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Day trip from Vancouver: What to do in Bellingham

For a small town, there are a surprising number of fun things to do in Bellingham Washington.

Just over the border from Vancouver, BC, Bellingham was a popular day trip for us when living in Vancouver. Bellingham fast became one of my favorite places to visit on the West Coast USA and I’d highly recommend a weekend getaway from Vancouver to Bellingham too.

The first time we visited, we’d recently been given our Canadian Permanent Residency (hooray!) and decided that crossing the border to activate it would be the most fun way to do things. So we took a day trip to Bellingham from Vancouver and found there are so many things to do in Bellingham Wa.

From scenic drives to hikes, mountain biking, the best shellfish in an incredibly cool setting, beaches, and antique shopping, you’ll find so many awesome things to do in Bellingham for a day trip or longer!

It was such a nice day and I’m already hoping to go back again sometime in the not-too-distant future. In fact, we ended up going back quite a bit both for shopping at REI and Trader Joe’s and mountain biking on the trails near Bellingham.

If you’re planning a Bellingham day trip and wondering what to do in Bellingham then read on to find out!

what to do in bellingham wa
things to do in bellingham
things to do in bellingham

The best things to do in Bellingham WA – What to do in Bellingham

Before our trip to Bellingham, I really hadn’t given the town much thought. It was just somewhere you pass on the way to Seattle.

Little did I know that there are loads of fun things to do in Bellingham, Washington! I did some research and planned a day that revolved around Chuckanut Drive, cafes, and books.

It was the perfect day and there’s still plenty more for us to go back and see too. Here are a few ideas for a fun day out in Bellingham and the top Bellingham activities.

things to do in bellingham chuckanut drive
things to do in bellingham

Drive the scenic Chuckanut Drive

I’d never heard of this before and given we drove most of the western coast of the USA during our US Road trip, that was a bit surprising. We started by heading south of Bellingham and then driving back up the coast toward home.

Chuckanut Drive is Washington State’s original scenic byway and officially begins at exit 231 on the I-5 in Burlington and continues for 20 miles into Bellingham. The road was completed in 1896 and is a beautiful drive of beach views, delicious restaurants, and hiking trails. 

From Vancouver, simply take the I-5 Southbound and come off at whichever junction you want to start at. For us, this was the Bow Hill Road where we went west towards the coast and the Chuckanut Scenic Drive. 

Our drive along Chuckanut Drive started with a cute-looking cafe and an antique shop that was fun to wander around. I’m not sure how many sales are actually made here but it was fun to wander around the rusty bolts and screws, the car manuals from before we were born, and the old fitness videos at the back of the store

things to do in bellingham
things to do in bellingham
things to do in bellingham chuckanut drive

We then continued northbound getting shellfish at Taylor Shellfish Farms (see below) and stopping in Fairhaven, along the coast, and in Bellingham before heading back to Vancouver via Trader Joe’s (of course!). 

things to do in bellingham taylor shellfish farms
things to do in bellingham taylor shellfish farms
things to do in bellingham taylor shellfish farms

Stop for fresh shellfish at Taylor Shellfish Farms

This stop was so worthwhile and on a sunny day, I highly recommend you time this stop with lunchtime. 

Taylor Shellfish Farms sell their shellfish all over Washington and they’ve been sustainably farming shellfish since the 1890s. Their Samish Oyster Bar and Shellfish market is right on the waterfront along the Chuckanut Scenic Drive.

At this location, they have a shop selling different varieties of Oysters, and a grill where you can get fresh scallops, prawns, grilled oysters, and more.

Tables fill up quickly, we were there just before 12 pm but it got super busy within 10 minutes of our arrival. 

bellingham village books fairhaven

Browse the shelves at Village Books in Fairhaven

This bookstore in Bellingham’s Fairhaven district is a treasure trove for book lovers and was one of my favorite places to visit in Bellingham during our trip.

