SAIL FROM PORT ANGELES, WA TO VICTORIA, BC WITH OVERNIGHT PACKAGES VIA BLACK BALL FERRY LINE

M/V Coho arrives in Victoria's Inner Habour 
©SueFrausePhoto

With Washington State Ferries canceling its Anacortes to SidneyBC route this spring and summer due to crew shortages, it will be more challenging to get to Vancouver Island from my home state of Washington. Oh sure, you can drive north of the US/Canada border to Tsawwassen and take BC Ferries to Swartz Bay, north of Victoria. The Victoria Clipper V ferry makes the nearly three-hour trip between Seattle and downtown Victoria, and Kenmore Air has daily 45-minute float plane service between Seattle's Lake Union and Victoria. But for folks like me living on Whidbey Island, a better and less expensive option is taking the Black Ball Ferry Line from Port Angeles on Washington's Olympic Peninsula to Victoria, BC.

I've taken the Black Ball's MV Coho several times in the past few years; once with my vehicle and another time as a walk-on. I prefer the latter. The Coho was built in Seattle for $3 million in 1959, and at the time it was the most expensive and largest privately funded passenger and vehicle ferry built in North America. 

The 90-minute sailing across the Strait of Juan de Fuca provides wide-open views of the Olympics, with plenty of wildlife sightings, including eagles and whales. While onboard, enjoy the comfy interior lounges, solarium, pet-friendly zones, cafeteria, gift shop and duty free store. The ship docks in Victoria's Inner Harbour and if you walked on instead of taking your vehicle, many of the hotels, restaurants and attractions are within walking distance. For more information, visit Tourism Victoria's website. 

BC Parliament Buildings in Victoria's Inner Harbour 
©SueFrausePhoto

Black Ball Ferry Line has a variety of hotel partners within walking distance from its Victoria terminal in the Inner Harbour. And when two adults travel with a hotel package, up to two children ages 11 and older may stay and sail for free. In addition to hotel packages, Black ball also offer various attractions such as Butchart Gardens, the Royal BC Museum, IMAX and a traditional afternoon tea. Here are two of the hotels that are offered, both of which I've enjoyed over the years. 

The Oswego Hotel
©SueFrausePhoto

The Oswego Hotel is a boutique hotel located steps away from the Inner Harbour and downtown Victoria. The hotel features a modern design and luxury amenities. All suites have gourmet kitchens, while the elegant bathrooms include soaker tubs and separate showers. The onsite Bar500 serves authentic West Coast Italian cuisine. Room rate per person including ferry: From $126 USD.

Inn at Laurel Point
©SueFrausePhoto

The Inn at Laurel Point is located in downtown Victoria on the edge of the Inner Harbour, within easy walking distance of the Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park and downtown shopping. The inn prides itself in being a haven for travelers wanting an authentic West Coast experience, offering opportunities to reconnect with nature. Their newly landscaped award winning gardens are now open. Room rate per person including ferry: From $142 US. 

The Butchart Gardens 

Black Ball Ferry Line also offers Day Trip Packages, for those not spending the night. One of the more popular ones is The Butchart Gardens, 55 acres of floral displays spanning a century. The package, from $108 USD per person, includes: 

• Black Ball Ferry fare
• Admission to The Butchart Gardens
• Round-trip shuttle from downtown Victoria to The Butchart Gardens 

The MV Coho arrives in Port Angeles, Washington
©SueFrausePhoto

BLACK BALL FERRY LINE

Click on for schedule/reservations/packages

Port Angeles Terminal

101 E. Railroad Avenue

888-99-FERRY

Victoria Terminal 

430 Belleville Street

800-COHO-475

COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS

Effective April 1, 2022, pre-arrival COVID testing is no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada. 

Please Note: Filling out information on ArriveCAN is still required, and must be filled out within 72 hours of entering Canada and prior to arriving at the Port Angeles, WA terminal. Visit Black Ball's COVID-19 requirements for more information. 

