The Best Salish Sea Seaside Towns for a Historic Maritime Adventure
The Salish Sea, stretching through Washington State and British Columbia, is more than just a stunning network of islands and waterways—it’s a living storybook of maritime history. From wooden boat traditions to working harbors, the towns along these waters still carry the spirit of the sea in every dock and tide.
If you’re looking for a historic maritime adventure close to home, here are some of the best seaside towns to explore by boat in the Salish Sea.
1. Port Townsend, Washington
Known as the “Victorian Seaport,” Port Townsend is a paradise for wooden boat lovers. Its historic waterfront is lined with 19th-century buildings, and the town thrives on a deep maritime culture that’s still alive today. The annual Wooden Boat Festival celebrates craftsmanship and tradition, drawing sailors from around the world. Strolling the docks here feels like stepping into another era.
2. Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
The hub of the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor is a bustling port town with a working waterfront that has long been tied to fishing and seafaring. Wander through maritime museums, explore the harbor’s docks, or watch the ferries and sailboats come and go. With orcas often spotted nearby, this port beautifully blends history, culture, and wildlife.
3. Victoria, British Columbia
Arriving in Victoria’s Inner Harbour by boat is a breathtaking experience. With the grand Empress Hotel and Parliament buildings towering above, you can almost feel the echoes of the city’s colonial maritime past. Once a hub for trading and exploration, Victoria now celebrates its seafaring heritage with museums, tall ships, and festivals.
4. Coupeville, Whidbey Island
Founded in the 1850s, Coupeville is one of Washington’s oldest towns and still exudes classic maritime charm. Its historic wharf stretches into Penn Cove, once a busy hub for shipping and fishing vessels. Today, the wooden pier, heritage buildings, and small-town atmosphere make it a hidden gem for those seeking a slower pace steeped in history.
5. Sidney, British Columbia
Known as “Sidney-by-the-Sea,” this town on Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula has a long connection to maritime trade and fishing. Its waterfront walkways, old shipyards, and proximity to the Gulf Islands make it a natural stop for boaters exploring the Salish Sea. It’s also a gateway to marine heritage, with the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea offering a look into the ecosystems that shaped the region’s history.
6. Anacortes, Washington
Perched on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes has roots as both a fishing and shipbuilding town. Its working waterfront is still active today, with fishing fleets coming and going much like they did a century ago. For history buffs, the town’s maritime museum and preserved shipyard sites showcase its enduring seafaring character.
Why These Towns?
Each of these towns tells part of the Salish Sea’s story: the wooden boats, the bustling harbors, the fishermen and shipwrights who built a culture around the tides. Visiting them by boat doesn’t just bring you closer to the scenery—it connects you directly with the maritime heritage that shaped the Pacific Northwest.
Step aboard our historic Danish fishing trawler, and you’ll be experiencing that legacy firsthand—sailing the same waters that once carried fishing fleets, trading ships, and generations of maritime adventure.