About the San Juan Islands
The
San Juan Islands are a group of islands located in the Pacific Northwest of
Washington state. They are located just southwest of Vancouver Island Canada.
The islands are surrounded by Vancouver Island Canada to the west, the Olympic
Mountains to the south, the Gulf Islands to the north, and the Cascade Mountains
to the east.
Because of their close proximity to cities like Seattle, Vancouver British
Columbia, Bellingham, and Victoria British Columbia they enjoy a healthy tourism
industry. The natural beauty, temperate climate, and relaxed pace of life
attracts visitors, retirees, boaters, artists, and many others from all walks of
life.
With a healthy population of around 15,000 people spread out over the four major
islands they manage to provide a comfortable lifestyle with all of the services
you might find on the mainland but with a lot less stress.
A
healthy younger generation works in the tourism industry, and local working
families find work in construction, real estate, or telecommute to high tech
jobs somewhere else in the world.
Large grocery stores, fitness centers, airports, community theaters,
healthcare providers, and great libraries can be found on both San Juan Island, Lopez
Island, and Orcas Island.
The San Juan Islands are considered a boaters paradise because of the abundance
of picturesque and comfortable anchorages. Several marinas can be found
scattered around and islands.
There
are no bridges to the San Juan Islands... and this is something that helps to
keep a magical quality in the islands. To get to the islands you need to walk on
or drive on the Washington State ferry system. The ferry ride to and from the
mainland is like a portal back and forth to the real world. The ride lasts about
an hour depending on which island you are leaving. The time on board the ferry
is spent upstairs talking with friends, making a shopping list, enjoying a clam
chowder or a hot chocolate, sleeping, or gazing out at the constantly changing
view of the islands.
Technically
there are hundreds of islands in the San Juan Islands however only four of the
islands are served by the Washington State ferry system. Several other smaller
outer islands are inhabited by residents who have private aircraft or
watercraft.
Select an island to learn more: Lopez Island, Orcas Island,
San Juan Island.
