Waterside Magazine 2025

Lynden, WA

publisher’s note

AS ALEXANDER THE GREAT WAS

AWONT TO SAY TO HIS BOON TRAVELING PARTNERS - though I’m not entirely sure Google Translate got this ancient Greek quote right – “The greatest conquest isn’t land or gold, my friends – it’s traveling from place to place and discovering that perfect gyro stand in some out-of-the-way spot where the locals think you’re just another hungry fool instead of the guy who’s been terrorizing their neighbors.”

We couldn’t agree more despite having never terrorized anyone in our lives. Here at Waterside Magazine, we’ve spent years exploring every hidden beach, tucked-away trail, and festival from Steveston to Port Townsend, and we can say with confidence that Alexander was onto something about the discoveries made while traveling. The real treasures aren’t the ones you plan to find – they’re the ones that find you when you’re wandering aimlessly down a coastal path or stumbling upon a whale-watching spot that locals have kept to themselves for generations.

This issue celebrates those unexpected discoveries that make Pacific Northwest travel so rewarding. Whether you’re plotting a kayaking expedition through the San Juan Islands, searching for the perfect storm-watching perch, or planning at long last to catch that summer festival everyone talks about, we’ve gathered the kind of local information that turn ordinary trips into the adventures you’ll remember for years.

So, loosen that itinerary, follow the tide pools instead of the GPS, and let our Waterside communities surprise you with their hidden hiking trails, secret swimming holes, and concerts by the harbor. After all, the best conquests are the ones that leave you salt-stained, wind-blown, and already planning your return.

Happy wandering,

Pat Grubb Publisher

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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.

4. publisher’s note

30. swim

31. sea life

37. farmers markets

38. bike

42. outdoor art

43. art festivals

47. transportation

54. whatcom water trail

56. museums

60. events

66. road trip tips

68. road trip worksheet

69. beaches

76. tide chart

86 crossing the border

PHOTO BY RICK LAWLER

ORCAS ISLAND BOW, EDISON & CHUCKANUT BURLINGTON

V 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 Arthor Conan Doyle in those many volumes of Sherlock Homes 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

BY

busy schedule of summer festivals; one such can’t miss event is the Northwest Maritime Center’s annual Wooden Boat Festival, happening September 5–7, 2025.

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 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)

PHOTO

ANDY PORTER

BY

N 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, Fattman, and some 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

PHOTO

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 15-17, 2025, and the Poulsbo Film Festival will take place October 1012, 2025. 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

and Free: SEA Discovery Center

Water access: Liberty Bay Waterfront Park

Playground: Lions Park

whidbey island.

A Pacific Northwest haven for artists

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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 simulator 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

Penn Cove Water Festival - May 10

Wings over Whidbey Annual Birding Festival - May 17

Coupeville’s Annual Memorial Parade - May 24

Coupeville Wharf 120th Anniversary Party - July 19

Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival - August 9 & 10

Coupeville Annual Golf Tournament - August 15

Tour de Whidbey - August 16

The Haunting of Coupeville - Celebrating Practical MagicEvents throughout October

Greening of Coupeville - December 6

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 9 and 10, 2025 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

PHOTO BY ALAN MAJCHROWICZ

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 24-27, 2025. 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

A 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. Anacortes Com-

munity Forest Lands is comprised of 2,950 acres of woods, wetlands, lakes and meadows, 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 1,273foot 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. Life-sized murals of characters from Anacortes’ past add splashes of color to the city center. Stroll past paintings of turn-of-the-century luminaries such as Anne and Tommy Thompson, who founded the Anacortes Railway. Muralist, Bill Mitchell, who passed away

in 2019, is depicted on O Avenue. Mitchell gave back to the city in many ways, from his ambitious mural project to collecting town history and working to save historic buildings.

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, held in downtown Anacortes from August 1-3, 2025, has celebrated art in Anacortes since 1962. The festival features nearly 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 7-8, 2025 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 on the way to catching 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.

ANACORTES KIDS CORNER

Fun and Free: Anacortes Public Library (a Family Place Library)

Water access: Sunset Beach

Playground: Storvik Park

PHOTO BY ANDY PORTER

BY

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.

S

The island offers restaurants, shops, galleries, and activities galore. 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 wool coming from the very alpacas in the field right outside!

PHOTO

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 breathless 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 2025 from October 23-26. See page 60 for more information.

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

Opening Boating Day May 4th • sjiyc.com

San Juan Island Artists Tour June 7-8 • sanjuanislandartists.com

Three Lakes Triathlon & Marathon June 14 • lakedale.com/threelakes-triathlon-marathon 4th of July Celebration

Parade, Firecracker Run, Pig War Picnic, Fireworks sanjuanisland.org/4th-of-july Rotary Car Show of the San Juan Islands • August 10 rotaryfoundationsanjuanislands.org

The Lakedale Music Festival with Brian Nova • August 22-23 lakedale.com/music-festival/ Archipelago Collective Chamber Music Festival • September 5-7 archipelagocollective.org

San Juan Islands Farm Tours farmtourssanjuans.com/

Friday Harbor Film Festival October 23-26 • fhff.org

San Juan Island Restaurant Week November 16-23 sanjuanisland.org/restaurantweek

For more information, please contact the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce: San Juan County Fair August 14-17 • sjcfair.org

Island Artisans Holiday Market November 28-29 facebook.com/profile. php?id=100064300014853

Friday Harbor Winterfest December 1-31 sanjuanisland.org/winterfest/

O orcas island.

Largest and most mountainous of all the islands.

PHOTO BY RICK LAWLER

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 with promotion code: WATERSIDE

lopez island.

A

small community with big personality.

Lrents out musical instruments.

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 “Slopez.” 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

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 Slow-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

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la conner.

1800s waterfront community turned arts enclave

A VIBRANT TOWN ON THE SWINOMISH

A

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 destina-

PHOTO

NANCY K. CROWELL

La Conner Marina

Walking distance to great dining and shopping.

Enjoy the guest docks at our friendly marina along the Swinomish Channel.

La Conner Marina

613 N. 2nd Street

P.O. Box 1120

La Conner, WA 98257

360-466-3118

Channel VHF 66A www.portofskagit.com

tion 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 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 into 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 2, 2025 La Conner will celebrate the 25th 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 K. CROWELL

BEST WATERSIDEswim spots.

There is nothing more refreshing in the summer than swimming in the great outdoors. In our Waterside communities, a place to dive into cool, glassy waters is always just around the corner. Freshwater and saltwater swimming spots are plentiful in the Pacific Northwest, and here are a few of our favorite places to dive in and cool off.

Always check local advisories and pay attention to warning signage before jumping into any body of water.

