You know the drill. It’s time to brace yourself for one last challenging task of the year – finding the perfect gifts for your friends and family! To help narrow the overwhelming search, we’ve focused on unique ways to share the joy of travel with the special people in your life. Instead of buying the latest tech gadget, give the gift of travel, fun and adventure! Whether you’re looking for something special for your significant other or the person who seemingly has everything, we have the perfect PNW travel picks for all the lucky people on your gift list.
1. For the Green Thumb
Grabbing a watering can or pair of gardening gloves may seem like the obvious choice for a green-thumbed loved one. A gardener can never have too many tools, right? Yet, gardening gear doesn’t always exactly scream “exciting.”
Instead, immerse your budding horticulturist in the world-famous veritable jungle of the 55-acre Butchart Gardens to celebrate the glory of all things green. Not only will they dig the chance to get a little nature in their lives, but the swoon-worthy array of vibrant flowers will also provide inspiration for decking out their own backyard.
2. For Your Girls
Sure, you talk to (or at least text) your best girlfriends multiple times every day, but sometimes those heart-to-hearts are best done in person. Expand your plans beyond just brunch and make a day of your girl-time by heading to Victoria. Once there, indulge in the quintessential tradition of afternoon tea at the Empress and let the gabfest begin.
After all, is there anything better than cozying up on a plush couch with melt-in-your-mouth, house-made treats while you sip on a comforting cup of tea? If you want to get really fancy, you can even add flutes of sparkling wine to your meal and toast to your sisterhood.
3. For the Animal Lover
This friend’s heart has a soft spot for furry (or even slippery) friends of all shapes and sizes. There isn’t a day that goes by that their photos and videos of cuddly creatures aren’t peppering your Facebook feed. Reward your friend for supplying you with your daily dose of cuteness by sending them on a cruise for some whale watching to see a boat-load of transient orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises and eagles.
If watching our cherished whales jump, splash and play in sapphire waters doesn’t cause the face of your wildlife-loving friend to light up with glee, we don’t know what will. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of seeing a whole new selection of fascinating animals pop up on your news feed.
4. For the Stress-Fest Friend
Let’s be honest, it has been one heck of a year. After making it through a jam-packed holiday season, there is no better way to ring in the new year than with a much-needed escape.
Lined along the Inner Harbour with stunning sunsets, award winning spas and decadent cuisine, Victoria is the perfect locale for your overworked, stressed-out pal to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to indulge in a little me time. Allow your friend to rejuvenate in the highly recognized Oak Bay Beach Hotel at one of the five-star spa’s pampering treatments or a relaxing soak in a steaming, hot seaside mineral pool while they take in spectacular panoramic views and think of absolutely…nothing.
5. For Your S.O. (Significant Other)
Go all out to come up with a thoughtful, creative gift to show the person who would do anything for you that you really care and appreciate them. The iconic Fairmont Empress is just the ticket for a weekend escape with your one and only.
Cozy up in Q at the Empress bar and restaurant and soak in jaw-dropping views of Victoria’s tranquil Inner Harbour with a tall flute of bubbly at your side. This gives them what they really want – time alone with you to indulge in a little quality R&R.
6. For the one Always on the Water
Vicotria may be known for stunning waterfront vistas, but the best views of the city? From the water! Send your water bug friend on a relaxing Harbour Kayak Tour through historic Victoria’s waterways and stop at fascinating landmarks while spotting some familiar sea-life friends along the way!
Also a seafood fan? Make sure to make a brief stop to sample some of Victoria’s legendary local catch.
7. For the Fashionista
When it comes to pleasing the fashion it-girl or guy in your life, a generic gift plucked from a big-box store just won’t do. You need something stylish and chic. Treat the trendsetter of your group with the opportunity to expand their horizons beyond their local scene with a shopping spree to Victoria to explore the city’s burgeoning a collection of unique boutiques.
Check out Still Life for Him & Her, Glam & Fame and Violette Boutique, which brim with a carefully curated selection of locally crafted goods that deliver on a level at par or beyond what is offered by other major cities. Creating a winning fashion formula that involves tons of Instagram-worthy clothing and accessories has never been easier.
8. For the Foodie
In a pickle coming up with a gift for your gourmand friend whose kitchen is already stocked? Whisk them away to Victoria for a culinary adventure where they can really sink their teeth into the experience. Your culinary-obsessed friend will trek around the city on a Victoria Food Tour and discover hidden, insider hot spots where they can satiate their appetite for the finer things in life.
