Does winter make you long for a change of scenery? Before booking a plane ticket to Hawaii, consider embarking on a great local getaway.

Traveling close to home lets you choose a bus, train or ferry over a plane or car, which means fewer carbon emissions...not to mention

the chance to relax and enjoy the Northwest beauty. Local travel also keeps your money in the local economy, as you visit family-owned B&Bs or buy crafts from Northwest artisans. And your trip will tune

you in to regional culture, geography and history.

Need ideas for a Northwest trip? How about Nanaimo, British Columbia?

Getting there car-free is a quick primer in public transport: From Seattle, take the Amtrak train or bus to Vancouver, BC. Vancouver's SkyTrain will get you downtown, where you'll catch the #257 bus to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.

Take the ferry to Departure Bay and, once in Nanaimo, walk or cab to your hotel (or campsite!). Then begin your exploration:

• Stroll along the waterfront walkway.
• Venture out to undeveloped Newcastle Island for hiking, biking, or tidepool viewing. If the tide is low, you can walk to nearby Protection Island and dine at the Dinghy Dock Pub.
• Visit the Nanaimo Museum. 
• Take a day trip to see the petroglyphs on Gabriola Island.
• Indulge your inner thrill-seeker by scuba diving or bungee jumping. 

Treat yourself to the local pastry, the Nanaimo bar, while you're in town. And pat yourself on the back for planning a fun local adventure.

Find more ideas for car-free vacations in British Columbia in Brian Grover's book, BC Car-Free. Read blog posts about car-free travel from Seattle P-I's Bus Chick here and here; and from Sightline Institute staff here and here.

Like this article? Stay tuned for more local travel destinations! In the meantime, find more great info on living green in Seattle on our website.

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