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City of Blaine
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David Riffle
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David Riffle
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Jason V
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David Riffle
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David Riffle
Words by Andy Peterson
The Pacific Northwest encompasses countless cities and towns, both rural and urban, along the shore and inland. Exploring the many communities is one of the great thrills of cruising this region – north or south of border – and gives the chance to discover new, unique, and exciting destinations.
With a population of just over 5,000, Blaine, Washington, is a scenic coastal town nestled on Drayton Harbor and the US/ Canadian border. A sure sign that you arrived in its safe, picturesque harbour is the iconic water tower – a remnant of the world’s largest cannery operated by the Alaska Packers’ Association for more than 75 years – at the tip of Semiahmoo Spit. Blaine has a rich history tied to the fishing industry that’s still in operation today (both commercially and recreational) and you will also find plenty of visitor docking available at Semiahmoo Marina or Blaine Harbor Boating Center, a full service, modern marina.
Once settled in, the choices of on-land activity can make your stay that much more enjoyable. Sure, you could stay nestled in one of the slips to reorganize and rest, but you’ll soon realize that Blaine offers its own sense of tranquility, as well as activities.
Take a leisurely stroll from the harbour to downtown Blaine, an area that has been touted as one of the top 10 small towns in Washington State with its choice of great restaurants. You can experience a variety of mouth-watering options that range from a top-notch steak house to cozy cafés and afterwards, you can savour a locally-made ice cream cone or sip a latte while enjoying the harbour view from several outdoor parklets and plazas. You may also want to try the fresh local oysters that are harvested within hours right in Drayton Harbor. In fact, plans are currently underway for a new restaurant right on the harbour, specializing in oysters, seafood and more.
Further, Marine Park, a popular spot for transient boaters just across from the Marina, makes for an enjoyable visit along the water's edge with walking trails and pocket beaches. The park is great for the whole family thanks to the picnic tables, available grills, and as well as a new playground where children of all ages will enjoy the lighthouse-themed slide tower and a sailing ship play structure.
More activities can be found at nearby Birch Bay, located between Blaine and neighbouring Bellingham and consists of 664 acres with 2,516 m (8,255 ft) of saltwater shoreline plus another 4,549 m (14,923 ft) of freshwater shoreline at Terrell Creek. Day visits here means strolling along its rocky beach, enjoying views of the North Cascades Mountains or Canadian Gulf Islands and exploring Terrell Marsh interpretive trail – one of the few remaining saltwater/freshwater estuaries in north Puget Sound where birds and wildlife, including great blue herons call home.
If shellfish is a favourite among some of your crew (and is in season during your visit), the park provides opportunities to harvest some clams or crabs at low tide. Remember, licenses are required. What’s more, Birch Bay also has relatively warm water making it perfect for windsurfing, sailing and kayaking.
More kayaking opportunities can be found in Dakota Creek where you can go upstream on high tides or paddle out to the mouth and explore Drayton Harbor shoreline. During high tide you can take a detour under a bridge and explore the California Creek estuary.
A visit to Blaine would not be complete without a short trip to Semiahmoo Spit by boat or a short drive around the harbour. Or, in the summer on the weekends, take the historic Plover Passenger Ferry over from the marina to the spit for a fabulous meal at Semiahmoo Resort. You can also access the beach and isolated sandy areas to enjoy a quiet afternoon admiring bald eagles hunting for their next meal or watching the seals play in the warm waters. At the end of the day, you’ll want to spend an evening at Marine Park (and the nearby public pier) as it’s locally known as the most romantic spots to watch the sun dip below the harbour.
With the many new developments, existing attractions, plus the popular parks and expansive waterfront, Blaine – like many of the smaller communities in the region – is big on activities and attractions. It’s certainly worthy of adding to your destination list this season.
For more information on the City of Blaine contact the Blaine Welcome Center at www.blainechamber.com or call 360-332-4544.