Strategically located between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., Whatcom County offers direct access to over 8 million people within a 90-mile radius. Its largest city, Bellingham, is just 60 miles south of Vancouver, while the border communities of Blaine and Sumas connect seamlessly to Surrey and Abbotsford.
With deep cultural and economic ties to British Columbia, Whatcom County sees up to 38,000 daily vehicle crossings at its U.S.-Canada ports of entry—many from Canadian commuters, shoppers, and business travelers.
Canadian businesses are increasingly expanding into Whatcom County to access the larger U.S. market while benefiting from lower real estate costs and continued proximity to their Canadian headquarters. The region offers a full spectrum of cross-border expertise, including customs brokerage, immigration law, accounting, banking, and commercial real estate.
The Port of Bellingham’s Regional Economic Partnership team is ready to assist with connections and resources to support your expansion.
Explore our Gateway to the USA brochure and discover the advantages of locating in Whatcom County.