Accommodations & Dining

Accommodations
Slip away to a hidden bungalow in the shadow of Mt. Baker, or let yourself be pampered in a five-star luxury suite with a beautiful view of Bellingham Bay. Whether you want a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Bellingham Whatcom County is the perfect place to find your escape.

Dining
Whatcom County’s restaurant districts — mainly downtown and historic Fairhaven — offer tastebud-enticing culinary treasures. Outside of Bellingham, smaller communities enliven palettes with uniquely matched options of their own, such as delectable Dutch baked goods in Lynden and hearty food in the mountain town of Glacier.

Recreation & Attractions

Whatcom County has an abundance of activities for all ages, interests and seasons. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve lived here all your life, there is always something new to explore. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Baker to the waters of Bellingham Bay, discoveries are around every corner.

Skiing
Shush down the slopes of a laid-back ski destination that boasts the most snowfall EVER in a single season at Mt Baker Ski Area. We are talking a world record of 1,140 inches! This is the mountain where snowboarding was virtually invented, but skiers and snowboarders of all skills are welcome and treated like neighbors. For conditions and information call Mt. Baker Ski Area at (360) 734-6771.

History, Culture and Arts
The Bellingham Whatcom County region is rich in history, culture and the arts. You’re never far from a fine art gallery, one-of-kind museum or a performance venue. Soak up the local ambiance at an award winning brew pub, a boutique waterfront restaurant or gourmet coffee shop. You can also learn a lot about our culture and values at one of our many farmers markets, community celebrations or a leisurely stroll through a city or county park.

Boating and Kayaking
You want water? We’ve got it! Rent a sailboat or kayak. Join a charter trip to the stunning San Juan Islands or Victoria. Take an exhilarating raft trip on the Nooksack River. Watch the mighty Orca whales glide majestically in their home waterways. Our friendly tour operators and guides can help.

Festivals & Events

Wings Over Water: Northwest Washington Birding Festival
The Wings Over Water Birding Festival in Blaine celebrates the incredible variety of migratory birds which flock to Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay each winter and spring. Visit the festival for a day-long birding expo with free activities for the whole family, including wildlife demonstrations, bird viewing stations, exhibits, displays, craft vendors and more. For a small fee wildlife cruises of Drayton Harbor are available on the MV Plover Ferry.

Ski to Sea Race and Fairhaven Festival
Bellingham’s annual Ski to Sea Race is a 100-mile relay of seven venues encompassing seven different sports from the snowfields of Mount Baker, down Highway 542 and the Nooksack River and across Bellingham Bay via downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, running, canoeing, bike riding and kayaking. The Ski to Sea Race is held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend every year. The Ski to Sea Junior Race is the weekend prior to Memorial Day weekend (Saturday at Lake Padden); the Ski to Sea Junior Parade is the evening before (Friday).

Whatcom Artist Studio Tour
The Whatcom Artist Studio Tour brings the public into artists’ working studios for a two weekend, self-guided tour and sale. The Tour began with ten artists and has grown to be a well orchestrated tour featuring over 50 artists working in more than a dozen different media, and featuring 41 studios scattered throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County. The tour includes both emerging and established area artists. Each studio features the work of the primary artist, and some may include additional artists as well, providing a unique and compelling variety of artwork.