Birch Bay is a slow-paced, coastal community with mountain views directly south of the Canadian border in Washington. “I recently told someone that I live in Birch Bay, and they responded, ‘Oh, you must be happy,” says Mary Jane Thompson, visitor center coordinator at the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. With its warm, shallow water, surrounding state parks and golf courses, the area has endless outdoor opportunities. Historically, Birch Bay leaned touristy and was a popular spot for retirees. But, officials say, that is changing. “It used to be a lot more resort-oriented; now there are more families,” says Danielle Gaughen, executive director at the Chamber. “Our age is coming down. There are a lot more housing developments for families.” Birch Bay is unincorporated, so its services come through Whatcom County. Community members have tried to get the city incorporated multiple times, and a feasibility study was underway as of February 2025. The current population is just over 10,000 residents, but it gets busier in the summertime. “The population doubles or triples in the summer. Then, it quadruples on the Fourth of July,” Gaughen says. “There used to be a lot of second homes. Canadians would buy second homes, but that is minimized.”
Birch Bay is a coastal community with mountain views directly south of the Canadian border.
Practice your short game surrounded by nature at Loomis Trail Golf Course in Birch Bay.
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Gated communities and waterside condos
Birch Bay has a mix of communities and home styles, including gated areas and neighborhoods with lots of acreage. “The neighborhoods have their unique personalities. Some are spread out, and some are closer,” Gaughen says. “If you want to know your neighbors, you can easily do that in any of them.” Birch Bay Village is a gated community with a private swimming pool and golf course. Properties with acreage are further inland, and condos and Pacific contemporary homes are on the water. The median home price is $621,000, and the median price for a condo is $407,000.
Make timeless memories in a contemporary home in Birch Bay.
Beautiful condominiums with coastal views are a popular choice for living in Birch Bay.
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Plentiful water activities at Birch Bay State Park
Birch Bay residents have access to land and sea recreation. Birch Bay State Park offers hiking, camping, swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and scuba diving; other activities on the water include fishing, crabbing and shellfishing. Gaughen says outdoor activities happen mostly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Point Whitehorn Park also has hiking trails, and golfers can hit their balls at Loomis Trail Golf Course. Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa has membership options for its 18-hole course; locals can get day passes for the resort’s swimming pool. The course is open year-round and includes a clubhouse. “The Berm” is a 2-mile walking spot along the coast. The area also has a waterpark, the Birch Bay Waterslides, which is next to a classic amusement center with a mini train, mini golf, go-karts and an arcade called Station 49. The Canadian border is 8 miles north; at Peace Arch Historical State Park, visitors can see the multiple landmark structures commemorating peace between the two nations.
Meet up with friends to play a round of golf at Loomis Trail Golf Course in Birch Bay.
Take a scenic walk and have a picnic at Peace Arch Historical State Park near Birch Bay.
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Polar Bear Plunge to start the year
Birch Bay hosts dozens of events that bring together thousands of people. The area kicks off its season with the Polar Bear Plunge. This event receives over a thousand participants. The community hopes to break the world record soon for most people participating in the plunge. Teams create unique sculptures at the Sand Sculpture Competition. “We always pick the best weekend for the tide, and we just get some beautiful creations,” Gaughen says. Thousands come out to Birch Bay for the Fourth of July to light up the skies with individual shows. Derby Day is a day-long event that puts on the best parts of the city through various activities like a crab derby, poker run and duck derby. Locals can travel 8 miles north to the Peace Arch Historical State Park on the U.S-Canada Border. Visitors can see the multiple landmark structures that commemorate peace between the countries.
Water views at Birch Bay restaurants
Most of the city’s shopping and dining options are along Birch Bay Drive. Diners can have sit-down meals with water views; restaurants include American, seafood and Mexican eateries. There are also a handful of bars and breweries. Bay Center Market sells groceries, and locals travel to Blaine or Bellingham for other shopping needs. Bellingham has Costco, HomeGoods and Target. Gaughen says that some residents will shop and dine over the border in Vancouver; those who wish to travel back and forth between countries will need a NEXUS pass.
