Bellingham and Whidbey Island Destinations
Short trips near Vancouver for a long weekend Plenty of options for a holiday getaway By Jeff Lukovich, Special to Canwest News Service May 12, 2009 BELLINGHAM AND WHIDBEY ISLAND
Why: Bellingham has always been a favorite shopping destination for Vancouverites, but beyond the malls are historic districts with Art Deco and Victorian architecture, unique museums, charming parks and scenic bays. A picturesque drive takes you to Deception Pass State Park, containing nearly 1,700 hectares of lake, forest, wetlands, sand dune and rocky shore. Whidbey Island's main highway passes through farmland, forest, shoreline and parks.
And several of its towns invite exploration.
Route: From Vancouver, take Highway 99 to the border and the I-5 to Bellingham. From here, either continue on the I-5, or take the far more scenic Hwy11/Chuckanut Drive. Take exit 230 at Burlington onto Hwy 20 west, following the signs to Deception Pass Bridge. Continue down Whidbey Island on State Highway 20/525. On the return trip, take the 20-minute ferry from Clinton to Mukilteo, and connect once more with the I-5.
Distance and Driving Time: 440 kilometres and about six hours of driving.
Things to do: Take a heritage walking tour through the Old Town and Fairhaven districts of Bellingham. Visit the American Museum of Radio and Electricity. Stroll the walking trails to the four waterfalls within Whatcom Falls Park. Take a leisurely drive along Chuckanut Drive with its scenic mountain, ocean and island views. Spend some time in Deception Pass State Park. On Whidbey Island, visit the historic attractions of Coupeville, established in 1853, and one of the oldest cities in Washington, and Langley, known for its lively art scene, and heritage buildings containing galleries, shops and restaurants.
http://www.canada.com/Travel/Short+trips+near+Vancouver+long+weekend/158847
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