Visit the best of coastal Washington and British Columbia
Tide Chart inside
How to see the aurora in Washington State
Over 100 events spanning 17 communities for tourists and locals alike
THERE IS A PARTICULAR WAY THE WATER HOLDS THIS PLACE TOGETHER.
Not as a boundary, though it is often drawn that way on maps but as a quiet, constant presence. It gathers the light, carries the weather, shapes the rhythms of days in ways both obvious and subtle. You see it in the early boats pushing off before the town has quite woken. You feel it in the afternoon wind that arrives like an old habit. You hear it, sometimes, in the spaces between conversations.
To live along the North Puget Sound or even to visit for a while is to enter into that rhythm. Not all at once. Not dramatically. But gradually, almost imperceptibly, until you begin to notice how the tides reorder your sense of time, how the horizon invites a longer gaze, how the edges between land and water become less fixed than you once believed.
And then there are the small, bright astonishments of the season. For me, it is the berries I return to again and again. The abundance feels almost improbable—huckleberries hidden along a trail, wild blueberries warmed by the sun, strawberries from the Skagit fields, raspberries so ripe they barely hold their shape. They arrive without ceremony and yet define the days, a sweetness gathered by hand, a reminder of how generous this place can be if you are paying attention.
publisher’s note
This magazine is an attempt to honor that way of living.
Waterside is not simply about destinations though there are many worth finding here. It is about a sensibility — one shaped by salt air, working waterfronts, ferry crossings and shorelines that refuse to be hurried. It is about the people who make lives here: those who fish, farm, build, guide, cook, create and care for this place in ways both visible and unseen.
In these pages, you will find stories that move with the tide rather than against it. Places that reveal themselves slowly. Moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed: a dock at low water, a stretch of beach at first light, a conversation carried over coffee while the fog lifts.
Tourism, at its best, is not extraction. It is attention. It asks us to arrive with curiosity and leave with a deeper understanding of where we have been and perhaps of ourselves. If this magazine succeeds, it will not send you rushing from one stop to the next. It will encourage you to linger. To look more closely. To let the place meet you on its own terms.
There is no single way to experience the water here. But there is, perhaps, a shared invitation: to step closer, to listen and to allow yourself to be changed, even slightly, by what you find.
We’re glad you’re here.
Kari Mar
inside welcome.
south of the border, washington.
8. port townsend
12. poulsbo
14. whidbey island
18. anacortes
22. san juan island
24. orcas island
25. lopez island
26. la conner
32. mount vernon
34. burlington
39. bow, edison & chuckanut
44. fairhaven
48. bellingham
58. lummi island
64. ferndale
70. birch bay
78. blaine
94. point roberts north of the border, british columbia.
88. white rock & south surrey
90. richmond & steveston
92. ladner & tsawwassen good to know.
5. publisher’s note
31. marine mammals
37. farmers markets
38. race day
42. transportation
47. beginner bird bingo
51. sunset beaches
52. whatcom water trail
54. road trip tips
55. road trip worksheet
56. museums
60. events
66. aurora chasing
76. tide chart
86 crossing the border
PUBLISHER Kari Mar
MANAGING EDITOR Kie Relyea
EDITOR Aly McGee
GRAPHIC DESIGN Doug De Visser
ADVERTISING SALES Molly Ernst and Gary Lee
COVER PHOTO Two children take a break from paddle boarding in the San
EMAIL info@daffodilpress.net | WEB watersidenw.com
Waterside is a special publication of Daffodil Press LLC. Printed in Canada. Locally owned, Daffodil Press also publishes The Northern Light, All Point Bulletin, Pacific Coast Weddings, Mount Baker Experience, La Conner Community News and area maps.
BY
PHOTO
NANCY K. CROWELL
Juan Islands
Photo by Ashley McCrea Strub.
ORCAS ISLAND BOW, EDISON & CHUCKANUT BURLINGTON
port townsend.
Small town with old world authenticity
PORT TOWNSEND IS THE KIND OF PLACE THAT MARRIES OLD AND NEW EFFORTLESSLY. The red brick buildings lining the downtown waterfront have a Victorian flair. One may start to wonder if they are on Water Street or Baker Street as it was described by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in those many volumes of Sherlock Holmes stories. There is, however, something present in Port Townsend that is quintessentially Pacific Northwest. It is a small town on the water with festivals, vibrant townies and art abounding around every corner.
This port town on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula once aspired to be a regional center on the level of Seattle or Vancouver and for good reason – in 1887, it was Puget Sound’s sole U.S. Customs port of entry. Those big city dreams never materialized due to poorly timed recessions that stopped the railroad from reaching Port Townsend. The town’s big city dreams wilted in the early 1900s.
Today, Port Townsend’s renaissance is fully consummate, and its very mention evokes wooden boats, historic buildings, music, film, art and proximity to nature.
PHOTO BY ANDY PORTER
A bluff on one side and Port Townsend Bay on the other hem in Port Townsend’s remarkable downtown district. Its architecture is a visual feast, with abundant 19th and early 20th century buildings that landed the entire downtown district on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Twoand three-story Victorians with high-arched windows and elaborate trim play host to restaurants, independent bookstores, wine shops, art
a busy schedule of summer festivals; one such can’t miss event is the Northwest Maritime Center’s annual Wooden Boat Festival, happening September 11–13, 2026.
This inspiring and educational festival features more than 300 boats including tall ships, modern wooden boats, racing schooners and more. Additionally, the festival hosts a schedule of presentations, exhibitors, live music, and delicious food, beer and wine.
After dining on local shellfish, stroll through downtown and past the end of Water Street to the public pedestrian pier at the eastern end of town. Visitors will find pockets of natural beach and the Northwest Maritime Center, which is a hub for marine craftspeople in the area. Here, visitors
can see kayaks being built, wooden boats under repair, and sail makers plying their trade. Don’t miss the trail along the beach, which starts at the end of Hudson Street and looks out toward Mt. Baker and the Cascades.
Some unfortunate tourists don’t make it to the area called “Uptown.” Venture north from Water Street a few blocks to the top of the hill and you’ll find another lively retail district with a bakery, pub and a few restaurants, as well as the Port Townsend Farmers Market. More information on the Port Townsend Farmers Market can be found on page 37.
A car is not essential when visiting Port Townsend. Visitors can simply walk onto the Coupeville Ferry from Whidbey Island and arrive in town. However, a car allows easy
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ANDY PORTER
access to nearby Fort Worden and Fort Townsend Historical State Parks. Both forts were constructed in the 1800s.
In addition to exploring the historic buildings and the lighthouse at Fort Worden, don’t miss the Centrum Foundation, a cultural gathering place with art and music classes, workshops, performances and much more.
Port Townsend greets tourists with glimpses into a colorful history delivered with small-town panache.
For more information, visit enjoypt.com
PORT TOWNSEND KIDS CORNER
Fun: Port Townsend Marine Science Center
Water access: Pope Marine Park
Playground: JUMP (Jefferson Universal Movement Playground)
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poulsbo.
“Little Norway”
POULSBO IS A SWEET WATERFRONT TOWN NESTLED INTO LIBERTY BAY ON THE KITSAP PENNINSULA. Nicknamed “Little Norway” today, Poulsbo was settled by Scandinavian settlers in the 1880s. The settlers found the area reminiscent of the fjords of Norway. Norwegian culture is pervasive in the town today and can be seen on full display today in the murals, statues and various annual festivals.
Poulsbo is just a 20-minute drive from the Kingston Ferry Terminal or a meandering drive over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge depending on where visitors are coming from.
Historic downtown Poulsbo is full of charming shops, bakeries, delicious restaurants, murals and a boardwalk perfect for strolling. Visitors with a yen for authentic Nordic treats will want to stop at Sluys Bakery for all manner of treats, including Swedish fruit rolls, Viking cup pastries, Fattigman, and Lefse to bring home. Stop at any of the restaurants or breweries for a variety of delectable food and local Pacific Northwest beer.
Views of Liberty Bay and the Olympic Mountains will not disappoint whether tourists are looking out their car window, walking downtown or enjoying balcony seating at
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GABRIEL HOUGH
a local restaurant. Visitors who are after a shopping spree will find fruitful clusters of shops in Poulsbo Village, along Viking Avenue, as well as in College Market Place. There is no shortage of parks and greenery in Poulsbo. Liberty Bay Waterfront Park will take visitors along the water via boardwalk. Lions Park is the perfect place to bring energetic kids who need a good run around. The 40-acre Fish Park is a pocket of natural wonder in the midst of an otherwise bustling city. Fish Park will provide nature lovers with trails, viewpoints, and wildlife, along with educational signage. Adventurous visitors may even find themselves gearing up at the Poulsbo Pump Track.
The Viking Festival is an annual celebration of Poulsbo’s heritage. Each May, the Viking Festival fills downtown Poulsbo with festivities, including a parade, carnival and street fair, a road race, live music, brew fest and bike ride. The Poulsbo Art Festival will be held August 14-16, 2026, and the Poulsbo Film Festival will take place October 9-11. Winter visitors will not want to miss the Lighted Ships Parade. For more information on events like these, see page 60.
Second Saturdays of the month are a great time to head to the historic downtown for an evening art walk.
Visitors stepping onto Front Street for the first time will feel like they have stepped into the pages of a Norwegian storybook. Get pulled into Scandinavian history for the day or the weekend. As they say in Poulsbo, Velkommen!
For more information visit cityofpoulsbo.com.
POULSBO KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: SEA Discovery Center
Water access: Liberty Bay Waterfront Park
Playground: Lions Park
whidbey island.
A Pacific Northwest haven for artists
DISCOVER HISTORY, ART, MOUTHWATERING SEAFOOD AND THE BEAUTIFUL WATERS of Puget Sound while visiting the largest island in Island County. Outdoor enthusiasts will find activity at every turn whether kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking or biking around the island. Those seeking refuge will find treasures while shopping at waterfront boutiques, gift shops, art galleries and while dining on fresh seafood.
Travelers can make it to the island by ferry or by cruising over the Deception Pass bridge, which connects Fidalgo and Whidbey islands. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the iconic 177-foot-high bridge is admired for its graceful architecture and front-row seat overlooking lush emerald trees and turquoise waters.
Spend the day at Deception Pass State Park, Washington’s most-visited state park. Kids and adults can fish and swim in Cranberry Lake, search for seashells along the beach, hike through forests and along bluffs and listen to the collective chirp from some of the 155 species of birds inhabiting the island. Keep an eye on the water to catch a
PHOTO BY RICK LAWLER
glimpse of harbor seals. Can’t leave just yet? Make reservations to set up camp at one of the park’s 172 tent sites.
Further south, visitors will find Oak Harbor, named for its distinguishing Garry Oak trees. Oak Harbor is the largest of seven towns on the island. Dating back to the early 1850s, the town is rich with history and close to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, built in 1942, and still operating today. Visitors can visit the PBY Memorial Foundation Naval Heritage Center to view seaplanes, artifacts, a flight sim-
ulator and learn more about naval history.
Don’t miss Oak Harbor’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July when Windjammer Park is transformed into a grand carnival. The day kicks off with a parade, complete with music, candy and performers and ends with the night’s fireworks show. Rides, fair food and vendors all contribute to a Fourth of July celebration that’s fun for the whole family.
Coupeville is well worth a visit, be it your weekend destination or a brief sojourn before catching the Coupeville
Ferry. Among Coupeville’s attractions are a quaint downtown full of shops and restaurants, a gorgeous waterfront, the Island County Historical Museum and multiple summer festivals. The Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival takes place on August 8 and 9, 2026 and the Penn Cove Water Festival takes place in May annually.
The waterfront begs visitors to take a walk down the Coupeville Wharf to feel the sea breeze up close while taking in a spectacular view of Penn Cove.
From museums to historic landmarks from World War I and II, history buffs will delight in all that Coupeville and the surrounding area has to offer. Visitors can go back in time at the Fort Casey Historical State Park, a 999-acre marine camping park along 10,810 feet of shoreline. Fort Casey, built in the 1800s, was used as a training facility until the mid-1940s. Park visitors can explore the original catacomb-like bunkers, an interpretative center and gift shop and admire the red and white brick Spanish-style Admiralty Lighthouse, built in 1903.
Visitors will marvel at the sight of the Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, a 1960s woodland filled with 10 acres of gardens and 43 acres of woodlands to explore. Hikers and cyclists alike will love the 35-mile-long Kettles Trail System, which connects Coupeville with Fort Ebey State Park, located within Ebey’s Landing, a national historical reserve known for its beautiful trails.
Heading down into Langley, near the southern tip of the island, travelers along the waterfront will find posh boutiques gleaming with art, jewelry, books and clothing. An art hub is Langley’s claim to fame, with galleries, studios and art walks filling the city. An art walk is held every first Saturday of the month. A must stop for visitors of all ages is the Langley Whale Center.
Summer galleries will focus on local landscapes, glass art, jewelry and table-top sculpture. Langley will be bustling during the Whidbey Island Fair, July 23-26, 2026. Fair visitors will experience farm exhibits, animals, live entertainment, a wine garden and eye-popping art all on historic farm grounds.
From plentiful parks, woods and shorelines to shops and festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Whidbey Island.
Visit whidbeycamanoislands.com.
WHIDBEY ISLAND KIDS CORNER
Fun: Meerkerk Gardens
Water access: Fort Ebey State Park
Playground: Windjammer Park, Oak Harbor
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anacortes.
From shopping and music to beaches and forests, Fidalgo Island has all you need
ANACORTES IS A SMALL TOWN FULL OF ART AND VITALITY. Breathe in the salty air on the busy waterfront and enjoy the rocky beaches, a bustling downtown shopping district, lively annual festivals and 50 miles of multi-use trails.
Surrounded by water, this destination has been historically a maritime city. Located on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is connected to the mainland by a bridge over the Swinomish Channel. It is the gateway to the San Juan islands via the Washington state ferry system. Amid the revolving cast of ferry goers, Anacortes maintains a population of around 18,000.
Opportunities for boating, camping and hiking are plentiful and visitors seeking to connect with nature will have no shortage of activity choices. Seafarers’ Memorial Park is a favorite launch spot amongst locals. The peninsula on the western edge of the island is home to Washington Park, a 220-acre city park with beaches, a boat launch, camp-
PHOTO BY ALAN MAJCHROWICZ
sites and a playground.
Whale watching tour companies, fishing charters, and boat rentals are readily available should visitors find themselves called to the sea. The Cap Sante Marina has over 100 berths for guest moorage along with repair facilities, fuel docks and complimentary bicycles (seasonally), all just blocks from downtown.
While the town’s water access is breathtaking, the forests surrounding Anacortes are just as notable. 2,950 acres of
woods, wetlands, lakes and meadows comprises Anacortes Community Forest Lands, all within city limits. The rocky dome of Mt. Erie and idyllic Heart Lake are some extraordinary woodland gems. Mt. Erie’s summit offers a spectacular view of the San Juan Islands, and the 1,273-foot peak is accessible by both car and by foot. For hikers, a map is a must, as the trails tend to intertwine. Maps are available online and at nearby businesses.
Downtown, visitors will find murals from the Anacortes Mural Project lining the red brick buildings, antique shops, restaurants, marine supply stores and bookshops up and down Commercial Street. Stroll past paintings of turn-of-the-century luminaries such as Anne and Tommy Thompson, who founded the Anacortes Railway. Muralist,
ANACORTES KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: Anacortes Public Library (a Family Place Library)
Water access: Sunset Beach
Playground: Storvik Park
Bill Mitchell, who passed away in 2019, is depicted on O Avenue.
