Podcast: Kit Parks Talks to Michele Murray About Her Banff & Jasper Adventure
Kit Parks, from Active Travel Adventures, chats with Michele Murray who traveled with her husband…
Stop at the historic Lime Kiln Park Lighthouse, enjoy the scenic hike down to various lookout points, and dine in the fresh air with a picnic at South Beach, where you can watch for the 80+ orcas who make this area their summer home. Bike past fields of lavender and Jakle’s Lagoon and enjoy a short walk at Mount Finlayson. Orcas Island is a playground for kayak adventures. Paddle quiet bays and shoreline, keeping your eyes peeled for sea lions, bald eagles, otters, porpoise and – if you’re lucky – orca whales!
Read about North America's National Parks, and learn from the experts!
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Washington has been nicknamed "The Evergreen State” because it is loaded with trees (kept very green by the ample precipitation)! While the state can receive its fair share of rain, near the coastline maintains a consistently mild climate that is comfortable all year long.
April is the best time for seeing the apple trees in full bloom in the state, so if that is something you have on your bucket list plan for an April visit. As the saying goes April showers bring May flowers and this holds true for Washington state weather. The average temperatures this time of year are relatively consistent in March at 42°F to a balmy average high of 54°F in May.
Temperatures vary depending on where you are in the state, but if you are along the coast in June you can expect average daily temperatures in the mid 60°F range. In July and August, the average high is closer to 70+°F. All three months, expect the evenings to be cool enough that you’ll need a light jacket.
If you’re visiting the coast or specifically the San Juan Islands, then September is a great time to go. The weather is still averaging around 66°F during the day, the crowds have thinned out, and as mentioned earlier has more than 247 sunny days per year.
Temperatures may be lower so this might be the perfect time for a winter vacation. Statewide, the average daily highs are in the mid 30°s, and lows are right around 30°s. Skiing is popular at Mount Baker, Steven’s Pass, White Pass and several other locations throughout the state.
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Washington has a reputation for being rainy because it is. But don’t let a little rain stop you from hiking the secluded trails, biking the winding roads, or kayaking the bays! Whenever your travels bring to visit the beautiful state of Washington always bring along your raincoat and get out there.
Mornings start out cooler, so you will want to have a plan on a base layer, an insulating mid-layer and then pack and an additional shell that you have the option to wear or not. It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many summer travelers think that they can get away without packing a warm layer. Even in the dead of summer, the evenings can be cool enough to require long sleeves and pants, so plan accordingly!
This could be one of the most essential items you can pack for any trip. Do not leave home without it! But if you do, no worries! Your guide will be able to provide some for you so you will be more than safely covered.
When it comes to travel tips, sharing is caring, so we’re happy to pass on a few pointers on how you can best experience Washington.
The San Juan Islands average around 247 days with sunshine and about half of the rainfall that Seattle typically gets. If you are looking for some blue skies, the San Juan Islands should be towards the top of your list!
If you are looking to see a lot of marine life Washington will be eager to accommodate. Orca whales are a big draw from May through September when they migrate. You can also see Humpback, Gray, and Minke whales. If you are traveling on the water (ferry, sailboat, kayak, etc.), it is very common to see anemone, sea cucumbers, coral, jellyfish, sunflower starfish, and the ever-stunning purple starfish. Bald Eagles and many other species of seabirds also frequent the area.
Washington is known for having fantastic coffee and great wine. Starbucks originates in the great state of Washington as well as Seattle’s Best Coffee. Washington state has many fine wineries, but a few of the most noteworthy are located on the San Juan Islands. If you are traveling on our San Juan’s adventure, we will pedal to by one of them for you to do a bit of taste testing.
If your schedule allows, you should plan to stay a couple days pre/post your adventure in Seattle! No other city in the Pacific Northwest provides such a diverse offering of natural, cultural, historical, or recreational opportunities. Seattle is home to the Space Needle, it has a zoo and aquarium, city tours, aviation museums, public markets, and more for you to explore.
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As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
