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Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Zuanich Park
Zuanich Park / Photo by Annette Bagley / Credit: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
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Zuanich Park / Photo by Annette Bagley / Credit: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
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Squalicum Harbor
Squalicum Harbor / Photo by Annette Bagley / Credit: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
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Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Squalicum Harbor
Squalicum Harbor / Photo by Annette Bagley / Credit: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
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Robert James
The charismatic Village Books and Colophon Café offer a cultured, relaxing atmosphere, featuring regular poetry and story readings by local writers and published authors.
The charismatic Village Books and Colophon Café offer a cultured, relaxing atmosphere, featuring regular poetry and story readings by local writers and published authors. / Credit: Robert James
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Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Welcome to Farihaven mural on brick building
Welcome to Farihaven mural on brick building / Credit: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
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Words by Darcy Nybo
There's over 160 km (100 mi) of shoreline to explore in the Bellingham area. Diverse marine life in the Salish Sea combines with the must-visit destination of Bellingham to create a destination loaded with magnificent scenery, delicious food, handcrafted spirits, art, music, and more.
Bellingham is a great place to start an exploration of the San Juan Islands. Squalicum Harbor, on the northern shores of Bellingham Bay, has a full-service marina with more than 1,200 commercial and pleasure boats, including a large charter boat fleet. This five-star EnviroStars and Certified Clean Marina is one of the most modern marinas on the coast. From here you have easy access to accommodations, restaurants, and top-notch marine services. Stretch your legs and take waterfront walking trails and explore to your heart's content.
Take a moment and pause to take in the majesty of Mt. Baker as it stands guard over the land. For a longer hike, head up to the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and the Chuckanut Mountains. There are kilometres of trails from beginner to expert. There is an extensive system of hiking trails through city parks and greenways in and around Bellingham too. Bring your camera as water and mountain views are everywhere.
Bellingham has great restaurants and a diverse retail focus. Make sure you bring your own shopping bag, as Bellingham has prohibited the use of plastic bags. There are several places to shop including the Bellis Fair Mall, downtown, and the Historic Fairhaven District. Downtown you'll find the Cultural Arts District with museums, theatres and art galleries as well as specialty shops, antiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. The Fairhaven District is a step back in time with turn-of-the-century buildings with brick facades. There are upscale galleries and some of Bellingham's best restaurants here.
Head back out on the ocean for some whale watching. There are three companies that offer whale watching trips through the Salish Sea from Whatcom County from May through September. San Juan Cruises offers full-day whale watching cruises to Friday Harbor with a complimentary Northwest salmon lunch. They also have sunset wine and beer tasting cruises. Island Mariner Cruises offers full-day trips during whale watching season and Outer Island Expeditions departs for whale watching trips from several locations in the area.
Stock up on local goodness at the Bellingham Farmer's Market. It is open every Saturday right until the end of December. Here you will find crafters, food vendors, and farmers selling everything from honey to berries and beef. The market is located inside Depot Market Square.
Bellingham is also home to some great craft beer and spirits. In fact, they have 10 dedicated to beer in September. It's an opportunity for beer lovers to try many new beers and enjoy a huge variety of beer-focused events. Check out their site for a list of events at bellinghambeerweek.com. When it comes to spirits, Bellingham has four distilleries with tastings rooms and tours. Try a bottle of Mt. Baker Moonshine from the Mount Baker distillery or some Honeycrisp Vodka from Bellewood Distilling. Deception Distilling has their super smooth DD Vodka while Chucanut Bay has Muzzleflash Whiskey for your tasting enjoyment.
Outdoors or in, there's so much to see and do in Bellingham. Connect with the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism office or visit their website (Bellingham.org) to see what other great things Bellingham has in store for you.
DATE: Nov 23, 2018 - Dec 30, 2018
Deck the Old City Hall
Get in the holiday spirit with the Whatcom Museum’s annual festivities! Historic Old City Hall will be decked out for the season. View a variety of themed, decorated holiday trees in the Rotunda Room of Old City Hall. Admission is by donation, and proceeds are used to support the Museum’s rich offerings of exhibitions and programming. Sponsored by the Museum Advocates and the Foundation Board of Directors.
DATE: Through to the end of December 30, 2018
Bellingham Farmer’s Market
Saturday Market operates at Depot Market Square in downtown Bellingham from 10 am to 3 pm every Saturday from April through December. It is a perennial favourite with locals and tourists alike.
This vibrant Market is known for attracting large crowds to shop the 100 vendors that sell local produce and goods. This Market also offers special events such as our Chef in the Market series which showcases local chefs demonstrating their favourite recipes using market-fresh products.