Local music and nightlife energize the downtown area as the sun sets over the water. Dining options range from delis and pizzerias to upscale seafood restaurants.
Anacortes hosts a varied menu of festivals throughout the year. The Anacortes Arts Festival takes place from July 31-Aug. 2, 2026 in downtown Anacortes has celebrated art in Anacortes since 1962. The festival features near-
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ly nonstop music performances, beer gardens, as well as artists and craftspeople displaying sculptures, textile art, jewelry, photography, paintings and more. The Anacortes Waterfront Festival takes place June 6-7, 2026 is free and family-friendly with children’s toy boat building, free boat rides, a quick and dirty team boat-building competition, a car show and much more.
Whether Anacortes is the destination, or a waypoint along your route to catch a ferry into the great beyond, the fresh air, bold murals, charming shops and natural beauty promise to relax and refresh all who pass through.
For more information, visit anacortes.org.
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san juan island.
A blend of history and beauty
SAN JUAN ISLAND IS THE BUSIEST OF THE ARCHIPELAGO ISLANDS. The ferry to San Juan Island arrives smack in the center of Friday Harbor, a walkable hamlet full of restaurants, shops and galleries.
Within the easily walkable one square mile town itself, visitors will find a full selection of sophisticated cuisine along with casual pub fare, chocolate shops, ice cream shops, cozy bookshops, and quirky stores. In the mood for a movie? The island has had a movie theater since 1915. In the mood for disc golf? The island has that too.
The Whale Museum is located downtown, offering a look at some of the world’s largest endangered species. Be sure to visit the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, where travelers can view local art from around the islands.
Between the north and south ends of the island, visitors will pass through fertile farmland scattered with animal life. Don’t be surprised to see deer grazing amongst the cows as they are the most populous animal on the island. Watch out for these frequent road-crossers.
Look out for the alpaca farm, where visitors can purchase alpaca items with the wool being sourced from the alpacas in the field right outside!
PHOTO BY ALAN MAJCHROWICZ
There are nine lakes on the island. Egg Lake is a popular swimming hole – turn onto Egg Lake Road from Roche Harbor Road to find this sweet swim spot.
While San Juan Island doesn’t have the mountainous terrain of Orcas Island, hiking options can still provide enough exertion to get the heart rate up. A 2.2-mile trek to the top of Young Hill will reward hikers with panoramic views of the islands from a hard-earned 600 feet of altitude.
Another worthwhile hike will take visitors to English Camp which once housed British soldiers during the infamous Pig War of 1859.
Of course, the west side of the island provides views of sunsets over the Haro Straight.
Wander over to the 41-acre day use Lime Kiln Point State Park and, with a bit of luck, visitors will get to enjoy a show put on by orcas and transiting gray whales.
The second busiest town on the island is Roche Harbor, home to The Hotel de Haro, which was originally built in 1845 as a Hudson’s Bay trading post. Later, the island’s rich lime deposits struck the interest of Tacoma lawyer John S. McMillin, who thus founded Roche Harbor Lime and Cement company in 1884. In 1954, Reuben Tarte purchased the land and transformed it into a hotel and added slips in the marina, making it the hugely popular boating
destination it is today.
McMillin’s home has been converted into restaurants where guests can find both casual and fine dining. The church the McMillin family built remains active today.
While in Roche Harbor, walk through the garden designed by McMillin’s wife, a hike around the lime quarries, check out the McMillin mausoleum, visit San Juan Sculpture Park and explore Roche Harbor Farm.
An annual not-to-miss event on San Juan Island is the Friday Harbor Film Festival, taking place in 2026 from October 22-25.
Visitors can set their watches to island time for the duration of their stay on San Juan Island; the mainland and all of life’s everyday worries can wait.
For more information, visit visitsanjuans.com and sanjuanisland.org.
SAN JUAN ISLAND KIDS CORNER
Fun: The Whale Museum
Water access: Jackson Beach
Playground: John O. Linde Community Park
Boating Day May 3 • sjiyc.com
San Juan Community Theatre presents – Spring Musical May 8-24 • sjctheatre.org
San Juan Island Artists Tour June 6-7 • sanjuanislandartists.com
Three Lakes Triathlon & Marathon June 20 • lakedale.com/three-lakestriathlon-marathon
4th of July Celebration Parade, Firecracker Run, Pig War Picnic, Fireworks sanjuanisland.org/4th-of-july
San Juan Island Lavender Festival at Alchemy Art Farm July 18-19 • alchemyartcenter.com/
San Juan County Fair August 13-16 • sjcfair.org
The Lakedale Music Festival with Brian Nova • August 21-22 lakedale.com/music-festival/ Archipelago Collective Chamber Music Festival • September 11-13 archipelagocollective.org
San Juan Islands Farm Tours September 25-27 farmtourssanjuans.com/
Friday Harbor Film Festival October 22-25 • fhff.org
San Juan Island Restaurant Week November 15-22 sanjuanisland.org/restaurantweek
Island Artisans Holiday Market November 27-28 sanjuanisland.org/winterfest
Friday Harbor Winterfest December 1-31 sanjuanisland.org/winterfest/
For more information, please contact the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce: Rotary Car Show of the San Juan Islands • August 9 rotaryfoundationsanjuanislands.org
orcas island.
Largest and
most
PHOTO BY ALAN MAJCHROWICZ
mountainous of all the islands.
ORCAS ISLAND IS THE LARGEST AND MOST MOUNTAINOUS OF ALL THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS and is the second most populated. Unlike San Juan Island, the ferry to Orcas will not drop you off in town. Eastsound is the social hub of the island, and it is located eight miles down the road from the ferry landing. If visitors have boarded the ferry without a car or bike, they will find transportation to Eastsound in the taxis that run every day or the shuttle service offered by request in the spring and summer.
The Horseshoe Highway leads all the way to Olga. Cyclists can take Crow Valley Road instead to avoid the ferry traffic that populates the Horseshoe Highway. Orcas’ terrain is challenging and full of hills, but bikers will find that the lush topography is worth the extra effort.
Eastsound is home to restaurants and bakeries offering coffee, sandwiches, soups and seafood. Art lovers, foodies and deer lovers alike will enjoy the local scene on Orcas Island.
Freshwater lakes are a popular draw on Orcas Island. Cascade Lake is a part of Moran State Park, offering boat rentals, a swimming area, picnic shelters and three campgrounds. Kilbrew Lake is known for its birdwatching. For sightseeing, Mount Constitution towers over the entire San Juan archipelago.
Visitors who enjoy hiking can try their hand at the Mt. Constitution Loop trail, which is a steep 6.6 miles. Bikers will find 19 different mountain biking trails spanning over 29 miles
throughout the park. Hikers, bikers and drivers can all be seen making their way up the mountain when the weather is favorable. The roads, bridges and historical tower of Mount Constitution were all constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The southeast side of the island offers Deer Harbor, a relaxing and laid-back community with a small sandy beach, marina store and a small grill that also serves local Lopez Island ice cream. The marina has 110 slips for transient moorage, along with showers and bathrooms.
Olga sits eight miles south of Eastsound. There you can walk the long wooden dock and take in the view or grab a bite at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm.
Doe Bay Resort is a popular destination with rustic treehouse accommodations and spa amenities.
Rosario Resort is peaceful and historical. The hotel was once the personal mansion of Robert Moran, a Seattle shipbuilder. The 54-room mansion has been converted into a restaurant, spa, hotel and museum. Visitors can walk through Moran’s private living quarters, the organ room and library.
Orcas Island often leaves visitors wondering how soon they will be able to enjoy another vacation on this mountainous Eden in the sea.
More information can be found at visitsanjuans.com and orcasislandchamber.com
ORCAS ISLAND KIDS CORNER
Fun: Funhouse Commons
Water access: Crescent Beach
Playground: The playground on the Green, Eastsound
lopez island.
A small community with a big personality
PHOTO BY SEVENA GUYER
Lopez Island is a small community with a big personality. Having perhaps the most rural feel of all the islands, it has been colloquially dubbed “Slo-pez.” Expect a friendly wave and a smile from every passing motorist and cyclist. And with miles of shoreline, there is an adventure around every corner.
The cultural heart of the island, Lopez Village, is about four miles out from the ferry terminal. The village has places to eat and drink and stock up on baked goods. Lopez is home to a grocery store, pharmacy and bookshop as well.
Scandinavian farmers settled on the island in the 1850s and farming remains part of the local culture. Lopez Island is also rich with artists, musicians and fishers. Every Saturday, a farmer’s market is held in the community center, where visitors can peruse and purchase local food, art and wares, which are bountiful on this small island.
An artistic and musical community, the local library rents out musical instruments.
The island’s charm can be found in the tranquility of the many secluded accommodations available, from bed and breakfasts to campsites under the stars.
Lopez’s comparatively flat geography makes it a favorite destination for cyclists. Lopez Kayak and Bicycle Works is the oldest bike shop in the San Juan islands, offering both rentals and repair services. Kayaks are available to rent, as well.
Although small, the island has eight county parks and one state park. Spencer Spit State Park includes 138 acres of forest, sand and water with opportunities for clamming, crabbing, and beachcombing. Odlin County Park is another popular choice for adventure-seekers with a boat launch, mooring buoys and 30 campsites.
Iceberg Point, part of the San Juan Islands National Monument, is a great hike, rewarding walkers with a panoramic view of the island and surrounding waters. Park your vehicle at Agate Park and follow the signs to the peak. With luck, you’ll see whales breaching in the nearby waters.
The friendly atmosphere of Slo-pez inspires visitors to leave their worries at the ferry dock and stroll through the island with a carefree smile.
More information can be found at visitsanjuans.com and lopezisland.com.
LOPEZ ISLAND
Fun and Free: Shark Reef Sanctuary tidepools
Water access: Spencer Spit State Park
Park: Lopez Village Park
la conner.
1800s waterfront community turned arts enclave
A VIBRANT TOWN ON THE SWINOMISH CHANNEL, La Conner woos visitors from far and wide with tangerine sunsets and a remarkable heritage of art, architecture and history.
This little enclave at the mouth of the Skagit River has been inhabited for thousands of years. Historically the territory of the Swinomish Tribe, the area attracted settlers in the late 1800s with the promise of farming, logging and fishing. By the turn of the 20th century, La Conner had a population of about 1,000 and was the seat of Skagit County. As the years went by, La Conner held its size while other neighboring communities boomed, making it an alluring small town with a big history.
The natural beauty of the area drew artists to La Conner in the 1940s and 50s. These artists settled in abandoned cabins on the banks of the Skagit River and created an art colony they dubbed “Fishtown.” That artistic spirit lives on and its influence can be felt in the colorful historic buildings and the town’s flourishing museums.
Since the 1970s, La Conner has been a choice desti-
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NANCY K. CROWELL
nation for locals and travelers alike and has been named one of Washington state’s most romantic towns. Stroll through downtown today and discover a delightful historic main street with restored buildings housing modern retail shops and restaurants offering a wide choice of delicious fare.
Visitors will no doubt be drawn to La Conner’s boardwalk, perched on the banks of the Swinomish Channel and offering waterfront access with stunning views.
Heading west toward Fidalgo Island, visitors will pass over the red-orange Rainbow Bridge, a national landmark that spans the shimmering channel and offers a stunning view of Mt. Baker on clear days.
For the full La Conner experience, step off dry land and into a kayak for an aquatic tour. The
PHOTO BY NANCY
K. CROWELL
La Conner
Marina
channel provides ideal paddling for beginners and there’s much to explore. Afterward, enjoy a plethora of fresh seafood options at any of the well-regarded restaurants overlooking the water. Pair oysters, clams or salmon with romantic sunset views over Fidalgo Island. Get a glimpse of the unique artistic culture of La Conner with a visit to The Museum of Northwest Art. The MoNa features exhibitions dedicated to local contemporary, modern and abstract art and, if that’s not enough, La Conner also has an array of small galleries and gallery tours with varying hours. Expand your appreciation of the arts at the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum. After enjoying a stroll through town with the Walking Tour of Historic Landmarks map, history lovers will enjoy a visit to the Skagit County Historical Museum to learn more about the town’s origins and Indigenous heritage.
La Conner blooms in the spring and visitors buzz like bees to its daffodil fields. In March, cyclists clothe themselves in garb reminiscent of the English countryside for the Tweed Ride, a celebration of spring’s arrival. On August 1, 2026 La Conner will celebrate the 26th anniversary of the annual Classic Boat & Car Show, showing off the best on land and water.
La Conner is an artistic community, sure to inspire visitors with delightful views, historic musings, as well as art and food to suit every taste.
For more info, visit lovelaconner.com.
LA CONNER KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: Early enrichment mornings at the Museum of Northwest Art
Water access: La Conner Boardwalk
Playground: Kiwanis Playground
Photo by Nancy Crowell
La Conner invites you in—every season of the year.
Walk the channel at first light, linger in galleries and shops, gather for festivals, and return for the quiet moments in between. This is a town shaped by water, creativity, and community—where each visit feels both familiar and new.
Come for the day. Stay for the experience. Come back for what you missed.
La Conner events
Summer and Fall schedule
May
May 20, 2026
Museum of Northwest Art live art auction Maple Hall, 104 Commercial Street
June
Specific date TBD
La Conner Retirement Inn Classic Car Show
La Conner Retirement Inn, 204 North First Street
July
Noon, July 4, 2026
Fourth of July Parade
First Street in downtown La Conner
August
August 29, 2026
La Conner Rotary Annual Auction
Maple Hall, 104 Commercial Street
September
Sept. 25 – 27, 2026
2026 International Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival
Maple Hall, 104 Commercial Street
Sept. 26, 2026
Skagit Farm to Pint FEST
Port of Skagit, La Conner Marina
October
Oct. 2 – 5
Arts Alive!
Maple Hall, 104 Commercial Street
Date TBD
Brew on the Slough Maple Hall, 104 Commercial Street
Oct. 22 – 24
Skagit River Poetry Festival Maple Hall, 104 Commercial Street
Oct. 31, 2026
Halloween Parade
First Street in downtown La Conner
Shopping directory
B.U.tiful and Wikstrom Gallery
Handmade and curated home decor, local art and gifts (206) 384-7264
102 North First Street
Fine Feathered Friends
Nature store and wild bird supply (360) 399-1610
101 North First Street
Go Outside
Home goods for people who love the outdoors (360) 941-4225
111 Morris Street
Jennings Yarn & Needlecraft
Quality natural fibers and designer yarns (360) 399-1800
512 First Street
Mystic Art Supply
Curated selection of art materials, gifts and locally-crafted goods (360) 399-1617
101 North First Street #1-2
Seaport Books
Specializing in books about the Pacific Northwest (360) 466-3177
106 South First Street #F
Skagit River Boutique
Distinctive clothing and gifts for women (360) 466-5554
622 South First Street
sponsored by
photo by Nancy Crowell
A spectacular view of Skagit County history!
