Blog

Upcoming Washington State Ferry Improvements You’ll Love

Upcoming Washington State Ferry Improvements You’ll Love

If you’ve ever relied on Washington State Ferries to get to San Juan Island or anywhere else in our neck of the woods, you’ve probably felt the sting of reduced sailings over the past few years. Thankfully, we’re here with the ferry good news that change is on the...

Our Ultimate San Juan Island Group Retreat Planning Guide

Our Ultimate San Juan Island Group Retreat Planning Guide

Planning a productive, fun, and unforgettable group retreat requires the perfect combo of location, activities, and logistics. Whether you're organizing a corporate team-building event, a knitting retreat (we host several at Lakedale every year!), or an island biking...

9 Places To Entertain Kids on San Juan Island During The Quiet Season

9 Places To Entertain Kids on San Juan Island During The Quiet Season

If we know anything about kids, we know that even when they’re off (like off school), they’re still on. Which is why setting them free on an island in the Salish Sea to run and explore—even when fewer shops and restaurants are open—is massively appealing.  Kids don’t...

Stargazing Guide 2025 for the San Juan Islands

Stargazing Guide 2025 for the San Juan Islands

Whether you’re a long-time stargazer or just starting out, you’re in the right place. While stargazing is rooted in a philosophical experience for many, it also offers a sense of unexplainable wonder and contemplative peace for others.  After creating our first guide...

Our Top San Juan Island Outdoor Wedding Tips

Our Top San Juan Island Outdoor Wedding Tips

Dreaming of a wedding draped in the magic of the islands? San Juan Island, just a short (and breathtaking) ferry or seaplane ride from Seattle or BC, is the place to begin your forever. Our island’s stunning natural beauty and relaxed island vibe make it the perfect...

MV Kalakala: Remembering Washington’s Most Beloved Ferry

MV Kalakala: Remembering Washington’s Most Beloved Ferry

At Lakedale, we’re all about celebrating the unique charm of the Pacific Northwest, where rugged beauty and rich maritime history intertwine. Few stories embody this connection more than that of Motor Vessel (MV) Kalakala. Sleek, silver, and ahead of her time, this...

6 Tips for Bringing Your Dog to San Juan Island

6 Tips for Bringing Your Dog to San Juan Island

San Juan Island offers up an unfurgettable escape for visitors of all ages and their four-legged friends—but knowing how to navigate the island with your canine companion in tow can be tricky. Thankfully, we’re here with the 411 on everything you need for adventures...

8 Things To Do in Roche Harbor

8 Things To Do in Roche Harbor

Tucked away on the northwest side of San Juan Island, the oh-so-charming Roche Harbor appears to have been plucked right off the silver screen. And while this tiny seaside community is bursting with cinematic charm, it also effortlessly blends adventure with...

11 Shops to Visit in Friday Harbor

11 Shops to Visit in Friday Harbor

It’s no secret that Friday Harbor is a dream destination for visitors of all ages—offering an unmatched blend of scenic beauty, electrifying excursions, and a smorgasbord of sea-to-table fare. The lush landscapes, the alluring charm, the warm and welcoming community:...

Lakedale’s Award Winning 2024!

Lakedale’s Award Winning 2024!

If you know us, you know we’re a little bashful about tooting our horn. We know that Lakedale is magical. We work hard to take excellent care of our guests—many of whom return year after year—and they’ve been kind enough to spread the word about us and sing our...