Bringing a group to town? Bellingham and Whatcom County offer plenty of fun tours and destinations for groups both big and small. Whether your group is interested in tasting food, experiencing nature, or learning history, there's something for everyone. Here are some activities sure to delight your cohort!
Search for Orcas on the calm waters of the Salish Sea on a whale watching cruise with San Juan Cruises, departing daily from Bellingham, May through September (check the website for specific dates!). Full day cruises include a tour of the islands and a buffet lunch. Shorter themed tours include a picnic cruise to Sucia Island and UnWined on the Bay.
Farm to fork is a reality in Bellingham and Whatcom County, where chefs transform locally grown and foraged foods into amazing meals, from Steak Diane to oysters on the half shell. Want more guidance? Check out the free Farm to Table Trail pass. It offers suggestions as well as discounts, promotions, and prizes.
Winemakers in the Bellingham region vary greatly in style and technique, from uniquely local to old world traditions. Tours and tastings are an ideal way to dive into the locavore culture. Highlights include: Vartanyan Estate Winery, Dynasty Cellars, and Samson Estates Winery. While you're out and about, head to local creameries to sample cheeses.
Washington apples are the key ingredient at Bellewood Farms' Distillery, which was the first to transform its own harvest into a variety of libations on the farm, including vodka, gin and eau de vie. Another local spirit-maker, Chuckanut Bay Distillery, offers a distillery tour that includes two cocktail tastings!
Bellingham is also home to several national award winning craft breweries, which offer tours upon request.
Learn about Bellingham's history on an entertaining walking tour with The Good Time Girls. These tours are funny, fun, and informative all at once, and the costumed guides are experts on everything Bellingham.
Public tour season runs May – October with special tours and events scheduled throughout the year, but private tours can be scheduled year-round, subject to guide availability.
Transportation for groups is easily accessible through Bellair Charters in Bellingham. Customize your itinerary and allow Bellair Charters to do the driving for you.
Get a taste of Rick Steves exploring the Fairhaven and Downtown Arts Districts of Bellingham, touring exhibits, and even soaking up some historic maritime culture in the uppermost Pacific Northwest. Three episodes at bellingham.org/ricksteves.
What do you have in mind? We can help make it happen. Got big plans? Email us at info@bellingham.org.