The store is over 3 floors and has a cafe and a restaurant, besides books, there are also gifts and cards too.

Visit Larabee State Park

Larrabee State Park was the very first state park in Washington and is full of fun things to do near Bellingham Wa.

Here, you’ll find hiking, paddling, and picnic spots by the water where you’ll get great views of Samish Bay and the picturesque San Juan Islands.

Additionally, for those interested in the legacy of Washington’s parks, Larrabee’s status as the inaugural state park is kinda cool and makes it worthy of being on your list of places to see in Bellingham.

Lake Padden Park

Lake Padden Park near Bellingham, is a popular outdoor with a beautiful lake at the center. There are also hiking trails and paths that are well maintained all over the park whether you’re looking for a nice walk or somewhere pretty to run.

things to do in bellingham makeworth market
things to do in bellingham

Grab a coffee at Makeworth Market

I haven’t been so impressed with a cafe in a long time but Makeworth Market is just gorgeous. It’s super spacious, bright, and welcoming and they do great cakes too!

They also have a curated selection of homewares and gifts such as candles and ceramics.

We sat in here for a while while I read a new book I’d picked up at Village Books.

Make sure to stop in here when you’re looking for cafes in Bellingham. 

Enjoy the views of Bellingham Bay

Boulevard Park was one of the stops on my list for our trip to Bellingham. It looks like a great place to picnic and enjoy the views. It’s not the only place to enjoy the views though.

The parking here was completely full so we carried on northwards on the main road and spotted a pull-out with some parking spaces, opened the back doors, and soaked in the views for a while. 

artist point snowshoe

Drive out to Mount Baker

Mt Baker is a huge mountain that can be seen from far away including from Vancouver which I always thought was super cool as I was driving across Lions Gate Bridge.

The Mt Baker recreation area isn’t far at all from Bellingham and one of the best hikes or snowshoes is to go out to Artist Point where you get stunning views of Mt Baker, Shuksan, and the other mountain peaks area.

There is also a tonne of beautiful cabins around here which make for a relaxing weekend getaway along the scenic Mount Baker highway.

If you’re into skiing, be sure to plan your trip to Bellingham over winter. Mt Baker is one of the few remaining family-owned ski resorts and it’s super cute with plenty of trails to explore.

north cascades national park

Visit the North Cascades National Park

Another cool thing to do near Mt Baker, which we did as part of our USA road trip before crossing the border into Canada, was visit the North Cascades National Park.

This National Park doesn’t seem to receive nearly anywhere near as much attention as other parks and I’m not quite sure why; I think it’s one of the best!

There are some awesome day hikes in North Cascades National Park, and if you want to make a weekend of it, check out these places to stay nearby.

And a few things to do in Bellingham we’ll have to go back and do! 

Here are a few things we couldn’t quite fit into one day – next time we visit Bellingham we’ll give some of these a go!

Shop Bellingham Farmers Market

The farmers’ market is held every Saturday in Bellingham from April – December and every 3rd Saturday in January, February, and March between 10 am – 3 pm. There are around 100 vendors selling local produce and artisan crafts. 

Eat ice cream at Mallard Ice Cream

Mallard Ice Cream has over 600 flavors including avocado, root beer, and the classics.

The ingredients in their ice cream are sourced locally and a cone from here is the perfect addition to a summer day trip in Bellingham. 

Take a beer crawl

For a relatively small town, there are a lot of breweries in Bellingham. There are 12 within Bellingham city boundaries and 14 breweries within Whatcom County and visiting these are some of the best cool places in Bellingham to go.

Bellingham is often regarded as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts with Stones Throw Brewery and plenty of other places, the city has a rich brewing culture, blending a history of traditional beer-making with innovative, new-age styles.

