7 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In The Pacific Northwest
From mesmerizing mountainous landscapes to dreamy waterfront vistas, spectacular seafood restaurants, and charming locally owned shops, the Pacific Northwest is known for its expansive natural beauty and small-town maritime culture across Canada and the US. Between the hilly terrains of beautiful British Columbia, the European-inspired architecture of Washington, the artistic attractions of Oregon, and the mining treasures of Idaho that are nearly as good as gold, these 7 picture-perfect main streets in the Pacific Northwest are certainly worth the visit.
Village Stroll, Whistler, British Columbia
This world-famous ski destination, renowned for its powdery slopes and majestic mountain peaks, is a paradise for outdoor explorers. However, if you head into the heart of town, you can also find a mesmerizing street known as the Whistler Village Stroll. This picturesque pedestrian path, located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, is lined with quaint cafes, restaurants, shops, and nightclub that will intrigue all types of travelers. You may know it as a winter oasis, but you can find engaging activities for the whole family year-round, with beautiful hanging baskets and flower gardens decorating the path in the summer. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in La Bocca, a lovely, locally owned and operated bar and restaurant with vibrant interiors and a heated patio. Find the perfect gift or souvenir to take back home at Rocks & Gems Canada, where fossils, minerals, meteorites, and jewelry of various kinds are offered.
Front Street, Leavenworth, Washington
Experience complete Cascade magic, combined with traditional Bavarian cuisine and intricate European-inspired architecture in Leavenworth, as you venture through one of the most picture-perfect main streets in the Pacific Northwest. From fascinating festivals and lively events in Front Street Park, a central gathering place with the Gazebo located in the heart of Leavenworth's Christmastown festivities, to award-winning locally-crafted beers and authentic warm Bavarian-style pretzels in Icicle Brewing Company, you will be in for a real treat. Whether you are looking for the perfect souvenir to take back home or simply interested in exploring specialty shops unlike any you have seen before, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is another eye-catching spot to visit. Here, you will find one of the world's largest collections of nutcrackers, ranging from nutting stones of the Archaic period to present-day acrylics.
Front Street, Poulsbo, Washington
Another European-like wonder, Poulbso, often referred to as "Little Norway" with its rich Scandinavian heritage, seamlessly blends historic treasures with unique shops, fresh aromatic bakeries, and captivating marine exhibits. Experience the old-world charm as you discover historic Scandinavian-style structures on Front Street. Treat yourself to some delicious donuts, pastries, or specialty desserts at Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, a family-owned bakery where mouth-watering breads and pastries are all made from scratch. Next, make your way to the SEA Discovery Center to see incredible local marine life through interactive aquarium exhibits on the stunning shores of Liberty Bay. You can also head to Liberty Bay Books to uncover treasures in this independent bookstore. From intriguing books to audios, games, gifts, cards, book clubs, and even special events hosting favorite authors, you never know what you might encounter next.
2nd Avenue, Fernie, British Columbia
Cross the border back into The Great White North to visit Fernie, an alpine wonder in Beautiful British Columbia. Meander down 2nd Avenue, one of the most picture-perfect main streets in the Pacific Northwest. See the simplified Italianate-style brick buildings (surrounded by magnificent mountain views from every direction) at your own pace, or learn about Fernie in greater detail with Guided Heritage Walking Tours. The Historic Downtown area has become a well-known filming location, featured in movies like Cold Pursuit starring Liam Neeson, Hollywood Blockbuster Hot Tub Time Machine, and Disney's children's film Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups. Find unique gifts and souvenirs in locally owned shops, dine at nearby restaurants and quaint cafes, and ponder local architectural, historical, and contemporary art and culture exhibits in the Fernie Museum. Next, enjoy a fresh Mediterranean-infused meal at The Brickhouse. What was once the Imperial Bank of Canada Building, destroyed by the Fernie Fire in 1904, has been transformed into this modern-day restaurant. You will see elements from the original Renaissance Revival-style architecture renovated with a more modern, mountain feel.
Main Street, Ashland, Oregon
Welcome to Ashland, where beautiful boutiques, eye-catching gift shops, and world-class dining with over 100 restaurants await. Fascinating festivals, including the famous Fourth of July Celebration, Festival of Light, and Children's Halloween Celebration, often take place, offering fun-filled activities for the whole family to connect with the community and local Oregon culture. Meander over to Main Street, situated in the Ashland Downtown Historic District. Discover the extraordinary cave exhibit of ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum. Explore the world of Subterranean Science through interactive fluorescent mineral displays, bioactive live insects, touchable rocks, natural history displays, and taxidermy bats for an incredibly intriguing, immersive experience. From there, sit back, relax, and see a captivating movie at the Varsity Theatre. This historic Art Deco theatre, first opened in 1937, boasts 666 seats and features first-run, art, and independent films for an unforgettable evening in Ashland.
Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, Washington
Soak in the spectacular scenery of Mount Rainier as you wander down Harborview Drive, one of the Pacific Northwest's most scenic main streets. Whether you are interested in visiting gorgeous galleries featuring the works of local artists, exploring stunning hiking trails, or attending the town's vibrant festivals and lively events, Gig Harbor has plenty to offer. Enjoy a lovely stroll along the shore in Skansie Brothers Park, a 2.59-acre park where the Maritime Gig Festival, Holiday Tree Lighting, and summer concert series take place. Treat yourself to dinner with a view at Tides Tavern. What originally served as a general store (the West Side Mercantile) after its construction in 1910 has, after care and renovation, transformed into a booming restaurant and bar serving delicious house-made food and fine beverages by the water. From there, you could head to 7 Seas Brewing, another waterfront spot, tasting meticulously crafted brews in the heart of town.
Bank St, Wallace, Idaho
With every downtown building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is no surprise that Wallace, often referred to as "The Silver Capital of the World," has one of the most fascinating main streets in the Pacific Northwest. Step 130 years back in time, uncovering the town's rich past at the Wallace District Mining Museum, seeing the intriguing 20-minute historical video, magnificent mine tunnel, and Big Burn interactive displays (Fire of 1910). Collect gorgeous gems, minerals, and other collectibles or even custom-made jewelry at Johnson's Gems & Collectibles. The shop is located in the "Center of the Universe," self-proclaimed by Town Mayor Ron Garitone in 2004. Finally, head on over to 1313 Club for a unique dining experience in a historic saloon. Between hearty burgers, tasty cocktails, and engaging events like skee-ball tournaments and winter golf leagues, you will love it here!
Get To Know The Pacific Northwest
Whether you are interested in seeing stunning waterfront vistas backed by mountains, tasting seafood specialties and meticulously crafted local brews along beautiful boardwalks, or discovering fascinating festivals, extraordinary underground exhibits, and gorgeous art galleries, the Pacific Northwest offers it all. From the charming après-ski spots of Whistler, to the European-inspired architectural marvels of Washington, the vibrant festivities of Oregon, and the centuries-old mining treasures of Idaho, incredible adventures of all kinds await in this spectacular region. Prepare to make unforgettable memories as you explore these 7 picture-perfect main streets in the Pacific Northwest.
