Exploring the Wild Pacific Northwest with Northern Journeys from Adventure International

From wild seaplane adventures to island hopping and coastal escapes, we reveal a new way to experience the Pacific Northwest through seamlessly crafted journeys that balance nature, dynamism and connection…

 What’s in this Article

• We set the scene for the Pacific Northwest as a region defined by movement, diversity and scale, where journeys are shaped as much by access and design as by destination.

• We explore how Northern Journeys by Adventure International bring this complex landscape to life through meticulously crafted itineraries that provide the perfect balance between adventure, comfort and connection.

• We discover Canada’s remote wilderness experiences, from seaplane-accessed lodges and marine safaris to immersive encounters across the Great Bear Rainforest.

• We share how the San Juan Islands offer a slower, wildlife-rich perspective, with kayaking, whale watching and island-hopping experiences unfolding across land and sea.

• We reveal how Oregon introduces a more restorative dimension, blending wine country, waterfall hikes and dramatic coastal exploration.

• And we highlight how Adventure International’s expertise lies in designing journeys where every transition is effortless, allowing your guests to fully connect with these transformative landscapes, wildlife and moments as they travel.

For clients seeking journeys across landscapes that feel vast, varied and alive, the Pacific Northwest has to be at the top of the list.

Here, where the scenery shifts dramatically from one place to the next, journeys are defined by movement - by air over boundless wilderness, by water through island archipelagos and on foot, through valleys, forests and oceanside trails - and dotted with experiences that are both immersive and deeply rewarding for travellers.

But with all this diversity comes complexity, because these aren’t destinations that reveal themselves easily - they’re places that need access, insight and careful planning to unlock at their fullest.

And that’s exactly where Northern Journeys, the Americas-based initiative from the brilliant Adventure International, really come into their own.

Bringing the same ethos that has defined this exceptional DMC across the world’s greatest adventure landscapes, Northern Journeys applies a thoughtful, experience-led approach to North America’s wild spaces, with flawless itineraries that balance adventure, comfort and a genuine sense of connection to place.

Here, we discover how that philosophy unfolds in real time across the Pacific Northwest, as we dive into three of their most inspirational itineraries; signature encounters that take your guests between land, water and air as they explore some of the continent’s most spectacular environments.

Canada - The “Fly In” Wilderness Adventure

In Canada, clients will find one of the most compelling expressions of Northern Journeys’ unique approach.

Beginning with a boutique overnight stay at the elegant Loden Hotel in the heart of Vancouver’s vibrant Coal Harbour, guests take to the skies by seaplane in the morning to head for the remote landscapes of Clayoquot Sound - an incredible UNESCO Biosphere Reserve defined by ancient rainforest, rivers and coastline that feel unspoilt and untouched.

This is wilderness on a truly immersive scale.

And here, staying at the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, that immersion is matched by an experience that blends untamed natural beauty with five-star comfort.

Accessible only by seaplane or boat, stays here are beautifully off-grid, with guests sleeping in luxurious, en-suite canvas tents on the waterfront.

They’re a fabulous base for days spent exploring the landscape from every angle, with a series of guided experiences that range from forest hikes that begin with a glacial cold plunge and bike, paddleboard and canyoning adventures to marine-based safaris that bring encounters with black bears, whales, porpoises, seals and bald eagles.

Photo credit: Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge

And for those seeking a different perspective?

How about a “Sip to Sky” helicopter journey that lifts guests from sea level to alpine summits, where the views provide an unforgettable panorama across the mountains, lakes and coastline all around.

From here, a second seaplane flight transports travellers deeper still into the wilderness, flying to Nimmo Bay in the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the most pristine and biodiverse wilderness regions in the world.

Staying at the family-owned Nimmo Bay Resort, the exploration continues with experiences covering everything from guided hikes and paddling excursions to wildlife viewing and helicopter adventures that open up remote glaciers, forests and waterways.

This is truly transformational travel - with guests enjoying complete immersion in this incredible wilderness in a way that feels both meticulously considered and deeply connected.

San Juan - The Island Hopping Exploration

From remote wilderness to coastal archipelagos, Northern Journeys’ San Juan “Island-Hopping” itinerary offers a different, but equally magnificent, perspective on the Pacific Northwest.

Once again, this is a journey that begins by seaplane, tracing a route over the Puget Sound that reveals forests, mountains and coastline before landing among the islands themselves - a breathtaking transition that perfectly sets the scene for what’s to come.

This is a place where the pace shifts.