2026 events
Topic @ The School - Equality Colony, the Rest of the Story
May 17 • Skagit City School
Where our Food Comes From exhibit opening reception
June 5 • Skagit County Historical Museum
Where our Food Comes From exhibit
June 6 - Oct. 25 • Skagit County Historical Museum
Topic @ The School - Decades of Northern State Hospital
June 14 • Skagit City School
Topic @ The School - Northern State Hospital Cemetery
July 12 • Skagit City School
Public History Day at Northern State Hospital
July 25 • Swift Center Northern State Hospital
Pioneer Picnic
Aug. 6 • Pioneer Park, La Conner
Dedication of 'The Skagit Valley Story of Creation' panels
Aug. 14 • Skagit County Historical Museum
Topic @ The School - The Headlines of Northern State Hospital
Aug. 16 • Skagit City School
Mark Iverson Art Exhibit
Oct. 29 - Dec.6 • Skagit County Historical Museum
Fall Fundraiser
Nov. 7 • Maple Hall, La Conner
Holiday @ The Top of the Hill
Dec. 10 - Dec. 13 • Skagit County Historical Museum
Skagit County Historical Museum
Located in La Conner
"Come to the top of the hill for a spectacular view of Skagit County history"
501 South 4th Street La Conner
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday ww.skagitcounty.net/museum • 360-466-3365
This project received funding from Skagit County Lodging Tax. www.visitskagitvalley.com
marine mammals.
The following marine mammals are endangered/ threatened species that are important to our local ecosystems. While exciting to spot these species in the wild, be sure to keep your distance. If you do spot any of these species, you can help conservation efforts by reporting the sighting at bit.ly/43PSRID (Reports are most useful when provided with photos and coordinates).
CALIFORNIA SEA LION
Sea Lions have seen an increasing population along the Washington coastline and up into the Columbia River since the 1980s. Their range follows the coastline from Southern California to Southeast Alaska. California Sea Lions are smaller than their cousin the Stellar Sea Lion, but also enjoy a diet of fish, shellfish and even squid. Males can reach up to 1,000 pounds and eight feet long, while females can reach six feet long and cap out at a lean 250 pounds. They are considered a priority species and require protective measures for the survival of the species.
ORCA WHALES
Orcas, though called Killer Whales, are actually part of the dolphin family. The southern resident orca population has been trending towards decline since 1995. The species can weigh up to 11 tons and can reach up to 32 feet in length. Female Orcas can live to be 80 to 90 years old and males have a lifespan of 50 to 60 years. The three pods that pass through our local waters are J, K, and L pods. These pods can be sighted around the San Juan Islands and the Strait of Juan De Fuca between spring and fall (though the pods seem to be spending less time in the Puget sound in recent years). Boaters are required to
stay 1,000 feet away from Southern Resident killer whales and further regulations can be found at bit. ly/3Sx2qHh.
SEA OTTER
While the Washington Sea Otter population is fairly low, it has been growing in recent years. A population of 59 otters was reintroduced to the area in 1969/1970 and through careful conservation that population has blossomed into 2,800 (last recorded in 2019). Sea Otters are the smallest marine mammal and unlike other marine mammals, Sea Otters rely on their dense, insulating fur to keep them warm (Other marine mammals are kept warm by blubber). Females can give birth to a fresh pup every one to two years at any time of year. Their habitat is kelp beds and rocky marine areas within a mile of the shoreline. Sea otter diets include urchins, shellfish and snails. Sea Otters are found only in the Northern Pacific Ocean.
HARBOR PORPOISES
Though the population declined dramatically between 1970 and 1990, conservation efforts have rendered the Harbor Porpoise common in the Puget Sound once again. Porpoises are considered a good sign for fishermen, for where there are porpoises, there are sure to be fish. This ocean wonder is around 5 to 5.5 feet in length and weighs between 135 to 170 pounds. Males are slightly smaller than females. Porpoises feed on small fish, octopus and squid. They are solitary, traveling alone or in groups of just a few. Porpoises don’t splash when they surface or travel. All information was sourced from wdfw.wa.gov. For more information on these and other local species, visit wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species.
mount vernon.
Welcome to Tulip Town
BACK IN THE 1800S, MOUNT VERNON WAS KNOWN AS A TRANSPORTATION AND TRADING CENTER for the logging industry. Now, the booming blooming city is known throughout the country as the land of tulips, tulips and more tulips.
Mount Vernon remains a welcoming agricultural hub, attracting visitors from near and far to enjoy Skagit Valley’s bucolic landscapes, locally sourced food and diverse wildlife. Make sure to look up every so often, because Mount Vernon boasts some exceptional skies for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, swans and visiting snow geese.
With the coming of spring, lilies, dahlias, marigolds, snapdragons and, of course, tulips grace the surrounding farms. Spring isn’t official until the first tulip blooms, and as April bleeds into May, fragrant flowers paint the fields of Mount Vernon with an array of startling colors. Witness the beauty of endless rows of tulips at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, where multiple farms open their property for visitors to wander the fields and purchase bulbs to take home to their own gardens.
Christianson’s Nursery is a destination for gardeners
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
and garden-lovers alike. Wander through the gift shop, occasional vendor fares to the greenhouses, which are full of resident birds who nest among the starts and blooms. There are resident animals visitors can say hello to at the back of the property, including an emu.
Experience the heart of Skagit Valley with a bike tour around Mount Vernon and stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants. The town is full of cafes, breweries and home-style eateries. A popular beer destination, Mount Vernon is stocked with breweries where visitors can grab a pint and a snack.
Wineries abound in Skagit Valley, and visitors can discover the best of Washington’s wine in local tasting rooms, vineyards and restaurants. Historic downtown Mount Vernon offers many of the best antique shops in the region.
For a taste of the outdoors, check out Edgewater Park on the Skagit River. The park sits on 54 acres, and offers a disk golf course, boat launch, large stage and softball fields. With 10 miles of trails just five minutes from downtown, Little Mountain Park offers hiking and biking for every skill level. Bike up a paved road to the top for stunning views of the valley and to watch hang-gliders take flight.
The warm months in Mount Vernon are filled with activity. The Skagit County Fair, taking place in 2026 on August 6 through 9, brings family fun to town every summer with live music, carnival rides, farm animals and eating
contests.
In Mount Vernon, there is a treat for every sense. Take in the fragrant seas of colorful tulip fields, clock the chirping and whistling of bald eagles, enjoy local food, brews and wine, and dip your toes in the cool water of the Skagit River.
Learn more at visitmountvernon.com.
MOUNT VERNON KIDS CORNER
Water access: Baker Street River Access
Fun and Free: Breazeale Interpretive Center
Playground: Edgewater Park
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
burlington.
Where family fun is around every corner
FROM FISHING TO SHOPPING, BURLINGTON IS A DESTINATION FOR FAMILY FUN. Often referred to as “Hub City,” Burlington sits at the junction of I-5 and Highway 20.
Rivers and lakes with public access are conveniently located throughout this Waterside community and these bodies of water are popular fishing destinations for locals and tourists alike. The Skagit River is home to a variety of fish from cutthroat trout to pinks and chinooks to sturgeon.
Avalon Golf Links provides premium golfing for anyone looking to play on 27 championship holes. Stay for a bite to eat at the Sweet Bite Cafe, or head out for some shopping.
Skagit’s Own Fish Market is a great place to stop for lunch or to pick up fresh Pacific Northwest seafood to grill up at home.
The Children’s Museum of Skagit County, located at The Shops at Burlington, has exhibits, STEM activities and climbing structures. Take a break from the itinerary to let
PHOTO BY ANDY PORTER
the little ones run around and play in an education al environment.
Visit the Heritage Flight Museum at Skagit Re gional Airport to explore military aircrafts and ve hicles from WWII and the Vietnam War. Make the trip during one of their fly days to see some vintage planes tear up that baby blue Washington sky.
The playfields at Skagit River Park offer river access and walking trails as well as horseshoe pits, picnic tables and a play structure. Visit Skagit Skate to speed around the roller rink or walk the Cascade Trail for views of the North Cascades.
Disk golf is a popular hobby in the Pacific Northwest, so immerse yourself in the local culture and take in the scenery while throwing disks at the Burlington Disk Golf Course.
BURLINGTON KIDS CORNER
Fun: Children’s Museum of Skagit County Water access: Burlington Dike Trail Playground: Maiben Park
There are plenty of places to stay in Burlington as well as places to park your RV for a family camping trip. Camp along the river for days of outdoors adventure with your family and friends. Float downstream in the summer heat or point your kayak downstream for a river-born adventure.
The annual Berry Dairy Days, which takes place June 19-21, 2026, is one of Skagit County’s oldest festivals. It celebrates Burlington’s agricultural history and farming community.
Make it a day trip or stay awhile; either way Burlington welcomes its visitors with vibrant and fun summer activities for all ages.
For more information, visit visitburlingtonwa.com.
PHOTO BY ANDY PORTER
farmers markets.
WASHINGTON
Anacortes Farmers Market
Saturdays, May through Oct.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Depot Arts Center, 611 R Avenue anacortesfarmersmarket.org
Bayview Farmers Market
Whidbey Island
Saturdays, April through Oct. 18
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Intersection of Bayview Road and Highway 525 bayviewfarmersmarket.com
June through Oct. location: Outside Gate 5 of the Squalicum Marina Nov. through May location: Fisherman’s Pavillion, 2599 S. Harbor Loop Drive bit.ly/4kTUM5T
Blaine’s Market by the Sea
Saturdays, May 23 through Sept. 26
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. G Street Plaza blainebythesea.com
Coupeville Farmers Market
Saturdays, April through Oct. 10
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coupeville Green, 788 NW Alexander Street northcentralwhidbeyfarmersmarkets.org
Lopez Island Farmers Market
Saturdays, May 16 through September 19, Friday, July 3
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The heart of Lopez Village Lopezislandfarmersmarket.com
Mount Vernon Farmers Market
Saturdays, May through Oct.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Riverwalk Park, 501 Main Street mountvernonfarmersmarket.org
Oak Harbor Farmers Market
Thursdays May through September 10 4 to 7 p.m.
Rotary Park, 32630 State Route 20 northcentralwhidbeyfarmersmarkets.org
Orcas Island Farmers Market
Saturdays, May through September
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Village Green in Eastsound orcasislandfarmersmarket.org
2812 Thompson Road, Langley, just off Highway 525 southwhidbeytilth.org
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Ladner Village Market
June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, Aug. 9 & 23, September 6 & 20
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5028A 48th Avenue in Ladner Village ladnervillagemarket.com
Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market
May 10 & 24, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, Aug. 2, 16 & 30, September 13
10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Garry Point Park 12011 7th Avenue, Richmond Sfam.ca
White Rock Farmers Market
Sundays, April through Oct. 11
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Miramar Plaza and Russell Avenue, and Johnston Road between Russell and Thrift Avenues whiterockfarmersmarket.ca
Southland Grange Tsawwassen Farmers Market
Every other Saturday from May 23 to Nov. 7
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Market Square, Southlands, 6313 Market Ave, Delta, BC southlandsgrange.ca/farmers-market
BY
PHOTO
ALY MCGEE
race day.
These races span the 2026 summer season.
SKI TO SEA takes place on May 24 in Whatcom County. The annual race includes the following legs: cross country ski, downhill ski/snowboard, run, road bike, canoe, cyclocross bike and sea kayak. Teams come from all over to compete and cross the finish line into Marine Park in Fairhaven. Spectators can view various legs from different view points throughout Bellingham. The race is accompanied by a street festival that takes place in Fairhaven, full of vendors and food trucks. More information can be found at skitosea.com.
RAINSHADOW RUNNING is hosting 25K and 50K races on Orcas Island on June 6. The routes run through plentiful old-growth forests and climbing elevations. The views along the route feature the puget sound and surrounding islands. On February 26, 2027, Rainshadow Running will be hosting the annual Orcas Island 100, which is a 100.8-mile race that takes place within a 36hour time frame. More information on all races can be found at visitsanjuans.com.
THREE LAKES TRIATHLON/SAN JUAN ISLAND
MARATHON, HALF MARATHON AND 10K takes place on June 20 at Roche Harbor, San Juan Island. 2026 will be the 13th annual race. The triathlon includes the following options: Olympic Triathlon, an Olympic Relay Team Triathlon, a Sprint Triathlon and a Sprint Relay Team Triathlon. There will also be a kids triathlon. More information is available at lakedale.com/three-lakestriathlon-marathon.
THE CHUCKANUT FOOT RACE on June 28 is a 7-mile trail run that starts in Fairhaven and wraps up at Larrabee State Park. This race has been an annual feature of the Chuckanuts since 1968, and 2026 will be the 57th time the event has been held. The race will follow the interurban trail through the Chuckanut
Footraces, bike tours, triathlons and multisport races from across our communities
Mountains. Views will feature Chuckanut Bay and the San Juans. After the race, there will be a post-race party at Larrabee State Park with strawberry shortcake and a performance by musician Taran Ki’ihele Bowlby. More information can be found at gbrc.net/races/chuckanutfoot-race.
VIKING TOUR is a bike race on June 13 that takes place in Poulsbo. The tour features three route options. The Freyja is a 17-mile, relaxed ride with beautiful scenery. The Thor is a 29-mile moderately challenging route with rolling hills. Finally, The Odin is a 57-mile route that gains 4,000 feet of elevation to the end of epic views and a serious challenge. Free lunch at the BrewGarden is included with registration. All three routes are mapped at Ride with GPS. More information can be found at poulsborotary.org/viking-tour.
TOUR DE WHATCOM is a bike event that takes place July 18. Race length options include 22 miles, 44 miles, Metric Century Ride (62 miles), and Century Ride (100 miles). The tour will take riders through all manner of Pacific Northwest landscapes including lakes, rivers, valleys, beaches, Mount Baker and farmland. More information can be found at tourdewhatcom.com.
TOUR DE LAVENDER is a bike ride that takes place in Sequim, which is just 45 minutes from Port Townsend, on August 1. There is a 35-mile fun run as well as a 64-mile Metric Century Ride through up to six lavender farms. Proceeds from this race benefit the Peninsula Trails Coalition, and funds raised support construction and maintenance of the Olympic Discovery Trail, education and advocacy. There is a self-guided version of the 35-mile fun run for riders not available on race day. More information can be found at tourdelavender. com.
Visit page 60 for information on events in all of our communities.
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
bow, edison & chuckanut.
Unwind down the Drive
HEAD NORTHWEST FROM MOUNT VERNON AND BURLINGTON THROUGH PICTURESQUE FARMLAND, and along the water you’ll find the tiny towns of Bow and Edison. Exit 231 off I-5 leads visitors towards a quaint sojourn from the chaos of everyday life. Perched on the banks of a slough, Edison is all about escaping the city to embrace one’s passions. This one-intersection town with an estimated population of 240 is home to artisans and artists of all sorts. Journalist Edward R. Murrow graduated from Edison High School, and the community continues to foster and nurture creative minds today. Edison’s Smith & Vallee Gallery, housed in a restored turn-of-the-century schoolhouse, showcases artwork of emerging artists.
Edison hosts an annual Bird Festival and Chicken Parade in February where people can dress up in all manner of feathered chicken-wear and strut down Main Street. Bow and Edison draw in food lovers from all around, with a variety of food producers and restaurants. Both Breadfarm Bakery, specializing in handcrafted small-batch breads, and Farm to Market Bakery, which bakes a variety of delicious pastries, are masters of their craft. Bow is
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
home to artisan cheese makers, and Edison has several cafés and restaurants, most of which have an intensely local focus.
Chuckanut Drive is an experience drivers won’t want to pass up. The 21-mile stretch of road between Bow-Edison and Fairhaven allows visitors the chance to ramble along
high above the shoreline. The cliffs fall to Chuckanut Bay on one side and steep rock faces climb the other side of the drive.
Road bikers be forewarned – the winding road is narrow with no passing room. It’s safest for everyone when drivers keep their eyes on the road and wait for one of the many scenic overlooks before lifting a camera to memorialize the view.
