ACTIVITIES...Walking & Hiking at Roche Harbor

 

Hiking trails are located through the old lime quarries where you can get panoramic views over the outer islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands. The famous historical mausoleum is a half hour walk away and will fill you with intrigue, so be sure to pick up a brochure from the Hotel Front Desk explaining the history of this rather magnificent looking building. If you like more challenging terrain, a hike up nearby Mount Young will take you to more views over the islands. Of course, strolling our magnificent gardens is always a pleasureable experience for our visitors from near and far - with pathways full of blooms, color and fragrance.

 

The Docks and Gardens -- Stroll the docks of our world-class marina and dream about your future yacht or wander through our beautiful Victorian gardens, lovely during any season.

                   

 

The Formal Gardens - Lovingly nurtured and formed into one of the most beautiful gardens on the island. Originally designed for Mrs. John S. McMillin around 1890, the Tarte family worked hard to get the gardens back in shape when they took over in 1956. There were many days when you would see Margaret Tarte at work weeding and planting - she would cut flowers to put in the chapel on Sundays. The gardens are undergoing constant re-design for our visitors to enjoy - check out the white bed in the Rose Garden. Stroll through borders of flowers and shrubs, and arbors of climbing roses and clematis that have been lovingly planted and tended by our professional gardeners. Many weddings take place in either the formal Rose Garden or in the Sunken Garden. Enjoy the fragrances and colors of summer, or enjoy the 8,000 bulbs and early flowers in the spring. The flower baskets hanging from the hotel and all the tubs on the yellow brick road have been creatively designed by Christy Erickson of Zizania, Ltd. in Seattle.

 

 

 

 

The Mausoleum -- a brisk 20 minute walk, is very popular with our visitors and a sight you will not want to miss. This classic seven-pillared mausoleum was built as a memorial to John S. McMillin's family and for those things in which he believed. With careful planning, Mr. McMillin incorporated symbols from Masonry, the Bible, Sigma Chi fraternity and his own views of family unity. A brochure explaining this interesting part of Roche Harbor's history is available at the Hotel de Haro Front Desk.

 

 

 

 

 

Hiking Trails -- to take you through the old lime quarries up on the hillside to the southwest is a great way to see the outer islands. With breathtaking views over the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands, we have rest spots for you to enjoy this great panorama of views. A hiking trail map is available at Hotel Front Desk.

 

Walking Tour -- Our self-guided walking tour will take you around the grounds of what used to be the "largest lime-works west of the Mississippi". It will tell you the story of how Roche Harbor began and the trials and tribulations it took to get to where it is today.

Pick up a copy from the Hotel Front Desk or take the virtual walking tour here.

 

 

 

 

Westcott Bay Sculppture Park  -- A quick walk (across from  the airstrip and cottages) over to one of San Juan Islands newest features. The Reserve is both a nature interpretive park and a sculpture park. The Reserve boasts a rotating exhibit of over 85 sculptures placed in an open 19 acre setting, creating an outdoor museum. The sculptures include works in bronze, stone, wood, metal, glass and ceramic by noted artists from the San Juan Islands and all around the Pacific Northwest. The combination of extraordinary art and extraordinary landscape works its magic on visitors. Island residents and tourists alike have made the Reserve one of their favorite outings. Check out their website at www.wbay.org!