Located on Bellingham Bay with the majestic Mount Baker as its backdrop, Bellingham is the last main city before the Washington coastline joins the Canadian border. This city features an active waterfront port which supports fishing, shipping, boat building and marina operations. Whatcom Creek runs through the downtown area which offers visitors a mixture of museums, art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants.
The city’s Historic Fairhaven district comprises the 1892 Whatcom Museum of History and Art as well as a number of Victorian-era buildings. You will find various shops offering hand-crafted products, art galleries featuring Northwest artisans and local eateries serving up fresh seafood. Bellingham is also home to Western Washington University erected on Sehome Hill, from where you can enjoy a sweeping outlook across the beautiful bay to the San Juan Islands.
The Bellingham Mount Baker area abounds in outdoor activities, all within easy reach. You can try some demanding ice climbing on a glacier or paddle around the isolated coves along Chuckanut Drive in a sleek kayak. Further leisure time options include skiing down the slopes of Mount Baker, hiking and biking in ‘Trail Town USA’, hang gliding near Samish Bay and watching the mighty Orca whales.
Highlights
Whatcom Museum of History and Art: this museum sponsors natural and local history exhibits, gallery walks, fund-raising events, walking tours, history and art lessons and historic cruises on Bellingham Bay.
Whatcom Falls Park: the crown jewel of Bellingham’s excellent park network features four sets of waterfalls and various well-maintained walking trails.
Bellingham Farmers Market: each day, as many as 10,000 visitors are drawn towards this vibrant gathering place.
Bellis Fair Mall: the region’s largest mall pulls a steady stream of shoppers from Canada.
Mount Baker Ski Area: this jaw-dropping region holds the record for the heaviest amount of snowfall in the world within a single season (winter 1998 to 1999).