With a scenic location near the Canada-U.S. border, Bellingham and surrounding Whatcom county take full advantage of their region’s ability to host top-notch tournaments.
With a northern border that ends in the Canada-U.S. border and a rich history of human habitation tracing back at least 12 millennia, Whatcom County has seen—and grown—much through the years. Today its county seat and most populous city, the coastal Bellingham, lies some 52 miles southeast of Vancouver and 90 miles north of Seattle. Lying in the shadow of Mount Baker, the city is the result of an amalgamation between the towns of Bellingham, Whatcom, Sehome and Fairhaven, which all settled beside Bellingham Bay.
With a gorgeous backdrop surrounding you always, Whatcom County is more than just a scenic marvel near the edge of the country; it’s also a haven for sporting activity and tournaments throughout the year. The Ski to Sea Raceannually takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, where this signature event sees competitors travel 93 miles in a relay race that incorporates cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, running, road biking, canoeing, cyclocross biking and kayaking. The 2019 edition of the race saw nearly 4,000 participants across 15 different divisions.
If you happen to be in town for a tournament or an event, consider a stay at any of the region’s fine lodging options, including the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center, Oxford Suites or the SpringHill Suites by Marriott.
CVB/Sports Commissions Services Offered
- PR/Media Assistance
- Site Visits
- Transportation Assistance
- Lodging Services
- Grant Programs
- Welcome Bags/Gifts
- Itinerary Development
- Event Planning Assistance
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What is There to Do in Bellingham?
Bellingham is serviced by dozens of forested, interurban and waterfront parks, including hundreds of miles of easily accessible hiking and biking trails. Walk, bike or paddle along the saltwater coastline, freshwater lakes or near year-round waterfalls in this outdoor adventure lover’s paradise.
The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is a science and history museum full of hands-on interactive exhibits. Behold the 1915 telephone used by Henry L. Higginson to make the first transcontinental phone call, see a reproduction of the radio room onboard the Titantic or check out a working CT-100 television.
Go whale-watching onboard the San Juan Cruises, which offer many different options like whale watching tours, crab dinner cruises on Chuckanut Bay, beer and wine tasting experiences and private charters as your cruise around the scenic San Juan Islands and through Bellingham Bay.
Family-friendly and cool all summer long, the Birch Bay Waterslides are a local favorite, with playful slides without the hassle of long lines, including one with a 60-foot drop. This lively water park is open from May through October.
If you’re still looking to be entertained after hitting the waves or cruising around the Bay, check out the trampoline parks, bowling alleys and go-karts at Sumas International Motorsport Academy, one of the finest karting facilities in North America.
How to Get to Bellingham?
Interstate 5 runs right through central Bellingham on the road south to Seattle. If you’re flying into the region, Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is the third-largest commercial airport in Washington and offers flights through Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Allegiant Air to major West Coast destinations.
Contact Information
Company Name: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Sports Sales Manager: Eric Rainaud-Hinds
Title: Sports Development Coordinator
Telephone: 360-671-3990 x211
Email: eric@bellingham.org
Website: www.bellingham.org