Vancouver Island's second-largest city is a picturesque oceanfront town with fabulous mountain views and a busy harbor. Home to events like the harbor's Bathtub Race, the city of 75,000 offers outdoor opportunities from full-moon kayaking to golfing. Boat-fresh seafood graces tables at an ever-increasing number of restaurants. This gateway to island adventures is easily reached by fast ferry or floatplane from downtown Vancouver or by scheduled ferries from Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen.

The Pacific Northwest scarcely gets more peaceful than unspoiled Bellingham, a bustling city nestled in the Bellingham Bay. Nature abounds in all directions surrounding this coastal paradise. The waters of the Pacific offer opportunities for whale watching, cruising to Friday Harbor or visiting the Canadian city of Victoria. To the east, Mt. Baker beckons skiers and snowboarders to its slopes. The city itself is alive with vibrant theater, historical museums, gourmet restaurants and fine arts.