Uh oh. It’s happened. Again.
Another spring has zipped past. The beginning of our cherished northwest summer has managed to stick in your planning blind spot and low and behold, Father’s Day has arrived. Once again, you’re fumbling to avoid past gift giving mistakes.
New watch he pretended to like? Done it. Overly colorful tie that has never once been worn? Check. Bad cologne that somehow transformed into bathroom spray? Check.
We forgive you. Better yet, we’re here to help. It’s time to step up your gift giving game and lock in on a present that is sure to have Pops smiling and putting your thoughtfulness to use. Save the golfer socks, car accessories, nose trimmers and pointless gadgets for some future gag gifts and let’s get on with giving Pops a travel experience to remember this summer.
Hook Em…
Stunning scenery. Wide open space. More fish than one could ever imagine. Plus an epic Clipper cruise, road trip, guided fishing trip AND whale watching?? You’re not dreaming. The perfect summer escape plan for you and Dad or his buddies is a mini-adventure away in your own backyard in Campbell River or Ucluelet, BC where fishing dreams do in fact come true. Both areas are notorious for both salmon and halibut fishing, an abundance of wildlife and beautiful views off the coast of Vancouver Island.
Slice Em…
Yes, you’ve done a fine job of buying Dad all those Titleist golf balls over the years. Yes, those exact golf balls have done a fine job of collecting a horrendous amount of dust. And yes, you can’t bear to hear your father talk about how he once almost…kinda…maybe…never had a shot at qualifying for The Masters. All. Good.
Time to get Pops to clean off the sticks, dust off those dozen spanking new pro triple-core multi-mega magic golf balls and get on up to Westin Bear Mountain with his pals for some fun on the links. Featuring two distinct courses including the rugged and challenging Mountain course (co-designed by Steve and Jack Nicklaus) or the more serene Valley course, it would be a wise suggestion to have Dad hit the driving range before heading up to Vancouver Island for a fun overnight stay and links adventure.
See Em…
If local adventure is more your Dad’s speed, it may be high time for a trek out to our mighty San Juan Islands for some whale watching. Take away the hassle of any summer traffic or ferry wait lines and hop aboard the San Juan Clipper for a fun and scenic mini-cruise direct from downtown Seattle up to picturesque Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
Enjoy some education on the area along the way from our onboard naturalist, pass under historical Deception Pass Bridge and enjoy a stop in Friday Harbor before heading out for a two hour whale and sealife watching trip. If the sight of a pod of orcas gracefully cruising through the Salish Sea can’t get Pops to crack a smile, we’re not sure what will. Bonus, he’ll finally have a reason to put those binoculars to use that you bought for Father’s Day ten years ago.
Insider tip: tell Dad to bring his bike, hop on the San Juan Clipper as a sheer mode of transportation to Friday Harbor and spend the day biking around magnificent San Juan Island. He can even stay the night at one of our fine hotel partners on the island.
Sip Em…
Beer. Dad. Kinda one in the same, right? It’s time to show Pops that you haven’t just been “studying” the Seattle micro-brew scene. Hop on the Clipper and drop into Victoria where our local Vancouver Island micro-brew experts from West Coast Brewery Tours will take you on a tasting tour of the city’s finest suds.
Trust us, no one knows BC craft brews better than these guys. From excellent education about the key local players and history of Victoria’s burgeoning craft brew scene to tastings that will leave you wanting a second tour, Dad will suddenly have a new appreciation for your lengthy weekend practice and preparation for this big beer adventure.
Show Him…
Still having trouble putting a peg on what exactly tickle’s Dad’s travel fancy? Stop sweating the small stuff. Clipper travel experts to the rescue with a Clipper Gift Card. Take the pressure off any immediate decision making, purchase a fun card and ta-da! Father’s Day gift buying done and done.
Whatever gift you end up choosing this Father’s Day, our Northwest travel experts are always standing by to help guide you to the best possible options for an exceptional trip. Happy summer travel planning!
Feature Photo: Weston Bear Mountain