cascade around every bend.
La Conner and Skagit Valley’s Tulip Festival
La Conner, is located in an area known as Skagit Valley. It has the distinction of being named the “best small town,” “most undiscovered town” and “One of the best getaways in the U.S.,” which is pretty amazing. This historic town is very well-known for its history, art and culture too! However, it’s arguably most famous as the host of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival which attracts hundreds of thousands every year. Visitors are treated to acres and acres of brilliantly colored tulips almost as far as the eye can see. If you want to plan a trip, you’ll want to go in April. If you want to take in something that very few people ever get to see, go here.
Vancouver, B.C.
Western Canada’s largest city, has often been called the most beautiful in the world. It’s also home to some dense waterfront forests and soaring snow-capped mountain peaks. Some call it “Manhattan with mountains,” because of it’s amazing views. Vancouver is a city everyone should experience at least once. Take in the sea-to-sky vistas over at Stanley Park or visit the artsy Granville Island as well as some amazing beaches found on its West Side. From awe-inspiring sights to world-class shopping, gourmet fare, live entertainment and outdoor adventure, it’s hard to beat Vancouver.
So who’s ready to book a trip?