WASHINGTON

MAPLE BEACH

Point Roberts

Saltwater

Access: Easy, parking on side streets

BIRCH BAY

Birch Bay

Saltwater

Access: Easy, parking available just across Birch Bay Drive

WHATCOM FALLS

Bellingham

Freshwater

Access: Medium, wellkept gravel trails, requires walking

LARRABEE STATE PARK

Chuckanut

Saltwater

Access: Medium, wellkept gravel path and steep stairs, Discover Pass required to park

BAY VIEW STATE PARK

Mount Vernon

Saltwater

Access: Easy, parking available at beach site, Discover Pass required to park

DOUBLE BLUFF BEACH

Whidbey Island

Saltwater

Access: Easy, limited parking available near beach

EAGLE COVE BEACH

San Juan Island

Saltwater

Access: Easy, parking available, short walk to beach

CASCADE LAKE

Orcas Island

Freshwater

Access: Easy, parking available at the day use area of the lake, Discover Pass required to park

AGATE BEACH DAY PARK

Lopez Island

Saltwater

Access: Easy, parking available near picnic area

NORTH BEACH COUNTY PARK

Port Townsend

Saltwater

Access: Easy, parking available at beach site

B.C.

WHITE ROCK PROMENADE AND EAST BEACH

White Rock

Saltwater

Access: Easy, parking available, street and paved paths to beach

CENTENNIAL BEACH

Tsawwassen

Saltwater

Access: Easy, short walk from parking area to beach

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 regulation 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 (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 five to five and a half feet in length and weights 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.

PHOTO BY

B 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 and garden-lovers alike. Wander through the gift shop, oc-

PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL

casional 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 (August 7-10, 2025) 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 ANDY PORTER

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.

FRivers 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 the little ones run around and play in an educational

PHOTO BY ANDY PORTER

environment.

Visit the Heritage Flight Museum at Skagit Regional Airport to explore military aircrafts and vehicles 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.

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.

BURLINGTON

KIDS CORNER

Fun: Children’s Museum of Skagit County

Water access: Burlington Dike Trail

Playground: Maiben Park

The annual Berry Dairy Days, which takes place June 20-22, 2025, 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 LOUISE MUGAR

farmers markets.

WASHINGTON

Anacortes Farmers Market

Saturdays, May through October

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 611 R Avenue anacortesfarmersmarket.org

Bayview Farmers Market

Whidbey Island

Saturdays, April through October, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Intersection of Bayview Road and Highway 525 bayviewfarmersmarket.com

Bellingham Farmers Market

Saturdays, April through December 20

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1100 Railroad Avenue bellinghamfarmers.org

Bellingham Dockside Market

First and third Saturdays of every month

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June through October location: Fisherman’s Pavillion, 2599 S. Harbor Loop Drive

November through May location: Outside Gate 5 of the Squalicum Marina bit.ly/4kTUM5T

Blaine’s Market by the Sea

Saturdays, May through October 11

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

G Street Plaza blainebythesea.com

Coupeville Farmers Market

Saturdays, April through October 11

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

788 NW Alexander Street northcentralwhidbeyfarmersmarkets.org

Lopez Island Farmers Market

Saturdays, May 18 through September 20

Thursday, July 4

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The heart of Lopez Village Lopezislandfarmersmarket.com

Mount Vernon Farmers Market

Saturdays, May through October 11

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Riverwalk Park, 501 Main Street mountvernonfarmersmarket.org

Oak Harbor Farmers Market

Thursdays May through August 4 to 7 p.m.

Location rotates northcentralwhidbeyfarmersmarkets.org

Orcas Island Farmers Market

Saturdays, May through September

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Village Green in Eastsound orcasislandfarmersmarket.org

Port Townsend Farmers Market

Saturdays, April through October 25

9 a.m.–2 p.m.

November through December 20

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wednesdays, June-September

6 p.m.

600 Block of Tyler Street jcfmarkets.org

Poulsbo Farmers Market

Saturdays

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

18901 8th Ave NE

Poulsbofarmersmarket.org

San Juan Island Farmers Market

Saturdays, April through October

First and third Saturdays of the Month, November through March

9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Brickworks Building, 150 Nichols Street, Friday Harbor sjifarmersmarket.com

South Whidbey Tilth

Sundays, April through October 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2812 Thompson Road, Langley southwhidbeytilth.org

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Ladner Village Market

June 8 & 22, July 6 & 20, August 10 &24, September 7 &21

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5028A 48th Avenue, Delta ladnervillagemarket.com

Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market

June 1 & 15, July 13 & 27, August 17 & 31, September 14 & 28

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 October 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

15154 Russel Avenue whiterockfarmersmarket.ca

Southland Grange Tsawwassen Farmers Market

Every other Saturday from May 24 to November 8

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Market Square, 6313 Market Ave, Delta, BC southlandsgrange.ca/farmers-market

biking is better with a map.

PHOTO BY RICK LAWLER

The biking options in our Waterside communities are vast with varied levels of challenge and time commitments. Knowing your route is an important part of having the biking day out that you planned. The following is a list of resources for planning your bike routes in our communities.

WHATCOM COUNTY

The Gravel Adventure Field Guide for Whatcom County is available online and the paper version is available for free at select retailers around the area. The routes are available in Ride with GPS for planning and on-the-go navigation purposes. Visit graveladventurefieldguide.com/bellinghamwa to learn more.

SKAGIT VALLEY

The Skagit Bicycle Club has several routes mapped from 25 to 100 miles. Routes are compatible with Ride with GPS. More information can be found at skagitbicycleclub.org.

ISLAND COUNTY

Island County has bike routes cataloged for Whidbey and Camano Island in a web map available at bit.ly/3ZuhQ2y. More information can be found at islandcountywa.gov.

The Visit San Juans website has maps for Orcas, Lopez and San Juan islands, which can be found in PDF form at bit.ly/4ji5GAV.

OLYMPIC PENINSULA

The Olympic Discovery Trail, a 130-mile bike route, deserves a special shout out as a unique biking odyssey that will take serious bikers from Port Townsend to La Push. More information on the route can be found at olympicdiscoverytrail.org.

B.C.

The MySurrey app by the city of Surrey has a bike route tab that highlights bikesafe roads with information about the road material and type. Additionally, this app has information about where visitors can find parking, free WiFi, local events and more.

While all of our Waterside communities are considered very bikeable, it never hurts to plan your route, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. If you’re looking for an easy tour or a challenging ride, these resources should provide inspiration and some jumping off points. To take rides you won’t soon forget, ride in our Waterside communities.

PHOTO BY NANCY K. CROWELL

bow, chuckanut & edison.

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.

HEdison 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

BY ANDY PORTER

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.

Playground: Larrabee State Park • Spectacular View • Fresh Seafood & Oysters

Prime Steaks & Game

Wine Spectator Award

Daily 11:30 am - 4 pm

Daily 4 - 9 pm

For more information, visit visitskagitvalley.com and bellingham.org

CHUCKANUT, BOW-EDISON KIDS CORNER

Fun: You-pick blueberries

Waterfront access: Samish Beach

PHOTO

outdoor sculptures

Our Waterside communities are full of public art. Below you will find a list of Sculpture Gardens, sculptures, murals as well as links to maps of outdoor art walking tours.

