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How to Spend Your Family Friendly Winter Getaway in Port Angeles, WA

Looking for a family getaway this winter? Port Angeles, located on the scenic Olympic Peninsula, offers a wonderful blend of adventure and unforgettable experiences for all ages. Embark on a two-day, family-friendly journey and enjoy snow sports at Hurricane Ridge, ice skating at the Port Angeles Winter Ice Village, and an exciting wildlife adventure to the Olympic Game Farm. 

Day One

10:30am: Depart from Victoria. We recommend taking the 10:30am sailing to maximize your time on the Olympic Peninsula.
If you are traveling in a vehicle, you must be at the terminal 90 minutes prior to your departure, or 30 minutes prior if you are traveling as a walk-on passenger.

12:00pm: Arrive in Port Angeles and go through US Customs.

12:15pm: Enjoy lunch in Port Angeles. We recommend one of the following:
Barhop Brewing and Artisan Pizza: 124 W Railroad Avenue, 1-min walk from Black Ball's Port Angeles terminal.
First Street Haven: 107 E 1st Street, 4-min walk from Black Ball's Port Angeles terminal.
New Day Eatery: 102 W Front Street, 2-min walk from Black Ball's Port Angeles terminal.

Olympic Game Farm

Bear waving at the Olympic Game Farm.

2:30pm: Visit the Olympic Game Farm! Originally a filming site for Disney, the Olympic Game Farm is now home to a variety of animals, including bison, elk, bears, and zebras. Visitors can drive through the park and get up close to the animals, feeding them bread through car windows for an interactive experience. It’s a fantastic way to see wildlife in a natural setting, with opportunities to learn about animal care and conservation.

Please Note: The Olympic Game Farm is about a 30-min drive from Port Angeles.

5:00pm: Check in to your room at Olympic Lodge by Ayres.

5:30pm: Make your way back to downtown Port Angeles for dinner. We suggest checking out the following:
The Rail: 128 E Railroad Avenue, 7-min drive from Olympic Lodge.
Sabai Thai: 908 W 8th Street #5721, 9-min drive from Olympic Lodge.
Kokopelli Grill: 203 E Front Street, 5-min drive from Olympic Lodge.
The Olympic Lodge offers a complimentary shuttle service. Please contact the hotel directly for availability at 360-452-2993.

Welly's Ice Cream

Welly's Real Fruit Ice Cream. Credit: Welly's, Angelina Morales Photography.

Bonus! Enjoy an ice cream cone at Welly's after dinner.

7:30pm: Go ice skating at the Port Angeles Winter Ice Village for a magical experience! Set in the heart of downtown, this festive outdoor rink offers a joyful winter escape complete with twinkly lights, cozy fire pits, and hot cocoa. Skate rentals are available, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.

Please Note: The ice rink is open seasonally from November 22, 2024 to January 6, 2025. 

Day Two

7:00am: Start your morning with a complimentary breakfast at Olympic Lodge. Breakfast is served daily from 6:00am - 10:00am, and includes freshly baked pastries, waffles, oatmeal, assorted fruits, yogurt, cereals, juices, freshly brewed coffee, and Ayres Muesli.

7:30am: Head up to Hurricane Ridge for some winter fun! Located in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge is a stunning place to enjoy snow sports and breathtaking mountain views at the same time. Whether you explore the trails with snowshoes, sled down the slopes, or build a snowman, this snowy wonderland offers endless adventure.

Please check the Hurricane Ridge website here to see if the road to Hurricane Ridge is currently open. The winter season at Hurricane Ridge usually begins in late-November.

 
Salt Creek Recreation Area

Salt Creek Recreation Area.

Alternatively, you can go tidepooling at one of the many beaches on the Olympic Peninsula. We recommend Salt Creek Recreation Area or the Kalaloch Beaches. Be sure to check current tides before heading out!

11:30am: Stop by the Feiro Marine Life Center for some immersive and educational fun! Located along the waterfront, Feiro Marine Life Center offers visitors the chance to explore the diverse marine life of the Pacific Northwest. The center features interactive touch tanks where kids and adults can get up close to sea stars, urchins, anemones, and more. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers provide fascinating insights into local ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Please Note: Feiro Marine Life Center is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

12:30pm: Grab a quick bite to eat before heading home.
Next Door Gastropub: 113 W 1st Street, 4-min walk from Black Ball's Port Angeles terminal.
Hook & Line Pub: 201 E Front Street, 4-min walk from Black Ball's Port Angeles terminal.

2:00pm: Depart from Port Angeles.
If you are traveling in a vehicle, you must be at the terminal 60 minutes prior to your departure, or 30 minutes prior if you are traveling as a walk-on passenger.

3:30pm: Arrive in Victoria and go through Canada Customs.

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