BLACK BALL FERRY SERVICE RESUMES IN NOVEMBER BETWEEN PORT ANGELES, WA AND VICTORIA, BC

 

MV Coho arrives in Victoria, BC

Ferry service aboard the MV Coho between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC resumes on Monday, November 8, 2021. There will be two sailings a day in each direction for the remainder of 2021. The popular service between the US and Canada has not been running for the past 18 months due to COVID-19.

All travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and be prepared to show a proof of vaccination card or a photo of it. Click on the link for the other requirements for entering Canada from the US.

The M/V Coho arrives in Port Angeles from Victoria

Travelers may begin making reservations online or by phone the morning of Monday, October 25. 

Daily Departures

Port Angeles to Victoria: 8:20AM and 2:00 PM

Victoria to Port Angeles 10:30AM and 4:00 PM

Sailing time is 1 hour, 35 minutes

Read more about the MV Coho in a previous blog post. 

©SueFrausePhotos

Washington State Ferries: Anacortes-Sidney ferry returns with spring sailing schedule

Washington State Ferries in Sidney, BC with Mt. Baker in the background. Photo by Sue Frause.

Yet another sign of spring, along with Daylight Savings Time and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, is when Washington State Ferries switches to its spring sailing schedule. During the winter, there's no ferry service between Anacortes, WA and Sidney, BC on Vancouver Island. 

On Sunday, April 6, WSF's spring schedule goes into effect and the international sailings between the US and Canada will include one round-trip sailing per day (the summer schedule begins June 15 and includes two round-trip sailings per day).

In addition to the return of the Anacortes-Sidney route, additional changes go into effect on April 6 with WSF's spring schedule :

• Weekend inter-island service in the San Juan Islands
• Three boats serving the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route on Saturdays and Sundays
• Four mid-afternoon sailings on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route will leave 15 minutes earlier to better match the schedule of the second ferry. It will join the route on Mother's Day, May 11.
• The last sailing departing Coupeville leaves 5 minutes earlier, at 9:10 PM
• New this year are round-trip tickets available between the San Juan Islands and Sidney, BC

Passengers boarding Washington State Ferries M/V Chelan in Sidney, BC. Photo by Sue Frause.

Win round-trip sailing and hotel package to Victoria, BC on Black Ball Ferry Line's M.V. Coho

I'm headed to Victoria, BC this week, but am not taking the usual route. Generally, I travel aboard Washington State Ferries (WSF) via Anacortes to Sidney on Vancouver Island. Or if I want to get there quickly and am ready to splurge, I'll fly Kenmore Air from Lake Union in Seattle directly to Victoria. 

But this week's route is one that I haven't taken in more than 30 years: Black Ball Ball Ferry Line's M.V. Coho from Port Angeles, WA to Victoria, BC. It's a bit more complicated, as I have to take WSF from Whidbey Island to Port Townsend, then drive to Port Angeles. But I'm so looking forward to the 90-minute sailing. Every time I see the M.V. Coho in port at the Victoria Harbour, I'm always a bit envious that I'm not on board. She turned 50 years old in 2009 and is still lookin' good.

I'll be taking my car so I can do some exploring around Victoria. And since I'm on a 12:30 PM sailing, I'll be curious to see what food is available on the big boat. According to M.V. Coho's website, there's a cafeteria on board. Let's hope the food is better than the Washington State Ferries! I've never figured out why WSF can't ramp it up a bit in the cuisine department ... BC Ferries has far better offerings on their routes than my local boat company.

Here's a fun contest being offered by Black Ball Ferry Line. They're calling it Fall In Love Again in Victoria, and it's open to both US and Canadian residents (18 and over) until Oct. 12, 2012. Here's what you'll win if your name is selected (enter here): 

• Scenic crossing between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC aboard the M.V. Coho. Valid for round-trip passage for one vehicle and two adults.
• Two-night stay at one of Victoria's Historic Inns, a group of heritage accommodations. Pick you pleasure with a $150 Visa Gift Card.
• Selection of Rogers Chocolates, a chocolate maker operating out of Victoria, BC since 1885.

M.V. Coho at Black Ball Ferry Line terminal in Port Angeles, WA
Photo by Sue Frause

UPDATE: Nordstrom in Canada: Stores to Open in Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto

Nordstrom in Vancouver BC under construction on January 6, 2014. Photo by Sue Frause.

