Blaine - Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

Blaine

Friendly and unpretentious, Blaine, WA is located on Drayton Harbor, adjacent to the Canadian border. Just 35 miles south of Vancouver, BC, this casual community packs a lot of attractions and activities for just 5,000 residents.

Beautifully framed by Mt. Baker to the east and Semiahmoo Bay and Georgia Strait to the west, the U.S.–Canadian border crossing at Blaine is home to Peace Arch State Park. The 72-foot Peace Arch symbolizes nearly two centuries of peace between the two countries. This lovely landscaped park has thousands of flowers and shrubs plus seasonal displays of sculptures and art.

Semiahmoo Resort is a world-class destination featuring a marina, pool, spa, fitness center, restaurants and championship golf courses.

The resort has recently completed a multi-million dollar restoration that was inspired by it’s seaside location. There are two dining options at Semiahmoo, Pierside Kitchen and Packers Oyster Bar. The resort also has two golf courses, Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club which was designed by Arnold Palmer, and Loomis Trail Golf Club which was designed by Graham Cooke.

Aerial View of Semiahmoo / Credit: Semiahmoo Resort Golf Spa

Semiahmoo Spit is also home to Semiahmoo Park, which features more than 300 acres of tideland and approximately 1.5 miles of level pathways ideal for such outdoor adventures as walking, biking, rollerblading, kayaking, clamming, sand sculpting, kite flying and picnicking. A historic seasonal ferry called the Plover shuttles passengers between Semiahmoo and the downtown area of Blaine.

Sailboat in front of Semiahmoo Resort

Blaine and nearby Birch Bay are gaining an international reputation as a birding haven. The tide pools, estuaries and waterways attract thousands of geese, ducks, gulls, loons and shorebirds each year and recently made the Audubon Society’s list as one of the state’s top birding destinations. Popular Drayton Harbor attracts a high population of loons as well as endangered species such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and marbled murrelet.

Annual Events

Wings Over Water Birding Festival

In mid-March, the Wings Over Water Birding Festival brings enthusiasts from across the nation and international to view the impressive number of birding wintering at Drayton Harbor, Semiahmoo Bay and Birch Bay. The event includes field trips, speakers, art exhibits, and workshops.

Old Fashioned 4th of July

Blaine is a main attraction for 4th of July activities in Whatcom County, with a multi-street car show, a hometown parade, a street fair, foot-ferry rides on the Historic Plover, and of course incredible fireworks over Drayton Harbor.

Drayton Harbor Days

Drayton Harbor Days Maritime Festival takes place the first weekend in August at Blaine Harbor Boating Center at 235 Marine Drive, just off I-5 exit 276. The day features a pirate parade and costume contest, kids activities, boating excursions and the Prestigious George Raft Race.