Port of Bellingham
Convenience, comfort and services are all found at Squalicum Harbor.
Words by Steve Fennell
Marinas are a safe haven for recreational boaters, especially when you visit a destination only once every season or you’re navigating new waters altogether. They provide an ideal break from the water, allow you to get familiar with the immediate area and more often than not, offer many available services that can enhance your trip.
Squalicum Harbor, located amongst Georgia Strait on the north shore of The Port of Bellingham, is popular among recreational boaters. It’s where you can relax in your slip, gain local knowledge of the immediate area from expert staff, and take advantage of the many available amenities. It’s also a gateway to many of the city’s attractions.
Operated by the Port of Bellingham, Squalicum Harbor is one of the larger marinas in the Georgia Strait region. Even though it accommodates a vast mix of commercial and recreational boats (with 1,400 slips to be exact), it welcomes recreational cruisers all season. The harbour is divided into two moorage basins that’s a homeport to recreational, charter, brokerage boats, plus the largest commercial fishing fleet north of Seattle. There’s also an excellent marine trades network if you need parts, service, and practically any type of mechanical or fibreglass repair.
Port of Bellingham
A sunset over the inner harbor.
Despite its size and commercial occupancy, there’s no need to be intimidated. Navigating from Georgia Strait and Bellingham Bay into a transient slip is about as straight forward as you can get. Although visitor moorage is situated on side-tie docks during peak season, you may be redirected to other areas where transient moorage is available. Moorage is based on a first come, first served basis and on the rare occasion that space isn’t available, you’re still in luck. The nearby Bellingham Yacht Club offers reciprocal moorage for existing yacht club members from other regions. Also, be sure to have your vessel registration and insurance documents on hand as they are required to obtain moorage at the marina.
Once settled, convenience starts right when you tie your lines. There’s 30-amp shore power, dinghy racks, and even portable carts for a variety of purposes. Need to pump out your waste tanks? Refuel? Or do some much needed laundry? No problem. Squalicum Harbor offers two pump out stations, laundry facilities, gas/diesel, in addition to showers and dock boxes. Plus, being ranked as a 5-star EnviroStars and Certified Clean Marina, recycling centres are available for marine engine oil or other fluids.
One of the great conveniences of Squalicum Harbor is that it’s a gateway to downtown Bellingham. It’s within easy walking distance from the marina and being the 13th largest city in the State, there are plenty of choices to grab a great meal, browse the series of shops and more. A series of hotels are also right on the waterfront while others are a short taxi or Uber drive away.
Iwona Kellie
Taylor Dock, one of the most popular trails in Whatcom County to enjoy.
What’s interesting about this region (and a great reason to visit Squalicum Harbor) is the area has several food producers, which sprawl across an impressive 100,000 acres of rich farmland, qualifying it as an agricultural hub. They produce more than 60 percent of the nation’s red raspberries and the dairy farms are some of the most productive in the State. This also means that many restaurants source local produce, meats and dairy to provide savoury dining experiences, and the seasonal farmer’s markets are a great way to re-stock your galley.
With many more attractions, a trip to Bellingham and Squalicum Harbor is worth it. After all, visiting an ocean side city is always exciting. Yet, being provided with all the boating amenities that you as a boater require makes it twice as convenient and enjoyable. As one of the ideal destinations in the Georgia Strait region (with access to the San Juan Islands and other popular destinations), Squalicum Harbor can be your next go-to marina, whether you want to take a break from the water, relax at a full-service slip, or just experience a new boating adventure with friends or family.
(*note: There’s a maximum stay of three days for transient boaters).
For more details or to contact the marina visit https://www.portofbellingham.com
Port of Bellingham