Squalicum Harbor - ​photo by ​Paul Conrad​ image

Squalicum Harbor - ​photo by ​Paul Conrad​

About Bellingham

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.

Quick Stats​

  • Population: 86,720
  • Area: 30.1 square miles
  • Travel distances
    • Canadian border: 21 miles
    • Vancouver, B.C: 52 miles
    • Seattle: 90 miles​​
  • Miles of bike lanes:​ 61.1​
  • Miles of trails: 68.7

Recognition

Photo Tour​

 

 

Light Trail out of the City of Subdued Excitementhttps://www.cob.org/photos/Visiting/A.jpgLight Trail out of the City of Subdued ExcitementPhoto by AJ Barse
Humphries, Philiphttps://www.cob.org/photos/Visiting/C.jpgHumphries, PhilipPhoto by Phillip Humphries
Edison, Toddhttps://www.cob.org/photos/Visiting/D.jpgEdison, ToddPhoto by Todd Edison
Larrabee State Parkhttps://www.cob.org/photos/Visiting/E.jpgLarrabee State ParkPhoto by Sean Stockburger
Mt. Baker Ski Areahttps://www.cob.org/photos/Visiting/Fp700273.jpgMt. Baker Ski AreaPhoto by Thomas Miles
Squalicum Harbor Kayakshttps://www.cob.org/photos/Visiting/GP400224.jpgSqualicum Harbor KayaksPhoto by John R. Kienast Jr.
Merritt, Kennihttps://www.cob.org/photos/Visiting/Hp901211[1].jpgMerritt, KenniPhoto by Kenni Merritt
Jingle Jamhttps://www.cob.org/photos/Visiting/Ip800207.jpgJingle JamPhoto by Tomas Calderon

Education

Excellence in education is a hallmark of our community. Nationally lauded K-12 public schools, two community colleges, and Western Washington University – consistently ranked high among public regional universities – all call Bellingham home. Learn more about our top-quality ​schools​ and Bellingham's higher education institutions below.

​​​

History

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. Explore historic Bellingham using one of our self-guided tours, or visit Whatcom Museum.​

City Government

​Learn more about how the City of Bellingham serves the community.


 

 Visitor Information
Visit Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism​ to learn more about things​​​ to do, ​p​laces to see, ​where to eat and much more.​​​

contacts