WASHINGTON

BLAINE

Peach Arch Park Sculpture Exhibition

FERNDALE

Downtown Mural Project

LUMMI ISLAND

Sculpture Woods, 3851 Legoe Bay Road

BELLINGHAM

Big Rock Garden, 2900 Sylvan Street, and Western Washington University Outdoor Sculpture Collection, 516 High Street

CHUCKANUT, BOW, EDISON

Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden, 700

Chuckanut Drive N

ANACORTES

Anacortes Mural Project (map available at billmitchellmuralproject.org/mural-map)

MOUNT VERNON

Art on Display (map available at bit.ly/3NKUu3S)

BURLINGTON

Roots to Rise mural, 730 E. Fairhaven Avenue

WHIDBEY ISLAND (COUPEVILLE)

Price Sculpture Forest

SAN JUAN ISLAND (ROCHE HARBOR)

San Juan Island Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve, 9083 Roche Harbor Road

POULSBO

Downtown Murals, NE Front Street

PORT TOWNSEND

Haller Fountain or Galatea, Corner of Washington and Taylor streets

LA CONNER

Walking Art Tour (map available at bit.ly/41bf6Fy)

B.C.

LADNER

I Love Ladner Mural, 48th Avenue

RICHMOND

Public Art Trail (Map available at visitrichmondbc.com/ public-art-trail)

WHITE ROCK

Public Art Story Map (Map available at bit.ly/43DBiN3

PHOTO BY RICK LAWLER

art events

Our Waterside communities love to celebrate art in all of its forms. From art festivals to art walk, studio tours and more, there is an art activity for everyone in Waterside Art festivals in 2025 include the Art by the Sea Summer Festival in Blaine (July 26-27), Anacortes Arts Festival (August 1-3), the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival (August 9-10) on Whidbey Island, Skagit Garden and Art Fair (June 21-22), and the Poulsbo Art Festival (August 15-17).

Interactive art events range from the Whidbey Plein Air Paint Out (August 11-17), to the Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition (July 26).

Art walks and studio tours include first Friday art walks

in Bellingham, first Saturday art walks in Langley (Whidbey Island), and Second Friday art walks in Poulsbo and Blaine. Studio Tours include Lummi Island Artist Studio tour (August 30-31 and November 8-9), Lopez Island Artists Studio Tour (August 30-31), and Whatcom Artists Studio Tour (October 4-5 and 11-12).

Mural festivals include the Over All Walls Mural Festival in Blaine from August 28-September 4 and the Noisy Waters Mural Festival in Bellingham from August 15-17.

For film festivals, live music and more, visit out events section on page 60.

fairhaven.

A

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

PHOTO BY RICK LAWLER

from Vancouver, B.C. to Eugene, Oregon, depending on if 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 is Marine Park,

Packages

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.

BY RICK LAWLER

FAIRHAVEN KIDS CORNER

Fun and Free: Outdoor music concerts at Boulevard Park

Waterfront access: Marine Park

Playground: Fairhaven Park

PHOTO

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 around these coastal communities.

TRAINS

Amtrak

Amtrak stations located in Vancouver, Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Stanwood, Everett and Seattle.

amtrak.com

BUSES

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

Bellingham Greyhound Bus Station

401 Harris Avenue 800/231-2222 greyhound.com/en-us/busstation-780043

Bellingham

AIRPLANES

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

transportation.

FERRIES

Washington State Ferries

888/808-7977

Ferry routes include the following: Anacortes/San Juan Islands Edmonds/Kingston Coupeville/Port Townsend Mukilteo/Clinton

Seattle/Bainbridge Island

Seattle/Bremerton Fauntleroy/Southworth Fauntleroy/Vashon Tahlequah/Point Defiance

Lummi Ferry

Multiple sailings from the mainland.

I-5, Exit 260 to Haxton Way, Ferndale co.whatcom.wa.us

Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

Multiple sailings to the Gulf Islands, Victoria and Nanaimo. West end of Hwy 17 Tsawwassen 888/223-3779 bcferries.com

Anacortes Ferry Terminal

Multiple sailings to the San Juan islands

2100 Ferry Terminal Road, Anacortes 800/843-3779 wsdot.com/ferries

Alaska Marine Highway Ferries to Alaska Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Harris Avenue. 800/642-0066 ferryalaska.com

CHARTERS

Island Opportunity Charters

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

Cruise Terminal and Fairhaven Transportation Station offer

Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven 355 Harris Avenue CALL 360 - 676 -2500 FOR LE ASING OPPORTUNITIE S

BY

bellingham.

Outdoorsy, artsy, and all yours. Intersection of art, cuisine, and adventure.

BBELLINGHAM 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 in January, the view will leave

PHOTO

LOUISE MUGAR

visitors breathless.

Within Bellingham city limits, visitors will find lakes, waterfront parks, trails and beaches. Downtown and the upand-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, pot-

tery, 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

PHOTO BY ANDREW GRUBB

BY

PHOTO

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 11-13, 2025.

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: Zuanich Point Park Playground: Waypoint Park

PHOTO BY RICK LAWLER

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

532 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 NE

360/516-3975

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, fish-

ing, 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.

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

323 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

PHOTO BY ALY MCGEE

360/678-3310

islandhistory.org

A museum that features local and regional history including ice age relics, mammoth remains, a fine Native American collection (with cedar dugout canoes), maritime, early settlers, and the first automobile on Whidbey Island (1902 Holsman auto buggy).

LANGLEY WHALE CENTER

105 Anthes Avenue

Langley

360-221-7505

orcanetwork.org

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

Southwhidbeyhistory.org

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.net

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 360/671-2431

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

bit.ly/3vlTE3S

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.

THE RUBBER DUCK MUSEUM

1480 Gulf Road, Point Roberts 866/567-2726

therubberduckmuseum.com

The world’s first and only historical rubber duck museum is presented by and located at Kora’s Corner in Point Roberts. The Rubber Duck Museum features 30 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.

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 NW

Vancouver 604/827-5932

moa.ubc.ca

Expected to reopen after renovations in June of 2024. The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is world-renowned for its totem pole collection, research and teaching.

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.

museums.

BY

A lummi island.

A small, tranquil and inviting island.

A 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

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 watching 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 $14 round trip, and each passenger or pedestrian ticket is $8. Bring your bicycle; tickets for pedestrians with bikes are also just $8 round trip.

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.

LUMMI ISLAND ARTISTS’ Studio Tours 2025

May 24 & 25 • Aug. 30 & 31 Nov. 8 & 9 • 10am - 5pm

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 IIII /Lummi Island Studio Tour

PHOTO BY LOUISE MUGAR

Glass Art by Art Hohl

Ria Nickerson with her kiln

Felted vessel by Sue McCaslin

FILM

Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema

Saturdays July -August enjoyfairhaven.com

Ferndale flicks in the Park

June 27 and July 11 bit.ly/4mJpWyC

Port Townsend Film Festival

September 18-21 Ptfilm.org

Poulsbo Film Festival

October 10-12

Poulsbofilmfestival.com

Orcas Island Film Festival

October 15-19 oifilmfest.org

Friday Harbor Film Festival

San Juan Island

October 23-26

Fhff.org

ART

Bellingham First Friday

Art Walk

First Friday of every month, downtownbellingham.com/ first-fridays

Poulsbo Art Walk

Second Saturday of every month

visitpoulsbo.com

Blaine Art Walk

Second Saturday of every month

blaineartscouncil.org

Langley Art Walk

Whidbey Island

First Saturday of every month visitlangley.com

Skagit Garden and Art Fair

June 21-22

skagitgardenandartfair.org

Poulsbo Makers Fair

June 27-29

Visitpoulsbo.com

Art by the Sea Summer Festival

Blaine

July 26-27

blaineartscouncil.org

Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition

July 26

birchbaychamber.com

Anacortes Arts Festival

August 1-3 anacortesartsfestival.com

Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival

August 9-10 coupevillefestival.com

Whidbey Plein Air Paint Out August 11-17 pacificnorthwestartschool.org

Noisy Waters Mural Festival (Bellingham)

