Blaine: A True Water-to-Shore Experience

This Salish Sea border community provides a great break from the water with its full-service marinas and established local businesses.

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Words by Lorin Lindell

Framed by Mount Baker, Blaine is a shoreside community that’s big on activities and attractions for recreational boaters. Home to two marinas, including the Blaine Boating Center and Semiahmoo Marina, this boating-friendly, Salish Sea community is easily accessible, and an ideal stop-over whether you’re cruising south into the US or north back into Canada via The Georgia Strait. Either way, Blaine is known for many attractions, activities, parks, dining, and shopping that are never too far from the slips.

Discover Downtown Blaine

Just minutes from the Blaine Boating Center, downtown Blaine is full of unique shops, delicious restaurants, and trendy cafes with local farm-to-table flavours. As Blaine is known for serving excellent, fresh seafood, a visit to the Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. is a must.

This rustic, charismatic seaside restaurant has recently expanded its outdoor seating options on the plaza overlooking Drayton Harbor where the oysters are harvested on-site, offering a true tide-to-table eating delight – some say the best tasting oysters in the world are served here. Stop by for a cool beverage and then try to decide on a choice of raw or grilled oysters featuring rich-tasting toppings such as garlic, lemon, and parmesan.

Another favorite among locals is The Vault, a locally-owned and -operated restaurant and wine bar. With more than 200 different vintages available, enjoy a glass or two and then ask your server about the best pairing with its series of rotating menu specials. The Vault is currently offering limited indoor seating with additional outdoor dining options.

If you’re looking for sweeter treats, Edaleen Dairy has been bringing in ‘cow-to-cone’ flavors since 1975. Originally founded in Lynden by Ed and Aileen Bransma, Edaleen Dairy has more than 24 different decadent flavors including Cookie Dough, Fudgy Wudgy, and Raspberry Cheesecake.

To burn off some of the unfavourable calories that can accumulate here, Blaine is also big on outdoor activity. Here are a few attractions to consider during your visit. 

Peace Arch Park

You can’t miss this attraction. Washington State’s Peace Arch Historical State Park, located on the U.S./Canada border, consists of 20 acres (8 ha) of gardens that highlight the 20 m (67 ft) Peace Arch. Officially completed on September 8, 1921, 2021 marks its 100th anniversary. There’s no better time to visit Blaine than to celebrate its centennial.

Marine Park and More

A favorite among locals and boaters alike, Marine Park is just a few steps from Blaine Harbor Boating Center. It offers free WiFi, as well as walking trails, picnic tables, grills, and a playground, making it a great space to explore, stretch your legs or relax with a picnic. It’s also popular for bird watching and the designated water-side shelters provide the ideal location to view the many species that inhabit the area.

In fact, Whatcom County is home to six key locations for bird watching. According to the Audubon Society’s Great Washington State Birding Trail, approximately 320 different species have been identified in Whatcom. Every March, bird watchers head to Blaine for the annual Wings Over Water Birding Festival to celebrate and enjoy the migratory birds that flock here every year.

Take a Ride on the Historic Plover Ferry

Built in 1944, the Plover Ferry is the oldest foot passenger ferry in Washington State and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a ferry ride from Blaine Harbor to Semiahmoo Resort on the historic 32-foot Plover.

Semiahmoo Marina and Resort 

Located across from Blaine, on the south side of Drayton Harbor’s entrance, is Semiahmoo Marina and Resort. The marina has more than 300 slips and is a quick walk from the Semiahmoo Resort, Packer’s Oyster Bar, walking trails, Semiahmoo Park, and Marine’s café.

Visiting Birch Bay State Park

A short drive (14 km (9 mi)) from Blaine is Birch Bay State Park, which is known for its peaceful shorelines and beachcombing. Thanks to its shallow bay, Birch Bay is popular among SUP enthusiasts, kayakers, skim boarding, and opportunities to harvest clams and crabs during low tide.

With Blaine’s established local businesses, full-service boating facilities, and a range of attractions and pastimes to enjoy, this Salish Sea community is a worthy destination to visit, or even stay for a while no matter where your travels take you.

For more information on Blaine and the greater Whatcom County area visit the Blaine Visitor Information Center located at 546 Peace Portal Dr. or visit www.bellingham.org.