Meet up with some friends for a pint and a meal at Shores Restaurant in Birch Bay.
Birch Bay residents head to Bay Center Market for all their grocery needs and more.
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Commuters connect to Whatcom County through Highway 538
Most residents commute to other parts of Whatcom County, like Bellingham and Blaine. Highway 548 links to Interstate 5, the primary route down the Pacific Coast; Birch Bay is 7 miles from Blaine and 22 miles from Bellingham. “It’s located in a convenient area of Whatcom County, and all the areas are within 20 to 25 minutes of each other,” Gaughen says. “It’s two and a half hours to Seattle.” The Whatcom Transportation Authority, or WTA, has one bus route between Birch Bay and Bellingham; the route operates Monday through Saturday. Bellingham International Airport has multiple daily flights to Seattle through Alaska Airlines.
Students travel north to Blaine schools
Most students attend school through the Blaine School District, which earns a C rating from Niche. The tiny school district has just under 2,100 students across five schools. The Ferndale School District is another option that earns a B-plus rating from Niche.
Ferndale High School provides top-notch education with excellent after school programs.
Blaine High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
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Police service by Whatcom County Sheriff
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is the law enforcement agency for Birch Bay. According to the sheriff’s office, there were 136 offenses between February 2023 and 2024, most notably theft and burglary. Birch Bay gets all four seasons, which Gaughen says is one of the reasons she enjoys the area. “We have seasons, which is what I didn’t get living in Southern California,” she says. “We get snow, and it’s 80 degrees in the summer. It’s nice to be able to experience that.”
Written By
Courtney Murphy
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
Video By
Luke Basinger
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Pre-inspected and appraised for buyer confidence, this well-maintained 4-bedroom rambler received a strong appraiser quality/condition rating and offers comfortable single-level living inside gated Birch Bay Village. Situated on a spacious 0.296-acre lot (12,883 SF), the property features radiant floor heat, engineered wood flooring, multiple living spaces, and a covered deck ideal for year-round
MTT's highly anticipated Grand Opening of Whisper Lake Division II in Birch Bay/Blaine. Great Opportunity for Affordable New Construction home featuring 2319 sq ft plan has 5 Bedrooms, 3 baths plus Bonus Room. Great room concept with Island kitchen, stainless appliances, quartz counters with full tile backsplash, walk-in pantry. One bedroom on main with 3/4 bath on main. Large primary bedroom
Your home only a short walk to the Beach with 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms is ready for you. Large main living room with vaulted ceilings, lots of natural light. Spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets, a detailed wood designed breakfast bar, large dinning room has a hidden pantry . 1 bedroom on main floor & full bathroom, 2 large rooms upstairs with access to your upper deck and access to the outside.
Christine Johnson-CicchittiWindermere RE Whatcom, Inc.
