West Coast Unrushed: A Seaplane-to-Ferry Escape from Seattle to Victoria

There’s more than one way to get from Seattle, WA, to Victoria, BC—but none quite like this.

With FRS Clipper, this round-trip journey pairs the thrill of a seaplane ride with the calm of a scenic ferry, making how you get there part of the adventure.

On land, the stay is just as memorable.

In Seattle, The Edgewater Hotel sets the tone with its over-the-water charm, claw-foot tubs, and rock-and-roll legacy (yes, the Beatles really did fish out the window). This icon has earned nods from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and even Anthony Bourdain.

Across the water in Victoria, the Fairmont Empress greets you with historic grandeur and award-winning everything—from its glittering lobby to its famed Afternoon Tea and the exceptional Q restaurant, where regional flavors are elevated into an art form.

Between stays, the days unfold easily: mountain views, waterfront dining, historic landmarks, and bikeable coastlines–an experience that rewards those who take their time.

The Clipper Sea & Sky package offers a unique way to travel—fly into Victoria by seaplane and return to Seattle by ferry.

The Kenmore Air terminal is conveniently located on Lake Union in Seattle. You can lift off the water by seaplane to Victoria and view the Salish Sea and city skylines from a new perspective.

The Victoria Clipper V ferry is the only direct fast ferry between Seattle and Victoria. Its comfort class on the upper deck offers panoramic water views, leather seating, complimentary snacks, coffee, and tea, along with top-notch service.

Whether a day trip or overnight getaway, a vacation curated by FRS Clipper makes getting there part of the experience.

With its rock and roll history, cozy cabin feel, and sweeping views of Elliott Bay, The Edgewater Hotel is Seattle’s only over-the-water hotel, offering a stay as unique as its location.

It was recognized as the #2 Best Hotel in Seattle by Travel + Leisure in their World’s Best Awards 2024 and was among the top Pacific Northwest hotels for three years in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Borrow a complimentary record player and vinyl from the front desk, grab a good book, and unwind with a nice bath in their claw-foot bathtubs. The Edgewater Hotel is the kind of place that makes you pause and breathe in a true Seattle experience.

At the iconic Pike Place Market, stalls are packed with vibrant flowers, freshly caught seafood, and local goods. For a fresh, lemony Caesar salad at a relaxed spot in the market with water views, check out Soundview Café.

The Edgewater’s Six Seven restaurant has fresh dishes and great water views. The raw oysters, burrata with smoked tomato jam, Cedar plank king salmon, and honey-lavender crème brûlée are next-level delicious.

Seattle Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards recognized Six Seven’s exceptional dining for best restaurant, seafood, outdoor dining, and happy hour. It was also named one of USA Today’s top 10 best waterfront restaurants this year.

Dinner at AQUA by El Gaucho is a must at sunset, with its panoramic views of Puget Sound. USA Today has named it one of the best seafood spots in Seattle, and The Knot has named it the most romantic restaurant with the best ocean view in Seattle.

From Dungeness crab mac and cheese and scallops on the half shell to tamari-glazed tofu with green curry, AQUA’s offerings are full of flavor. In 2023, the International Fresh Produce Association named Maggie Trujillo, the culinary director, the best fine-dining chef in the country.

The Space Needle delivers 360-degree views with a retro feel, a rotating glass floor, and an open-air balcony. Enjoy food and drinks at the top and soak up the views. At the Chihuly museum next door, the blown glass sculptures come alive with light, and the glasshouse and garden spaces offer beautiful art intermingling with nature.

Seattle’s City Pass is an excellent way to save while exploring.

The Fairmont Empress, Canada’s castle on the coast, built in 1908, is stunning in every way. This iconic hotel was celebrated as the #2 Best Canadian Hotel in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards.

The entrance in spring is lined by the blooming tulips from the 30,000 bulbs they plant each fall, and the bright lobby feels like stepping into historic grandeur. The high ceilings, a chandelier of 250,000 hand-cut crystals, and beautiful florals make you stop and pause.

Fairmont Gold provides an exceptional hotel-within-a-hotel experience, complete with a private reception and Gold lounge with inviting seating, curated breakfast, canapés, refreshments, and a beautiful waterfront terrace with fire pits. Complimentary bikes allow you to experience Victoria’s coast and mountain views at your own pace.

The Fairmont Empress’ Afternoon Tea is a true Victoria experience. From the Buckingham Palace scone recipe to the Royal Family-inspired porcelain, every detail adds to this experience steeped in history.

The true stars are the scones with lemon curd, clotted cream, berry preserves, and the Empress’ extensive selection of teas. You can also savor delicacies like Coronation chicken and cucumber sandwiches, hazelnut mousse, and macarons.

For one of the best fine dining experiences in the city, Q at the Empress is both inviting and grand. It has water views, the original beams and fireplace from 1908, and incredible food. Their Chef, Tyler Paquette, curates a menu showcasing regional, seasonal ingredients.

These include pea and ricotta ravioli with smoked ricotta and hazelnut crumb, Pacific halibut with asparagus and truffle sunchoke purée, smoked beef tenderloin with chanterelles and mustard seed, and elderflower and rose trifle with the Empress’ award-winning 1908 gin.

Their wine selection is also exceptional and received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024.

Walking Victoria’s lively streets, influenced by European architecture, you’ll find Zambri’s Italian restaurant. The fiddleheads with duck egg, orecchiette with sausage and rapini, and strawberry balsamic gelato make for an incredible meal, and their standout Basil, per favore cocktail features an award-winning local spirit, Sheringham Seaside gin.

To try bites from the best of Victoria’s food scene, look no further than the Off the Eaten Track food tour. This tour celebrates supporting exceptional local, under-the-radar restaurants.

The Royal British Columbia Museum is a cultural treasure trove constantly evolving in collaboration with community voices. Its Global Threads exhibition is a must-see for any fashion lover, while music enthusiasts will enjoy Beyond the Beat, exploring music’s role in shaping history.

For a miniature town experience, the Old Town, New Approach exhibit features a redesigned 20th-century town complete with a photography studio, saloon, and theatre.

From charming hotels with personality and waterfront views to true farm-to-table eating, a trip between Seattle and Victoria with FRS Clipper reminds you to slow down and soak up the experience. Journeying between these cities isn’t about checking off a list–it’s about enjoying the present moment.