August 15-17 noisywatersmuralfest.com

Poulsbo Art Festival

August 15-17 bit.ly/4dwDCc0

Over All Walls Mural Festival

Blaine

August 28-September 4 overallwalls.com

Lummi Island Artists’

Studio Tour

August 30-31 and November 8-9 Lummi-island.com

Lopez Island Artists’

Studio Tour

August 30-31 lopezislandartists.com

Whatcom Artists Studio Tour

October 4-5 and 11-12 studiotour.net

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Doe Bay Artists in Residence Orcas Island

Through September, check the website for specific artist dates

doebay.com/doe-bay-air-2025

Music in Elizabeth Park

Bellingham

Thursday evenings

June 19-August 21 bit.ly/4kqD0a6

Music in Boulavard Park Fairhaven

June 27, July 25, August 22 bit.ly/4kqD0a6

Deception Pass American Roots Concerts Whidbey Island

Saturdays in July and August bit.ly/4k8w9SO

Downtown Sounds

Bellingham Wednesdays July 9August 6

downtownbellingham.com/ downtownsounds

Port Townsend Concerts on the Dock

Thursdays, July 11-August ptmainstreet.org

Bellingham Festival of Music

June 29 through July 20 bellinghamfestival.org

Shoestring Circus

Bellingham

June 6-22

shoestringcircus.com

June’s Tunes

Poulsbo

June 10

Visitpoulsbo.com

Blaine Harbor Music Festival

July 6-12

Blainebythesea.com

Northwest Tune-Up

Bellingham

July 11-13 nwtuneup.com/music

Strings & Things Music Festival

Point Roberts

July 12 stringsandthingsmusicfestival. com

Art 2 Jazz Street Fair Blaine

July 12

Blainebythesea.com

Ferndale Music in the Park: Country Rose

July 18 bit.ly/4mJpWyC

Big Ol’ Barn Dance

August 1

Visitpoulsbo.com

Peace Arch Concert Series August 3 blainechamber.com

Whatcom Grooves Summer Music Concert Blaine August 16 blainechamber.com

The Lakedale Music Festival with Brian Nova

San Juan Island August 22-23

lakedale.com/music-festival

Oak Harbor Music Festival

August 29-September 31

oakharborfestival.com

Imagine Music and Arts Festival

September 5-7

imaginegathering.com

FOOD

Ferndale Food Truck Fridays

June 20, August 22 cityofferndale.org/summer

Orcas Island Cider and Mead Fest

July 19 Visitsanjuan.com

Burlington Berry Dairy Days

June 20-22

berrydairydays.com

Bellingham Seafeast

September 27-28

bellinghamseafeast.org

FESTIVALS

Poulsbo Viking Fest

Annual third weekend in May vikingfest.org

Fairhaven Festival

May 25

Enjoyfairhaven.com

Bellingham Scottish Gathering

Blaine

June 7

scottishdancesociety.org

Anacortes Waterfront Festival

June 7-8

bit.ly/3FwnjiC

Midsommer

Poulsbo

June 14

visitpoulsbo.com

Birch Bay Kite Festival

June 21-22

birchbaychamber.com

Steveston Salmon Festival

July 1

stevestonsalmonfest.ca

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 11-13 nwtuneup.com

Surrey Fusion Festival

July 19-20

discoversurreybc.com

Skagit Valley Highland Games

July 12-13 celticarts.org

Ferndale Old Settlers

Weekend

July 25-26 whatcomoldsettlers.com

National Night Out

August 5 birchbaychamber.com

Birch Bay Derby Day

August 23 birchbaychamber.com

Fidalgo Bay Day

Anacortes

September 13 visitskagitvalley.com

Seaside Bash

Blaine October 11 Blainechamber.com

BOATS/ MARITIME

Bellingham Dockside Market

First and third Saturday of the month bellinghamseafeast.org/ dockside-market

Historic passenger plover ferry rides

Blaine

Weekends through Labor Day Blainechamber.com

Bellingham Sailboats Race Week June 21-25 raceweekpnw.com

Anacortes Shipwreck Festival July 19 fidalgorotary.org/page/ shipwreck-festival

Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival (Blaine) August 2 blainebythesea.com

Steveston Dragon Boat Festival

August 23

stevestondragonboatfestival.ca

Richmond Maritime Festival August 23-24 richmondmaritimefestival.ca

Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival

September 5-7 woodenboat.org

CAR SHOWS

Rollback Weekend Car Show

Birch Bay

July 27

birchbaychamber.com

La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show

August 2

Lovelaconner.com

RUN/ WALK/ BIKE/ SKATE/ ROW

Ski to Sea Fairhaven

May 25 skitosea.com

Bellingham SwimRun

June 1

questraces.com

Kitsap Humane Society Petswalk 5k and Festival

Poulsbo

June 7

Visitpoulsbo.com

Padden Triathlon

Bellingham

June 21

bit.ly/4kvhIYL

Metalworks Skate Jam/Competition Ferndale

June 21

bit.ly/43c09XZ

Lake Whatcom Triathlon

July 12

Lakewhatcomtriathlon. com

Tour De Whatcom

July 19

Tourdewhatcom.com

Bellingham Bay Classic – Outrigger Canoe Race

August 16 Pnworca.org/events

Bellingham Off-Road Triathlon

August 17

Bellinghamoffroadtri.com

SPORTS

Canada Cup International Softball Championship Surrey, B.C.

July 7-13 canadacup.com

Bellingham Bells Baseball Games

June through August bellinghambells.com

FAIRS

Jefferson County Fair

August 8-10 jeffcofairgrounds.org

Whidbey Island Fair

July 24-27 whidbeyislandfair.com

Northwest Washington Fair

August 7-16 nwwafair.com

San Juan County Fair

August 14-17 sjcfair.org

or 1- 877-865-6578

hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/bellingham/bllex 4160

BELLINGHAM • WASHINGTON

Newly Renovated!

Free Fiber Optic Internet Access

Complimentary Express Start Breakfast

Free Local Phone Calls

Free Taxi to Local Airport, Amtrak/Ferry

Indoor Heated Pool/Spa

HD TV Channels - HBO & SHOWTIME

Free Access to City Gym

Shopping & Restaurants

Golf Packages

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.

TFerndale is home to just over 16,000 people, but it is growing quickly. Named one of the fastest growing cities north of Everett, it 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.

Kids will love interacting with the farm animals, playing on the playground, and dipping their toes in the river. For some 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 September. This is the setting of the annual Old Settlers Days on July 25 and 26, 2025. 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.

Next door to Pioneer Village is Star Park, which contains the largest play structure in North Whatcom County. Finally, 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. Metalworks Skate Jam/Competition is coming to Ferndale on June 21, 2025 at Metalworks Skate Park. Other events include food truck Fridays, flicks in the park, and music in the park. 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.

THROUGH SEPTEMBER

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

• Gorgeous Historic/Rustic venue with 3 private rooms.