Waterfront living has never been more accessible. Experience the tranquility of west-facing oceanfront living in the Pacific Northwest. This charming, mid-century, single-level home captures sweeping views of Semiahmoo Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the glowing evening lights of White Rock—offering unforgettable sunsets and a constantly changing coastal backdrop. Designed with a thoughtful,
Style, comfort, and effortless elegance come together in this stunning open-concept home, ideally situated in the peaceful Salish Breeze beach community—just a short stroll to the bay and scenic walking trails. Offering 5 bedrooms plus a dedicated office, 3,627 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, formal and casual dining areas, and a spacious 3-car garage, this home is built for
Escape to Birch Bay with this charming, fully furnished 1-bedroom, 1-bath retreat in community-focussed North Bay Park. Just a short stroll from the beach, this cozy getaway is the perfect place for summer adventures, weekend escapes, and making lasting memories by the water. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening drink on the covered deck, complete with a unique fold-down bar overlooking green
Incredibly rare inland pacific waterfront at Calluna Estates. Nearly 200' of waterfront estate dream property. Expansive stretch from the San Juan Islands to the Canadian Gulf Islands. The view will knock your socks off. Imagine your incredible waterfront estate or private compound where you enjoy boating, fishing, swimming & beach combing out your back door. Private level treed setting. Just
Priced to Sell! Exceptional custom, new construction in the highly sought-after gated community of Birch Bay Village. This stunning Modern Craftsman showcases upscale design, smart home technology, and resort-style coastal living at its finest. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a spacious bonus room above the garage, this thoughtfully designed home offers flexibility for guests or possibly
Beautifully crafted 2023-built home in a highly desired, quiet gated community with sweeping bay views. This light-filled 5-bed, 2.75-bath residence offers 2,747 sq. ft. of modern design and a flexible layout suited for a variety of lifestyles. The main level includes an open living area with a gas fireplace, an elegant open-concept kitchen with walk-in pantry, and a spacious dining area. A
Pre-inspected and appraised for buyer confidence, this well-maintained 4-bedroom rambler received a strong appraiser quality/condition rating and offers comfortable single-level living inside gated Birch Bay Village. Situated on a spacious 0.296-acre lot (12,883 SF), the property features radiant floor heat, engineered wood flooring, multiple living spaces, and a covered deck ideal for year-round
Experience exceptional Northwest living on the Birch Bay Village Golf Course in this striking contemporary home surrounded by expansive open green space and picturesque water views. A dramatic wall of windows fills the interior with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere while showcasing the beautiful setting from nearly every angle. Designed for both comfort and entertaining, the
Birch Bay, this inviting coastal cabin captures the essence of easy PNW living—where salty breezes, glowing sunsets, and carefree days shape your experience. From the moment you arrive, the home’s wraparound deck and low-maintenance metal roof set the tone. Designed for both quiet mornings and lively evenings, it offers corridor views of the bay and west-facing sunset skies. Step inside to a
Looking for an easy coastal escape with room to relax and play? Welcome to this inviting retreat in the gated Latitude 49 Resort community near Birch Bay. Situated on a spacious lot, this well-maintained property offers a generous yard, storage shed, and two separate decks creating the perfect setup for outdoor entertaining, summer evenings, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Inside,
MTT's highly anticipated Grand Opening of Whisper Lake Division II in Birch Bay/Blaine. Great Opportunity for Affordable New Construction home featuring 2319 sq ft plan has 5 Bedrooms, 3 baths plus Bonus Room. Great room concept with Island kitchen, stainless appliances, quartz counters with full tile backsplash, walk-in pantry. One bedroom on main with 3/4 bath on main. Large primary bedroom
Your home only a short walk to the Beach with 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms is ready for you. Large main living room with vaulted ceilings, lots of natural light. Spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets, a detailed wood designed breakfast bar, large dinning room has a hidden pantry . 1 bedroom on main floor & full bathroom, 2 large rooms upstairs with access to your upper deck and access to the outside.
Christine Johnson-CicchittiWindermere RE Whatcom, Inc.
Cozy & Peaceful Retreat in Birch Bay – Move-in Ready! Enjoy the tranquil lifestyle of Birch Bay in this charming, partially furnished cabin. Ideally located for those seeking a serene getaway or a comfortable long-term residence. Rental Terms & Key Information: Monthly Rent: $1,500.00 (1 year). Utilities Included: Water, Sewer, Garbage and Electricity are included in the rent, providing
Cozy & Peaceful Retreat in Birch Bay – Move-in Ready! Enjoy the tranquil lifestyle of Birch Bay in this charming, partially furnished cabin. Ideally located for those seeking a serene getaway or a comfortable long-term residence. Rental Terms & Key Information: Monthly Rent: $1,500.00 (1 year). Utilities Included: Water, Sewer, Garbage and Electricity are included in the rent, providing
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