We’ve been a bit quiet over here at Waterside Magazine and for good reason! 2020 put a damper on many of our travel plans — from epic international trips to stateside family excursions. Though 2021 looks like it will be a bit more promising, there are still many travel advisories and gathering requirements we should all be wary of before heading off on our explorations close to home.
Though almost all of our coastal communities remain open to visitors, the safest action to take during COVID-19 is to avoid non-essential travel. That being said, planning local excursions can help support businesses and assist the ailing economies of our favorite small towns.
To support this mission, we’ve compiled resources from all our Waterside communities, so you can feel confident and informed when booking your COVID-19 compliant local excursions.
** After you book, make sure to continue to stay informed and up-to-date about statewide mandates as well as the specifications of each locale.
British Columbia
The border between Canada and the U.S. remains closed for non-essential travelers as of January 18, 2021. For Canadians looking to travel local, B.C. has issued a travel advisory asking residents to avoid any travel for social or recreational purposes until February 5 at the earliest.
Richmond, B.C.: The city has a page on their website devoted to connecting their residents with restaurant listings and adventures in their own backyard. You can also check out their informative FAQs page for clarity on how they are currently navigating COVID-19 restrictions.
Tsawwassen & Ladner, B.C.: Delta’s current campaign is “Explore Delta... Later” and their COVID-19 webpage is devoted to resources for locals. Check out their blog to learn more about tourism in Delta and to begin planning your trip for when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
White Rock & Surrey, B.C.: White Rock’s pier, promenade and beach … More
Feeling the winter Pacific Northwest blues? Well, it’s time to shake off that rainy season fog and enjoy some fabulous winter activities. The coastal beaches, mountains and islands of the Pacific Coast are some of the best places to explore and have fun— yes, even in the winter. So grab your whole family and pick an adventure below that’s fun for everyone!
1. Mountain Bike & Hike on Orcas Island
Even in winter, the quaint towns and stunning state parks of the San Juan Islands make fantastic destinations for day and weekend adventures. Check out Moran State Park on Orcas Island, where (only in the winter) you can mountain bike the wide, weaving trails through an old-growth cedar forest. If hiking is more your speed, the four-mile trail around Mountain Lake is a tranquil way to spend a morning.
2. Bring the kids sledding at Mount Baker
Looking for a kid-friendly winter snow adventure that doesn’t break the bank? Make the drive up to Mount Baker for some epic sledding in fresh powder. Take Mount Baker Highway towards Mt. Baker Ski Area and, the higher you climb, the more places there are to play in the snow! One of the most popular sledding destinations is at Picture Lake. A spectacular spot to see mountain reflections in the summer, it turns into a haven for kiddos in the winter months. And don’t forget to end the day with a well-deserved cup of hot chocolate (or two) at the ski area lodge.
3. Enjoy winter storms on San Juan Island
Aside from the stunning historic lighthouse, a key characteristic of Lime Kiln Point State Park is the jagged rocky coastline which, in the winter, features large, high-spraying waves. Enjoy an incredible view of winter weather against the backdrop of the Haro Strait or take a walk through the beautiful surrounding woodlands. The park is widely considered to be a world-class whale watching spot, so make sure to keep your eyes on the horizon for a chance to see a beautiful southern … More
There are so many things to love about the Pacific Northwest, from epic waterfalls and deep gorges to stunning beaches and grandiose mountains, but there is just something about the San Juan Islands that stands out.
These small communities accessible only by ferry or plane have a magical, otherworldly quality. For visitors, the island lifestyle offers both peace and inspiration. While there’s much to love about the quaint downtowns and renowned restaurants, to fully experience these islands, you’ll have to put on your hiking boots (or sandals)!
There are many outstanding hikes across the islands, but we narrowed it down to just three of our favorites. If you’ve planned a visit to the San Juan Islands — make sure you cross them off your list!
Orcas Island
Turtleback Mountain Preserve - Ship Peak Trail
This local favorite is beloved for its distinct shape, which rises dramatically from the landscape of Orcas Island and can be spotted from various vantage points across the Pacific Coast. Yet, the experience of climbing this stunning natural vista is a truly PNW experience.
Part of an 8-mile trail network on more than 1,500 acres of preserved land, Ship Peak Trail is a moderate 3-mile moss-laden trail. It climbs slowly 860 feet through grasslands and old-growth forests defined by gnarly Garry Oaks.
Start your hike at the south trailhead to make your way to the top of the turtle’s “back,” where you’ll discover an epic panoramic view of distant mountains and the dappled island landscape of the Salish Sea.
Lopez Island
Shark Reef Sanctuary
For Lopez Island visitors looking for easy access to the quiet, natural beauty of this small island, Shark Reef Sanctuary has much to offer. Located on the west side of Lopez Island, this stunning shoreline is accessible via a 10-minute walk through the forest and is home to a variety of sea life, including whales, sea lions, otters and a plethora … More
Is it just us or are ferry rides actually fun? There’s just too much to enjoy — from amazing views and people-watching to arriving in a whole new world, one totally isolated from the place you have come from.
