Travel: Five reasons to visit Bellingham, Washington

Most British Columbians know Bellingham as a pit stop on the way to Seattle or Portland, a place to refuel after a long border wait, do a quick grocery shop at Trader Joe’s and then zip south on the I-5.

But spend some time exploring this charming university town and you’ll find it a place of stunning natural beauty, with a fraction of the crowds that can make B.C.’s natural hotspots feel congested.

Bellingham offers tonnes of space to stretch out on a quiet lakeside or ocean beach, spectacular hiking trails on soft forest floors and invigorating bike rides on a network of trails that criss-cross the city and make it easy and fun to get around on two wheels.