The Clam Cannery Hotel

Most of you who read Viki Travel on a regular basis know that Darlene and I are friends from way back.  And because Darlene and I live in different provinces (Darlene lives in British Columbia; I live in Alberta) we, at least once a year, arrange a get-together.  And as much as time and finances allow we try to meet in out-of-the-way, interesting places.  Over the years we have met in such diverse locations as London, a Vancouver Island spa, and Ras al Khaimah, UAE (the most exotic place of all).

Therefore, to continue our trend, one weekend in March I flew to Vancouver, which is beautifully green this time of year.  From there, Darlene and I drove and took a ferry to Port Townsend, Washington.   Our destination was The Clam Cannery Hotel,  located in a historical building that has been newly restored  to incredible luxury, while at the same time,  maintaining an old world charm.

The hotel is called the Clam Cannery because the building was once home to one of the largest producers of canned clams on the west coast of the United States.

The renovation was undertaken by a group of local artisans with an extensive use of materials reclaimed from the dilapidated cannery building. The end result of the collaboration has been the creation of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful, boutique, waterfront hotels.  Each suite is unique in character; however in each you will be surrounded by brick, hand-forged steel, hammered copper, concrete floors and countertops, hand-blown glass fixtures, custom cabinets, and top of the line appliances with a full gourmet kitchen.

The views outside the Cannery rival the inside views as the panoramic windows, that overlook the water’s edge, offers unobstructed views of the Cascades, the Olympic Mountains, Whidbey Island and the Strait of Juan DeFuca.

With the Olympic Mountains on one side and the Cascades on the other, Port Townsend is a unique location for recreational opportunities, many of which are just minutes from the Clam Cannery.

What to do in Port Townsend?  If you can bear to leave the cocooning ambience of your suite you are never at a loss as to what to do in Port Townsend.  Conveniently located in the heart of the historic port waterfront district, the Clam Cannery is a short walk to exceptional dining, shopping, artwork and night life. Outdoor enthusiasts will find an adventure of almost every type- fishing, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving and an all time favourite – beach combing.

Port Townsend is a gateway to San Juan Islands, famous for its Orca whales and occasional gray and minke whales. Hop on board a local charter boat, and enjoy a fun-packed and fascinating whale watching tour on the water around the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands.

Or you might choose to set sail on an 82 ft. gaff-rigged schooner: a roomy, comfortable, traditional vessel that offers groups of up to 6 people a memorable sailing adventure. Explore the San Juan Islands, or cross the border into Canada with a destination of either Desolation Sound or Barkley Sound.

Your visit to Port Townsend wouldn’t be complete without a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic downtown district with beautiful views of Admiralty Inlet and Mount Baker, while your driver tells you about the areas  history.

Whether you are traveling with family, pets or that special person in your life, there’s no better place to stay while you’re in Port Townsend than the Clam Cannery Hotel. With breath-taking views of Port Townsend Bay, the surrounding mountain ranges, marine traffic and Port Townsend Historic District in their backyard, the hotel is the ideal home base for exploring the Olympic Peninsula.