Ferries are a way of life here on the Pacific Coast, and while there are a fair number of ferry commuters on some routes, most of the passengers are just like you: excited to spend the day at one of many spectacular seaside towns in Washington.
We’ve compiled a few of our favorite ferry destinations so you can find that perfect spot for a day trip, though be warned: some people stay for the rest of their lives!
Whidbey Island
20-minute journey | Departs once every hour from Mukilteo
There’s much to love about Whidbey Island, from decadent seafood to a slew of outdoor adventures and excursions. This island is large — about 170 square miles — so when we say there’s a lot to do, we aren’t kidding! Travelers can get to the island via ferry from the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal or via Deception Pass from the north.
We highly recommend a stop at Deception Pass to explore the rugged terrain of the island up close. Make the hike (or drive) down to the shore for a calming view of the pass as it winds into Skagit Bay. For more diverse views of this island, don’t miss Ebey’s Landing National Historic Preserve and Fort Casey State Park.
Make sure to plan your trip with regard to the many festivals and events the island boasts each year! It’s a big island with much to do, so definitely check out our Whidbey Island guide for more information on how to make the most out of your time there!
Port Townsend
35-minute journey | Departs every 1-2 hours from Coupeville
One of the most vibrant coastal towns on the Salish Sea, Port Townsend is a fantastic spot to spend an afternoon, weekend or even extended stay. Located on the Quimper Peninsula and accessible by ferry from Whidbey … More
There are so many reasons to visit Skagit Valley, and food is becoming one of them! Once a sleepy little farming county, Skagit is quickly becoming a destination along the northern Washington coast for amazing eats.
Take Edison as an example -- with one intersection and less than 200 residents, this little town has a main street lined with almost a dozen amazing restaurants (two are on this list)!
There's so much to love about the valley, and it was difficult to narrow down our favorites to just five. Without further ado, here are the eateries you must indulge in on your visit to Skagit County:
Tweets Cafe
website / 5800 Cains Court, Bow, WA / (360) 820-9912 / $$-$$$
Nestled on the main drag in the quiet, one-intersection town of Edison, Tweets is a breakfast favorite of folks all over the state. It’s a tiny community cafe you would expect in a town Edison’s size, but stop by during their opening hours and you’ll find it’s always filled to the brim with happy customers from near and far. And if you need another example of the quaintness of this cafe — they post their weekly menu on Instagram — handwritten!
Tweets specializes in breakfast and lunch dishes made with high-quality, locally-sourced meats and produce, but you can also stop in for coffee and pastries if you’re just passing through. If you can, though, take a seat in their rustic dining area and stay awhile.
Mariposa Taqueria
website / 14003 Gilmore Ave, Bow, WA / 360-820-9912 / $
If you’re looking for that pop of flavor that only authentic Mexican food can satisfy, don’t miss Mariposa. It’s a tiny little spot at the end of the tiny main drag of the tiny town that is Edison, but the tacos give big flavor in generous portions — accompanied by delicious homemade corn tortillas. The carne asada is a favorite of many, and the taqueria also has vegetarian options in its seasonal menu options.
They don’t … More
Biking is a popular Waterside pastime for good reason. Towns along the coast are full of bike trails for the whole family, as well as experienced riders. Here are some highlights to pedal through this summer.
Surrey, home to Crescent Beach, is an amazing place to bike. Download the “My Surrey” app for the latest bike route updates. Riding from Crescent Beach to White Rock or vice-versa for lunch will be sure to build up your appetite.
Birch Bay State Park is a great place to bike along the waterfront. Bike into town and stop at the C shop. Take a break from the ride for a swim or a brief clam dig. Birch Bay Park is full of activities for the whole family. For more information, go to parks.state.wa.us.
The Lake Padden loop is a popular bike route in Bellingham. The trails are often full of hikers, bikers and dogs enjoying the lake. This trail will take you on a leisurely journey around Lake Padden. Bring kayaks or rent a paddleboard as a welcome change of pace after a fun ride around the lake. This trail is definitely doable for any children who might be in tow, and the landscape makes for natural break times to enjoy the view of the woods and water. For a map of this trail, visit cob.org.
South Bay Trail stretches from downtown Bellingham through beautiful Boulevard Park, across the Taylor Dock and into Fairhaven. It is a veritable tour of the beauty of Bellingham and Fairhaven. It is a family-friendly ride lending itself to breaks for park time and light shopping. You will also begin and end in centers full of eateries, shops and activities for the whole family. For a map of this trail, visit cob.org.