Canadian shoppers in British Columbia are keen on crossing the border and heading to Nordstrom in Washington state. But by the spring of 2015, they won't need to pack their passports to make a pilgrimage to the Seattle-based department store. That's when Nordstrom is scheduled to open in downtown Vancouver in the space vacated by Sears at Pacific Centre (formerly Eaton's). The Vancouver Nordstrom will be the largest of the Nordstrom stores in North America. It's located on Howe Street, across from the Vancouver Art Gallery, between Robson and Georgia. I passed by there today and took the above photo.

Nordstrom will also be opening in Calgary's Chinook Centre, Ottawa's Rideau Centre and in Toronto's Sherway Gardens. Both the Calgary and Ottawa locations are also home to Sears, while a new-construction store is planned for the Sherway Gardens store in Toronto. The Nordstrom quartet are the first full-line stores in Canada. Here are the tentative opening dates:

• Fall 2014 | Chinook Centre, Calgary | Two levels, approximately 140,000 sq. ft. 
• Spring 2015 | Rideau Centre, Ottawa | Two levels, approximately 157,000 sq. ft. and Pacific Centre, Vancouver | Three levels, approximately 230,000 sq. ft.
• Fall 2016 | Sherway Gardens Toronto | Two levels, approximately 138,000 sq. ft.

Nordstrom is partnering with Cadillac Fairview, one of North America's largest investors, owners and managers of commercial real estate, to lease the four stores at the shopping centres. Here's more information on the Vancouver project from Huffpost British Columbia (including artist's renderings).

Seattle hotels offer Canadian visitors a 'Milk Run' package (plus free parking)

Cow mural at South Dakota State University Dairy Bar in Brookings, SD. Sue Frause photo.

I posted about the big brouhaha over Canadians making major milk runs to the border from British Columbia, specifically to the Bellingham Costco in Washington state. It quickly became a national news story, what with Washingtonians unhappy about the crowded parking and shopping conditions, and even requesting their own hours. 

Two Seattle hotels have come to the rescue of the milk-thirsty Canadians. The Roosevelt and The Paramount Hotel, both Coast Hotels that has properties in the US and Canada (Alberta, BC and the Northwest Territories), are saying that Seattle has "got enough milk to go around and we don't mind sharing." For a limited time only (no expiration date was given), both The Roosevelt and The Paramount Hotel are offering Canadian visitors the Milk Run package that they hope will be moo-sic to their ears! Here's the deal:

The Roosevelt

Accommodation in any choice of room

Free parking or a $25 dining credit

Gallon of free milk (provided by a $5 Target gift card)

PROMO CODE: TYCANADA

The Paramount Hotel

Accommodation in any choice of room 

Free parking

Gallon of free milk (provided by a $5 Target gift card)

PROMO CODE: TYCANADA

The Roosevelt in downtown Seattle. Sue Frause photo.

Canadians make a run for the border to the Bellingham Costco, locals want own hours

The iconic Peace Arch monument at the border crossing between Canada and the US has two messages emblazoned on it: Children of a Common Mother on the US side as you enter Canada and Brethren Dwelling Together In Unity welcoming people entering Canada to the USA. The latter inscription is particularly ironic, what with the big brouhaha over Canadians storming the Bellingham Costco just south of the border in Washington state. Why Costco? They've got milk. Cheap milk.

A report on KING-5 in Seattle makes a reference to the shoppers as "milk piranhas" and there's even a Facebook page with more than 4,000 'likes': Bellingham Costco needs a special time just for Americans. The description on the Facebook page is simply, "People lets rant about how horrible Bellingham Costco is to its Founding customers"(sic).

Although a lot of locals aren't happy about the Canadian invasion, wanting special hours set aside for American shoppers, others aren't so bent out of shape: Take a chill pill, says Coscto shopper over cross-border kerfuffle is an article from The Province in Vancouver, BC. And the story has reached the big media, with Fox News reporting Border war: Costco customers in Washington blame Canada for shopping hell. It's put Bellingham and Whatcom County in the spotlight, as reported in The Bellingham Herald.

