Bellingham / Whatcom County Area / Recreation
City - Bellingham, County - Whatcom County, Washington

Population: 61,240 (Bellingham), 156,200 (Whatcom County)
Elevation: 68 ft.

Located on Bellingham Bay with Mt. Baker as its backdrop, Bellingham in Whatcom County is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. Bellingham, the county seat, is 90 miles north of Seattle and an hour south of Vancouver, B.C. Transportation links connect the community to the nearby San Juan Islands and Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Bellingham has an active waterfront port that supports fishing, cold storage, boat building, shipping, paper processing and marina operations. Squalicum Harbor is the second largest in Puget Sound, with 1,900 pleasure and commercial boats moored. From Bellingham's ports, passenger ferries leave for whale watch cruises, tours to Victoria on Vancouver Island and cruises to the San Juan Islands.

The downtown area has a mixture of restaurants, art galleries and specialty shops. The cultural district includes the respected Whatcom Museum of History and Art. Originally built in 1892 as city hall, the museum's imposing brick building is the centerpiece of a four-building campus, including a children's museum.

Bellingham is home to Western Washington University on Sehome Hill, from which you have a sweeping view across the bay to the San Juan Islands. Visitors bound for Alaska depart on the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in the historic Fairhaven District. Spend the day exploring the district's Victorian-era building that house shops, restaurants and galleries.

Lynden, one of Whatcom County's friendly small communities, is the state's largest Dutch settlement. It celebrates its heritage with Dutch-style architecture and cultural festivals. Ferndale, 10 minutes north of Bellingham, has fantastic family parks, including one of the largest collections of original log cabins in the United States. Blaine and Birch Bay, near the British Columbia border, have parks, shops and beaches to walk. You have to cross the Canadian border to reach Pt. Roberts, the county's most northerly city. Drive an hour east of Bellingham to Mt. Baker. Hike among wildflowers and wild fall colors on pristine trails. In the winter, skiers come to Baker known for the state's longest ski season. On your way to the mountain, visit foothill communities, which feature a vineyard, country-style restaurants, cabins and an old-fashioned general store. Ferndale is known for its pioneer history and summer festivals. And don't overlook Lummi Island!

Border Information

Traveling to and from Canada
Whatcom county has five international border crossings between the United States and Canada. The Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Sumas, and Point Roberts Crossings are open 24hrs a day. The Lynden crossing is open from 8am to midnight. The historic friendship between the Untited States and Canada makes crossing the border relatively easy. There are however, some regulations to be aware of. Below are some of the more important ones.

Identification Requirements
When crossing the border, have in hand documents confirming proof of citizenship; ie. passport, U.S. or Canadian birth certificate, driver's license or other photo ID (U.S. citizens). For a brief stay of a few weeks or more, a passport is recommended. Be prepared to provide identification for minor children in the party and provide proof they are traveling with parents consent.

Vehicle Requirements
Seat belts are required in all Canadian provinces. Have on hand the motor vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

Canadian Restrictions
No hand guns may be taken into Canada. Hunters may take rifles and shotguns and 200 rounds of ammuntion per person and will need a provincial hunting license. Pets may need special documentation to cross the border. Dogs require a current rabies vaccination certificate. People with DUI or any arrests in US may not be allowed to enter Canada.

For more information on traveling to and from Canada Please
call: 360-332-5771 for a Passenger Service Representative