The Chuckanuts offer hiking for all ages and experience levels – Larrabee State Park on Chuckanut Drive alone has seven trails, ranging from the easy trek down to Clayton Beach to the 6.5-mile grind to the top of Oyster Dome. Though it involves a 2,000-foot gain in elevation, Oyster Dome is worth the climb for the spectacular view of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan islands waiting at the top.
Fresh oysters are plentiful on Chuckanut Drive, as they grow right in the mudflats of Samish Bay. Stop in at The Oyster Bar to try oysters from the bay or take the lane down to the renowned Taylor Shellfish Farms to visit an oyster farm and buy fresh oysters, clams, geoduck, mussels and crab right from the source.
Visit Bow, Edison and Chuckanut to connect with the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
For more information, visit visitskagitvalley.com and bellingham.org
CHUCKANUT, BOW-EDISON KIDS CORNER
Fun: Tide pooling at Larrabee State Park
Waterfront access: Samish Beach
Playground: Larrabee State Park
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
transportation.
Being stuck behind the wheel of a car on a busy highway this summer isn’t necessary to visit all the wonderful places listed in this guide. Visitors will find no shortage of ways to get to and
TRAINS
Amtrak
Amtrak stations located in Vancouver, Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Stanwood, Everett and Seattle. amtrak.com
BUSES AND SHUTTLES
Airporter Shuttle
This shuttle takes passengers up the I-5 corridor to and from Sea-Tac Airport and downtown Seattle. The shuttle is also great for intercity travel and transfers to the San Juan Islands ferry in Anacortes. airporter.com
Skagit Transit: Mount Vernon to Bellingham Route 80X 360/757-8801 skagittransit.org/route-80x
Friday Harbor Jolly Trolly
Hop on/hop off with seven stops around the island
360-298-8873 fridayharborjollytrolley.com
from our coastal communities. Bike and e-bike rentals are also plentiful in our Waterside communities, and places like Lopez island, for example, are completely accessible by bike.
AIR TRAVEL
Bellingham International Airport (BLI)
Full-service, commercial airport with international flights. I-5, Exit 258 in Bellingham. portofbellingham.com/airport
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Full-service commercial airport with international flights. Hwy 99, Exit 39 in Richmond, B.C. yvr.ca
San Juan Airlines
Daily scheduled flights from Anacortes, Bellingham and Seattle to the San Juan Islands, Point Roberts and B.C. 4167 Mitchell Way, Bellingham International Airport sanjuanairlines.com
FERRIES
Lummi Ferry
Multiple sailings from the mainland.
I-5, Exit 260 to Haxton Way, Ferndale co.whatcom.wa.us
Located out of Bellingham, traveling to San Juan islands and Point Roberts
360/355-3610
Islandopportunitycharters.com
Island Express Charters
Located out of Anacortes, traveling to the San Juan islands
360-299-2875
Islandexpresscharters.com
BIKES, E-BIKES AND MOPEDS
Edenwild Adventures
Lopez island
360-468-3238
theedenwild.com
Ferry walk-ons can arrange to pick up their rental bikes right at the ferry landing.
Susie’s Mopeds
Friday Harbor
360-378-5244
susiesmopeds.com
Rent an e-bike, moped, scooter, Scoot Coupe, ZeroMax, Buggy, or Chevy Tracker to explore San Juan Island.
Dig Deep Tours and Bike Rentals
Bellingham 360-592-3830 digdeeptours.com
Mountain bike, e-mountain bike and gravel bike rentals
Sun-E-Land Bikes
Bellingham
360-389-2205 sunelandbikes.com
Bike rentals in Bellingham with rental delivery and pick up available
Tulip Country Bike Tours and Rentals
Mount Vernon 360-424-7461
countrycycling.com
Rent a bike to tour the Tulip Festival or just to ride around Skagit County in the summer
Skagit Cycle Center
Burlington: 360-757-7910
Anacortes: 360-588-8776
skagitcyclecenter.com
Offering various-type bike rentals out of their Anacortes and Burlington locations, including e-bike, gravel bike, hybrid bike as well as child trailer, pet trailer, cargo trailer, car rack add ons.
The Broken Spoke Port Townsend
360-379-1295
thebrokenspokept.com
E-bikes, town bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes and kids bikes.
Bellingham Cruise Terminal and Fairhaven Transportation Station offer
Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven 355 Harris Avenue CALL 360 - 676 -2500 FOR LE ASING OPPORTUNITIE S
fairhaven.
A small town with a big reputation
AMONG OUR WATERSIDE GEMS IS FAIRHAVEN, A HISTORIC DISTRICT OF BELLINGHAM. It was founded as its own town in the 1880s by Daniel Jefferson Harris, an entrepreneur and convicted felon nicknamed “Dirty Dan.” Fairhaven immortalizes Dirty Dan with a bronze statue that sits on the edge of the Fairhaven Green. On summer Saturdays, locals and visitors alike gather on the green to watch projected movies after sundown.
The town’s name comes from a translation of its indigenous name, “see-see-lich-em,” meaning safe port. Fairhaven originally functioned as a predominantly fishing-based economy before being incorporated into Bellingham in the early 1900s. While Fairhaven is no longer the thriving commercial fishing hub of yesteryear, it still has a vibrant marine industrial and transportation base.
The Bellingham Cruise Terminal is the gateway terminal for the Alaska Marine Highway and also serves as a jumping off point for whale watching companies and water taxis to the San Juan Islands. Fairhaven is either the first or the last U.S. stop on the Amtrak Cascades route that runs from Vancouver, B.C. to Eugene, Oregon, depending on if
PHOTO BY ALAN MAJCHROWICZ
travelers are venturing north or south.
This Waterside town was made for strolling, and if visitors look down, they may notice the plaques embedded in the sidewalks, each bearing a different historical factoid. The old-timey architecture helps to transport sightseers back to a simpler time. Ocean views, charming shops and lively festivals keep Fairhaven bustling all year round.
The shops and boutiques in Fairhaven appeal to shoppers of all ages and tastes. Whether visitors are searching for books at world famous Village Books or shoes, housewares, toys, local greeting cards, clothing or even artisan olive oil and vinegar, Fairhaven is the place to shop. Restaurants range from casual burger joints to upscale Italian and French riviera-style bistros. Visitors will have no trouble finding the perfect setting for a drink, from dive bars to chic cocktail parlors, there’s something for all tastes and budgets in Fairhaven.
Pups are always welcome in Fairhaven. Dogs can pop into many local shops right alongside their owners, and there is even a dog-friendly tavern along the downhill stroll from Fairhaven’s town center to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Just past the terminal
Packages
FAIRHAVEN KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: Outdoor music concerts at Boulevard Park
Waterfront access: Marine Park
Playground: Fairhaven Park
is Marine Park, the perfect place to have a picnic while watching the kayakers and paddleboarders push out to sea. The train passes so close to the small beachfront park that parkgoers can feel the wake of the train in the wind.
Come visit Fairhaven, where tourists and locals come together to decompress, meander and enjoy the slow tick of time, rain or shine.
For more information, visit enjoyfairhaven.com.
PHOTO BY ALY MCGEE
Beginner Bird Bingo
The following birds can be found in many of our Waterside communities, but we have listed locations where you can pretty reliably see these birds when the conditions and seasons are right. Can you spot them all this summer? Be sure to bring your binoculars and dress for the weather when you go birding.
BLACK OYSTER CATCHER
Black Oyster Catchers can be found often on the beach at Boulevard Park in Fairhaven and on Orcas Island at Crescent Beach Preserve.
Location Found:
GREAT BLUE HERON
These can commonly be sighted in Birch Bay, each defending its own fishing territory from other herons.
Location Found:
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT
Cormorants can often be spotted around ferry docks, at Boulevard Park in Fairhaven or at Larrabee State Park.
Location Found:
SURF SCOTER
Surf Scoters can often be seen around the ferry docks when you look down from the ferry decks.
Location Found:
BALD EAGLES
Reliable viewing spots include Little Squalicum Beach in Bellingham, Lily Point in Point Roberts, and on the way South into Skagit Valley.
Location Found:
NORTHERN FLICKER
Can often be found near Western Washington University campus in Bellingham.
Location Found:
BELTED KINGFISHER
Belted Kingfishers can sometimes be seen at the Squalicum Harbor and Little Squalicum Pier both in Bellingham.
Location Found:
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
PHOTO BY NANCY
K. CROWELL
PHOTO BY GABRIEL HOUGH
PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL
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K. CROWELL
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bellingham.
Intersection of art, cuisine, and adventure
BELLINGHAM IS KNOWN LOCALLY AS THE “CITY OF SUBDUED EXCITEMENT.” This Waterside community will keep visitors busy while making them feel as chill as the growlers in its plentiful breweries. Snowboarders in the winter turn to their mountain bikes in the summer, leaving no seasonal gaps in opportunities for adventure. While it is a college town on the surface, the youthful glow doesn’t detract from the homey comforts that will make it hard to leave when it’s time to check out.
This Waterside gem sits on Bellingham Bay in the shadow of Mount Baker, and hosts the annual Ski to Sea race. The 94-mile multisport team race includes ski, run, bike, canoe and kayak legs and brings crowds to Bellingham every Memorial Day weekend.
It’s rarely a bad time to drive the 39 miles east to Mount Baker. The wildflowers and mountain air in summer are almost as refreshing as shredding with friendly local skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Whether hiking to Artists Point in July or snowshoeing there in January, the view will leave visitors breathless.
Within Bellingham city limits, visitors will find lakes,
PHOTO
ALAN MAJCHROWICZ
waterfront parks, trails and beaches. Downtown and the up-and-coming Waterfront District are both worth a wander with plentiful local shops, coffee spots and restaurants.
Take a walk down Railroad Avenue on a summer Saturday and find that you’ve strolled into a bustling and long-standing Farmer’s Market. Visit long-time stalls full of veggies, flowers, hula-hoops, pottery, hot food, and clothing. Info on Bellingham farmers market can be found on page 37.
Bellingham was established as its own city when the neighboring towns of Sehome, Whatcom, Fairhaven and Bellingham merged in the early 1900s. The distinct neighborhoods add to what makes Bellingham feel smaller than it actually is. The population may be close to 95,000, but it never feels that big.
Local businesses with friendly faces abound in Bellingham; from eateries to bookstores, the locals make visitors feel like regulars. Bellingham is a dog-friendly town, and furry friends will be hard pressed to find an area where they don’t find friendly, petting hands. Bring your dog along to one of the many breweries or restaurants with outdoor seating, because in Bellingham, your dogs don’t have to sit out the fun.
The smell of coffee and delectable breakfast specialties waft through the Bellingham streets in the mornings. There is a coffee shop to fill every desire, a breakfast spot
BY ALY MCGEE
PHOTO
BY
for every taste. An artful town through and through, even the cafés offer a rotating display of paintings and art for sale by local artists.
If visitors feel inspired to seek out more art, they will find no shortage of avenues to find it. Bellingham boasts a collection of galleries, city sponsored sidewalk sculptures, murals and, of course, the Whatcom Museum. Within the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher building is the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG), which is a sprawling children’s museum certain to entertain kids of all ages. Those searching for more science-minded history can get their fix at the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention. More information on museums can be found on page 56.
The Marine Life Center in Squalicum Harbor is free to the public and offers visitors a chance to observe many species of sea life native to the Salish Sea. The center also rehabilitates octopi when the need arises, so you may just get to observe one of the sea’s most remarkable creatures
in recovery. Staffed with educators, visitors should feel free to ask questions about the resident sea life and ways we can keep our local ecosystem healthy. After sojourning at the Marine Life Center, take a walk around Squalicum Harbor, where the ocean breeze is always puffing away. Seals are a common sighting at the harbor, and visitors trying to get their steps in can walk all the way to Zuanich Point Park.
The newest development in Bellingham is the Waterfront District, home to Waypoint Park, the Waterfront Pump Park, and the Granary Building, which is home to a few local businesses. Check out the Northwest Tune-Up bike and music festival July 10-12, 2026.
For outdoor activities, take in a Bellingham Bells baseball game, or head to Lake Padden for paddle boarding. Ride the interurban trail on a bike or stroll through Whatcom Falls and wade in the cool, shaded water. Muse in shades of green while exploring the sculptures in the wooded glens of the Big Rock Garden on Sylvan Street. Beauty in Bellingham is around every corner, so come and seek it out.
For more information, visit Bellingham.org.
BELLINGHAM KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: Marine Life Center
Waterfront access: Bloedel Donovan Park
Playground: Waypoint Park
PHOTO
ALY MCGEE
sunset
The ideal spot to watch the sun set over Canada is BLAINE MARINE PARK. Just a brief walk from downtown Blaine, this park offers views of the water and the Peace Arch. With two epic pirate-themed play structures, picnic shelter and walking paths, this beach spot has something for everyone. Sit under a shady apple tree or just relax and dip your toes in the warm tidewaters.
BOULEVARD PARK roughly marks the halfway point between downtown Bellingham and the historic Fairhaven neighborhood. Boulevard offers plentiful landing spots for a sunset picnic. In the summers there is occasional live music, and just down the boardwalk there are summer outdoor movie nights on the Fairhaven Green. On hot days there are usually young people jumping off Taylor Dock being passed by bikers, walkers and dogs aplenty.
LITTLE SQUALICUM PIER extends 1,248 feet out into Bellingham Bay and sits on 4.85 acres of restored costal habitat (restored by the Little Squalicum Estuary Project). The beach is tranquil and accessible by car as well as gravel walking/biking trails that wind through woods and parks. Sunset views over the pier are epic, especially when cumulus cloud formations happen to float by during a citrus sunset.
LARRABEE STATE PARK, which can be reached via a scenic meander down Chuckanut Drive from Fairhaven sports several secluded beaches, a boat launch and tidepools galore. The park is dotted with massive rock formations, sheer cliffs and a lattice of trails and beach access points. Take a picnic lunch and you’ll be able to stay all day. When sunset lights up the rippling bay waters, you’ll be glad you stuck around.
EBEY’S LANDING NATIONAL HISTORICAL RESERVE is one of the jewels of Whidbey Island. The reserve is situated on a massive bluff overlooking the Olympic Peninsula, and features miles of trails to explore. The beach itself is sunny and relaxing, and Fort Ebey State Park also offers camping if a day trip just isn’t enough. When sunset backlights the bluff, the effect is positively cinematic.
FORT WORDEN is the perfect spot to take any film buff or Richard Gere lover. The fort, located in Port Townsend, was the shooting location for the 1982 film, An Officer and a Gentleman. There’s more than just historical and cultural attractions at Fort Worden; the views from the Point Wilson lighthouse are like nothing else. Look north all the way to Victoria, B.C. or east to Fort Casey on Whidbey Island. If you catch a soft, pink sunset behind the lighthouse, be sure to take a picture; you won’t want to forget the scene.
LIGHTHOUSE PARK in Point Roberts sports spectacular sunsets. Though it does not have a lighthouse, the park sports a walking trail, barbeque facilities, picnic tables and a campground, so you don’t even have to leave when sunset is done. The plentiful driftwood makes for great places to sit as well as fodder for building beach structures. When the time comes, the sun sets over Strait of Georgia, where Orcas, seals and Eagles are common sightings.
EAST BEACH AND WEST BEACH in White Rock are hemmed in by the White Rock promenade and punctuated by the White Rock Pier. When the sun starts to hang low, start your walk down the 1,542foot pier or pop off the promenade to lay a blanket on the beach. The sunsets in White Rock are atmospheric, and you’ll be glad you stayed.
whatcom water trail map.
