Blaine

Blaine is a city in the Northwest Cascades region of Washington (state). It is the major land border crossing between this part of Washington and the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada. It straddles Interstate 5 which terminates in Blaine, and is on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

Understand
Blaine (aka "the Peace Arch City") was settled by Europeans in the mid-1800s and named after James G. Blaine, secretary of state and presidential candidate. It was incorporated as a city in 1890.

Blaine is a border town and the northern terminus of Interstate 5 which becomes BC-99 as one crosses into Canada. Blaine is also the most Northwest town in the Lower 48 States.

The Department of Homeland Security has two border inspection stations: Peace Arch Crossing to the west for passenger vehicles & the "Truck Crossing" to the east for both commercial entry and passenger vehicles. A great deal of Blaine's economy is based on legal trade across the Canadian border and Blaine also has a long history of smuggling.

Its population was estimated to be 5,400 in 2018.

Blaine has two large marinas with hundreds of boats. Salmon, crab, and other seafood are widely available.

By car
Blaine is northern terminus of Interstate 5. It is also location of the two primary ports of entry between this part of Washington and the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada:



See the Get in – By car section of the Northwest Cascades article for details.

By plane
The nearest commercial airport is Bellingham International Airport. Vancouver International Airport, while across the border in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada, offers a much wider range of destinations.

By bus

 * Route 75 operates from Monday to Saturday between Blaine and Bellingham via Ferndale.
 * Route 75 operates from Monday to Saturday between Blaine and Bellingham via Ferndale.

Do
There are many biking & walking trails, including along Boundary Bay. Blaine is a major birdwatching area. There is a casino in Blaine, a library, and various small businesses.



Go next
Go north to Canada's West Coast gem Vancouver, or head south to Seattle for a great time on the Sound.