TRIP PLAN DIRECTORY

THINGS TO DO IN LA CONNER

ABOUT LA CONNER

Things to do in La Conner, WA

The best of the Skagit Valley can be found in La Conner and its surrounding agricultural landscape. It is the perfect base for exploring the beauty of the North Puget Sound. A variety of boats pass through La Conner's Swinomish Channel on their way to the San Juan Islands. Plenty of gust moorage is available right in town.

The channel is also popular for kayakers since La Conner is part of the Washington Water Trails program. Overnight camping for kayakers is available along the canal. A number of small uninhabited islands offer prime destinations for a more primitive kayaking getaway within a short paddle from La Conner. The Hole in the Wall to the North Fork of the Skagit River is also a popular nearby attraction for kayakers.

With its art galleries, upscale eateries, boutiques and antique shops, La Conner is a paradise for the seeking the essence of Northwest culture. Numerous events occur throughout the year from art walks and theatrical performances to fishing derbies and festivals. La Conner is in the center of activity for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival every year. Thousands of people visit from all over the world to view the amazing blooms of commercially grown tulips and daffodils in April.

La Conner's small town ambiance makes it a relaxing destination where visitors can enjoy life at the same slow pace as the boats drifting by in the channel. Many artists have found the tranquil scenery surrounding La Conner to be an inspiration. Their work can be viewed in galleries and at the Museum of Northwest Art. Visitors can participate in an Art Walk every third Saturday of each month. The history of the entire Skagit County is displayed at the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner. The town is also home to one of the few quilting museums in the US. --the La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum is located in the historical Gaches Mansion.

For naturalists and bird waters, the area is abound with the widest variety of migrating water foul in Washington. Snow geese and trumpeter swans are among the many birds that are attracted to the low-lying marshlands around La Conner. Picnics are popular along the waterfront docks or in Pioneer Park. Nearby Padilla Bay has an Interpretive Center for those interested in exploring beneath the surface of the waters that flow through La Conner.

Just across La Conner's Rainbow Bridge is Fidalgo Island and the Swinomish Native reservation. The bridge is a National Landmark and offering a spectacular panorama view of the canal. Take in more stunning views from the rugged cliffs of nearby Deception Pass State Park, or go for a scenic bike ride in the country side around La Conner.