The Port of Bellingham created the water trail map on page 52 to promote water access along Whatcom County’s marine shoreline and freshwater lakes.
Evergreen-studded islands, abundant wildlife and peaceful anchorages. Experienced or new to boating, we can help you discover the joys of cruising the beautiful San Juan Islands! Beginner to advanced liveaboard courses. Sailboat and
road trip tips
PACK FOR ACCESSIBILITY. Anything that you’ll need before you hit that next home base should be reachable from the passenger seat. Snacks, water and activities for non-driving passengers are essential and having them up front will minimize stops between destinations.
PUTTING A LITTLE EXTRA TIME INTO PACKING THE TRUNK OF THE CAR will leave you more relaxed when you arrive at your destination. If you plan to arrive at a campsite in the evening, pack your tent on top of everything else so that you can set up camp as soon as you get there. But if you intend to stop for a picnic on your way, make sure that cooler is right where you can grab it when you pop the trunk.
LEAVE PLENTY OF TIME. Often ferries fill up and you may find yourself waiting for the next one if you haven’t made a reservation. If you’ve left enough time this won’t be an imposition. With extra time, you’ll have no problem parking in the ferry line and taking the chance to explore a town you hadn’t planned to as an unexpected blessing.
BE FLEXIBLE. The best part about our Waterside communities is that they lend themselves to the wandering traveler so easily. As long as you’ve booked a place to
stay, our Waterside communities require no set itinerary to have a grand old time.
GET AAA AHEAD OF TIME. Whether it’s a flat tire or keys locked in the car, it is better to have a service on speed dial than to call every car service business within a 15-mile radius until one comes through.
LOOK UP ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS BEFORE YOU
LEAVE to make the stops along the way more fun. Build in stops to stretch your legs and take in some local culture. It’s more fun than stopping at rest areas and quirky stops will make any trip more memorable.
QUEUE UP YOUR MUSIC (OR PODCASTS) before putting the car in drive. Topical podcasts for Pacific Northwest road trips are plentiful. The Washington State Hiking Podcast (Jenny Thwing Flaming and Craig Romano) has topical episodes with practical, timely and seasonal hiking advice as well as hike recommendations. History of the Pacific Northwest (Ryan Tate) covers the history of Washington, Oregon and Idaho from the time humans migrated to North America to present day. Salmon Wars, and its season one predecessor Timber Wars (OPB and Propublica/NPR), explore more niche resource history in the Pacific Northwest. Off the Trails (Maegan Moaratty and Danielle Falagan) features tales of people who have been lost in nature all over the world (with a few episodes taking place in the Pacific Northwest), and with plentiful advice for staying safe in our state and national parks, this podcast is exciting and educational for travelers.
BRING BAG CLIPS TO KEEP ROAD TRIP SNACKS FRESH and a small cooler to keep your beverages ice cold.
DOCUMENT YOUR TRIP BY BRINGING A DEDICATED TRAVEL JOURNAL. Jot down little wondrous things that happen for posterity.
IF YOU’RE HEADED SOUTH OF THE WATERSIDE COMMUNITY LEDGER, make it a point to find a Pacific Northwest Mythical Troll. There are six giant troll statues throughout Western Washington and Oregon, all by the artist Thomas Dambo. While none of these gentle giants rest in our Waterside communities, they are deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest and we recommend checking them out should your journey take you into the Seattle area and beyond. There is one troll located in each of the following communities: West Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, Ballard, Issaquah, and Portland, Oregon.
DATES: TO TOTAL DISTANCE:
Destination(s)
Where to stay Itinerary musts
Where to stay
Itinerary musts
Restaurants to try
Restaurants to try
Road trip scavenger hunt: Circle what you see!
Mountains
Kayak Seal Train Ferry
Bald eagle
Sunset Body of water
PHOTO BY NANCY K.
museums .
PORT TOWNSEND
JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
540 Water Street
Port Townsend
360/385-1003
jchsmuseum.org
Displays exhibits and artwork reflecting the past and present of Port Townsend. Visit the Rothschild House and Commanding Officer’s Quarters.
PORT TOWNSEND AERO MUSEUM
105 Airport Road
Port Townsend
360/379-5244
ptaeromuseum.com
A variety of antique and classic aircraft, artwork, books and various displays.
PORT TOWNSEND MARINE SCIENCE CENTER
502 Battery Way
Port Townsend
360/385-5582
ptmsc.org
An interactive natural history museum with hands-on aquarium features, plants, touch tanks and more.
Poulsbo
POULSBO HERITAGE MUSEUM
19020 Front Street
360/994-4943
Poulsbohistory.org
Cultural heritage and daily life of early Poulsbo residents. Ongoing and rotating exhibits.
POULSBO MARINE MUSEUM
19010 Front Street NE
360/994-4943
Poulsbohistory.org
Showcases the rich maritime history of Poulsbo with exhibits and interactive displays. Featuring exhibits on logging, salmon fishing, oyster farming and the mosquito fleet.
SAN JUAN ISLANDS
LOPEZ ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
28 Washburn Place
Lopez Island
360/468-2049
lopezmuseum.org
Alongside permanent First Islanders and Natural History displays, there are rotating exhibits on farming, fishing, place name origins and island communities. Features more than 200 Native stone, bone and antler artifacts from First Islander life.
ORCAS ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
181 N Beach Road
Eastsound Village
360/376-4849
Orcasmuseums.org
Six original homestead cabins built during the 1870s and the 1890s were taken apart, moved, reconstructed and sited together to create the museum’s main facility. The museum contains Native American artifacts, photography, and skeletal remains from a family of 14,000-year-old Bison antiquus.
CROW VALLEY SCHOOL MUSEUM
1701 Crow Valley Road, Eastsound
360/376-4849
Orcasmuseums.org
Tour a late 1800s school house on Orcas Island. Tours are available during open hours, or private tours can be scheduled in the off season.
SAN JUAN ISLANDS MUSEUM OF ART
540 Spring Street
Friday Harbor
360/370-5050
sjima.org
The SJIMA offers rotating exhibitions through three galleries, focusing on artists of northwestern states and southwestern Canada.
SAN JUAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM
405 Price Street Friday Harbor
360/378-3949
Sjmuseum.org
Honoring heritage and history, the museum gives visitors the opportunity to explore the grounds of the restored King farmhouse, original county jail and Scribner’s log cabin.
THE WHALE MUSEUM
62 1st Street N Friday Harbor 360/378-4710
whalemuseum.org
The Whale Museum, opened in 1979, was the first museum in the country devoted to whales living in the wild. Today, the museum continues to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research.
WHIDBEY/ CAMANO
ISLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
908 NW Alexander Street Coupeville 360/678-3310
islandhistory.org
A museum that features local and regional history including ice age relics, mammoth remains, an Indigenous artifact collection (with cedar dugout canoes), maritime, early settlers, and the first automobile on Whidbey Island (1902 Holsman auto buggy).
Learn about the whales and marine mammals of the Salish Sea. Southern resident and transient orcas, and Gray whales. Unique gift shop.
SOUTH WHIDBEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
312 Second Street Langley 360/221-2101
bit.ly/4cfK2Mq
Focusing on the history of the south end of Whidbey Island, the museum also maintains the McLeod Cabin, an original log building and the Brooks Hill House with its photographs of early log structures.
ANACORTES
ANACORTES MUSEUM
1305 8th Street
Anacortes
360/293-1915
anacorteswa.gov/333/Museum
The museum houses a collection of hundreds of charts and maps, including railroad maps, town plat maps, nautical charts as well as fish trap maps, exhibits on local fishing and shipbuilding industries.
MARITIME HERITAGE CENTER & W.T. PRESTON
703 R Avenue
Anacortes
360/299-4130
anacorteswa.gov/333/Museum
Current exhibit on The Boys in the Boat focusing on Anacortes High School alumni Don Hume. Steamboat tours available on the P.T. Preston.
LA CONNER
MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART (MONA)
121 S First Street
La Conner
360/466-4446
monamuseum.org
Located in the heart of La Conner, this museum offers an exploration of art, diverse cultures and environment in the Northwest, with a series of rotating and permanent collections.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST QUILT & FIBER ARTS MUSEUM
703 S Second Street
La Conner
360/466-4288
qfamuseum.org
Located in the historic Gaches mansion, this museum is a space dedicated to the display of textile work from local, national, and international quilters.
SKAGIT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
501 S 4th Street
La Conner
360/466-3365
skagitcounty.net/museum
From parlors to plows, Native American baskets to Shirley Temple dolls, the museum galleries are overflowing with interesting and often unusual treasures of Skagit County’s vibrant past.
BURLINGTON
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SKAGIT COUNTY
432 Fashion Way
Burlington 360/757-8888
Skagitchildrensmuseum.org
Educational exhibits and events provide kids of all ages with handson learning experiences, geared toward promoting an understanding of the arts, science and culture.
HERITAGE FLIGHT MUSEUM
15053 Crosswind Drive
Burlington
360/424-5151
heritageflight.org
The Heritage Flight Museum displays military aircraft, models and memorabilia.
BELLINGHAM
SPARK MUSEUM OF ELECTRICAL INVENTION
1312 Bay Street
Bellingham
360/738-3886
sparkmuseum.org
Spark features interactive exhibits displaying the inventions and innovations that changed the course of human history. Come to the Megazapper Show to see 4.5 million volts of electricity light up the room.
WHATCOM MUSEUM
121 Prospect Street
Lightcatcher Space at 250 Flora Street
Bellingham
360/778-8930
Whatcommuseum.org
Located in downtown Bellingham, this museum displays more than 200,000 artifacts and artworks of regional importance.
THE MARINE LIFE CENTER
1801 Roeder Avenue
Bellingham 360/676-2500 bit.ly/3rW2Z0n
Part of the Northwest Discovery Project, the Marine Life Center introduces visitors to the marine flora and fauna of the Salish Sea
FERNDALE
HISTORIC PIONEER VILLAGE
2007 Cherry Street Ferndale 360/384-6461 whatcomoldsettlers.com
Large collection of cedar slab cabins, guided tours and annual events.
BLAINE
ALASKA PACKERS ASSOCIATION CANNERY AND FISHING MUSEUM
9261 Semiahmoo Parkway Blaine 360/371-3558
blainebythesea.com/apa-museum
Housed in an old cannery building, the museum focuses on the history of fishing and canning in Blaine.
POINT ROBERTS
POINT ROBERTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S HISTORY CENTER 1437 Gulf Road Point Roberts 360/945-7747
Facebook @pointrobertshistoricalsociety
Located in a WPA-built community center, the History Center highlights the rich and diverse history of this unique American exclave through videos and photographs, thoughtful displays and a wall-towall timeline.
B.C.
WHITE ROCK MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
14970 Marine Drive
White Rock 604/541-2221
whiterockmuseum.ca
Located in the historic White Rock Train Station building on the beach, this museum offers rotating exhibitions and events for all ages to showcase local history.
GULF OF GEORGIA CANNERY SOCIETY
12138 4th Avenue
Richmond 604/664-9009
gulfofgeorgiacannery.org
Located in the fishing village of Steveston, the largest commercial fishing port in Canada, this museum preserves, presents and promotes the history of Canada’s west coast fishing industry.
BRITANNIA SHIPYARDS
National Historic Site 5180 Westwater Drive
Steveston 604/238-8050
britanniashipyard.ca
A rare example of the type of village which once served the thriving fishing industry with its canneries, boatyards, stores, homes and its mix of cultures. A national historic site.
UBC MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY
6393 Marine Drive Vancouver 604/827-5932
moa.ubc.ca
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is world-renowned for its totem pole collection, research and teaching.
Visit HISTORIC PIONEER VILLAGE
in Ferndale, WA Largest Collection of Cedar Slab Log Cabins
VANCOUVER MARITIME MUSEUM
1905 Ogden Avenue
Vancouver 604/257-8300
vanmaritime.com
Since 1959, the Vancouver Maritime Museum Society has worked to preserve and tell the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and Arctic.
THE RUBBER DUCK MUSEUM
Tswassen Mills, Entry 3 866/567-2726
therubberduckmuseum.com
The world’s first and only historical rubber duck museum features rare historical rubber duck artifacts ranging from the early 1900s to today. This unique exhibit takes visitors on a captivating journey through the history and evolution of the beloved rubber duck bath toy.
museums.
MAY 15 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15 GUIDED CABIN TOURS Tues - Sun 11:30am to 4:30pm
FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
Lighted Christmas Stroll next two weekends www.ferndaleheritagesociety.com
JULY 24 & 25
OLD SETTLERS PICNIC Longest Running Festival in Washington State
lummi island.
A
A small, tranquil and inviting island.
FEW MILES
NORTH OF BELLINGHAM IS LUMMI
ISLAND, A TRANQUIL ISLAND that was named one of 28 “Best Secret Islands on Earth” by Travel & Leisure magazine in 2011. Not a tourist destination in the traditional sense, Lummi offers a relaxing retreat for art and nature lovers. This is where you’ll find a vibrant artist community living on “island time” and enjoying every minute of the laid-back lifestyle.
Quiet, tree-lined country lanes traverse the island, making biking and walking easy and natural choices for visitors. Meandering aside, there are a variety of activities both recreational and cultural to fill visitors’ itineraries.
In the summer months, find a spot to watch reef netters hard at work in the bay. Wild Pacific salmon reef net fishing is a traditional Pacific Northwest salmon-fishing method and has been practiced for centuries by Indigenous local tribes using cedar canoes and cedar nets to catch wild sockeye and other wild Pacific salmon.
Visit one of three preserves protected by the Lummi Island Heritage Trust. The Otto and Curry preserves are both perfect for a casual walk, but the real hidden gem is the Baker preserve, offering a short but vigorous hike up a steep and winding
PHOTO BY ALAN MAJCHROWICZ
trail with a great payoff – an overlook with breathtaking views of the San Juan islands.
If introspection is what you’re seeking, the Lummi Island Congregational Church welcomes the public to the beach behind it, as well as access to a secluded stone labyrinth for walking meditation. Lounge in the sand and rocks at Sunset Beach on West Shore Drive around sunset for a chance to see orcas swim by the island.
On the way home, visit the Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa on the way back to I-5. Silver Reef offers several restaurants, including an award-winning steak house and wine room. The on-site hotel makes Silver Reef a great homebase for visitors looking to explore Lummi Island as well as the surrounding areas of Whatcom County. If you win big at the casino, be sure to spend some of your winnings stocking up at the Lummi Bay Market.
To get to Lummi Island, take the Slater Road exit from I-5 and head west 3.2 miles to Haxton Way. Turn south on Haxton Way and drive 7 miles to the Gooseberry Point ferry dock.
The Whatcom Chief ferry runs at least once an hour throughout the day. A vehicle and driver fare is $24 round trip, and each passenger or pedestrian ticket is $10. Bring your bicycle; tickets for pedestrians with bikes are just $13 round trip. Anyone under 19 years old can ride the ferry for free, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Lummi Island provides a beautiful backdrop for visitors to find relaxation and peace among the wildflowers native to the island, such as camas, lupine, fireweed and wooly sunflowers.
For more information, visit lummi-island.com.
LUMMI ISLAND KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: Lummi Island Beach Access
Water access: Sunset Beach
Playground: There are no playgrounds on Lummi Island but stop off at Shuksan Meadows Park in North Bellingham to wear kiddos out before driving the final 20 minutes to the Whatcom Chief ferry.
