Canoe Island is a 47-acre private island in the center of the San Juan Islands in Upright Channel between Shaw and Lopez islands. The ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor goes by the southern corner of the island.
There are several ways to to get to Canoe Island. Most people find their way to us by driving to Anacortes and walking on the ferry to Orcas Island. From the Orcas Island ferry landing, we will pick you up in our private boat, a 27-foot landing craft called the Ferry Queen, and bring you directly to Canoe Island. Below is a list of the various methods of getting to Canoe Island.
We understand that transportation to the island can be complex, and we invite you to call or email us to discuss travel options for your family or your camper.
DRIVING TO THE FERRY
Take I-5 north from Seattle or south from Vancouver BC / Bellingham to Exit 230 towards Anacortes. The ferry terminal is a few miles past the town of Anacortes at the end of Highway 20 and is well signed.
FERRY
We recommend that you walk on the ferry as opposed to driving your car on the ferry. To walk onto the ferry, arrive at least 1/2 hour prior to departure to park your car, buy a parking permit, and purchase ferry tickets.
If you plan to take your car on the ferry you should make a reservation with the Washington State Ferry and you will need to contact the Camp Director to make parking arrangements on Orcas Island.
SHUTTLE FROM SEATAC
Instead of driving, you can travel by shuttle service from SeaTac Airport or downtown Seattle to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.
WATER TAXI
Paraclete Charters can transport passengers directly from Anacortes to Canoe Island.
VICTORIA CLIPPER
The Victoria Clipper runs from downtown Seattle directly to San Juan Island mid-May through Labor Day. This is a passenger-only boat (no cars).The Clipper departs from Pier 69 at 7.45 am and arrives in Friday Harbor at 11.15 am.
KENMORE AIR
Kenmore Air runs seaplanes from Lake Union in Seattle to Fisherman Bay on Lopez Island and small airplanes from Boeing Field in Seattle to the Friday Harbor Airport. Please contact us to determine which flights you should book.
ARRIVAL BY PRIVATE BOAT
You can also boat right to our dock on the west side of Canoe Island and we can help you anchor or provide you with a mooring ball. Please contact us to arrange arrival and departure times.
“I just brought Isabella home and she was full of stories in the car and she was so very happy, happy, happy. She cannot wait to return to Canoe Island. In fact, she said she wants to live there when she grows up!” ~ Una, Malibu, CA