What's New on Whidbey & Camano Island for 2024?

Connect with the Creative Crowd on Camano Island.

Known for forested trails, quiet beauty, and scenic beaches flanked by dramatic cliffs, Camano Island beckons visitors seeking rejuvenation and reinvention. Find a quiet cabin, book a seaside stay at one of two state parks or check into a waterside guestroom at Camano Island Inn. Explore the locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants for a self-guided weekend, or plan for a series of special events that showcase the island’s range of award-winning artists. Visit in February during the 15th Annual Northwest Glass Quest, to join a treasure hunt for hand-blown glass balls created by local artists. Look ahead to May’s Studio Tour (May 10-12 and 18-19), the one time each year when visitors can meet artists in their actual working environments and gallery settings.

Take a cue from locals on Whidbey Island. Whether it's storm-watching from a quiet cabin or wandering outdoor spaces intended for meditation and grounding, Whidbey Island’s slower pace promises a soul-filling retreat. With miles of wide-open beaches and trails and state and regional parks, even in the busy season, there’s plenty of space. With tips for the best way to see the state’s most popular state park, Deception Pass, scenic beaches, and well-loved galleries and bookstores, find a three-day getaway itinerary here to explore the amazing places on Whidbey Island the tourists usually don’t see.

The Inner Artist is Unleashed with Hands-on Classes on Whidbey Island

Get hands-on in all mediums – from pasta making to cookware, watercolor, and more. These picturesque islands are not only known for their natural beauty but also for their vibrant art communities. With options for beginner or experienced artists, the island's artists and galleries provide a wide range of art classes that will inspire and nurture the creative spirit.

Here are a few offerings coming up in 2024:

-Wildly Beloved Foods is a new island business creating handmade pastas that are in small batches, air-dried slowly, for incredible flavor. Aurora Echol shares her craft in upcoming workshops that are new for 2024.

-Watercolor wonderland and more at the Pacific NorthWest Art School (Whidbey Island), which offers a range of classes in all mediums taught by visiting artists and experienced instructors. From painting the island's stunning landscapes to creation through fiber art and photography, these classes are perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.

-A dynamic lineup of artist-taught classes at Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio is on tap for 2024. Learn the adorable art of pet portraits, plein air in the garden, and more. For those interested in figure drawing and honing their skills, the Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio

-Rob Schouten Gallery and Art School provides a wide range of classes and workshops taught by local artists. Discover various mediums such as watercolors and oil paintings in a delightful gallery setting.

-Get inspired to complete or start literary art at Hedgebook, which supports visionary women writers through events, retreats, and more. Hedgebrook's artist-in-residence program accepts up to 80 writers each year, who spend two to four weeks in residence working on their diverse writing projects. Those visiting for an event or retreat at Hedgebrook can pair it with a stay at The Writer’s Retreat Refuge, an independently owned cabin tucked into the woods, designed to inspire writers and creatives.

Whether you're looking to try something new or refine your talents, the vibrant community of Whidbey Island offers the opportunity to explore, create, and be inspired.

Reconnect, Restore, Regenerate: A Sustainable Journey on Whidbey Island

In a world longing for meaningful travel experiences, the island provides inspiring adventures for eco-conscious travelers. As travelers step off the ferry onto the island, they embark on a unique and soul-enriching journey of regenerative travel. Here’s how to do it:

-Rooted in Nature. Enjoy the pristine beaches and lush forests by getting off the beaten path. A trail guide, 24 Trails off the Beaten Path, is dedicated to doing just this. It helps visitors reduce crowding on trails while leading them to quiet forests, dramatic beaches, and more.

-Engage with the island’s farm-to-table culture, meeting local farmers, chefs, and food artisans. A variety of events, farm tours, stands, and even a virtual farmers' market are found through Whidbey Island Grown. They explore the island's vibrant farmer's markets, learn to forage for wild edibles on the Wild Whidbey Mushroom Tour and enjoy the iconic Penn Cove Mussels for a true taste of the Salish Sea.

-History comes alive through a visit to Whidbey Island's historic sites and buildings. Transport in time exploring trails, historic buildings and heritage crops of Ebey’s Landing Historic Reserve or set sail on the Suva, a lovingly restored schooner that sailed the same waters 100 years ago. Discover the island’s original inhabitants at the Island County Historical Museum in Coupeville. The team here works alongside preservationists to restore landmarks and share the tales of the island's rich heritage to preserve the past while creating a sustainable future.

Return home with a sense of accomplishment and the understanding that regenerative travel is not only about exploring a destination but leaving it better than you found it.

A Field Guide to Whale Watching on Whidbey and Camano Islands

The Salish Sea and coastal communities of Whidbey and Camano Islands provide a variety of opportunities for watchable wildlife. The most iconic and breathtaking among them, is the chance to see whales in their natural habitat. Before embarking, be sure to review responsible whale-watching recommendations. The Orca Network provides these, in addition to learning resources and classes for those seeking a deeper dive. Here’s a guide for understanding what, where, and when to view these majestic creatures.

-A variety of whales frequent the waters surrounding Whidbey and Camano Islands. Orcas are the most iconic residents of the waters surrounding Whidbey Island. These intelligent and social creatures can often be spotted year-round, making them a top attraction for whale watchers. Humpbacks are frequent visitors during the summer months. Known for their acrobatic displays, these gentle giants are a delight to watch. Gray whales migrate along the coast during their annual journey between Alaska and Mexico. Minke Whales are the smallest baleen whales and are occasionally seen in the area throughout the year.

-Those looking to plan a visit around whale watching should consider the season. Spring (March to May) is an excellent time to witness the migration of gray whales as they head north toward Alaska. Summer (June to August) is the best time for watching orcas and humpback whales. The abundance of food in the area attracts these species, making it a prime time for sightings.

Fall (September to November) offers another opportunity to see orcas, and the slightly cooler weather means fewer crowds on the whale-watching tours. Winter (December to February) while the weather can be challenging during the winter months, it's still possible to spot orcas year-round on Whidbey Island.

-Where do I find them? For a guided tour, Deception Pass Tours provides a jet boat experience. State parks, including Deception Pass, Fort Casey, Possession Point, Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach are all primely positioned for sightings. The Orca Network provides this map for recommendations. Make sure to check out the Facebook Page for Orca Network for up to date sightings.