• Seating for 100 or more

• Specializing in Weddings, Rehearsals, Bachelor/Bridesmaids Parties, Baby Showers, Corporate/Holiday parties, and all personal celebrations.

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 wonderous 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.

road trip worksheet

DATES: TO TOTAL DISTANCE:

Destination(s)

Where to stay

Where to stay

Road trip scavenger hunt: Circle what you see! Packing

musts

Itinerary musts Sights to see

Restaurants to try

Restaurants to try

Mountains

Kayak Seal Train Ferry

Bald eagle

Sunset Body of water

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 1,542-foot 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.

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.

TYear 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

BY

Betty Be Good

Birch Bay Buds

Bow Wow & Woofs

Mike’s Dollar Plus

Bob’s Burgers & Brew

Jack in the Box

Sahara Pizza Subway

The Market at Birch Bay

Tokyo Monster Sushi

Woods Coffee

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Anytime Fitness

Bay City Barbershop

Capstone Physical Therapy

Energy Foot Massage

Nail Masters

Augusta Lawn Care Services

Birch Bay Tax & Accounting

Catholic Community

Services Recovery Center

Edward Jones

JDS Exim/ U-Haul

NEXUS Global Entry Program

Northwest Veterinary Clinic

Whatcom Land Title

Windermere Real Estate

PHOTO

RICK LAWLER

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 play ground, picnic tables, boat launch, the Terrell Marsh Inter pretive Trail, and BP Heron Center. The park is a great place 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 dis cover 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 re stored 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 or enjoy some waterpark fun at Birch Bay Waterslides.

BY

PHOTO

WENDY COWAN

In the summers Birch Bay comes alive through tourists and, of course, events and festivals. On July 26, 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 21-22, 4th of July festivities, the Rollback Weekend Car Show on July 27 or National Night out on Tuesday, August 5.

On August 23, 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

BY

PHOTO

MOLLY ERNST

tide tables.

JUNE

Date Time Height Time Height

Su 1 5:39 am 6.2 8:31 am 6.6 4:08 pm -0.4

Mo 2 12:04 am 9.8 6:55 am 5.3

9:59 am 5.7 4:56 pm 0.9

Tu 3 12:40 am 9.5 7:51 am 4.2 11:47 am 5.2 5:44 pm 2.3

We 4 1:12 am 9.2 8:31 am 3.1

1:47 pm 5.2 6:36 pm 3.6

Th 5 1:38 am 9.0 9:05 am 2.1

3:29 pm 5.9 7:34 pm 4.8

Fr 6 2:02 am 8.9 9:35 am 1.1

4:45 pm 6.7 8:36 pm 5.8

Sa 7 2:26 am 8.8 10:05 am 0.3

5:41 pm 7.6 9:40 pm 6.5

Su 8 2:50 am 8.7 10:35 am -0.4

6:27 pm 8.4 10:40 pm 7.0

Mo 9 3:16 am 8.6 11:07 am -1.0 7:07 pm 9.0 11:36 pm 7.4

Tu 10 3:44 am 8.5 11:41 am -1.4 7:45 pm 9.4

We 11 12:30 am 7.5 4:12 am 8.4 12:15 pm -1.7 8:23 pm 9.7

Th 12 1:20 am 7.6 4:40 am 8.2 12:51 pm -1.8 9:01 pm 9.8

Fr 13 2:10 am 7.6 5:08 am 8.0 1:25 pm -1.9 9:37 pm 9.9

Sa 14 3:04 am 7.4 5:40 am 7.7

2:01 pm -1.7 10:13 pm 9.9

Su 15 4:00 am 7.0 6:24 am 7.2 2:39 pm -1.2 10:45 pm 9.9

Mo 16 4:56 am 6.4 7:24 am 6.6

3:19 pm -0.5 11:13 pm 9.8

Tu 17 5:46 am 5.4 8:56 am 5.9 4:01 pm 0.6 11:41 pm 9.8

We 18 6:30 am 4.2 10:50 am 5.4

4:49 pm 1.9

Th 19 12:07 am 9.7 7:16 am 2.8

12:46 pm 5.6 5:43 pm 3.6

Fr 20 12:35 am 9.7 8:00 am 1.2

2:42 pm 6.4 6:47 pm 5.1

Sa 21 1:43 am 9.8 8:46 am -0.3

4:14 pm 7.6 8:05 pm 6.4

Su 22 1:43 am 9.8 9:32 am -1.7

5:24 pm 8.7 9:25 pm 7.4

Mo 23 2:23 am 9.8 10:20 am -2.7

6:22 pm 9.7 10:39 pm 7.9

Tu 24 3:07 am 9.7 11:08 am -3.4

7:14 pm 10.3 11:49 pm 8.0

We 25 3:55 am 9.5 11:56 am -3.6

8:00 pm 0.8

Th 26 12:53 am 7.8 4:47 am 9.2 12:42 pm -3.5 8:42 pm 10.6

Fr 27 1:53 am 7.4 5:39 am 8.6

1:28 pm -2.9 9:24 pm 10.5

Sa 28 2:53 am 6.9 6:35 am 8.0

2:12 pm -2.0 10:02 pm 10.3

Su 29 3:55 am 6.2 7:33 am 7.2

2:52 pm -0.9 10:36 pm 10.0

Mo 30 4:55 am 5.3 8:39 am 6.3 3:32 pm 0.4 11:06 pm 9.7

JULY

Date Time Height Time Height

Tu 1 5:51 am 4.4 10:01 am 5.6 4:10 pm 1.9 11:34 pm 9.4

We 2 6:41 am 3.4 11:39 am 5.3 4:50 pm 3.3 11:58 pm 9.2

Th 3 7:27 am 2.5 1:35 pm 5.5 5:30 pm 4.7

Fr 4 12:22 am 9.0 8:07 am 1.6 3:31 pm 6.2 6:24 pm 5.9

Sa 5 12:46 am 8.9 8:45 am 0.8 4:53 pm 7.1 7:38 pm 6.8

Su 6 1:14 am 8.7 9:23 am 0.1 5:47 pm 7.9 9:02 pm 7.4 Mo 7 1:46 am 8.7 10:01 am -0.53 6:25 pm 8.6 10:16 pm 7.7

