The Tourists Hotel (today the cute Bird Rock Hotel), built in 1891, was one of the first hotels on San Juan Island and was very modern and high end for its time. It had indoor plumbing for all its rooms, a restaurant, pool hall and a bar. A travelling dentist provided dental services there, probably with anesthesia provided by said bar. Since the bar was for men only, a ladies’ reception room was also provided.

Did you know that the English word “to travel” etymologically comes from the French “travail”, which means “physical or mental exertion, task, agony” and even “torment”? Doesn’t sound very relaxing now, does it? The Anglo-French noun was borrowed into English in the late 13th century, long before cushy car rides, restful hotel rooms and romantic Farm-to-table- restaurants.

With 55.053 square miles of mixed terrain, from completely flat routes along the serene Salish Sea and through lush farm land, to quite demanding rides high above rugged cliffs with the most magnificent views, there is a bike trip for pedallers of all levels to be found on San Juan Island.

The end is near! The end of Winter, that is. The end of being cooped up at home, the cold, the dark, the wet. Time to take the family to get a change of scenery and some sun on gorgeous, kid-friendly San Juan Island.