They will sample everything from sweet, spicy barbecue to delicate macarons that taste as though they have come straight from France. If you’re lucky, you’ll get your own sweet reward when your friend comes back armed with insider recommendations for your next visit.
9. For the Friend with Nerves of Steel
Whether it’s skimming over the water on a kiteboard, speeding down icy slopes or cage diving in a sea of sharks, there’s nothing your thrill-seeking friend won’t try at least once. Why not add zipping high above the Sooke rainforest on the AdrenaLINE Zipline Adventure Tour to that list?
Eight ziplines ranging from 150-1,000 feet long and up to 150 feet high will give them an adrenaline rush. Plus, they’ll experience another side of Vancouver Island with a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy and stunning mountain and ocean vistas.
10. For Your Bros
Oh boy! Your bros are often the toughest to shop for. Whether it’s your older brother you shared your bedroom with, the kid-next-door you’ve known since you were five or the college friend you used to grab beers with after a football game, the pressure is on to find the perfect gift. Put all that time you’ve spent sampling Seattle’s micro-brew scene to good use and gift them with a guy’s trip north to Victoria for a big brew and food adventure.
11. For the History Buff
Reading an epic book about someone who lived in a bygone era is sure to captivate any avid history buff for hours, but sometimes it’s more fun to walk in their hero’s shoes. Let your friend experience the romance of the past and dive deep into the culture of the city in person on a hop-on hop-off tour that travels to 15 of Victoria’s historic and iconic landmarks. The best part? They’ll also get a look inside the extravagant Craigdarroch Castle.
They’ll geek out over the chance to get a glimpse of what privileged life was like in the 1890s as they explore all 20,000 square feet and 39 rooms of the property. The castle’s impeccable stained-glass windows as well as spectacular views of downtown Victoria and the Olympic Mountains from the top of the tower are worth the trip alone!
12. For the Wine Aficionado
You know the family member who taught you how to savor a bottle of wine by tilting, smelling, swirling and sipping the delicious liquid within? Thank them for introducing you to the wonderful world of exquisite vintages with a trek to the heart of Vancouver Island’s wine country. On the Cowichan Valley Wine Tour, they’ll have a chance to sip on some of the region’s finest wines and chat with the local winemakers.
13. For the Sunset Chaser
Crisp Coastline air, orange and blue painted skies AND humpbacks, whales, orcas, and sea lions? Experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s legendary summer sunsets from the water while you observe whales and wildlife of the Salish Sea on a Sunset Whale Watching Tour.
14. For the Culturist
That stunning Ansel Adams photograph or beautiful bronze statue the art lover in your life has been longing after might be out of reach. However, you can treat your refined friend with the chance to get up close and personal to equally drool-worthy art and the opportunity to soak in some of the Emerald City’s sophisticated culture with the Chihuly + Space Needle Sunset Experience.
Wander through the eight incredible sections of the indoor Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit and explore the outdoor garden full of colorful glass sculptures created by world-renowned hometown artist, Dale Chihuly. Before the sun sets, ride up to the observation deck of the iconic Space Needle to catch unparalleled sunset vistas of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound and beyond! (Inside tip: The top of the recently renovated Space Needle also boasts an extensive wine and cocktail list, allowing your friend to a cap off the day with superb sips).
15. For the Person Who Has Everything
You know the one. The friend who has it all. From the latest iPhone to impeccable designer threads. Heck, most of the time they’ve picked up the newest gadget and are ready to move on to a new version before the first iteration is even on your radar.
Surprise them with something they probably haven’t yet discovered. A magical, round-trip sea to sky adventure between Seattle to Victoria. This scenic journey combines an exhilarating floatplane flight and a cruise on our high-speed ferry.
Unrivaled views of the downtown skyline, Salish Sea and countryside take center stage as you soar over the land between Seattle’s Lake Union and Victoria’s Inner Harbour on a Kenmore Air floatplane. The quick, less than three-hour ride on the sleek Victoria Clipper ferry is equally exhilarating as the boat glides through the Salish Sea and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Still struggling to determine what adventure will suit your friend’s or family member’s fancy? Take the pressure off yourself and purchase a gift card and leave the decision making up to them.
Whatever gift you give this year, rest easy knowing our Northwest travel experts are always standing by to help guide your friends and family to the best possible options to create an escape they’ll remember forever. Now, sit back, relax and start crossing names off your list.