Here’s a look at the best breweries scene in Bellingham:

  • Boundary Bay Brewery: One of the most iconic breweries in Bellingham, Boundary Bay has been serving up quality brews since 1995. Known for its award-winning IPA and a delightful beer garden, it’s a favorite among locals.
  • Aslan Brewing Co.: This organic brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, focusing on both classic styles and unique experimental brews. Their commitment to sustainability and community involvement makes them stand out.
  • Wander Brewing: A relative newcomer, Wander Brewing quickly made a name for itself by winning several awards making them one of the best of Bellingham. They’re known for a broad spectrum of beers, from barrel-aged ales to crisp lagers.
  • Kulshan Brewing Company: A popular spot for craft beer lovers, Kulshan offers a wide variety of brews, with a focus on traditional, balanced flavors. Their two locations, the “K1” original brewery, and the “K2” newer, larger space, provide ample room for patrons to relax.
  • Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen: Specializing in European-style beers, Chuckanut Brewery has racked up numerous awards for its meticulously crafted lagers and ales. Their kitchen also serves up tasty dishes that pair well with their beer selection.
things to do in bellingham

Take a hike in Bellingham

As with most towns in the Pacific North West, there’s also a lot of hiking to be done.

Some of the most popular hikes in Bellingham include the Oyster Dome trail along Chuckanut Drive, Fragrance Lake Trail in Larrabee State Park, or Whatcom Falls Park including the Whatcom Creek & Falls loop. Packing your hiking boots and hitting the trails.

Next time we’re definitely doing one of the hikes near Bellingham!

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

Lake Whatcom Park

Lake Whatcom Park is a popular destination for outdoor lovers and those looking for a peaceful place to relax.

The park runs alongside the eastern shore of Lake Whatcom and you can enjoy hiking trails, kayaking on the lake, or enjoying a peaceful picnic with scenic views.

The park’s extensive network of multi-use trails is suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, and even horseback riders!

Mount Baker Theatre

The Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham has been around since 1927 and nowadays this historic theatre is a hub for performing arts, hosting an array of events ranging from plays, musicals, and concerts, to dance performances.

The architectural design transports visitors to a Spanish Moorish village under a twilight sky and with ornate interiors and state-of-the-art acoustics, the theatre provides a magical experience for both performers and the audience.

Apart from its regular events, Mount Baker Theatre serves as a community space, hosting educational programs and local events. It remains an iconic landmark and a testament to Bellingham’s rich cultural heritage.

Go mountain biking in Bellingham

Bellingham isn’t just good for hiking. There are also plenty of mountain biking trails nearby.

Our friends go down to Bellingham for biking a few times every summer and we joined them recently and had a blast!

Galbraith Mountain bike trails and Chuckanut Mountain include mountain biking trails for all abilities and a mountain bike park. 

things to do in bellingham taylor shelfish farms chuckanut drive

Best places to eat in Bellingham

There are loads of great places to taste the best of Pacific Northwest ingredients in Bellingham. 

Homeskillet, Bellingham

If you’re looking for breakfast in Bellingham be sure to check out Homeskillet. This cafe is like an eclectic junkyard inside with kitschy toys and brightly colored tables.

They sure know how to do breakfasts though!

Their biscuits and gravy are a staple but the pancakes and tater tot hash have to be tried too. Get there early as there’s usually a wait. 

The Birch Door Cafe

Another great place for breakfast in Bellingham is The Birch Door Cafe. Their buttermilk pancakes are an absolute must as sourdough yeast is used in them to make them extra light, fluffy and tasty! 

Old World Deli

The Old World Deli makes delicious sandwiches and subs that make for the best lunch in Bellingham. Eat in or get it to take out and enjoy somewhere nearby with a view.

Gainsbarre 

This wine bar serves natural wines which are all organic and don’t have any additives. They serve small plates and do proper cheeses. It’s a great place for a laidback drink with some tasty food.

About Bellingham and where is Bellingham located?

Bellingham is a small city on the coast of Washington State near the US-Canada border. It’s just a few hours north of Seattle and just over an hour away from Mt Baker in the east.

