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...
Blog
The Migration of the Trumpeter Swan: How to See Nature’s Biggest Waterfowl
!! San Juan Island offers up a gorgeous vacation destination year-round, but as summer gives way to shorter days and crisp air, things quiet down a bit in the fall. That doesn't mean there’s any shortage of reasons to visit, though—and one of the best reasons?...
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
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...
How One Pig Nearly Started a War with the British: San Juan Island’s “Pig War”
We all know that this little piggy went to the market—but that little piggy? He almost started a war with the British! It’s a quirky chapter in San Juan Island history that feels too strange to be true, but here we are, diving into the fascinating tale of a...
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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...