UPDATE: This ongoing story made the front page of The Seattle Times on August 18, 2012: Canadians crowd Costco, stores near border -- but not everyone minds

Cars enter British Columbia, Canada from Blaine, Washington at the Peace Arch border crossing
Photo by Sue Frause

Port Angeles Victoria Tourist Bureau offers unique traveler services

Outdoor lover Bob Stepp calls the nearby Olympics "the finest mountain chain in the world."

I walked into what I thought was the Port Angeles Visitor Center and the friendly fellow told me I was on the wrong side. Wrong side? Turns out I needed to go to the front of the building, where I would get information about Port Angeles and the Olympic Peninsula.

I was in the "Canadian" side of the building, better known as the Port Angeles Victoria Tourist Bureau, a unique travel center that has been operating for 23 years. Heading up the shop all that time is Bob Stepp, a California transplant who came to Port Angeles with the intent of opening up an advertising agency. His office was located inside the nearby Victoria Centre, and people were always wanting to know about Victoria. So he decided to come to their rescue and work in conjunction with Victoria and Vancouver Island, offering services to travelers. The Port Angeles Victoria Tourist Bureau was born, and Bob says the Olympic Peninsula makes it easy for him to say, "There's no place I'd rather live." Of course he's also a big fan of British Columbia, and knows a lot about Victoria and Vancouver Island.

Conveniently located on Railroad Avenue just down from the Black Ball Ferry Line, the PAVTB serves as a reservations agency and tourist bureau for British Columbia. Services include:

• Special hotel rates for Victoria and Vancouver Island
• Package vacations, weddings and group meetings
• Sightseeing, whale watching tours and fishing charters, expeditions
• Tickets for BC Ferries' Inside Passage

The bureau is located at 121 E. Railroad Avenue. It's open seven days a week; hours vary depending on the season.  Call 360.452.7084 or 866.457.5432.

The book and movie Twilight have increased tourism dollars on the Olympic Peninsula.

Photos by Sue Frause

BC plates spotted in Port Townsend, WA over BC Day long weekend

There were no shortage of BC license plates in Port Townsend, WA this weekend. I was attending Jazz Port Townsend with my family, and while checking into our motel on Friday, noticed the Canadian lilt in other guests' voices. Yup, they were from BC, enjoying their BC Day long weekend in Washington. Our friends north of the border seem to enjoy a lot of these long weekends!

CBC News reported that long lines for BC Ferries and at the Canada-USA border were to be expected. While boarding Washington State Ferries Sunday morning from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island, I noticed numerous BC plates on the 11:15 AM boat. A large group of Harley-Davidson bikers was among the mix.

Port Townsend is a popular destination for BC residents. For folks living on Vancouver Island, it's a scenic ride on the Black Ball Ferry Line from Victoria to Port Angeles, then a 46-mile drive to Port Townsend. Last year, Port Townsend was hoping to attract more Canadian visitors, with one hotel offering a free night for BC residents.

Washington State Ferries' Chetzemoka leaving Port Townsend for Whidbey Island
Photo by Sue Frause

Washington State Ferries: Anacortes to Sidney boat back on route

The spring sailing schedule for Washington State Ferries begins Sunday, March 27. Welcome news for both Skagit County in Washington and Vancouver Island, as the international route between Anacortes, WA and Sidney, BC begins again today.

There's one round-trip sailing per day between Anacortes and Sidney. It departs Anacortes at 8:30 AM; stops in Friday Harbor and departs at 9:55 AM; arrives in Sidney at 11:10 AM. The Vancouver Island departures leave Sidney at 12:05 PM; stops in Friday Harbor, departing at 1:55 PM; arrives in Anacortes at 3 PM. To make reservations, log onto www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.

Businesses in Anacortes are concerned about the state cutting back the nine-month season of the Anacortes-Sidney ferry to seven months. See a video report on KING-5 about the proposal. Vancouver Island is also keeping tabs on the situation, especially now that the Victoria Express is no longer sailing between Port Angeles, WA and Victoria, BC.

