Directions
Directions for Driving
From Portland, Seattle or Vancouver, BC, take I-5 to Burlington exit #230, the "Anacortes-San Juan Islands Ferry" exit, just north of Mt. Vernon. This is Highway 20 which takes you to Anacortes. In Anacortes, follow the signs to the ferry terminal. Board any ferry with a stop at Orcas Island. At the Orcas ferry landing turn left as you come off the ferry ramp, and follow the road signs (about 9 miles) to Eastsound village. The road will widen and a right turn lane will appear. A small sign will direct you to turn right into Eastsound. Then you are on Main Street in Eastsound. Turn left at the second intersection, Prune Alley, which is half a block past the stop sign. We are about a mile from this point. Continue due north on Prune Alley, past two stop signs (Prune Alley changes names to North Beach Road); Kangaroo House B&B will be on your left; turn in front of our sign. There are five parking spots. Welcome!
Ferry Travel
Arriving by ferry is part of the adventure. You are about to embark on an excursion through one of the most scenic archipelagos in the United States. Ferries run about every 2 to 3 hours, and now you can and should make reservations in advance. Even so, a good book is valuable during the (almost) inevitable wait period. Fares are round trip - you only pay for ferries traveling west (except the international ferry to Vancouver Island, B.C.) Munchies, goodies, books, and games for everyone in the car are good things to bring with you. Then, when it's your turn, get on board, and enjoy the ride! You'll soon be on "island time." Going back east to Anacortes from Orcas is free, but it is still a good idea to make a reservation!
Sydney & Victoria, B.C.
Many guests come to Orcas Island as part of a trip to Victoria and Vancouver Island. Carefully check on the requirements for international travel, and read the schedule. We're happy to get up early and pack you a yummy ferry breakfast to go if you need to go before breakfast at nine.
Ferry reservations are required for this trip. In summer, it's much better to travel westbound rather than eastbound, due to immigration & customs delays and inconvenient inter-island ferry schedules for those arriving from Sydney, B.C. We are happy to have your room ready for you even if you arrive very late. Please be respectful of others who may be sleeping if arriving after 10 pm. Thanks!
Bicycle Travel
The central location of Kangaroo House B & B makes it the perfect base for a cycling tour of the island. We don't rent bikes, but we have bike racks for a dozen bicycles, and you can also walk to town if you don't want to get back on the bike until the next day. Cyclists should know that Orcas can be a challenging island, and Kangaroo House B&B is about 10 miles from the ferry landing. Orcas Taxi (360 376-TAXI) has a van which can carry bicycles, but be sure and tell them to send the van, not a sedan taxi. The Orcas Island Shuttle (360 376-7433) also has vehicles with bike racks.
Don't want to bring a car?
Most guests want and need a car on Orcas Island. Cyclists and those who are willing to take the mile walk to and stick close to Eastsound can certainly do it and more power to you! We're just big weenies who don't want to ride our bikes for 10-20 miles! Most guests want a car to get around the island and visit the many attractions and activities. Call Orcas Island Shuttle (376-7433) - they'll deliver to you at the ferry landing, floatplane landing site or wherever you arrive on the island.
From late May through mid-September, San Juan Transit provides public bus transportation from Orcas Ferry Terminal to multiple stops and then reversing its course back to the ferry landing. Guests who wish to walk on the ferry at Anacortes can ride the shuttle to the corner of Mt Baker Rd and North Beach Rd, which is a six-minute walk from Kangaroo House B and B. However, if you ask him, the driver will bring you right to our front door. Check the Shuttle's website for current schedules.
Flying In?
Private pilots, chartered flights as well as daily passenger flights into Eastsound will set you down not far from Kangaroo House. It's a short walk to the hangars; just ask the way. Those arriving by seaplane should plan on renting a car or taking a taxi. For airport information, see www.airnav.com/airport/KORS.
Arriving by Boat?
Brandt's Landing is very lovely and super close - within walking distance of Kangaroo House. Contact the marina at 376-4477 or cell 360 317-6110 to arrange a tie-up for your boat. There are other boat-in options. Call us to ask about them.
By Train
What... by train? Well, you can arrange a packaged train ticket which includes ground transportation from Amtrak to the Anacortes ferry terminal, as well as ferry transportation to Orcas. Check Catch-A-Train for details.