Based at the historic Roche Harbor Resort,guests feel immersed in local life from the outset as the waterfront setting, world-class marina and access to extensive trails - including a sculpture park and disc golf course - make for an opulent base that’s both relaxed and well-connected.

Now, the days unfold slowly and with intention across land and sea.

In the ocean, kayaking along rugged, forested coastlines offers an intimate way to experience the region’s rich marine environment, with the chance to encounter wildlife - including orcas - in their natural habitat, followed by a beachside feast of locally sourced fish and oysters.

On land, guided walks bring a different perspective, combining coastal trails with visits to local farms that offer a deeper connection to the region’s produce and culture.

And wildlife remains a constant thread throughout your clients’ stay.

Boat excursions venture into some of the best whale-watching waters in the world, with the chance to spot minke whales, humpbacks and orcas alongside a host of other marine life.

Photo credit: Roche Resort

And as the journey continues, a ferry crossing begins the next chapter.

Arriving on Orcas Island, guests check in to Rosario Resort, a heritage property perched on the picturesque shores of Cascade Bay whose centrepiece mansion enjoys a rightful position on the National Historic Register and whose expansive views and peaceful setting are the perfect base for what follows.

From here, your guests’ adventure continues through the glacier-carved terrain of Moran State Park, where forest trails, scenic lakes and seasonal waterfalls and streams make for a rich and varied place to hike and explore.

Optional kayaking and/or biking activities offer more options for engaging with the island - but for those seeking a little restoration, fear not!

Time at the resort offers all the space they need to unwind, whether they’re kicking back in the waterfront setting, dining on delicious locally inspired dishes or just taking in the stillness of the surroundings - a beautifully fitting way to finish this exceptional experience.

Oregon - The Coastal Restoration

For our final dive into Northern Journeys’ signature Pacific Northwest experiences, this fabulous Oregon Adventure introduces yet another dimension to the region.

Here, the focus shifts to something altogether more restorative, with a mix of landscapes, culture and cuisine that begin in the breathtaking Willamette Valley.

With guests based at unparalleled The Allison Inn & Spa- think vineyard views, refined interiors and a strong connection to the surrounding scenery, days are spent indulging in curated wine tastings, farm-to-table dining and visits to boutique wineries that showcase the region’s reputation as one of the United States’ most celebrated wine destinations.

And those looking for something with a bit more movement? An e-bike wine tour can be taken that sees travellers pedal flat country roads at a leisurely pace to visit three boutique wineries in the gorgeous Chehalem Valley, flanked all the while by those rolling hills that Oregon is so famous for.

A guided hike through Silver Falls State Park immerses guests in a magical world of cascading waterfalls, forest trails and diverse ecosystems, where moss-lined paths and dappled light shape a lush landscape that’s rightly revered and renowned.

Photo credit: The Allison Inn & Spa

Heading west, there’s the opportunity to discover another side of the state’s natural beauty with time spent on the dramatic Oregon coastline.

Staying at Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa, a beautifully positioned oceanfront retreat overlooking the Pacific in Pacific City, travellers can settle into a rhythm shaped by the sound of the waves and expansive coastal views. With direct access to miles of beach and experiences ranging from guided coastal adventures to restorative spa treatments, the lodge offers an immersive way to connect with this rugged shoreline.

And further south, the journey continues with a stay at Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, a river retreat, restaurant and spa on the banks of the Rogue River, where a more secluded, nature-led experience takes hold.

From here, guests can explore the central Oregon coast at their ease, taking in dramatic landscapes such as Cape Perpetua and Thor’s Well alongside quieter moments spent walking the shoreline, discovering tide pools and absorbing the rhythm of the ocean.

This is a journey that perfectly balances activity and ease. Slower and more reflective, it’s a great way to round out your guests' Pacific Northwest experience with a sense of calm, luxury and connection.

Effortless Exploration by Design

Across the Pacific Northwest, movement is essential.

It’s the seaplanes, boats and meticulously timed transitions that make these vast, varied landscapes accessible, allowing your travellers to move with ease between environments that might otherwise feel distant or disconnected.

And what connects these journeys is not just geography, but the way they’re designed - with plenty of luxury stays, soft adventures, wildlife encounters and exceptional food and wines to include in the mix too.

What we love about Northern Journeys is that the complexity involved is never felt by your guests… or by you.

Instead, it becomes part of an experience that’s perfectly defined by ease and precision - with every destination fastidiously handled so the focus always stays on the landscapes, the wildlife and the extraordinary moments that unfold in between them.

To learn more or for an introduction to the Northern Journeys team, get in touch today