The spring sailing schedule is in effect through June 18, 2011.

Washington State Ferries en route from Sidney, BC to Anacortes, WA
Photo by Sue Frause

Victoria Express stops sailings between Victoria-Port Angeles

Black Ball Ferry Line, based in Port Angeles, WA, announced last week the purchase of Victoria Rapid Transit's operations. Victoria Rapid Transit, formed in 1990 by the Harmon family, has been shuttling passengers aboard the Victoria Express between Victoria and Port Angeles for more than 20 years. In 2004, they added scheduled service to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in 2004.

Following its winter break, Victoria Rapid Transit will focus on launching its new Explorer Series of tours. The tours will be offered under the name of Expeditions NW and focus on the ecology and culture of the region with adventure and eco-tours out of Port Angeles. Destinations include the islands, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Victoria. Their first scheduled trip is a day cruise to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 16, 2011. Let's hope the tulips are in bloom!

The 149-passenger Victoria Express will be one of the tour vessels of Expeditions NW, and not resume scheduled service between Port Angeles and Victoria. Black Ball Ferry Line's MV Coho will now be the connection between the two cities/countries. Read more about Victoria losing this seasonal connection in the Times Colonist and Peninsula Daily News.

The MV Coho provides year-round car and walk-on ferry service between Port Angeles and downtown Victoria. It offers up to eight daily sailings during the summer season. Both companies have collaborated over the years to promote both Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island, along with resolving issues that impact tourism, such as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

The MV Coho in Victoria's Inner Harbour as seen from The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Photo by Sue Frause.

Will border fees cancel second Amtrak train to/from Vancouver?

I guess it was too good to be true.

Although a second daily train to Vancouver, BC was added for the Winter Olympics (and recently been extended through Oct. 31, 2010), it looks like it may soon be a mere memory.

In a Sept. 23, 2010 press release from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the headline tells the sad news: Washington state working to keep second Amtrak Cascades train service to Vancouver, B.C. / Canadian federal government imposes nearly $550,000 in annual fees for border-clearance services

The Canadian federal government announced that it would require WSDOT to pay nearly $550,000 a year for border-clearance services. The money would cover additional staffing by the Canada Border Services Agency for the 10:50 PM second-train arrival.

Obviously, both Washington state and British Columbia are disappointed. According to Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond, the second train brought an estimated $11.8 million in economic benefits to BC during the year it was allowed to operate. "Does it really make sense for $550,000 in annual border inspection fees to be the reason the service ends?" questioned Hammond.

The transportation secretary said the state has no money to cover the added cost; nor will they ask Washington travelers to pay more for their tickets. Currently, customers traveling into Washington don't have to pay a US Customs fee.

The Canadian government cites fiscal concerns as the reason for the additional fee.

Ridership on the second Amtrak Cascades train between Portland and Vancouver, BC grew steadily in the first year of operation, carrying nearly 245,000 passengers. Of these, 26,837 traveled across the U.S./Canadian border into Vancouver, BC.

Having just spent two weeks in Italy, where we relied on trains to get around, I'm disappointed that the Canadian feds don't have the vision to see that the second train between our two countries is a good thing for both sides of the border.

Bah humbug!

Amtrak Cascades arrives in Bellingham en route to Vancouver, BC
Photo by Sue Frause

Bria Skonberg: Vancouver jazz musician to perform at DjangoFest NW 2010

I have to say I'm disappointed I'll miss Bria Skonberg's gig at Djangofest Northwest in my hometown of Langley, Washington.

DjangoFest NW, celebrating its tenth year, runs Sept. 22-26, 2010 and is the premier showcase of Gypsy Jazz in North America. Also know as Gypsy Swing, Gypsy Jazz is an idiom that was reportedly started by the Ferre brothers in the late 1920s; it grew in popularity due to guitarist Django Reinhardt in the 1930s. Because of its mainly French origins, it's often referred to by the French name, jazz manouce, or manouche jazz.

