Click on the name of each Whatcom County community to learn about the region’s geographical diversity, rich natural resources, and unique historical character.  Let us welcome you in person at one of the county’s many visitor centers and kiosks.

Bellingham

Bellingham was officially incorporated in November 1903, after more than a decade of incremental consolidation of four towns and heated arguments about naming rights. Eventually citizens voted to use Bellingham as the name of the merged city – however the distinct personalities of the pioneer towns of Bellingham (originally centered near Boulevard Park); Whatcom (today’s “Old Town”), Sehome (present day downtown), and Fairhaven (the historic district) lives on.

Our friendly staff, volunteers and ambassadors are available to provide information at these locations:

Historic Fairhaven

This shopping and dining area on the south side of Bellingham is a National Historic District. A dozen buildings from the 1890s are now renovated and in use as shops and restaurants. It is a compact and enjoyable to walk.

Blaine

Under the watchful eyes of the iconic Peace Arch, and with Drayton Harbor, Semiahmoo Bay, Boundary Bay and Georgia Strait all visible from town, Blaine holds the distinction as the busiest border crossing between British Columbia and Washington State.

Birch Bay

Birch Bay is infused with resort energy – its shallow waters providing an irresistible magnet for sloshers, splashers, and swimmers. Historically a summer destination, Birch Bay has also matured into a year-round destination for birding, boarding, and beachwalking.

Ferndale

Ferndale revels in its pioneer history and much of it is on display at two local parks,  Hovander Homestead Park and Pioneer Park. Ferndale sits along the banks of the Nooksack River and hosts many annual events including the Scottish Highland Games.

Lynden

The town of Lynden reflects its strong Dutch settler influence, boasting tidy neighborhoods, a hint of old-world architecture (including a few windmills), and authentic Dutch cuisine. Surrounded by fertile farmlands, the area is the largest raspberry producing region in the nation.

Lummi Island

Lummi Island is a one of the best-kept secrets of the San Juan archipelago. Considerably more accessible than other islands, this pristine, rural gem is less than twenty minutes from Bellingham and a mere 7 minutes by the Whatcom Chief ferry. Lummi Island is a peaceful, unspoiled getaway with tranquil beaches and 18 miles of country roads ideal for bike riding, walking or bird watching. Enjoy a spectacularly unique and amazing meal at The Willows while you’re there.

Mount Baker Foothills

Ruggedly independent mountain towns – including Glacier, Deming, Maple Falls, Acme, and Van Zandt – dot the Mt. Baker foothills. Their history of logging and mining has slowly transformed into a recreation-dominant economy bolstered by the international acclaim of the Mt. Baker Scenic Highway.