Find special treasures for gifting paintings, drawings, prints, notecards, jewelry, photography, sculpture, glass, woodwork, pottery, metalwork, stonework, quilts, clothing, knitwear, and more! For self-guided tour maps & details, follow us on
Seaside Bash with OysterFest Blaine Oct. 10 blainebythesea.com
FESTIVALS
Poulsbo Viking Fest May 15-17 vikingfest.org
Fairhaven Festival
May 24
Enjoyfairhaven.com
Liberty Bay Festival 2026
May 29-31
visitpoulsbo.com
Bellingham Scottish Gathering
Blaine
June 6 scottishdancesociety.org
Birch Bay Kite Festival
June 20-21 birchbaychamber.com
Whidbey Wags Pet Parade
July 3
oakharborchamber.com
4th of July
All of our Waterside communities celebrate the 4th of July in style. Visit their individual websites for more information.
Northwest Tune-Up
Bellingham July 10-12 nwtuneup.com
Skagit Valley Highland Games
July 11-12 celticarts.org
Island Shakespeare Festival
July 17-Sept. 16
islandshakespearefest.org
Ferndale Old Settlers Weekend
July 24-25 whatcomoldsettlers.com
National Night Out
Aug. 4
birchbaychamber.com
Birch Bay Derby Day
Aug. 29 birchbaychamber.com
Military Appreciation Picnic
August 29 oakharborchamber.com
Dia de Fiesta
October 3
diadefiestawa.com
MARITIME & WATERFRONT FESTIVALS
Bellingham Dockside Market
First and third Saturday of the month
bellinghamseafeast.org/docksidemarket
Historic passenger plover ferry rides
Blaine
Weekends through Labor Day Blainechamber.com
Anacortes Waterfront Festival
June 6-7
bit.ly/4dlNRlw
Bellingham Sailboats Race Week
June 20-24
raceweekpnw.com
Anacortes Shipwreck Festival
July 18 fidalgorotary.org/page/shipwreckfestival
Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival
Blaine
Aug. 1 blainebythesea.com
White Rock Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days
Aug. 1-3
bit.ly/4sm5hlR
Richmond Maritime Festival
Aug. 22-23
richmondmaritimefestival.ca
Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival
Sept. 11-13 woodenboat.org
Richmond Dragon Boat Festival
Sept. 12 dragonboatbc.ca
Seaside Bash with Oysterfest Blaine Oct. 10 blainebythesea.com
CAR SHOWS
Rotary Club Car Show
July 5 ohrotary.org
Rollback Weekend Car Show
Birch Bay Aug. 2 birchbaychamber.com
La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show
Aug. 1 Lovelaconner.com
Rotary Car Show of the San Juan Islands Friday Harbor August 9 visitsanjuans.com
RUN/WALK/ BIKE/SAIL/ROW
Ski to Sea Fairhaven May 24 skitosea.com
Family Fun Run
May 30 ohedfoundation.org
Rainshadow Running Orcas Island 50 & 25K June 6 bit.ly/4sIZpUx
Blaine Fun Run
June 13 Blainebythesea.com
Viking Tour
Poulsbo
June 13
poulsborotary.org/viking-tour
Three Lakes Triathlon/San Juan Island Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K
June 20
lakedale.com/three-lakes-triathlonmarathon
Bellingham SwimRun
June 28 questraces.com
The Chuckanut Foot Race
June 28
gbrc.net/races/chuckanut-footrace
Kitsap Humane Society Petswalk 5k and Festival Poulsbo
June 6
Visitpoulsbo.com
Rainshadow Running 25K and 50K
Orcas Island
June 6 visitsanjuans.com
Padden Triathlon
Bellingham
June 27
bit.ly/4kvhIYL
Whidbey Summer Classic Regatta
July 10-12 whidbeyclassic.com
Lake Whatcom Triathlon
July 11
Lakewhatcomtriathlon.com
Tour De Whatcom
July 18
Tourdewhatcom.com
Medicine Creek Potlatch Journey
Tribal Journeys 2026
July 31 -Aug. 6
bit.ly/3NW3O7m
Tour de Whidbey
August 15
whidbeyhealthfoundation.org/ tourdewhidbey
Bellingham Off-Road Triathlon
Aug. 17 Bellinghamoffroadtri.com
SPORTS
Canada Cup International Softball Championship
Surrey, B.C.
July 3-6 canadacup.com
Bellingham Bells Baseball Games
June through Aug. bellinghambells.com
FIFA World Cup viewing party (Blaine)
July 19 blainebythesea.com
FAIRS
Whidbey Ren Faire
May 23-24 whidbeyrenfaire.org
Jefferson County Fair
Aug. 14-16 jeffcofairgrounds.org
Whidbey Island Fair
July 23-26 whidbeyislandfair.com
Northwest Washington Fair Aug. 13-22 nwwafair.com
San Juan County Fair
Aug. 13-16 sjcfair.org
hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/bellingham/bllex
ferndale.
Bustling destination bursting with history
THE CITY OF FERNDALE IS AN INVITING DESTINATION with a bustling Main Street, a substantial number of women-owned businesses, and activities for all ages. A growing city that celebrates their history and has a lively take on summer fun.
Ferndale is home to around 16,000 people. Ferndale is a hub of manufacturing, home to Superfeet, Samson Rope, Timken and the new Vicinity Motor Corporation facility that assembles electric buses.
Despite its serene appearance, Ferndale is a city of rock ‘n roll. Take a gander at Metallica Bridge; a railroad bridge that spans the Nooksack River has had the rock band Metallica’s name spraypainted on it consistently for over 30 years.
Ferndale is home to parks of all kinds. From Hovander Homestead Park to Pioneer Village to Riverwalk Park, visitors could spend a full day walking the trails, hanging out by the river and exploring Ferndale’s history.
Hovander Homestead Park is 350 acres in size with a mile of river frontage. In the summer, Hovander is home to barnyard animals and Hovander House Historical Tours.
PHOTO BY ALY MCGEE
fresh air, take an invigorating walk or run through the fragrance garden and adjacent trails.
Pioneer Village is home to the largest collection of original cedar slab cabins in the Pacific Northwest and features tours led by historically dressed docents from mid-May through Sept. This is the setting of the annual Old Settlers Days on July 24-25, 2026. Old Settlers Days is one of the longest continually operating celebrations in all of Washington. Winter visitors will be charmed by December’s annual Old-Fashioned Christmas.
Vanderyacht Park is the perfect setting for energetic visitors with its disk golf course, basketball, pickleball and handball courts as well as horseshoes and playground.
The event schedule in Ferndale is packed from summer to fall. Ferndale Flicks in the Park will take place on June 12 and 31 and Jam on the River will be taking place on June 26. For more information on these events, visit page 60.
Visitors will find themselves quite taken by this historical hamlet with a zeal for summer fun.
For more information, visit cityofferndale.org.
PHOTO BY ALY MCGEE
aurora chasing in washington state
Story and
by Nancy K. Crowell
photos
Washington state isn’t the first place that comes to mind for aurora borealis viewing, but dedicated chasers here have been enjoying a spectacular couple of years.
The aurora becomes more visible during years of high solar activity, and the sun follows an 11-year cycle of sunspot activity. We are currently near the peak and entering the declining phase of the current cycle, which has made for some great aurora viewing—occasionally as far south as Arizona. The rise of digital photography has drawn more people into the hobby, as these colorful displays can often be captured on cell phones. Digital sensors pick up colors the human eye can’t see, so experienced chasers know that what looks like pale gray movement in the sky may turn into brilliant green or purple when viewed through a camera.
Of course, the experience is nothing like viewing the aurora in the far northern parts of the world, where dark skies and the intensity of the phenomenon allow people to see vivid color without a camera. But if traveling isn’t an option, this is a good year to follow the sun’s activity right where you are. In northwest Washington, clear
northern horizons over water—like the Skagit flats or coastal areas—can improve your chances.
I started looking for aurora activity about five years ago and have learned a great deal about recognizing favorable conditions. A helpful Facebook group called Aurora Borealis Washington State has been a great resource, but if you’re not on social media, there are plenty of ways to chase on your own. Several phone apps provide real-time alerts. When the sun releases a coronal mass ejection (CME), NASA tracks its trajectory and whether it’s likely to impact Earth. Many aurora chasers also watch the “Kp index,” which measures geomagnetic activity—higher numbers increase your chances of seeing aurora farther south.
While general forecasts can be made days in advance, the exact timing and intensity often aren’t clear until about 30 to 60 minutes before activity reaches Earth. Even then, predictions can be off, but once you understand the key indicators, you can be ready when it matters. A reliable source for updates is NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, SpaceWeather.com. Vincent
Ledvina, a space physics Ph.D. student in Fairbanks, Alaska, is another excellent resource; his site is called theauroraguy.com.
In Washington, the aurora visible to the naked eye often looks like pale clouds drifting through the night sky. Occasionally you may notice faint color, but more often it appears white or gray. The first time you see it and then lift your camera or phone and suddenly see color, it’s a surprise—but it also teaches you what to look for. The more you watch, the better you get at spotting it.
If you’re planning to look for aurora, preparation mat-
ters. Scout a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view to the north. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged. If you’re using a digital camera, bring a tripod. For phones, use night mode to allow for longer exposures—many people use small tripods for stability.
With a camera, use a wide-angle lens and an aperture of f/2.8 to f/4. Turn off autofocus, as it won’t work well in the dark. Instead, set your focus in advance by zooming in on a star using your camera’s magnifier and making sure it’s sharp—then leave it alone.
ISO will vary depending on conditions, but a good start-
ing range is 1600–3200. For those striking vertical columns, a shutter speed of two to 15 seconds usually works well. Longer exposures blend the colors together, while shorter ones help preserve definition, especially for ribbon-like movement. Including a foreground element—a mountain, water, a building, or a bridge—adds interest and context. A colorful sky is beautiful, but seeing it above something familiar makes the image more compelling.
Aurora chasing takes patience. I’ve spent entire nights out for just a few shots, and other times I’ve
stepped outside for thirty minutes and captured something incredible. Sometimes the aurora lasts for hours; other times it’s a brief burst just after sunset. If you’re not ready, you can miss it.
But with the right attitude, that’s part of the experience. I usually go with a friend or two, and whether we get lucky or not, we have a good time. If you’re looking for a unique hobby, this is a great year to give it a try.
Nancy K. Crowell is a photographer and writer based in La Conner, Washington.
birch bay.
The destination for retro beachside fun
THE BEACHSIDE COMMUNITY OF BIRCH BAY FEELS LIKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME. Driving down Birch Bay Drive in the middle of summer, the breeze conjures up collective pop culture memories, like poodle skirts and classic cars cruising the strip. Birch Bay is home to both permanent residents and many, mainly Canadian, summer residents. Visitors come from far and wide for the sand and warm, shallow waters of the bay.
Year after year, out-of-towners return to enjoy walks along the beach and the variety of nostalgic restaurants and stores, including The C Shop, which is stocked with homemade chocolates, sweets, ice cream and other seasonal treats.
This community enjoys a long curving beachfront with a recently constructed berm and easy access to the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. Located on the Pacific Flyway migratory bird route, Birch Bay is a birdwatching destination. Enthusiasts should pack binoculars so as to not miss any details while observing migratory species such as dunlin, brant and black-bellied plover from the panoramic view spot in Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve. This reserve
PHOTO BY MOLLY ERNST
features a fully accessible trail and 54 acres of forest. Follow the trail down the bluff to the beach overlooking the Strait of Georgia to catch a glimpse of resident great blue herons and bald eagles.
Roughly a mile and a half from the reserve is the 664acre Birch Bay State Park, which offers campgrounds, a playground, picnic tables, boat launch, the Terrell Marsh Interpretive Trail, and BP Heron Center. The park is a great place
Discover
SHOPPING
Adored Again Boutique
Applegrove Junction
Betty Be Good
Birch Bay Budz
Mike’s Dollar Plus
DINING
Bob’s Burgers & Brew
Jack in the Box
Sahara Pizza
Subway
The Market at Birch Bay
Tokyo Monster Sushi
Woods Coffee
TESLA
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Anytime Fitness
Bay City Barbershop
Capstone Physical Therapy
Energy Foot Massage
MD MedSpa
Nail Masters
Quantum Healing Lounge
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Birch Bay Tax & Accounting
Catholic Community
Services Recovery Center
Edward Jones
JDS Exim/ U-Haul
NEXUS Global Entry Program
Northwest Veterinary Clinic
Snip Snip Hooray
Windermere Real Estate
for exploring tide pools in the summer. The beach is sandy and full of small wonders from tiny crabs and seashells, to floating waterfowl. The woods behind the beach are full of woodland critters, tall trees, soft moss and plenty of picnic shelters for when visitors get caught in the rain.
Along Birch Bay’s miles-long beach, explorers can discover tidal pools, go clamming and crabbing, or push out into the open water in a kayak or paddleboard.
A limestone pedestrian and biking path entices visitors to take a walk along the bay’s shoreline. The relatively new path was the result of a $15 million county project. A restored beachhead with a natural shoreline now protects the roadway from storm damage.
If the waterfront and trails are not the adventure visitors are looking for, they can visit the go-kart track and mini golf course at Station 49.
PHOTO BY ALY MCGEE
PHOTO BY MOLLY ERNST
In the summers Birch Bay comes alive through tourists and, of course, events and festivals. On August 1, the beach will be packed with amateur sandcastle architects for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sand Sculpture Competition. Pop by for the Kite Festival on the weekend of June 20-21, 4th of July festivities, the Rollback Weekend Car Show on Aug. 2 or National Night out on Aug. 4.
On Aug. 29, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosts a Birch Bay Derby Day celebrating the local culture and history of Birch Bay. For more details on events, visit birchbaychamber.com.
In Birch Bay, the retro beach town atmosphere will make
visitors feel like time is standing still. Escape the hustle and bustle this summer with a trip back in time at Birch Bay. For more information, visit birchbaychamber.com or birchbaywa.org.
BIRCH BAY KIDS CORNER
Fun: Station 49
Waterfront access: Birch Bay Drive
Playground: Birch Bay State Park
Photo by Ruth Lauman
tide tables.
