On the shores of Bellingham Bay with Mount Baker as its backdrop, Bellingham is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. The City of Bellingham, which serves as the county seat of Whatcom County, is at the center of a uniquely picturesque area offering a rich variety of recreational, cultural, educational and economic activities.
Quick Stats
- Population: 97,270
- Area: 30.1 square miles
- Travel distances
- Canadian border: 21 miles
- Vancouver, B.C: 52 miles
- Seattle: 90 miles
- Miles of bike lanes: 61.1
- Miles of trails: 68.7
Recognition
- Green Power Partner of the Year
EnvironmentalProtection Agency - Coolest Towns for Summer Vacation
Forbes - 2018 Top 100 Best Places to Live
Livability - Best Places to Live in the West
Sunset Magazine - Cleanest Cities in the U.S.
American Lung Association - Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016
Outside Magazine - Top 13 Safest Cities for Cyclists
Bicycling.com - The 20 Best College Towns in America
Business Insider
Virtual Tours
A collection of virtual tours are available for select locations in Bellingham.
Photos
Education
Excellence in education is a hallmark of our community. Nationally lauded K-12 public schools, two community colleges, and Western Washington University – consistently ranked high among public regional universities – all call Bellingham home. Learn more about our top-quality schools and Bellingham’s higher education institutions below.
History
In 1903, four towns – Fairhaven, Whatcom, Sehome, and Bellingham – merged to create the Bellingham we know today. Bellingham’s historic character is remarkably well-preserved, with a large number of historic buildings downtown, in Fairhaven’s Historic District, and in adjacent neighborhoods. Explore historic Bellingham using one of our self-guided tours, or visit Whatcom Museum.
City Government
Learn more about how the City of Bellingham serves the community.
- About the City of Bellingham Government
- City Services by Topic
- Bellingham City Council
- Office of the Mayor
- Map Gallery
Visitor Information
Visit Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism to learn more about things to do, places to see, where to eat and much more.