Bria Skonberg grew up in Chilliwack, BC. Now 26, the jazz trumpeter and vocalist has been performing since she was four. Originally she started out on the piano, but at age 11 she switched to trumpet. She completed a degree in Jazz Performance from Capilano University in Vancouver, where today she's the leader and manager of Bria's Hot Five and The Big Bang Jazz Band. She also performs as a soloist and vocalist with Dal Richards and his Orchestra and co-founded the all-female seven-member jazz group Mighty Aphrodite.

In 2009, Skonberg released her first solo album, Fresh. It features original songs and arrangements of jazz and mainstream standards.

Skonberg performs at DjangoFest NW on Friday, Sept. 24 at 3 PM with Howard Alden and Bucky Pizzarelli at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley. Also on the afternoon bill is the Doug Martin Avatar Ensemble featuring Annie Staninec.

Tickets range in price from $24-$60 and are available online or by calling 800.638.7631.

North Vancouver gaming designer killed in head-on crash on Whidbey Island

Brian Wood, 33, a computer gaming designer from North Vancouver, died in a horrendous car crash on Whidbey Island the evening of Sept. 3, 2010. Surviving the crash was his wife Erin Wood, 31, and the couple's unborn child due in November. Family and friends are understandably devastated.

Although I didn't know Brian, I received a number of emails from BC friends, knowing that I live on Whidbey Island. The accident happened about an hour north of me near Oak Harbor. The driver reportedly was either taking off or putting on a sweater/sweatshirt, when her front seat passenger took over the wheel. Both were in their 20s, both high on drugs.

Two other male passengers from Oak Harbor who were in the back seat were also killed. The two women were arrested and charged with vehicular homicide according to the Whidbey News-Times.

KOMO 4 TV in Seattle has a touching interview by Eric Johnson with Erin, who says her husband saved her and her unborn child's life by turning the wheel and taking the impact of the crash.

A trust fund in Brian's name has been set up in his memory at North Shore Credit Union in Metro Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler.

A summer rose from my garden on Whidbey Island
Photo by Sue Frause

Line cutters at Canada-US Peach Arch Crossing create major headaches

I know it's summer. After all, I live on an island, and the ferry lines have been horrendous.

But I didn't expect a 90-minute wait at the Canada-US Peach Arch Crossing between Surrey, BC and Blaine, WA. I arrived at 10 AM on a Saturday morning, and finally made it through the final gate at 11:30 AM.

Part of the problem are the cutters. Just like ferry line cutters, these people think they're being crafty and creative, but they're downright rude. Granted, part of the problem is the way the lanes are designated. This morning, the cars were backed up to the White Rock Exit, and were formed in two lanes. But the third thru lane on the far right was getting a lot of business, with people using that to get to the NEXUS lane.


I don't have a NEXUS card, not did I want to go to the Duty & Tax Free Shop that is also accessible by that lane. Turns out that a lot of the drivers heading for the NEXUS lane all of a sudden realized they didn't have a pass, and then had to cut into the regular lane where we'd been patiently creeping ahead. Ditto with the drivers who went to the Duty & Tax Free Shop; it appeared that some of them merely went through the shop's parking lot, exited way ahead of where they entered, and then cut in ahead of those of those of us who were playing it right.

BC needs to cut the confusion on all of this with clearly designated lanes and improved signage -- it's not a problem when entering Canada from the US. And why should the Duty Free "shoppers" be rewarded for buying booze and perfume? Tempers were flaring as the temperature rose; and for solo drivers, it's really a drag. Guess what? If you have to go to the loo -- you lose. There's no ditching your car.

All the more reason to take Amtrak Cascades.



Photos at the Peace Arch Crossing by Sue Frause

Bellingham's Hotel Bellwether: No sales tax for British Columbia residents

If you're a BC resident and have a hankerin' to head south of the border, Bellingham's Hotel Bellwether is offering a No Sales Tax promotion to residents of British Columbia.

Simply put, you'll save 8.5% off the total cost of your room. As an added bonus, Washington state recently announced a sales tax exemption for non-residents, although it does not apply to lodging.

So that means you can shop at nearby Bellis Fair and Trader Joe's, sans sales tax, and then head to your room with a view at Hotel Bellwether, featuring fireplaces and jetted soaking tubs. Since I'm not much of a mall person, another fun shopping option is Bellingham's Fairhaven District for shopping, cuisine and history.