JUNE
Date Time Height Time Height
Mo 1 1:09 am 7.3 4:49 am 8.2 12:48 pm -1.5 8:52 pm 9.6
Tu 2 1:57 am 7.4 5:15 am 8.0
1:22 pm -1.5 9:32 pm 9.6
We 3 2:49 am 7.3 5:39 am 7.7 1:56 pm -1.3 10:10 pm 9.6
Th 4 3:47 am 7.1 6:03 am 7.3
2:30 pm -0.9 10:44 pm 9.5
Fr 5 4:53 am 6.8 6:33 am 6.8
3:06 pm -0.4 11:16 pm 9.4
Sa 6 5:53 am 6.2 7:27 am 6.2
3:44 pm 0.3 11:44 pm 9.4
Su 7 6:37 am 5.3 9:17 am 5.5
4:24 pm 1.3
Mo 8 12:10 am 9.3 7:11 am 4.2 11:21 am 5.2 5:12 pm 2.5
Tu 9 12:34 am 9.3 7:47 am 2.9 1:19 pm 5.4 6:06 pm 3.8
We 10 1:00 am 9.3 8:25 am 1.5 3:05 pm 6.3 7:16 pm 5.1
Th 11 1:30 am 9.4 9:05 am -0.0
4:25 pm 7.5 8:32 pm 6.3
Fr 12 2:04 am 9.5 9:47 am -1.4 5:31 pm 8.7 9:46 pm 7.1
Sa 13 2:42 am 9.6 10:31 am -2.6 6:27 pm 9.7 10:56 pm 7.7
Su 14 3:24 am 9.7 11:19 am -3.5 7:19 pm 10.4
Mo 15 12:02 am 7.9 4:10 am 9.6 12:07 pm -3.9 8:07 pm 10.7
Tu 16 1:04 am 7.8 5:02 am 9.3 12:57 pm -3.9 8:53 pm 10.8
We 17 2:04 am 7.4 5:58 am 8.8 1:45 pm -3.4 9:39 pm 10.7
Th 18 3:08 am 6.8 6:58 am 8.1
2:33 pm -2.4 10:19 pm 10.5
Fr 19 4:16 am 5.9 8:06 am 7.2
3:19 pm -1.1 10:57 pm 10.3
Sa 20 5:22 am 4.9 9:26 am 6.3
4:05 pm 0.5 11:33 pm 10.0
Su 21 6:22 am 3.7 11:04 am 5.6
4:51 pm 2.1
Mo 22 12:03 am 9.7 7:18 am 2.5
12:56 pm 5.5 5:39 pm 3.8
Tu 23 12:33 am 9.5 8:06 am 1.5
2:52 pm 6.0 6:33 pm 5.2
We 24 1:01 am 9.3 8:50 am 0.6
4:26 pm 6.9 7:41 pm 6.4
Th 25 1:31 am 9.1 9:28 am -0.1
5:32 pm 7.8 8:57 pm 7.1
Fr 26 2:01 am 8.9 10:06 am -0.7
6:18 pm 8.5 10:09 pm 7.6
Sa 27 2:33 am 8.7 10:42 am -1.1
6:56 pm 9.0 11:15 pm 7.7
Su 28 3:09 am 8.6 11:18 am -1.4
7:30 pm 9.3
Mo 29 12:11 am 7.7 3:45 am 8.4 11:52 am -1.6 8:02 pm 9.5
Tu 30 12:59 am 7.5 4:21 am 8.2 12:28 pm -1.6 8:34 pm 9.7
JULY
Date Time Height Time Height
We 1 1:43 am 7.3 5:01 am 7.9 1:02 pm -1.6 9:04 pm 9.7 Th 2 2:27 am 7.0 5:41 am 7.5 1:34 pm -1.3 9:30 pm 9.7
Fr 3 3:13 am 6.6 6:25 am 7.1 2:06 pm -0.8 9:56 pm 9.7
Sa 4 3:57 am 6.0 7:19 am 6.6 2:38 pm -0.0 10:18 pm 9.6
Su 5 4:41 am 5.2 8:27 am 6.1 3:12 pm 1.0 10:40 pm 9.5 Mo 6 5:23 am 4.2 9:53 am 5.7 3:48 pm 2.3 11:02 pm 9.5
Tu 7 6:05 am 3.0 11:33 am 5.6 4:28 pm 3.7 11:26 pm 9.5
We 8 6:51 am 1.7 1:27 pm 6.0 5:20 pm 5.1 11:54 pm 9.5
Th 9 7:39 am 0.4 3:17 pm 7.0 6:30 pm 6.5
Fr 10 12:28 am 9.6 8:31 am -0.9 4:39 pm 8.1 8:02 pm 7.5
Sa 11 1:10 am 9.6 9:21 am -2.0 5:39 pm 9.1 9:30 pm 8.0
Su 12 2:00 am 9.6 10:13 am -2.9 6:27 pm 9.8 10:46 pm 8.1
Mo 13 3:00 am 9.6 11:05 am -3.4 7:09 pm 10.3 11:54 pm 7.8
Tu 14 4:00 am 9.4 11:55 am -3.5 7:47 pm 10.5
We 15 12:52 am 7.2 5:04 am 9.0 12:43 pm -3.2 8:25 pm 10.5
Th 16 1:48 am 6.4 6:08 am 8.5 1:29 pm -2.4 8:59 pm 10.4
Fr 17 2:42 am 5.5 7:12 am 7.8 2:13 pm -1.2 9:33 pm 10.2
Sa 18 3:38 am 4.5 8:22 am 7.1 2:53 pm 0.3 10:03 pm 10.0
Su 19 4:32 am 3.5 9:38 am 6.5 3:35 pm 1.9 10:31 pm 9.7
Mo 20 5:26 am 2.6 11:06 am 6.0 4:15 pm 3.5 10:59 pm 9.4
Tu 21 6:18 am 1.8 12:50 pm 6.0 4:57 pm 5.0 11:25 pm 9.2
We 22 7:10 am 1.2 2:52 pm 6.6 5:45 pm 6.2 11:53 pm 8.9
Th 23 8:00 am 0.6 4:28 pm 7.3 6:59 pm 7.1
Fr 24 12:25 am 8.7 8:48 am 0.1 5:26 pm 8.0 8:35 pm 7.6
Sa 25 1:05 am 8.5 9:32 am -0.3 6:04 pm 8.5 10:01 pm 7.7
Su 26 1:53 am 8.4 10:14 am -0.7 6:36 pm 8.9 11:03 pm 7.6
Mo 27 2:45 am 8.2 10:54 am -1.0 7:02 pm 9.1 11:53 pm 7.3
Tu 28 3:35 am 8.1 11:32 am -1.2 7:28 pm 9.3
We 29 12:33 am 6.9 4:23 am 8.0 12:06 pm -1.2 7:52 pm 9.4
Th 30 1:11 am 6.4 5:13 am 7.7 12:40 pm -1.0 8:14 pm 9.5
Fr 31 1:47 am 5.9 6:03 am 7.5 1:12 pm -0.6 8:34 pm 9.5
Tides at Cherry Point
AUGUST
Date Time Height Time Height
Sa 1 2:23 am 5.2 6:55 am 7.2 1:42 pm 0.2 8:54 pm 9.5
Su 2 2:59 am 4.5 7:51 am 6.9
2:14 pm 1.2 9:14 pm 9.4
Mo 3 3:39 am 3.6 8:55 am 6.6 2:48 pm 2.4 9:34 pm 9.3
Tu 4 4:21 am 2.6 10:13 am 6.5
3:24 pm 3.8 9:58 pm 9.3
We 5 5:09 am 1.6 11:43 am 6.5 4:06 pm 5.1 10:22 pm 9.3
Su 23 12:17 am 7.8 8:54 am 0.3 5:20 pm 8.4 10:05 pm 7.2
Mo 24 1:31 am 7.6 9:42 am -0.0 5:46 pm 8.6 10:49 pm 6.8
Tu 25 2:41 am 7.6 10:24 am -0.3 6:10 pm 8.8 11:25 pm 6.2
We 26 3:41 am 7.6 11:02 am -0.3 6:30 pm 9.0 11:57 pm 5.6
Th 27 4:35 am 7.7 11:38 am -0.1 6:50 pm 9.1
Fr 28 12:29 am 4.8 5:29 am 7.7 12:14 pm 0.3 7:10 pm 9.1 Sa 29 1:01 am 4.0 6:21 am 7.7 12:48 pm 1.0 7:28 pm 9.1
Su 30 1:35 am 3.1 7:15 am 7.8 1:22 pm 1.9 7:48 pm 9.1 Mo 31 2:11 am 2.3 8:11 am 7.8 1:58 pm 3.1 8:08 pm 9.1
SEPTEMBER
PHOTO BY DOUG DE VISSER
blaine.
A city by the sea
BLAINE IS A CITY WITH A RICH HISTORY, AND THERE’S NO BETTER REPRESENTATION OF THAT THAN THE CITY’S ICONIC PEACE ARCH. Built in 1921 to commemorate the peace established between U.S. and Great Britain at the end of the War of 1812, the arch acts as a gateway between the U.S. and Canada, celebrating the shared history that makes Blaine a one-of-a-kind destination.
For decades from the 1800s to mid-1900s, Blaine was one of the busiest seaports in the Northwest. In 1909 there were five canneries located in Blaine, but by 1960 the Alaska Packers Association had to pack up shop due to the aftereffects of Initiative 77, which banned fish traps in the Puget Sound.
Today, Blaine is less reliant on sea trade, but the legacy of the fishing industry can still be seen at H Street Plaza in the form of a bronze statue called “Vigil.” The commemorative statue depicts a woman looking out to sea with her child as they wait for her fisherman husband to safely return to harbor.
More recently, Blaine has become known for its bustling “restaurant row,” where visitors will find all manner of cuisines including steak and ribs, farm to table oysters,
PHOTO BY RUTH LAUMAN
a wine bar and cultural cuisines including Italian, German, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Mexican, American and more. Many, if not most of these restaurants offer dining with a view of the harbor.
Blaine boasts truly stunning waterfront scenery and the view from Marine Park is in a class of its own. Facing north on Semiahmoo Bay, with Drayton Harbor just behind, the park offers views of White Rock, B.C. and the Peace Arch. Visitors can walk a dog and stroll along the beach and path to the fishing and crabbing pier at the end of the drive.
Where Two Nations Meet, &
the
World Comes to Play.
Nestled on the border of the U.S. and Canada, Blaine by the Sea is more than a destination—it’s a celebration of connection. From the iconic Peace Arch to our vibrant dining scene, boutique shops, and lively community events, Blaine is where cultures blend and seaside fun is discovered.
As the “Gateway to the Games” we’re ready to welcome soccer fans and the world with open arms. Come for the charm, stay for the experience, and leave with a story to tell.
Along the way, children will have lots of fun at the Maritime Playground. Return along the southside board walk and view the commercial and recreational boats moored in the harbor.
Peace Arch State Park offers more than just the titular monument. The grounds are meticulously groomed to make the best possible impression on border crossers from both the U.S. and Canada.
Across from the pier is the Semiahmoo Resort, offering seaside restaurants, a spa, golf course, pool and beaches. Also located on Semiahmoo Spit is the APA Museum, which tells the story of the Alaska Packers Association salmon cannery.
Blaine has long been a birdwatching destination. The city is located on the Pacific Flyway, a ma-
jor north-and-south migratory path for seabirds. Birdwatchers frequently spot great blue herons, bald eagles, loons, mergansers and brant, sometimes even catching a rare glimpse of wayward pelicans. The annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival occurs every March.
Each summer, Blaine hosts the largest 4th of July celebration in Whatcom County, with street vendors, fireworks and live music attracting friendly crowds from all over.
The Blaine Harbor Music Festival, July 13-18, brings world-class musicians to perform and teach at the festival. The following month, the Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival brings out the pirates of every age on Aug. 1.
Every Saturday, the G Street Plaza swells with visitors and vendors buying and selling goods at the farmers
PHOTO BY RUTH LAUMAN
Photo by Ruth Lauman
market. Information on the Blaine Farmers Market can be found on page 37.
Visit Blaine for a much-needed dose of salty sea air, amazing food, and views like nowhere else. Stop on your way across the border or spend a weekend; either way Blaine greets every visitor with a friendly sea wave.
For more info, visit blainebythesea.com.
BLAINE KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: Lincoln Park walking trails & disc golf
Waterfront access: Marine Park, Semiahmoo County Park
Playground: Blaine Marine Park
2026 BLAINE EVENTS
Saturdays: May-October
Blaine's Market by the Sea
Weekends thru Labor Day
Historic Plover Passenger Ferry Rides
Friday-Sunday
Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum
May 16 • Spring Block Party
June 6 • Bellingham Scottish Gathering
June 13 • Blaine Fun Run
July 3 • Freedom Eve
July 4 • Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
July 13-18 • Blaine Harbor Music Festival
August 1 • Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival
September 12 • Catoberfest Music Festival
October 10 • Seaside Bash with OysterFest
November 28 • Holiday Harbor Lights
March 2027
Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival
July 10, 24, August 7, 21, 28, September 11
PHOTO BY GRACE MCCARTHY
crossing border. THE
The friendship between Canada and the United States spans centuries, built on shared values, intertwined histories, and the world's longest undefended border. From early trade relationships to standing together through two world wars, from NAFTA to countless cultural exchanges, our nations have demonstrated that neighbors can indeed become the closest of allies. Despite today's rapidly changing political landscape, with shifting priorities and new challenges on both sides of the border, maintaining and strengthening these personal connections between citizens is more vital than ever. Whether it's families reuniting, friends visiting, business partnerships flourishing, or simply the joy of exploring each other's remarkable landscapes, these individual relationships form the true foundation of our binational bond. Every border crossing represents an opportunity to reinforce the ties that make North America stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient together.
Border Crossing Requirements
To cross, you will need one of the following documents.
Canada: If you are a citizen of the U.S., you do not need a passport to enter Canada but you will need it to return into the U.S. Regardless, Canada still requires proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization as well as photo identification, a valid trusted traveler program card (NEXUS or SENTRI), or an enhanced driver's license (EDL). If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your permanent resident card with you.
U.S.: Canadian citizens should carry a passport, a valid trusted traveler program card (NEXUS or SENTRI), or an enhanced driver's license (EDL). U.S. citizens should carry a U.S. passport, valid trusted traveler program card (NEXUS or SENTRI), enhanced driver's license (EDL), military ID with official travel orders, Merchant Mariner Credential, enhanced tribal card or American Indian card.
Children: U.S. and Canadian children under the age of 16 will need to present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. Be prepared to prove that you have written parental consent for any minor children traveling with you. If you have legal custody or if you share custody, have copies of relevant legal documents, such as custody rights. If you are not the custodian, a parent or legal guardian, carry a letter of permission authorizing you to have custody when entering Canada or the U.S. A letter would also facilitate entry if only one parent is traveling with their offspring. The letter should contain contact telephone
numbers for the parent or legal guardian. If you are traveling as part of a group of vehicles, be sure that your family is in the same vehicle when you arrive at the border.
Dogs: Every dog entering the U.S. (including returning U.S. dogs from a Canada day trip) needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Dogs must be at least six months old, microchipped, and must appear healthy. For dogs that have only been in Canada (a low-risk country) in the past six months, the form receipt is valid for multiple entries until expiration (this is helpful for frequent Point Roberts to mainland Washington crossings. Such travelers won’t require a new form each time). For the most current information and to complete the required form, visit the CDC's website at cdc.gov/importation/dogs/.
Declarations and exemptions: Review what is allowable to take into the U.S. or Canada before you reach the border. The list changes frequently and can catch the unwary traveler by surprise. Surprises are the last thing anyone needs when going through a border. Declare everything you're bringing into the country, even if you bought it at a duty-free shop. Have receipts for all purchases readily available. Always declare when you are transporting $10,000 or more in or out of the U.S. or Canada. Prescription and over the counter medication should be in its original container.
Common Border Questions
When you're crossing the border, be prepared to answer the following questions for each person in the car:
• Where are you from?
• Where are you going?
• How long are you staying?
• What do you do for work?
• What is the value of goods with you?
• Do you have any weapons? (None allowed)
• Do you have any fruit or vegetables? (There are restrictions)
• Are you leaving anything in the country?
Contact Information
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cbp.gov
877-227-5511
Blaine office: 360-332-5771
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 800-461-9999 (in Canada)
white rock & south surrey.
Beachside history and blue skies all summer long.
START OFF WITH A ROUND OF GOLF IN THE MORNING, SPEND THE AFTERNOON ON A SUNNY BEACH, enjoy a meal al fresco and then wrap up the day with an ice cream while strolling along the promenade at sunset.
White Rock gets its name from the nearly 500-ton boulder that receding glaciers left behind on the shore of White Rock. According to a Coast Salish legend, a young First Nations chief threw it across the Strait of Georgia and its landing spot marked the place where he would build a home for his new wife. While today it is kept white with regular coats of paint, in earlier times guano from seabirds gave it the distinctive color. That, along with its size, made it an ideal landmark for 19th century sailors.