Tu 8 2:22 am 8.6 10:39 am -1.09 6:59 pm 9.1 11:20 pm 7.8

We 9 3:02 am 8.5 11:17 am -1.54 7:31 pm 9.5

Th 10 12:14 am 7.7 3:44 am 8.4 11:55 am -1.9 8:01 pm 9.7

Fr 11 1:02 am 7.5 4:28 am 8.2 12:31 pm -2.0 8:31 pm 9.9

Sa 12 1:46 am 7.1 5:16 am 8.0 1:07 pm -1.9 8:59 pm 10.0

Su 13 2:28 am 6.6 6:10 am 7.6 1:43 pm -1.5 9:25 pm 10.0

Mo 14 3:14 am 5.9 7:08 am 7.1 2:19 pm -0.7 9:51 pm 9.9

Tu 15 4:00 am 5.0 8:18 am 6.6 2:57 pm 0.5 10:15 pm 9.87

We 16 4:48 am 3.8 9:40 am 6.2 3:37 pm 2.0 10:39 pm 9.8

Th 17 5:36 am 2.6 11:18 am 6.02 4:21 pm 3.6 11:07 pm 9.8

Fr 18 6:28 am 1.3 1:10 pm 6.4 5:13 pm 5.2 11:37 pm 9.74

Sa 19 7:22 am 0.0 3:06 pm 7.2 6:21 pm 6.6

Su 20 12:11 am 9.7 8:18 am -1.1 4:32 pm 8.3 7:51 pm 7.6

Mo 21 12:55 am 9.6 9:12 am -1.9 5:34 pm 9.1 9:23 pm 8.1

Tu 22 1:49 am 9.5 10:06 am -2.5 6:22 pm 9.7 10:43 pm 8.0

We 23 2:49 am 9.3 10:56 am -2.8 7:02 pm 10.0 11:49 pm 7.6

Th 24 3:51 am 9.0 11:44 am -2.8 7:38 pm 10.1

Fr 25 12:45 am 7.0 4:51 am 8.7 12:28 pm -2.4 8:10 pm 10.1

Sa 26 1:35 am 6.4 5:49 am 8.2 1:10 pm -1.8 8:42 pm 10.0

Su 27 2:21 am 5.6 6:47 am 7.7 1:48 pm -0.8 9:10 pm 9.8

Mo 28 3:07 am 4.9 7:45 am 7.1 2:24 pm 0.4 9:36 pm 9.5

Tu 29 3:53 am 4.1 8:47 am 6.5 2:58 pm 1.7 10:00 pm 9.3

We 30 4:39 am 3.4 9:57 am 6.1 3:32 pm 3.1 10:22 pm 9.0

Th 31 5:23 am 2.7 11:23 am 5.9 4:06 pm 4.4 10:44 pm 8.8

Tides at Cherry Point

AUGUST

Date Time Height Time Height

Fr 1 6:09 am 2.1 1:09 pm 6.1 4:42 pm 5.6 11:06 pm 8.6

Sa 2 6:58 am 1.5 3:16 pm 6.7

5:31 pm 6.6 11:31 pm 8.5

Su 3 7:50 am 1.0 4:42 pm 7.5 7:01 pm 7.3

Mo 4 12:03 am 8.4 8:38 am 0.4 5:26 pm 8.1 8:47 pm 7.7

Tu 5 12:49 am 8.3 9:26 am -0.2 5:58 pm 8.6 10:05 pm 7.6

We 6 1:47 am 8.2 10:10 am -0.8 6:26 pm 9.0 11:03 pm 7.4

Th 7 2:47 am 8.2 10:50 am -1.2 6:50 pm 9.3 11:49 pm 7.0

Fr 8 3:45 am 8.1 11:30 am -1.5 7:16 pm 9.5

Sa 9 12:29 am 6.5 4:41 am 8.1 12:08 pm -1.5 7:38 pm 9.6

Su 10 1:07 am 5.8 5:39 am 8.0 12:46 pm -1.1 8:02 pm 9.7

Mo 11 1:45 am 4.9 6:39 am 7.8 1:24 pm -0.3 8:24 pm 9.7

Tu 12 2:27 am 3.9 7:41 am 7.6 2:02 pm 0.9 8:48 pm 9.7

We 13 3:09 am 2.8 8:49 am 7.3 2:40 pm 2.3 9:12 pm 9.6

Th 14 3:57 am 1.8 10:07 am 7.2

3:22 pm 3.9 9:38 pm 9.5

Fr 15 4:49 am 0.8 11:37 am 7.2

4:10 pm 5.4 10:08 pm 9.4

Sa 16 5:45 am 0.1 1:25 pm 7.5 5:08 pm 6.7 10:44 pm 9.3

Su 17 6:47 am -0.6 3:13 pm 8.1 6:32 pm 7.6 11:28 pm 9.1

Mo 18 7:53 am -1.1 4:25 pm 8.8 8:18 pm 7.9

Tu 19 12:28 am 8.8 8:55 am -1.4

5:15 pm 9.2 9:50 pm 7.6

We 20 1:46 am 8.6 9:51 am -1.6 5:53 pm 9.5 10:54 pm 7

Th 21 3:00 am 8.4 10:43 am -1.6 6:25 pm 9.6 11:44 pm 6.2

Fr 22 4:08 am 8.2 11:29 am -1.3 6:55 pm 9.6

Sa 23 12:26 am 5.4 5:10 am 8.1 12:11 pm -0.7 7:21 pm 9.5

Su 24 1:04 am 4.6 6:08 am 7.9 12:49 pm 0.1 7:45 pm 9.3

Mo 25 1:42 am 3.8 7:02 am 7.6 1:23 pm 1.1 8:07 pm 9.1

Tu 26 2:18 am 3.2 7:56 am 7.4 1:57 pm 2.2 8:27 pm 8.9

We 27 2:54 am 2.6 8:50 am 7.2 2:31 pm 3.4 8:47 pm 8.7

Th 28 3:30 am 2.2 9:52 am 7.0 3:05 pm 4.5 9:05 pm 8.4

Fr 29 4:12 am 1.9 11:04 am 6.9 3:41 pm 5.5 9:23 pm 8.2

Sa 30 4:56 am 1.6 12:34 pm 7.0 4:23 pm 6.4 9:43 pm 8.0 Su 31 5:48 am 1.4 2:30 pm 7.3 5:27 pm 7.1 10:07 pm 7.9

SEPTEMBER

11 2:29 am 2:30 pm

12 3:17 am 3:20 pm

13 4:09 am 4:18 pm Su 14 5:09 am 5:36 pm Mo 15 6:17 am 7:26 pm Tu 16 7:27 am 9:10 pm We 17 12:32 am 4:29 pm Th 18 2:08 am 5:03 pm Fr 19 3:28 am 5:31 pm Sa 20 4:34 am 5:57 pm Su 21 12:00 am 11:47 am Mo 22 12:32 am 12:23 pm Tu 23 1:02 am 12:59 pm We 24 1:32 am 1:35 pm Th 25 2:02 am 2:11 pm Fr 26 2:36 am 2:49 pm Sa 27 3:12 am 3:33 pm

Su 28 3:56 am 4:33 pm

Mo 29 4:46 am 6:03 pm Tu 30 5:44 am

PHOTO

Sand Sculpture Competition: July 26

Rollback Weekend Car Show: July 27

National Night Out: August 5

Derby Day: August 23

Trick or Treat on the Berm: October 25 Ring of Fire & Hope: December 31

BY RUTH LAUMAN

blaine.

BA 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, a

PHOTO

Breakaway

Discover a peaceful retreat just minutes away from the daily grind, set along the Salish Sea between Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy pristine beaches, scenic walking trails, lively waterfront playgrounds, year-round family-friendly events, and topnotch marinas. Blaine welcomes all travelers seeking the perfect blend of adventure and seaside serenity.

wine bar and cultural cuisines including Italian, German, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Mexican and American. 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. 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.

Waterfront Dining

Wine • Beer • Craft Cocktails

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 major 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 6-12, 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 August 2.

PHOTO

Every Saturday, the G Street Plaza swells with visitors and vendors buying and selling goods at the farmers 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

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 (FAST, 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 (FAST, NEXUS or SENTRI), or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). U.S. citizens should carry a U.S. passport, valid trusted traveler program card (FAST, NEXUS or

RICK LAWLER

BY

PHOTO

SENTRI), enhanced driver’s license (EDL), military ID with official travel orders, U.S. Merchant Mariner document, 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.

