Blaine, Washington is beautifully framed by Mt. Baker to the east and Semiahmoo Bay and the Georgia Strait to the west. It is also home to Drayton Harbor and is just a short drive to the U.S. – Canadian border.
At the border crossing you will find the 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, restaurant 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.
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 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, check to see if it will be running during your stay.
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. Meanwhile popular Drayton Harbor attracts a high population of loons, as well as, endangered species such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and marbled murrelet.
Blaine has also recently made the Audubon Society’s list as one of the state’s top birding destinations.
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.
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 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.
Check out our blogs for more insider tips on Blaine.