It takes about 90 minutes to get from Vancouver, BC to Bellingham, WA depending on how long the queues are at the border. It’s the perfect place to go for a day trip from Vancouver. 

Made up of downtown Bellingham and the historic (and very pretty) Fairhaven Historic District slightly to the south, there’s plenty to do in Bellingham.

There are local breweries, Bellingham hikes, fresh shellfish aplenty along the scenic Chuckanut drive route, cute bookshops, and mountain biking for those seeking adrenaline. 

How to get to Bellingham from Vancouver

From downtown Vancouver simply head south on the BC-99 South towards the Peach Arch border crossing.

From here, continue southbound on the I-5. Bellingham to Vancouver is just 55.2 miles away, so it’s really not far at all!

Seattle to Bellingham

Getting from Bellingham to Seattle just means heading north on the I-5. On a good day, it’ll take under 2 hours. In terms of how far is Bellingham from Seattle, it’s just under 90 miles each way. 

Where to stay in Bellingham

If you want to extend your trip to Bellingham and stay in a Bellingham hotel or Airbnb, take a look at my top picks below.

These hotels in Bellingham are suitable for people traveling on a budget and get great reviews on Booking.com.

Best Bellingham hotels

Check out these hotels in Bellingham, WA for somewhere to stay. 

  • Hotel Bellwether: With a spa and wellness center this luxury hotel in Bellingham has waterfront views from your room as well as kitchenette areas.
  • Sehome Garden Inn: This beautiful studio with a garden view has everything you need for a relaxing break in Bellingham. Breakfast is included too.
  • Heliotrope Hotel: The Heliotrope Hotel in Bellingham is close to the craft breweries and includes free parking for all guests. Fun fact: you can actually hike the Heliotrope Ridge trail near Mt Baker too
  • Coachman Inn: This inn in downtown Bellingham has an outdoor pool and sauna. All rooms have a TV, A/C, and ensuite bathrooms and prices include a good breakfast too. 

Airbnbs in Bellingham USA

These Bellingham accommodation options give you the option of self-catering which is always great if you travel on a budget. 

  • Lettered Streets Studio: This studio apartment is within walking distance of downtown Bellingham. It’s super bright and has everything you need including a mudroom for bikes and skis! 
  • The Cabin Apartment: This cabin apartment looks super cozy and is also close to downtown Bellingham and West Washington University. 

FAQs on the best Bellingham things to do

What to do in Bellingham in one day?

In one day in Bellingham, you can explore the historic Fairhaven district, walk along the trails of Whatcom Falls Park, visit the Bellingham Maritime Museum, and indulge in the local craft beer scene with a brewery tour. Don’t miss the sunset over Bellingham Bay from Boulevard Park.

What is Bellingham famous for?

Bellingham is famous for its beautiful waterfront, rich maritime history, the esteemed Western Washington University, and its bustling craft beer scene. Additionally, its proximity to the San Juan Islands and Mount Baker makes it a favored spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both water and mountain adventures.

Is Bellingham worth a visit?

Absolutely, Bellingham is worth a visit. It offers a blend of historical charm, natural beauty, a vibrant arts scene, and a thriving craft beer culture. Located between Seattle and Vancouver, it’s a scenic gateway to the Pacific Northwest.

Final thoughts on things to do Bellingham Washington

When it comes to what to do in Bellingham Washington, you’re pretty spoiled for choice. From pretty cafes, shops hikes, mountain biking, and scenic drives, you won’t run out of ideas for what to do in Bellingham Wa quickly.

If you’re looking for more ideas on things to do in Washington State, be sure to check out this guide to the best things to do in Seattle Washington as well as this guide to Leavenworth; a super cute town that feels like you’re in Europe! Or, check out this guide on how to take a day trip to Victoria, BC.

Or, for day trips from Bellingham, check out my guide to what to do in Vancouver in the summer, or this Vancouver in one day itinerary.

Last Updated on August 14, 2023 by Hannah

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