Orcas Island

For more than 150 years, visitors have been lured to Orcas Island by its natural beauty, idyllic rural lifestyle, pastoral hedgerowed fields, and the relaxed pace known as "island time." With 247 days of sunshine per year and half the rain of Seattle, the San Juan Islands are considered the "banana belt" of Northwestern Washington, due to the desirable climatic circumstance known as the "Rain Shadow" which leaves the San Juans a lot drier than the rest of Puget Sound.

Whether you want to bike, hike, shop, sail, fly, kayak, go in search of orca whales and bald eagles, or just sit by the shore and watch the sun sink into the Sound, you'll find that one night on Orcas is like having just the appetizer of a fine, multi-course food experience. At Kangaroo House B and B we think you should have a minimum stay of 2 or 3 days at least, particularly if it's part of a vacation, not just a quick getaway. Guests who stay just one night always leave with the intention of coming back for a longer visit. Most do.

Kangaroo House is just a stroll from Eastsound Village, the center of island life, where you will find a variety of pleasures - the island's historical museum, shops, fantastic dining, spas, a one-screen movie theatre and the launchpad for more active pursuits - kayaking, cycling, and even world-class skateboarding. Crescent Beach is just a few more steps from Eastsound; We like to comb the south-facing beaches for sea glass!

Farther out, yet still within a few minutes drive, you'll find potteries, scores of birding opportunities, organic farms open to the public, the Orcas Center for the Performing Arts, the recently preserved Turtleback Mountain, and, of course, Moran State Park, with its miles and miles of hiking trails, fresh water lakes, and panoramic views of this spectacular archipelago and its backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

If you really think you've exhausted the recreational possibilities of Orcas Island, you can still keep Kangaroo House BnB as a home base and make day trips to the other major islands, visiting wineries, lavender farms, lighthouses, and the National Park of the San Juan Islands.

Helpful Links & Things to Do

Whale Watching/Wildlife Tours

Three resident pods of orcas live in the waters around the San Juan Islands and many transient orcas, minke whales, and humpbacks come through, as well. Cruise the San Juans to view orca, minkes, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoise, white-sided dolphins, cormorants, puffins, golden eyes, bald eagles, golden eagles and lots of other wildlife.

Go Cycling

It’s a challenging island for cyclists, but it’s a great way to see Orcas Island. And, e-bikes are available.

Get Out on the Water

Fishing

Transportation

Dine Well

Kayaking

Go Flight-Seeing

Other Activities

Go Hiking

Go Shopping and View Amazing Art

Wedding Services

More Visitors Information

Find us Listed on