On the shores of Bellingham Bay with Mount Baker as its backdrop, Bellingham is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. The City of Bellingham, which serves as the county seat of Whatcom County, is at the center of a uniquely picturesque area offering a rich variety of recreational, cultural, educational and economic activities.
In 1903, four towns – Fairhaven, Whatcom, Sehome, and Bellingham – merged to create the Bellingham we know today. Bellingham’s historic character is remarkably well-preserved, with a large number of historic buildings downtown, in Fairhaven’s Historic District, and in adjacent neighborhoods.
Located amid the green islands of the Washington coast and the majestic peak of Mt. Baker, Bellingham is a cozy community shared by about 82,000 people. Less than 20 miles south of Canada, Bellingham boasts one of the grandest natural harbors in the northwest, able to dock the largest ocean vessels. Because of its central location and proximity to the coast, Bellingham is a transportation center connecting Seattle and Vancouver with the San Juan Islands and Alaska.
As a commerce hub for the region, this harbor town boasts a healthy economy, the gorgeous natural beauty the Pacific Northwest is known for, and some of the friendliest locals around. Bellingham combines local industry, the savvy of a college town, and a robust lifestyle dating back to 1852. The city is filled with magnificent scenery, a culture of outdoor recreation, Western Washington University, the Alaska Ferry, the Canadian border, Mt. Baker, the Salish Sea, local food, spirits, art and music. These are all part of the genuine Bellingham experience.