Seattle Must-Dos: Top activities & fun

Are you travelling to Seattle for the first time? The stunning mountains, harbour views, bustling city energy, culture, and food scene will keep you busy for days. On a curious note, the city's nickname of Emerald City is due to the abundant greenery that persists year-round. Also, it was in Seattle that Starbucks opened the doors to its first coffee shop. Because of the city's damp and soggy weather, coffee has always been a beloved commodity.

However, if you have already heard about fresh seafood being thrown at Pike Place Market, sky-high views from the Space Needle, or even the mind-blowing glass art at Chihuly Garden, know that these are just the tip of the iceberg of what the city has to offer. Stick around as we explore together the must-visit attractions and hidden gems that will make your Seattle adventure unforgettable!

• Pike Place Market – Pike Place Market is basically Seattle's heart and soul! Imagine fresh, local produce overflowing from stalls, dazzling flower displays, and the iconic fishmongers tossing salmon through the air (seriously, it's a sight!). While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Gum Wall.
• Space Needle – Built for the 1962 World's Fair, this observation tower symbolized humanity's reach for the stars. Today, it's a must-visit with epic views, cool exhibits, and a rotating restaurant (hello, can you say fancy dinner with a panorama?).
• Chihuly Garden and Glass – Are you obsessed with coloured glass artwork? Featuring Dale Chihuly's wild glass creations, from giant flowers to sea creatures, this attraction is a trippy wonderland of art and nature and a perfect spot to snap those Insta-worthy pics.
• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – This attraction is a full-on pop culture immersion, from shredding virtual guitar with musician Jimi Hendrix to reliving sci-fi classics. Interactive exhibits, awesome music displays, and ever-changing themes make it a must for any pop culture fanatic or curious newbie.
• Kerry Park – This free spot is perfect for a romantic sunset picnic. It boasts epic views of Seattle's skyline, Mount Rainier (on a clear day!), and the sparkling sea harbour.
• Seattle's waterfront – This is definitely your one-stop shop for fun! Ride the giant Ferris wheel, say hi to the fish at the aquarium, wander historic piers, grab a delicious bite while you take in the view, or quench your thirst with a local brew.

• Whale Watching Tours – The summer months (June through September) are the best months for seeing whales (orcas, humpbacks, and Minke), as that’s when you can see them more than 90% of the time. Join a paid tour to increase the likelihood of experiencing these incredible marine mammals.
• Hiking – Seattle has some epic hikes waiting for nature lovers. Mount Rainier National Park boasts trails for all levels. Imagine wildflowers blooming around you or even catching a glimpse of a real glacier! If you're short on time and closer to the city, Discovery Park offers stunning coastal bluffs and hidden beaches—all with the iconic Seattle skyline as your backdrop.
• Ferry to Bainbridge Island (day trip) – Seeing the Seattle skyline from a different vantage point is worth the trip alone. In Bainbridge, stroll around the charming downtown and check out its coffeehouses, cafes, and galleries.  Head to historic Winslow for some shopping. There, you will find unusual souvenirs and gifts from the Northwest Pacific region.
• Snoqualmie Falls – Located 53km east of Seattle, this waterfall is pure magic! This 270-foot (82 m) gushing waterfall is like nature's power on display. Hike down the falls for epic views, or grab a coffee at a cute cafe and restaurant at the top and watch the mist rise. This is a city escape you won't forget!
• Leavenworth (day trip) – This adorable Bavarian-style town is a day trip dream, with charming shops lining streets that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale. Think bratwurst on the go, browsing for cuckoo clocks, and maybe even sipping from a stein in a beer garden – all with the stunning Cascade Mountains as your backdrop!

• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – This attraction is a real-life time capsule. Step back in time as you learn about the stampeders and explore the routes they took from Seattle to the Yukon (Canada). Learn about their wild adventures and feel the gold rush frenzy that swept North America in the late 1800s.

• Boeing Factory Tour – Plane fanatic or not, the Boeing Factory Tour in Everett is mind-blowing! Witness the birthplace of massive jets like the 777. Imagine walking into a hangar so big it's practically a city! Witness these enormous marvels of modern engineering, being assembled right before your eyes.

• Underground Tour – Seattle's got a hidden history under its streets, literally! The Underground Tour lets you peek below the surface and explore the city's old haunts, now entombed beneath modern streets. Expect to see old storefronts and hear wild tales of the city's rough-and-tumble past.

• Museum of Flight – This museum is a must for aviation lovers (and curious minds too). Walk alongside Air Force One, see a real Concorde jet (remember those supersonic speedsters?), and even explore the insides of a NASA space shuttle! It's a history lesson you can climb aboard.

Seattle can be a dream city for any Canadian traveller, but travel insurance isn’t optional when you cross the border. Medical bills in the US can climb into the tens of thousands of dollars, and Canadian healthcare won’t be enough to cover them. Learn why travel medical insurance is important. Trip protection may also protect you against trip cancellations, delays, interruptions, or even lost luggage. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind on your Seattle adventure!