The Bellwether has two dining options on site: Harbourside Restaurant and Lounge, featuring west coast cuisine, and the Sunset Lounge for sunset for lighter fare, cocktails and sunsets over Bellingham Bay. Weather permitting, of course.

Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham
Photo by Sue Frause

The No Sales Tax promotion is valid July through September, 2010.

Hands Across the Border closes Peace Arch crossing

The Peace Arch border crossing between Douglas, BC and Blaine, WA will be closed on Sunday, June 13 from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

The closure is for the annual Hands Across the Border celebration. Both the northbound (I-5) and southbound (Highway 99) lanes will be closed during the event. Drivers will be detoured to the SR 543/Highway 15 crossing, which is one mile away.

If you're crossing the border on Sunday, consider traveling early or late and using one of the other border crossings: Lynden/Aldergrove or Sumas/Huntingdon

Keep an eye on backups and wait times at all four border crossings with Washington State Department of Transportation's Canadian Border Traffic website.

A view of Semiahmoo Resort from Amtrak Cascades in Blaine, WA
Photo by Sue Frause

Black Ball Ferry: M.V. Coho expands to six sailings a day between Victoria and Port Angeles

M.V. Coho in Victoria Harbour

Photo by Sue Frause

On May 20, 2010 the Black Ball Ferry Line expands its service with six sailings of the M.V. Coho between Victoria, BC and Port Angeles, WA.

The spring schedule departures are daily from Victoria at 10:30 AM, 3 PM and 7:30 PM. From Port Angeles, departures are at 8:20 AM, 12:45 PM and 5:15 PM. The sailing takes 90 minutes.

Black Ball Ferry Line is also extending its Travel Free on Your Birthday promotion. If you're celebrating a birthday on the day of travel, you'll receive free passenger fare aboard the M.V. Coho.

Ride the M.V. Coho to Victoria for the 67th Annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race, May 29 and 30 (Memorial Day weekend in the US).

Swiftsure 2010 is the oldest and largest annual yacht race in the Pacific Northwest and attracts more than 200 competing yachts and 1,400+ racers from British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. In addition to the race, there are plenty of maritime activities along the waterfront.

Port Townsend looking for Canadian visitors

Tourism boards and bureaus everywhere are redefining who their audiences are. With the economy still in a slump, it's more important than ever to target who you want to visit your region.

Port Townsend, located on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, is targeting visitors from southern Vancouver Island. According to the Peninsula Daily News, the city is "developing a marketing promotion to British Columbia ... targeting advertising in the Vancouver media market."

One of Port Townsend's newest inns is offering a special to all British Columbia residents. The Clam Cannery, a luxury boutique hotel right on the water, is inviting BC guests to pay for the first night ... and the second one is free. The complimentary night is available Sundays-Thursdays now through March 15, 2010.

My husband and I stayed at the hotel last year, and it's a great addition to the PT accommodations scene. Built in 1885 and operated as a clam canning facility until the 1940s, it's undergone a multi-million dollar renovation and restoration. The rooms average 800+ square feet and all have full gourmet kitchens along with unobstructed water and views out to the Olympics.

Plus it's right in the heart of Port Townsend, whether you want to take in a movie at the wonderful Rose Theatre; shop for music at Quimper Sound; enjoy a meal at the Silverwater Cafe or Khu Lharb; or visit the new Northwest Maritime Center.

The Clam Cannery is located in the heart of Port Townsend's retail core
Photo by Sue Frause

Washington state has year 'round Olympics

It's understandable that VANOC has a responsibility to protect the Olympic brand, but I thought it was a bit silly when they went after little Olympic Pizza a while back.

One thing they won't be able to touch are Washington state's Olympic Mountains -- more commonly referred to as simply the Olympics.

They've been around a long time and aren't going anywhere, anytime soon. Only problem is, the popular Hurricane Ridge Road is closed due to a large slide.

The Olympics from The Oswego Hotel in Victoria
Photo by Sue Frause