Little Mountain Park in Mount Vernon offers 6.5 miles of biking trails and 1.4 miles of road that will prove a faster and smoother ride up the hill. This is a good place to introduce yourself to mountain biking, as the trails are best suited for beginner to intermediate riders. For more information, go to mountvernonchamber.com.
Olympic … More
Waterside Magazine is seeking photo contributors for our 2021 edition, to be published this June and distributed widely throughout Washington & B.C.
We cover the following coastal communities:
In Washington: Port Townsend, Whidbey Island, Anacortes, San Juan Island, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, La Conner, Mount Vernon, Burlington, Bow, Chuckanut & Edison, Fairhaven, Bellingham, Lummi Island, Birch Bay, Blaine, Point Roberts
In British Columbia: White Rock/ South Surrey, Richmond/ Steveston, Ladner/Tsawwassen
We are looking for vibrant, photos that highlight summer living, lifestyles and landscapes — conveying the beauty of our region and appealing to potential travelers and visitors. We are especially interested in images that capture people enjoying the outdoors (crabbing, biking, boating, walking, etc.) and of active downtowns, festivals and events in our featured communities.
Please contact us at editor@watersidenw.com for information on our 2021 rates and deadlines. Photos must be high-resolution images at 300 dpi and no smaller than 10 inches on the long side.
We look forward to seeing your work and sharing it with our many thousands of readers! More
Traveling with your pet can challenging. From finding fido-friendly restaurants to figuring out how to entertain their boundless energy, dog-sitting while on a vacation isn't for the faint of heart.
But if you're set on bringing your pupperino on a grand adventure, we're totally in support! There are so many ways to make sure your furry friend can have fun too, and we've compiled a few of our favorite dog-friendly activities so you'll have a good place to start.
So grab your best friend, cuddle up on the couch, and look through these activities, restaurants, parks and trails as you plan your next trip to the waterside!
Activities
Discovery Bay Golf Course - Port Townsend, WA
Washington’s oldest public golf course welcomes doggos too! With 18 holes and panoramic views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, a snack shop and beer & wine selections, you’re sure to enjoy the day just as much as your pup.
Fort Worden State Park - Port Townsend, WA
Visit one of Port Townsend’s most popular attractions with your leashed furry friend in tow. The 19th-century military fort is set on 400 acres and features a variety of natural sights and sounds as well as historic structures. Make the most of your visit with a stroll along the 2-mile stretch of saltwater shoreline or a trek through the forests and meadows of this expansive property.
Pelindaba Lavender - Friday Harbor, WA
Enjoy one of San Juan Island’s most colorful attractions with your pet by your side. Pelindaba Lavender is located in Friday Harbor and features rows of purple blooms from July to August. Admission to the farm is free, and visitors can harvest their own bouquet with their leashed pup before browsing more than 200 of the farm’s products — including lavender dog bones!
Susie’s Mopeds - Friday Harbor, WA
Explore San Juan Island in style with a Scoot Coupe from Susie’s Mopeds. With room for two (or three if you have a … More
The city of Bellingham has more than 16 breweries within its city limits — and for a place with nearly 90,000 people, that's a lot of beer! But the trend of craft breweries (and cider companies) in this waterside town, the opportunity for experimentation, conversation and community are endless.
From hidden breweries to expansive beer gardens and European-style lagers to hazy ales, there's something for everyone in this hoppy town. This microbrewery community has even become the subject of an upcoming film "Brewingham," that dives into the deep sense of camaraderie amongst Bellingham brewers.
Want to be a part of this special beer-lovin' community? We've compiled a list of all of the best breweries in the city, so you can discover your favorite place(s) to chill with friends new and old.
Aslan Brewing
website / 1322 North State St. Bellingham, WA / (360) 393-4106 / Brewery
A local favorite, Aslan offers all USDA Certified Organic beer and delicious eats at their brewpub in downtown Bellingham. Even with a bar, restaurant seating and big patio, their taproom is always full! But it's definitely worth the wait.
Bellingham Cider Company
website / 205 Prospect St. Bellingham, WA / (360) 510-8494 / Cider
Nothing can beat the view from Bellingham Cider Company’s PNW-inspired restaurant & bar! Enjoy a meal or appetizer with your choice of 20 taps of local cider and beer, wine and craft cocktails as you watch the sunset over Bellingham Bay.
Boundary Bay Brewery
website / 1107 Railroad Avenue Bellingham, WA / (360) 647-5593 / Brewery
The oldest brewery in Bellingham, Boundary Bay brings the community together with a diverse menu and an expansive selection of indoor & outdoor seating in the heart of downtown.
Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen
website / 601 West Holly Street Bellingham, WA / (360) 752-3377 / Brewery & Beer Garden
An award-winning brewery with a brewing legend at the helm, … More
With Port Townsend’s rich history, lively downtown and romantic scenery, it’s no wonder you’re considering the quaint town for an intimate getaway with your love. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or *literally* any time of the year, Port Townsend has romance figured out.
From waterside adventures and historic strolls to cider tours and mouthwatering meals, there’s something for everyone to love in PT. Read further for some of our favorite places and spaces to hit on your romantic getaway.
Morning
There’s nothing like waking up in Port Townsend. On clear days, early risers can look to the east for stunning pastel views of the sun rising over the mountains.
Adventure seekers can start their morning in Port Townsend with a bike ride or stroll along the waterside. A popular trip is the 7-mile Larry Scott Memorial Trail, a section of the Olympic Discovery Trail which winds southwest from downtown Port Townsend. Make sure to reserve your bike rentals at The Broken Spoke in advance to get access to their limited mountain, road, hybrid, and electric bike options.
On your way back into town, indulge in a late breakfast at the Blue Moose Cafe, a classic American diner beloved by locals and visitors alike. Nestled amid an industrial neighborhood, the cafe offers outstanding breakfast classics including biscuits and gravy, cinnamon french toast and various scrambles and omelets.
Weekend visitors can stop by the Port Townsend Farmers Market (Saturdays from Apr-Dec, 9am-2pm) for a selection of seasonal produce, pasture-raised meat, food and art vendors and more. Located in uptown on the 600 block of Tyler Street, this quiet part of town was originally home to the town’s elite — who crafted a distinct piece of PT with Victorian homes and buildings that still remain intact.
Afternoon
History lovers will enjoy the sights and sounds of Fort Worden State Park, a historic military base located … More
Fourth of July 2021 promises to make up for lost time, as communities have been rallying and planning to create safe and fun-filled 4th of July weekends to celebrate. Our Waterside communities have pulled out all the stops, so get out this weekend and enjoy Independence Day.
Blaine will be hosting their Old Fashioned 4th “Unofficial Car Show” in downtown Blaine on Sunday, July 4 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Annual Street Fair will begin at noon on the first block of H Street off of Peace Portal Drive. Sign up at the Blaine chamber booth for the free Kid’s Scavenger Hunt and Prize Giveaway, which will run from noon until 5 p.m. There will be live music throughout the day, a beer garden, and much more to explore. The annual fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. over Semiahmoo Bay from Blaine Marine Park. More details can be found at bit.ly/36aPq1y.
Birch Bay will be celebrating Independence Day all weekend! On Friday, July 2 there will be a drive-in showing of A League of Their Own at Birch Bay Waterslides. The gates open at 8 p.m., with the movie beginning at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per vehicle. The Birch Bay Drive Bicycle, Golf Cart Poker Run will take place on Saturday, July 3 from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Participants will visit various checkpoints by bicycle or golf cart and draw a playing card at each one. Finally, on Sunday, July 4 many will watch the non-stop fireworks that are set off at the shore between 6 p.m. and midnight. There will be a community clean up on Monday, July 5 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive. More information on all of these events can be found at bit.ly/2V1wZdz.
Bellingham will be celebrating by bringing back the Blast Over Bellingham Bay 4th of July Fireworks Display over Squalicum Harbor. The display will begin around 10:30 p.m. and will be visible from many viewing locations throughout Bellingham. More information can be found at bit.ly/3hxexAS.
Mount Vernon … More
Camping is a favorite pastime for locals and tourists alike in Washington and B.C., but the recent heatwave may have you wondering about how to camp safely amid burn bans during a high-risk fire season.
Pacific Northwest summers are beautiful and so far, swimsuit season 2021 is no exception. Beautiful as it has been though, this summer has been extremely hot, and we’ve just barely punched into July. Fire safety is no joke, so let’s go over some resources to keep our Waterside communities safe while we camp this year.
Check for Burn Bans
Different counties and even different areas within counties all have different burn bans in effect at different times. Burn bans are always subject to change, so make sure that you are always checking for updates before you head out to your campsite. The Department of Ecology has a list of fire safety burn bans in Washington so that you can find updated information about your destination easily. British Colombia also has an updated list of current burn restrictions. Some areas have stricter burn bans than others, so make sure you are looking at the regulations for your area and taking the recommended precautions with your flames.
Safe Extinguishing
If campfires are allowed at your camping haven, make sure that you are maintaining and extinguishing your fire safely. The Smokey Bear website has a helpful step-by-step guide for how to keep your fire contained and how to extinguish your fire properly. Make sure not to let fires grow too large, always have plenty of water at the ready, and never leave a campfire unattended.
Fire Alternatives
Besides the nostalgia of the smell of campfire smoke, campfires serve three functional purposes: light, heat and meal preparation. If you need to go fire-free to comply with the burn ban in effect at your favorite camping destination, make sure you come prepared. For cooking purposes, check out a retailer like LFS Marine in Bellingham for a propane … More
