Summer is just around the corner and the Port of Bellingham and City of Bellingham are offering special tours to show people the Bellingham Waterfront District redevelopment project. A series of walking tours and boat tours will be occurring between June 20 and August 22.

“We think the best way for people to understand the waterfront redevelopment plan is to get outside and explore the site from the land and the water,” said Port Commission President Jim Jorgensen. “We have a variety of tours available for the community and are hoping the weather cooperates with us on all of them!”

Master planning for the Waterfront District is well underway and will soon enter the final phase of public involvement prior to approval. The city’s Planning Commission last week voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Waterfront District plans to the City Council. This summer the Port Commission and City Council will begin their deliberations. Both the Port Commission and City Council will have public hearings on the plans, regulations and agreements. All of the documents are available online.

These tours are are a great way to become familiar with the plan and to explore sections of the former Georgia Pacific Pulp and Paper Mill site. All walking tours are free. The boat tour, which is offered by San Juan Cruises, has a fee.

Closed toed shoes, suitable for walking over gravel and some rubble, are required for all walking tours.

SAN JUAN CRUISES BELLINGHAM'S FUTURE WATERFRONT TOURS -- June 20, July 18 & Aug. 22

See Bellingham's waterfront take shape from the sea. Enjoy an evening on the bay and discover how Bellingham's past has opened the door for its future. View the current status of the waterfront from the water while representatives from the Port of Bellingham and the City of Bellingham offer details of the planned redevelopment and the vision of what our waterfront could look like in the future.

This cruise is being offered by San Juan Cruises. Depart from the Alaska Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven. The boat leaves at 6:30 pm - please check in about 30 minutes prior to pick up your tickets. The cruise will last about two hours. For more information and reservations, please call San Juan Cruises at 1-800-443-4552, or purchase tickets through San Juan Cruises online.
Cruise prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-17. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Questions: Contact San Juan Cruises, 360-738-8099.

WATERFRONT TWILIGHT WALKING TOURS -- July 25 & Aug 1

On Thursday July 25 and Thursday, Aug. 1, there will be public walking tours of the Downtown Waterfront redevelopment area. The entire Waterfront District is 237 acres. These tours will focus on the Downtown Waterfront Area and portions of the Log Pond Area, the two areas closest to the Central Business District. This tour includes the 10.8 acre property now being offered to private developers.

Each evening, there will be three one-hour tours, departing at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. All tours will begin alongside the Granary Building, located at Roeder Avenue and Central Street, with parking available alongside the building.

No advance registration is required. The site includes uneven terrain and may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Questions: Contact the Port of Bellingham, 360-676-2500

MAYOR'S ASB LAGOON LUNCHTIMES WALKS -- Noon, July 19 & 26

Join Mayor Kelli Linville and others for a lunchtime walk around the former Georgia Pacific Treatment Lagoon, also known as the Aerated Stabilization Basin (ASB). The city will be turning this path -- with stunning views of Bellingham Bay -- into an early public access trail in the coming months. Advance sign-up is required.

Questions and directions: Contact the City of Bellingham, 360-778-8100