vancouver weekend getaways

Vancouver / Seattle Weekend Getaways

[trip style = weekend getaway]

Steeped in wild West Coast scenery, you don't have to escape far from Vancouver {BC} and Seattle for a cozy fall or winter trip style = weekend getaway. Plus, going in shoulder season, your getaway will be filled with peace and quiet and less $$$. Here are some not-so-obvious weekend getaway options for whatever trip style you’re feelin’ at the moment:

Last-Min Vacay It's friday afternoon or Saturday morning and in a fabulous fit of spontaneity you decide you want to get away that night. Applicable to most major cities in the US and Canada, enter Hotel Tonight, one of our fave all-time, last-min travel booking apps.

Storm Watch Pick any beachfront hotel along the upper West Coast and you've got pretty good shot at storm watching {with a cup of coffee and Baileys, of course} during the blustery days of late-fall and winter. Head to Tofino---one of the choicest, stormiest locations---on the westernmost side of Vancouver Island where you can find a romantic beachfront accom for close to $100/night.

Spa If the idea of being surrounded by millions of Swarovski crystals, bathing in a tub-for-two overlooking Lake Okanagan, or “refreshing yourself” in a -110 degree Celsius sauna appeals to you, then the $122-million Sparkling Hill Resort in Vernon, BC is right up your alley. By car it's about five hours from Vancouver or six hours from Seattle, and by plane it's about one hour {fly to Kelowna Airport}. {Don’t miss their current offer for two including 2 nights, breakfast for 2, 5-course dinner for 2, and 2 $150 spa vouchers from $930.}

Outdoorsy Glampers Something most people don’t know is you can rent vacation homes from the Washington State Government. Whether you want a lakeside retreat or beachside bungalow, they’ve got you covered. Accommodations like the red-roofed Lighthouse Keeper’s Residences at Cape Disappointment won’t … disappoint.

Wine + Diners Vines from three incredible wine regions thrive close to home. For those who like to “discover” the of-the-moment wine, or eat and drink their way through the Pacific Northwest, this weekend in wine country is for you:

  • Vancouver – take a day trip and discover the wineries in your own backyard. Don’t miss Domaine de Chaberton, Lotusland Vinyards, Township 7 and others.
  • Okanagan – internationally recognized for its perfect mix of mountains, lakes, fresh air and intense sunlight, the Okanagan’s wineries give Napa a run for its money.
  • Washington – Did you know the Washington and France wine regions are situated along the same latitude?  Merveilleux! After Napa, Washington is the US’s biggest wine region with 650 wineries and vineyards to enjoy!

Train {or Bolt} Try out Portland’s famed food scene or shop ’til you drop {no sales tax} in Oregon’s biggest city. Amtrak Cascades rail service runs from Vancouver to Portland {return} departing twice daily {Seattle to Portland has more frequent daily departures}. For something a little cheaper and quicker, also check out the groovy and tech-savvy, BoltBus.

TS Picks If you're visiting any of these cities, also check out some of our fave hotels in: Whistler - Nita Lake Lodge Seattle - The Sorrento {boutique} Hotel, The Alexis Hotel, The Pan Pacific Seattle Vancouver - Fairmont Pacific Rim, Loden Hotel

————————————————– New here or faithful TS reader? Get daily trip style tips delivered right to your inbox or RSS reader AND interact with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! —————————————————

[photo by @tripstyler]

Go Long...

hanging treehouse————————————————– New here or faithful TS reader? Get daily trip style tips delivered right to yourinbox or RSS reader, AND interact with us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram! —————————————————

It's Wednesday. You've been busy and haven't planned anything for the Labour Day Long Weekend because you: a) haven't had time b) couldn't be bothered c) think it's too expensive to go anywhere. It just so happens I can help you with all three excuses, unless you want to stay home! Here are some high/low long weekend getaways designed to get you outta town!

Long Weekend Getaways Pitch A Tent [trip style = camping] Keener campers have already reserved their campsites for the long weekend, BUT, one of my fave Vancouver Island locations, Rathtrevor Beach, still has sites available. This gorgeous beach is just below an incredible Spa (The Grotto at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort) if you want to take time away from your Coleman Cooker to relax in their large mineral pool, stand under their cold-plunge waterfall or soothe your muscles in the hot tub! PS - If you go camping, check out our 6 hand-picked free camping apps

Shop 'Till You Drop [trip style = urban] The Westin Bellevue is offering a special package for lovers of the mall and back to school shopping. Check into the hotel this friday or saturday night and get a $100 Bellevue Collection gift certificate per night and complimentary parking. Wowza!

Let Kayak Decide [trip style = spontaneous] I did a post on Kayak Explore a few months ago, and can't think of a better service to help you decide where to go for the long weekend! Just enter a few details like budget and when you want to go, and the map-based service will show you where you can fly, and for how much!

Circle Of Life [trip style = eco] Who knew a little beach community on Vancouver Island would have hanging spheres as an off-beat accommodation? It doesn't get more West Coast than this: three wood and fiberglass orbs suspended by ropes from rainforest evergreens. When it's time to descend into reality, heated washrooms and showers, a kitchenette and a small sauna await you.

Glamp It Up! [trip style = glamping] If money is no object, experience the great outdoors in style at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. All inclusive 3-night packages from $4,750.00 CAD include return airfare from Vancouver to the Resort, deluxe accommodation, all meals, snacks and beverages {including alcohol}, massage treatments and guided activities including fishing. PS - don't let the canvas tent-facade fool you, this remote resort has not deterred this famous couple from making the trek deep into BC's gorgeous landscape!

Planning Ahead [trip style = wine tasting] If you can't get away this weekend, why not plan ahead? Here's the perfect night away: a Harry Connick Jr. Concert at a Seattle winery! Does it get any better than this? Although the concert's on a thursday night {sept 26}, maybe you could make that your 'long' weekend?

And if you want even MORE options, check out these getaways for everyone from lux lovers to campers!