Pets: The CDC recently introduced new rules about bringing dogs into the U.S. While compliance is not onerous, it’s important that pet owners are prepared when crossing the border. 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.

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?

For more info:

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)

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B white rock & south surrey.

Coastal charm and endless summer sunshine

BEGIN YOUR DAY WITH AN EARLY MORNING GOLF ROUND, THEN TRANSITION TO LAZY BEACH HOURS UNDER BRILLIANT SKIES. Savor dinner on a patio as the day winds down, followed by a leisurely evening stroll along the waterfront with ice cream in hand.

The city takes its name from the massive 500-ton boulder that ancient glaciers deposited along the shoreline. Coast Salish tradition tells of a young chief who hurled this stone across the Strait of Georgia, marking where he would establish a home with his bride. While regular paint applications maintain its signature white appearance today, seabird droppings originally created the distinctive coloring that made it such a reliable navigation point for 19th-century mariners.

Nestled against the U.S.-Canada border, White Rock and South Surrey enjoy a Mediterranean-like climate often likened to southern France. The local “Blue Hole” weather pattern frequently blesses these waterside communities with clear skies while surrounding areas experience cloudier conditions. This favorable climate pairs beautifully with the 1.4-mile oceanfront promenade, where beach activities

PHOTO BY PAT GRUBB

unfold on one side while unique boutiques and restaurants line the other.

The historic pier, originally constructed in 1914 as a steamship terminal, has long anchored the waterfront’s appeal. Following extensive storm damage in December 2018, the structure underwent millions of dollars in restoration before reopening to community celebration.

Marine Drive bustles with specialty shops, evening entertainment, and exceptional dining establishments where sidewalk seating transforms meals into prime people-watching opportunities. The restored train station now houses the White Rock Museum, preserving local heritage.

The Grand Chief Bernard Charles Memorial Plaza at the beach’s eastern edge honors the community’s enduring partnership with the Semiahmoo First Nations.

Venture north to discover Crescent Beach’s family-friendly swimming in Boundary Bay’s warm waters or explore the Blackie Spit Nature Reserve’s extensive trail network popular among bird enthusiasts. The challenging 1,001 Steps trail at 15A Avenue rewards hikers with spectacular beach access.

Beyond the coastline, Softball City hosts the prestigious Canada Cup International Softball Championship each summer, welcoming elite female fast-pitch teams from across North America and beyond. This year’s Cup will take place July 4-13.

The Sunday farmers market at Miramar Plaza showcases local producers and artisans. Uptown’s 152nd Avenue corridor offers substantial shopping and dining options, while The Shops at Morgan Crossing and Grandview Corners at 24th Avenue and 160th Street provide additional retail and culinary experiences.

There are plenty of events to enhance your enjoyment of White Rock. The Jazz & Blues Festival happens June 13 & 14, International Yoga Dat at the White Rock pier on June 21 is followed by Yoga on the Pier on July 5. Check the calendar for Concerts on the Pier throughout the summer as well as the White Rock Sea Festival & Semiahmoo Days August 1-3.

White Rock and South Surrey represent British Columbia’s sunniest destinations, combining waterfront recreation, diverse shopping, delectable treats, and extensive dining choices. Visitors consistently find themselves meandering contentedly along the promenade, ice cream in hand and genuine smiles lighting up their faces.

For additional information, 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 PAT GRUBB

richmond & steveston.

Island City, By Nature

RICHMOND CALLS ITSELF AN “ISLAND CITY, BY NATURE” – A TIDY WAY OF CAPTURING BOTH ITS GEOGRAPHY AND ITS EXTRAORDINARY CULTURAL RICHNESS. Built on 17 delta islands where the Fraser River meets the Strait of Georgia, this humming metropolis of 220,000 has never forgotten its roots as a farming and fishing community, even as it’s evolved into something much more complex and fascinating.

R

Step into Steveston, perched on Richmond’s southern edge along the Fraser’s south arm, and you’ll discover the beating heart of Canada’s largest fishing fleet. More than 600 boats work these waters, returning with catches you can buy straight off the dock – halibut, salmon, and shrimp so fresh they’re practically still swimming. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Heritage Shipyard bracket this cozy waterfront village, where historic sites blend seamlessly with restaurants serving the ocean’s bounty and tour boats departing for whale watching adventures in search of orcas, sea lions, and eagles.

But here’s where Richmond gets really interesting: with

PHOTO BY KEN ESCANAN

76 percent of residents claiming Asian heritage, this has become what The New York Times calls the best place for Asian food in North America. The Golden Village, a maze of mini-malls between Garden City Road and No. 3 Road, houses a dizzying array of restaurants from classical dim sum to pan-Asian fusion. Walk three blocks of Alexandra Street and you’ll encounter over 200 restaurants. The Aberdeen Center claims to be one of Asia’s largest malls outside Asia itself, while the Daiso Japanese megastore sprawls across two floors with 50,000 products, many under five dollars.

For the full immersion experience, hit the Richmond Night Market at 8351 River Road – 120 food booths and 100-plus retail stalls open weekends through mid-October. Discover tornado potatoes, grilled squid, dragon’s beard candy, and bubble waffles, or follow the self-guided Dumpling Trail through 20 restaurants offering both holein-the-wall authenticity and upscale interpretations.

The spiritual side of this diversity unfolds along No. 5 Road’s “Highway to Heaven,” where spectacular Buddhist temples, mosques, and churches welcome curious visitors and showcase the community’s remarkable variety of faiths.

Richmond’s geography is a gift to anyone who prefers flat terrain – this is bike and walking paradise. An extensive dike trail system connects over 90 parks, while the 200-acre Richmond Nature Park preserves the raised peat bog habitat that once covered the region. Five kilometers of trails wind through unique plants and wildlife, including over 100 bird species that call the area home. Garry Point Park, Terra Nova Rural Park, and Iona Beach Regional Park offer prime viewing for bald eagles, red-tailed hawks,

The 2010 Vancouver Olympics left Richmond with the magnificent Olympic Oval, now offering everything from ice rinks and climbing walls to state-of-the-art simulators featuring bobsleds, kayaks, and ski jumps. When you need different thrills, River Rock Casino – British Columbia’s largest – provides gaming and world-class entertainment just blocks away.

Summer brings special magic, from the Canada Day Salmon Festival in Steveston (hundreds of pounds of wild salmon grilled over open fires, plus parades, live music, and fireworks) to those sprawling night markets that transform parking lots into wonderlands of food, games, and entertainment.

Whether you’re pedaling the Iona Causeway far into Georgia Strait while planes roar overhead, exploring tidal flats, or simply wandering Steveston’s boardwalks with fresh seafood in hand, Richmond delivers experiences that linger long after you’ve left – the kind that send you home with full bellies, relaxed spirits, and memories you won’t soon forget.

For more information, visit visitrichmondbc.com and tourismrichmond.com.

RICHMOND AND STEVESTON KIDS CORNER

Fun and Free: Larry Berg Flight Path Park

Water access: Gary Point Park

Playground: Steveston Community Park

great blue herons, and if you’re lucky, river otters and sea lions.

tsawwassen & ladner.

