J.W. Sandison, 1914. Collection of
Whatcom Museum of History & Art #2606

Bellingham Bay History Cruise Series

Beginning Thursday, June 25,
6:30–9 p.m.
$25/$20 Whatcom Museum members
Island Mariner Dock, Squalicum Harbor

Where did Bellingham begin? What were those four towns that used to be here? Who were some of the early characters in local history? How has the bay changed and how do we use this exciting and vital resource today? These are but a few of the questions answered in the Museum’s popular Bellingham Bay History Cruises. Ten cruises will be offered this summer from June 25 through August 13. Cruises are 6:30–9 p.m. Thursdays June 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; and Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 4, 6, 11 and 13.

Advance tickets may be purchased at the Museum,
call (360)778-8963.
Advance ticket purchase is recommended as cruises often sell out. A 10% group discount is available for groups of 15 or more.

The 2½-hour sunset cruise is a great way for old timers and newcomers alike to learn more about the place they live and see the sites on the bay. The Cruise is also a wonderful way to introduce your summer visitors to the beautiful place we live.

Cruise tour guide is Richard Vanderway, Curator of Education at the Whatcom Museum. He marries his knowledge of local history with up-to-date facts about bay activities on the evening of the cruise. His narrative of history, trivia and current events makes cruise guests feel they are becoming experts on their community and gives them new understanding of the place they live or are visiting.

Museum bay cruises travel on board the 110-foot Puget Sound tour boat Island Caper and leave from Squalicum harbor near downtown Bellingham, the Port of Bellingham’s boat haven for almost 1,500 fishing and pleasure boats. The Island Caper has inside seating for more than 100 passengers plus a covered upper deck viewing area. It has two on-board restrooms. Bring warm clothing to be prepared for evening breezes and your binoculars to see the sites close up.