White Rock and South Surrey, situated on the U.S./Canada border, have a climate that’s often compared to the south of France. A local atmospheric phenomenon called the Blue Hole means that White Rock and other Waterside communities are often sunny while neighboring communities have weather that is less favorable. Combine the balmy weather, a 1.4-mile-long waterside promenade with
PHOTO BY PAT GRUBB
the beach on one side and a host of unique shops and restaurants on the other, and visitors will be happy to put down roots in this community for a while. The historic White Rock Pier was opened in 1914 as a dock for steamships and historically has been one of the premier attractions along the waterfront. A devastating windstorm in December 2018 led to significant damage to the pier itself; after millions in repairs, it was re-opened to the relief of locals and visitors alike.
Across from the promenade, Marine Drive is stocked with boutique shops, nightspots, and great restaurants. Sidewalk dining and people watching is a serious sport here! Visit the historic train station which is home to the White Rock Museum.
At the beach’s eastern end, the Grand Chief Bernard Charles Memorial Plaza celebrates the city’s close ties with its Semiahmoo First Nations neighbors. Here’s where you can fulfill that hankering for fish & chips and ice cream cones.
To the north, Crescent Beach is a popular waterfront spot with a safe swimming area in the warm water of Boundary Bay, while the Blackie Spit Nature Reserve with miles of trails is popular with birdwatchers. If visitors feel up to some exercise, the 1,001 Steps trail down to the beach at 15A Avenue will not disappoint.
There’s much more to this region than beaches and waterfront. Softball City is home to the Canada Cup International Softball Championship, taking place on July 3-6, 2026, hosting female fast pitch teams from North America and around the world. Celebrate Canada Day on the beach on July 1. The White Rock Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days, taking place on August 1-3, features salmon BBQs, live music, artisan markets and tremendous fireworks displays.
Visit the farmers market every Sunday until October 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miramar Plaza and Russell Avenue and Johnson Road between Russell and Thrift avenues. Details about the White Rock Farmers Market can be found on page 37. To the same end, visitors will find serious shopping, entertainment and eating choices in the uptown area, all centered on 152nd Avenue. Tourists may also want to check out the plethora of shopping and dining experiences at The Shops at Morgan Crossing and Grandview Corners, 24 Avenue and 160 Street.
White Rock and South Surrey are sunspots in B.C., full of shops, sweet treats, a promenade for long strolls and many diverse eateries. Visitors will find themselves laughing and strolling along, ice cream in hand, a smile across their face.
To learn more, visit explorewhiterock.com and discoversurreybc.com
WHITE ROCK AND SOUTH SURREY KIDS CORNER
Fun: White Rock Museum
Water access: White Rock Beach
Playground: White Rock Generations Playground
PHOTO BY KAT
DAW
richmond & steveston.
Island city, by nature
RICHMOND CALLS ITSELF AN “ISLAND CITY, BY NATURE,” A TIDY WAY OF SUMMING UP ITS RICH DIVERSITY.
Richmond, with the village of Steveston on its southern flank, grew on the 17 islands of the delta where the Fraser River flows into the Strait of Georgia. Its roots as a farming and fishing community are still an important part of what is today a humming metropolis.
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery and the Britannia Heritage Shipyard national historic sites in the Steveston area bracket a cozy town center and a port that is home to Canada’s largest fishing fleet. Visitors can buy seafood right off the dock or enjoy the ocean’s bounty in the restaurants that line the river and the downtown streets. Steveston is also the jumping-off point for whale watching tours of Georgia Strait, where riders can see sea lions, orca whales and eagles.
On Canada Day (July 1), visitors flock to the Steveston Salmon Festival where hundreds of pounds of wild salmon are grilled over open fires. The festival also features a
PHOTO BY KEN ESCANAN
pancake breakfast, parade, live music and performances, cultural shows and a big fireworks display.
From the original Japanese and Chinese workers in Steveston’s boatyards and canneries, Richmond has grown into a community in which 74 percent of its estimated 220,000 inhabitants are of Asian heritage. It has been called the Asian food capital of North America – The New York Times has touted that it has the best Asian food in North America.
The Golden Village, a warren of mini malls between Garden City Road and No. 3 Road, is home to a dizzying array of restaurants from classical Chinese dim sum to pan-Asian fusion. In just three blocks of Alexandra Street, visitors will find over 200 restaurants. The area is also home to the Aberdeen Center, one of the largest Asian malls outside of Asia, and the Daiso Japanese megastore. Tourists can start their food adventure by walking the self-guided Dumpling Trail, a collection of 20 or so restaurants. There are two routes, one being a hole-in-the-wall version and the other an upscale restaurant version.
The Richmond Night Market at 8351 River Road (next to River Rock Casino) is a great way to experience the Asian culture in Richmond. It is open weekends and holidays from April to September 20, 2026. The market has more than 120 food booths and 200-plus retail stalls, an
entertainment stage and free rides. Discover authentic Asian snacks and street food such as tornado potatoes, grilled squid, dragon’s beard candy, bubble waffles and more. Visitors will also find retailers selling all kinds of goods at street prices. For more information, go to richmondnightmarket.com.
On rainy days, take the kids to Watermania to play in two large whirlpools, waterslides and catapult off springboards. A stretch of No. 5 Road known as the Highway to Heaven is home to many places of worship, such as two spectacular Buddhist temples, showcasing the variety of faiths in the community. Many of the churches and temples are open to visitors.
Richmond is ringed by an extensive dike trail system, connecting dozens of parks. The Richmond Nature Park is 200 acres of the raised peat bog habitat that once covered the area, and five kilometers of trails invite visitors to explore its unique plants and animals. There are over 100 species of resident and visiting birds that can be seen throughout Richmond; visit Garry Point Park, Terra Nova Rural Park, and Iona Beach Regional Park to see bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, barred owls, sandpipers, killdeer and great blue herons. Nature lovers will want to keep their eyes peeled for turtles, river otters and sea lions.
In 2010, Richmond was one of the venues for the Vancouver Olympic Games and the legacy of the games continues in the magnificent Richmond Olympic Oval, which today offers a multitude of recreational and physical fitness opportunities. Try out their state-of-the-art Olympic and sport simulators featuring bobsleighs, kayaks, race cars, ski jumps and Paralympic sit-skis.
A few blocks away, the River Rock Casino, B.C.’s largest, offers gaming and world-class entertainment.
Steveston and Richmond are great places to explore on foot or by bicycle as there’s nary a hill in sight. Trails wind the seashore and jetties jut out deep into Georgia Strait, making Steveston and Richmond an inspiring place to be during a rare summer tempest.
As Richmond and Steveston fade into the rearview mirror, visitors will find themselves smiling with full bellies, wholly relaxed, holding onto memories of fun that will not soon be forgotten.
For more information, visit visitrichmondbc.com.
RICHMOND AND STEVESTON KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: Larry Berg Flight Path Park
Water access: Gary Point Park
Playground: Steveston Community Park
tsawwassen & ladner.
River and ocean towns
TSAWWASSEN AND LADNER PROVIDE VISITORS WITH A BREAK FROM URBAN LIFE. With a river on one side and an ocean on the other side, travelers have lots of options for fun and relaxation. Take a stroll or bike ride on a dike beside the river or sea, buy wild local salmon at Superior Fish Market, do some boutique shopping, play a round of golf or kayak through a quiet slough with only Steller sea lions and great blue herons for company. These are just a few of the attractions of Ladner Village and Tsawwassen.
Downtown Ladner is loaded with historic buildings, friendly restaurants and hometown merchants. Have a drink or bite to eat while you watch boat traffic on the peaceful and picturesque Ladner Slough.
The Ladner Village Market operates on a “make it, bake it, grow it” vendor model. In 2026, the market will be held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 7 and 21, July 5 and 19, August 9 and 23 and September 6 and 20. More information on Farmers Markets can be found on page 37.
Exercise enthusiasts can be found doing laps on the stairs at Fred Gingell Park on English Bluff Road in Tsawwassen. These stairs treat visitors to views of the Georgia Strait and the Gulf Islands as well as provide a top-notch
Splash a kayak at Ladner Slough and paddle through the backwaters of the Fraser River. Great blue herons and eagles will soar overhead while visitors explore small islands and marshlands abutting the waterway. Walk or bike the dike on River Road west to Georgia Strait; alternatively, ride the dike from Beach Grove around Boundary Bay. This flat gravel trail goes on and on under silent skies for 20 kilometers.
Both communities are located on the Pacific Flyway, and the surrounding lands are vital stopovers for millions of birds on their annual migration. One of the best places to observe all kinds of birds is at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ladner.
Between Tsawwassen and Ladner are acres upon acres of blueberry fields; stop at one of the roadside stands for a fresh hit of antioxidants. Highway 17 divides the two communities and also leads to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal taking travelers to Vancouver Island and various Gulf Islands. Along the way is the huge Tsawwassen Mills outlet shopping center, a major boon to the shopping scene.
Tsawwassen is located on the north end of the same peninsula occupied by Point Roberts, Washington. More suburban than village, the main thoroughfare, 56th Street, is rich with restaurants, boutiques and food markets.
If you feel like a little downtime, head to Centennial Beach for a swim and sprawl out on the soft sands of Boundary Bay. Miles of sand flats warm the waters of afternoon high tides to a comfortable 80°F/26°C.
Alternatively, head up the 56th Street hill towards Point Roberts to cool off in the water spray playground at Diefenbaker Park.
For more information, visit tourismdelta.com
LADNER AND TSAWWASSEN KIDS CORNER
Fun: Reifel Bird Sanctuary
Water access: Centennial Beach and Wellington Point Park
point roberts.
They call it “The Sigh.”
THERE’S A PHENOMENON EXPERIENCED BY BOTH LOCALS AND VISITORS TO THE ISOLATED HAMLET that is Point Roberts and it’s called “The Sigh.” The sigh involuntarily escapes both visitors and locals after they drive through U.S. Customs, turn onto Tyee Drive and see the long, expansive view of towering evergreens with the sea swelling in the distance. Not everyone feels it but those who do are inevitably hooked. People who feel the sigh will be back, that’s absolutely guaranteed. After driving through loads of traffic, braking for stoplight after stoplight, passing store after store, finally, heaven presents itself.
That’s when “The Sigh” will involuntarily escape you. Go ahead and let it out. We’ll wait.
Point Roberts is an island of serenity compared to the bustle of the Vancouver metropolitan area. The calm is palpable the moment visitors cross the border. The streets are narrow and lined with forests and fields, with views of the sea peeking through. Drivers give a wide berth to the horses, cyclists and walkers with whom they share the road.
The Point maintains a small-town atmosphere. Neigh-
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bors chat in the post office or the supermarket on Tyee Drive. The Gulf Road community center is a gathering place for local groups, hosting everything from seniors’ association lunches to the History Center. Stop by the History Center and pick up a copy of their History Trail map. Then drive or cycle around the Point to view the signs and learn the history of this little exclave. The Point Roberts Library sits just next door.
At the end of Gulf Road, there are two restaurants with panoramic views of Georgia Strait, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. On exceptionally clear days, one can see the whitecapped mountains of the Olympic Peninsula.
The Fourth of July in Point Roberts is a hometown USA extravaganza featuring a pancake breakfast, parade, and usually barbecue and fireworks.
Point Roberts life centers around the outdoors. With parks at each corner of the peninsula, a marina and a golf course, this five-square-mile community is bursting with opportunities for outdoor activity.
Lily Point Marine Park has miles of hiking trails, snaking along the uplands and down to the bluff-ringed beach with views of the San Juan and Gulf islands, Mount Baker, as well as sightings of resident eagles and great blue herons. In early summer, eagles gather by the hundreds on the sand
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flats to gorge on small fish trapped in tidal pools. Signage in the park educates visitors on the rich history of the area. Historically, Lily Point was a summer fishing encampment for several Coast Salish tribes who used reef nets to fish the sockeye run. Later, the Alaska Packers Association Cannery built giant fish traps off the Lily Point reef, canning millions of salmon until the traps were outlawed in
The northeast corner of the Point is home to Maple Beach. During summer low tides, Maple Beach offers acres
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of tide flats where families set up camp and spend the day splashing in the warm water, clamming, crabbing, beachcombing, or zipping along on skim boards. On an incoming tide on a hot summer day, the water temperature can reach the mid-80s.
In the southwest corner, Lighthouse Marine Park offers camping and picnicking. When the salmon are running, it’s a popular fishing spot for more than just people; harbor seals and the local pod of southern resident Orcas also stop to fill their bellies. Whale watchers tend to have better chances of spotting an Orca in mid-afternoon. Sitting next to the main trail is a sun sweep arch, one of three sculptures by artist David Barr placed along the US/Canada border, of which the western anchor point is located at Light-
house Marine Park. There is an eastern sun sweep arch on Campobella Island with a keystone element in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota.
In the northwest corner of Point Roberts, Monument Park houses a trail down to the beach. While parts of the trail are steep, the beach is worth the hike. The end of the hike offers a place on the beach that is quiet and secluded, with acres of tide flats at low tide. These tide flats are a popular hunting ground for great blue heron, making this beach the perfect spot to observe nature on a sunny afternoon.
Strings and Things International Music Festival will take place July 11, 2026. Strings & Things is a one-day music festival featuring a varied line up of musicians and bands.
POINT ROBERTS KIDS CORNER
Fun and Free: Beachcombing at Maple Beach
Waterfront access: Maple Beach
Park: Lighthouse Marine Park
The event will take place at Lighthouse Marine Park. In March, the Point fills with music again for PaddyFest, an annual Saint Patrick’s Day-inspired music festival.
The sigh Point Roberts inspires in visitors is a gift that keeps on giving – inhale that luxuriously fresh sea air, and let the sigh take over again and again.
For more information, visit pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com.
THE HISTORY CENTER is open year-round from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and is located at the Point Roberts Community Center. Additional hours are added in the summer and holiday seasons. Find the current hours at allpointbulletin.com/calendar. Stop by to view historic photographs, Point Roberts memorabilia, hear from knowledgeable personnel and visit the gift shop.
THE HISTORY TRAIL will leave you with an enhanced contextual lens with which to view your destination. The trail includes over 29 signs detailing the history of the Point. Pick up your map at the History Center or the information kiosk at the International Marketplace.
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Vancouver’s Best Kept Secret is Just Across the Line
Explore the Tiny American Gem on the Canadian Salish Sea!
While the world gathers in Vancouver for the 2026 global tournaments, a hidden treasure awaits just minutes away. Discover Point Roberts, a unique American exclave on the Tsawwassen Peninsula, perfectly positioned off the Highway 99 corridor. This quiet corner of the Pacific Northwest always welcomes visitors with its blend of relaxed charm and natural beauty. Here, you can escape the crowds and find your moment of peace. Stroll through waterfront parks, hike pristine trails, or enjoy a round of golf on a championship course.
Retreat to the tranquility of Point Roberts. It’s the perfect balance of global energy and serene solitude. Just remember to bring your passport!
Events can be big in our small seaside community. Our community thrives on connection and celebration, hosting events that bring together locals and visitors for unforgettable experiences. You won’t want to miss the Fourth of July parade and the summer-long celebrations for our nation’s 250th birthday. And mark your calendar for July 11, the 3rd Annual Point Roberts Strings & Things International Music Festival—a one-day celebration of string-driven artistry set against the stunning backdrop of the Salish Sea. Purchase tickets at stringsandthingsmusicfestival.com
Make Point Roberts an essential part of your 2026 travel experience and discover an unforgettable destination.