Where the Delta Dreams

PICTURE THIS: SUNRISE OVER MOUNT BAKER AND BOUNDARY BAY, SUNSET MELTING INTO THE SALISH SEA, and in between, a perfect day of wandering quiet dikes, browsing boutiques that actually know your name, and kayaking through sloughs where your only companions are Steller sea lions and great blue herons. You might think you’ve stumbled into paradise, but welcome to Ladner Village and Tsawwassen – two of the delta’s best-kept secrets.

TNestled between river and ocean on the same peninsula that holds Point Roberts, these twin communities offer the perfect antidote to urban life. Here, traffic moves at a civilized pace, terrain stays refreshingly flat, and the surrounding horse farms and agricultural fields practically beg you to slow down and explore on foot or by bike.

Downtown Ladner wears its history comfortably, with heritage buildings housing friendly restaurants and hometown merchants who still have time to chat. Settle in with a drink or bite while watching boat traffic drift along the peaceful Ladner Slough or lose yourself in the local museum’s compelling stories. The Ladner Village Market, operating on a “make it, bake it, grow it” philosophy, brings the community together on the second and fourth Sundays

PHOTO BY MEG OLSEN

throughout summer – a genuine slice of small-town life.

For those craving a bit more energy, Tsawwassen’s main thoroughfare along 56th Street pulses with restaurants, boutiques, and food markets. The massive Tsawwassen Mills outlet center has transformed the shopping scene, while fitness enthusiasts flock to Fred Gingell Park’s famous stairs for cardiovascular workouts with Georgia Strait views thrown in as a bonus. The Southlands Farmers Market happens every Saturday from mid-June to December. Check out Earthwise Society’s demonstration gardens or rent an electric bike for one of their brewery tours.

The real magic happens outdoors. Rent a kayak and paddle the Fraser River backwaters, where eagles soar overhead and you can explore hidden islands and marshlands. Walk or bike the dike system – River Road west to Georgia Strait, or the epic 20-kilometer loop around Boundary Bay where gravel trails stretch endlessly under baby-blue skies.

Both communities sit squarely on the Pacific Flyway, making the surrounding wetlands and waterways crucial pit stops for millions of migrating birds. The George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ladner offers frontrow seats to this annual spectacle, while the Delta Nature Reserve at Burns Bog provides trails through the world’s largest domed peat bog.

When the day heats up, Centennial Beach beckons with soft sands and Boundary Bay’s unique geography – miles of sand flats that warm afternoon high tides to a luxurious 80°F. Alternatively, families head to Diefenbaker Park’s water spray playground for a different kind of cool-down.

Don’t miss the roadside blueberry stands scattered between the two communities – fresh antioxidants straight from those endless fields that define the delta landscape. And with Highway 17 connecting everything to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, island adventures to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are just a short drive away.

From Tour de Delta’s cycling excitement to the Boundary Bay Airport’s annual airshow (a nod to its 1941 origins training Commonwealth aircrews), to the Tsawwassen Sun Festival’s summer celebration, these communities know

how to blend small-town charm with genuine adventure.

Come for the views, stay for the pace, and leave planning your return.

For more information, visit tourismdelta.com and sunnytsawwassen.ca.

LADNER AND TSAWWASSEN KIDS CORNER

Fun: Reifel Bird Sanctuary

Water access: Centennial Beach and Wellington Point Park

Playground: Rotary WaterWorks Playground

point roberts.

Where Geography Gets Creative

THEY CALL IT “THE SIGH” – THAT INVOLUNTARY EXHALE THAT ESCAPES BOTH VISITORS AND LOCALS AFTER THEY CLEAR U.S. CUSTOMS, turn onto Tyee Drive, and catch their first glimpse of towering evergreens with the Salish Sea swelling beyond. Not everyone feels it, but if you do, consider yourself hooked. You’ll be back, that’s absolutely guaranteed.

TA geo-political anomaly surrounded by salt water on three sides and the Canadian border on the fourth, Point Roberts is an island of serenity compared to the metropolitan bustle just minutes away. You can feel the shift as soon as you cross over – streets narrow and pass through forests and fields, sea views peek around every corner, and drivers give the lifted two-finger Point Roberts wave when they pass each other on the road.

With two border crossings separating this five-squaremile community from the U.S. mainland, “the Point” has stubbornly retained its small-town soul. Permanent residents number somewhere around the 1,200, swelling to 5,000 when the summer cabin crowd arrives. Neighbors still chat at the building center and supermarket on Tyee Drive, while the Gulf Road community center serves as

PHOTO BY ASHLEY STRUBB

headquarters for everything from seniors lunches to historical society meetings and the local library.

The Fourth of July here is pure hometown Americana – a pancake breakfast, parade, barbecues and fireworks that welcome neighbors from both sides of the border. Both the U.S. and Canadian flags fly side-byside at the community center.

But it’s the outdoors that really defines Point Roberts life. Parks anchor each corner of the peninsula, complemented by a marina, golf course, and miles of trails that pack an impressive array of adventures into those five square miles.

Lily Point Marine Park offers the crown jewel experience – hiking trails winding through uplands before dropping to bluffringed beaches with panoramic views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, Mount Baker, and resident eagles and great blue herons. The park’s signage tells the rich story of this spot, from its days as a Coast Salish fishing camp where reef nets captured the sockeye run, to the era when the Alaska Packers Association

PHOTO BY SCOTT FOWLER

BY

built massive fish traps that canned millions of salmon until they were outlawed in 1934.

Summer low tides transform Maple Beach in the northeast corner into acres of warm tide flats where families set up camp for days of splashing, clamming, beachcombing, and skimboarding. When the tide’s in and the sun’s high, water temperatures can hit the mid-80s.

Lighthouse Marine Park in the southwest corner combines camping and day-use facilities with some of the town’s best wildlife watching. When salmon are running, it becomes a convergence point for recreational fishers, harbor seals, and the local pod of southern resident Orcas. Whale watchers have better luck spotting them mid-afternoon.

The trail down to Monument Park’s beach in the northwest corner demands a bit of effort –

PHOTO

CARLIE BILLINGER

POINT ROBERTS KIDS CORNER

Fun and Free: Beachcombing at Maple Beach

Waterfront access: Lighthouse Marine Park

Playground: Point Roberts Community Center

it’s steep – but rewards hikers with quiet seclusion and tide flats that serve as prime hunting grounds for great blue herons.

Go ahead and let that sigh escape again – in Point Roberts, it’s practically required.

For more information, visit pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com.

THE POINT ROBERTS HISTORY CENTER is located at the community center and is open year-round, but 2025 summer hours are Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. 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.

PHOTO BY LOUISE MUGAR

Strings & Things

International Music Festival

July 12, 2025 • 2-10 PM Point Roberts Marina stringsandthingsmusicfestival.comTICKETS AT:

POINT ROBERTS

n Nearly 10 miles of pristine beaches n Stunning ocean & mountain views n Marina & 18-hole golf course n Miles of park trails n Waterfront restaurants n Campground, Airbnb & Vrbo n Short drive from Tsawwassen Ferry n Easy access from Vancouver BC

Photo: Ashley Strub