Valerie1213

I'm planning a 6-ish day trip. Our goals are to see beautiful scenery, eat delicious seafood, and to stay in romantic and/or quirky places. Oh, and I plan to propose on this trip, so I want it to be special (though my partner is low-key so it doesn't need to be super fancy).

I'm open to any and all suggestions! Cute towns, great places to stay, a reasonable itinerary? Do you think it makes sense to fly into Seattle and out of Portland? Is that area the most beautiful part of Oregon, or does it make more sense to fly into Portland and go south?

My partner is Canadian, so I liked the idea of proposing on Victoria Island...but I mostly just want to find some beautiful scenery.

In case it's relevant, we're in our 40s, expecting a baby, and we're a same sex couple. We love outdoor adventures (e.g. canoeing, beach-walking, hiking, etc.), but will be a bit slowed down due to the pregnancy. We also love just hanging out in small fishing villages, strolling on beaches, and looking at sunsets.

Thoughts?

Dukey1

Go to Victoria, propose, and get married.

sunbum1944

But it's Vancouver Island- the city is Victoria. Better brush up on Canadian geography before popping question.

Sooke Harbor House is a romantic spot on Vancouver Island- haven't stayed there- might be spendy. Or go north of Victoria to Tofino.

Gardyloo

Congratulations, but when? And where are you flying from?

Gardyloo

Meant to add, there IS a Victoria Island, but it's in the Canadian high arctic.

happytrailstoyou

<i>Better brush up on Canadian geography before popping question.</i>

The first sentence cleared up the problem, and I find gratuitous put-downs such as this one to be a very unpleasant way to welcome somebody new to this forum. I hope that everybody who reads these kinds of remarks cringes, as I do.

That said, Victoria and Tofino are very romantic places in my view. They are expensive, though. It's a good thing the exchange rate is favorable to the USD. Near Tofino is the town of Ucluelet, which is very low-key and may appeal to your partner.

If you take the ferry from Port Angeles, you could spend some time on the Olympic Peninsula. Lake Crescent is another romantic place. There are row boats on the lake and there is an easy hike to Marymere Falls from the lodge or ranger station.

The ferry between Anacortes and Sidney BC (near Victoria) is my favorite way to sail to Vancouver Island.

Which ever ferry you take, reserve ahead.

HTtY

sunbum1944

Wow! Feeling thoroughly chastised. My comment was meant as a tease, not as a put down and am sorry it was perceived as such. I know things read differently than they sound.
i am a fellow Canadian and I take proposals to fellow Canadians seriously.

sludick

My first thought was Quadra Island. We stayed at TsaKwa Luten Lodge, but I think you might also really enjoy Heriot Bay Inn. If we can go again, that's the sort of low key place I would like. Harbour House B&B looks great too, but I've not actually been there.

Some suggestions: http://www.quadraisland.ca/accommodation/#.VvnUZRIpDMI

Best wishes to you both.

happytrailstoyou

Flying into and out of Portland to spend time in Oregon makes a lot of sense. The Columbia River gorge and the Oregon coast are beautiful. We go there often. In fact, we are going there for three nights starting tomorrow.

Considering that Vancouver Island requires ferry travel and that it may be difficult to rent a car you can drive into Canada, Oregon might make more sense as a destination for you and your partner.

If you decide on Oregon, ask here about what are some towns that might provide you and your partner with the low-key experience you desire.

HTtY

happytrailstoyou

We are back from three nights on the beautiful Oregon coast. We usually stay in Newport or Yachts, but on this trip we spent one night in Seaside and two nights in Lincoln City. We were pleased with our hotels in both towns.

Seaside had something of the atmosphere of a resort town one might find on the East coast. There is a promenade along the ocean and there are all kinds of places to eat and places to shop for souvenirs, T-shirts and so on.

Lincoln City is more spread out and doesn't seem to have a central area where most folks congregate.

There are many delightful little towns of the coast.

HTtY

tomfuller

The place in Lincoln City where people congregate is the Chinook Winds. http://www.oregoncoast.org/casino/
I also enjoy Seaside more than Cannon Beach.

bbqboy

We spent our honeymoon in Yachats. I can't think of a better place
for what you desire.

gailscout

If you like quirky, I'd propose at http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield.
I went there for brunch on my 65th birthday, and found it oddly fun, romantic, and so "Portland". Just a few miles from PDX - also explore the gorge and Hood River.

Kathie

If you are thinking of Vancouver Island and the Canadian San Juans, consider Salt Spring Island if you want to get off the beaten track. But nothing wrong with spending your whole time in Victoria and vicinity. Victoria is a lovely city.

happytrailstoyou

Kathie, Would it be possible (or a good idea) for us to get a quick overview of Salt Spring Island when we drive from Tofino to Victoria in August, 2016?

HTtY