Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Squalicum Harbor

On Bellingham's waterfront you'll find a bustling mixed use marina at Squalicum Harbor. On one side there are hundreds of private power and sailboats lined up waiting for a Pacific Northwest boating adventure. Seems like very few get out except in the most warm summer months. Too bad.

On the other side, you'll find a large working marina filled with fishing and large sea-going boats. That is my favourite side to explore. There are several docks you can stroll to talk to fishermen and see them working on board.

On shore you can walk through the net storage area to see all of the working equipment waiting for the next open fishing season.

While you are there stop for a brew and a bite to eat at Nicki's Bella Marina overlooking the guest boat moorage area or the Web Locker Restaurant for a tasty lunch.

There are two parks in the area as well. Zuanich Point Park is a great place to stop as you wander through the marina. It is a local spot for kite flying and also offers paths for jogging and roller-blading, picnic tables, a children's play area, water access and wonderful sunset views. A more primitive park is Squalicum Beach Park (see my December 4 post) before Marine Drive turns up the hill. You have to pass through an industrial area, but at the end there is a dirt parking lot that leads to a sandy/rocky shoreline. At low tide you can walk all the way to the start of the Bay to Baker Trail. But don't get caught when the water comes in. Both parks are open from dawn to dusk. -- Margy

3 comments:

  1. you have made this look and sound close to idyllic! I love to see the boats all lined up in the marina - but as you say, it is a shame that they don't seem to be out on the water as much as they are moored.

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  2. What a nice way to spend a day!

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  3. Wandering around the marina is one of our favorite things to do on a nice day. It's a lot more relaxing for me now that my girls are old enough I don't have to be constantly worried they're going to unexpectedly jump in the water!

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy