Whatcom County sprawls from the Strait of Georgia past the Cascade Range with the U.S.-Canada border running along the northern edge of the county. Defined by the incredible natural wonders that make the area so popular, like Mount Baker, Lake Whatcom, and Bellingham Bay, Whatcom County provides countless opportunities for adventure, inspiration, and sightseeing during all four seasons. Snowy mountain peaks beckon skiers and snowboarders during the winter and the Salish Sea offers water recreators summer months filled with fun.
Easy access to the Canadian border opens up a whole new world for day trips or extended adventures in the neighboring country, and the San Juan Islands to the southwest put residents in close proximity to all that the idyllic islands have to offer. With North Cascades National Park practically in their backyard, residents in Whatcom County are a just drive away from one of the largest glacial systems in the continental U.S.
The county’s seat is Bellingham, the last main city north of Seattle before the Canadian border and the type of place that attracts a variety of residents, where young people attend college (Western Washington University is located here), families enjoy recreation, and retirees find a safe haven. Late Victorian architecture is still preserved to this day in Bellingham and stately mansions sit at end of long, manicured drives in Eldridge Historic District, boasting everything from Classical Revival to French Chateauesque architectural styles. The city’s bustling waterfront supports a robust job market and economy centered around fishing, ferries to Alaska, and shipping.