Traveling local during COVID-19? Check out these resources.

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We’ve been a bit quiet over here at Waterside Magazine and for good reason! 2020 put a damper on many of our travel plans  — from epic international trips to stateside family excursions. Though 2021 looks like it will be a bit more promising, there are still many travel advisories and gathering requirements we should all be wary of before heading off on our explorations close to home.

Though almost all of our coastal communities remain open to visitors, the safest action to take during COVID-19 is to avoid non-essential travel. That being said, planning local excursions can help support businesses and assist the ailing economies of our favorite small towns.

To support this mission, we’ve compiled resources from all our Waterside communities, so you can feel confident and informed when booking your COVID-19 compliant local excursions.

** After you book, make sure to continue to stay informed and up-to-date about statewide mandates as well as the specifications of each locale.

British Columbia 

The border between Canada and the U.S. remains closed for non-essential travelers as of January 18, 2021. For Canadians looking to travel local, B.C. has issued a travel advisory asking residents to avoid any travel for social or recreational purposes until February 5 at the earliest.

Richmond, B.C.: The city has a page on their website devoted to connecting their residents with restaurant listings and adventures in their own backyard. You can also check out their informative FAQs page for clarity on how they are currently navigating COVID-19 restrictions.

Tsawwassen & Ladner, B.C.: Delta’s current campaign is “Explore Delta... Later” and their COVID-19 webpage is devoted to resources for locals. Check out their blog to learn more about tourism in Delta and to begin planning your trip for when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

White Rock & Surrey, B.C.: White Rock’s pier, promenade and beach are all currently open, though visitors are reminded to stay socially distanced. For updates on retail and restaurant reopenings, visit their tourism page here. For Americans who are unable to visit this beautiful location, take a look at their live pier cam for a view of the renowned White Rock Pier at this very moment. For resources and guides to visiting Surrey, visit their COVID-19 webpage.

Island County

Island County includes Whidbey & Camano Islands and seven smaller islands. For a detailed COVID-19 webpage with resources, restaurant openings and travel recommendations for Whidbey & Camano Islands, visit whidbeycamanoislands.com

Jefferson County

Port Townsend remains open to visitors, though the ferry schedule to and from Whidbey Island has been modified. Click here for Port Townsend specific COVID-19 resources and links, and make sure to buy your ferry ticket in advance here

There are still some closures on the Olympic Peninsula, specifically on Tribal Lands. Make sure to visit the Olympic Peninsula closures web page for updated information.

San Juan County

Visit the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau website for trip planning and COVID-19 resources and information. For island-specific business openings and restrictions, visit the following webpages: Orcas Island Chamber, San Juan Island Chamber, Lopez Island Chamber.

Skagit County 

Anacortes: The city is operating during COVID-19 based on county and state mandates. Click here for case counts and other resources. To plan your COVID-19 compliant trip to Anacortes visit anacortes.org.

Burlington: The Burlington Chamber has put together a guide of local business resources and restaurant openings to assist visitors. The Burlington tourism web page also has detailed information on planning a trip to Burlington.

La Conner: In one of our favorite weekend destinations, small businesses have also been hit hard by this virus and have been forced to adapt to stay alive. The chamber has put out a call for visitors and locals to purchase gift cards from their favorite retail shops, restaurants and services. They have also created an updated guide to business hours of operation, accessible here.

Mount Vernon: Through hardship, Mount Vernon has continued to innovate resources to support its citizens, with new art installations and activity centers — including a brand new pickleball court. In a special edition of their booklet “In Our City” they propose various outdoor activities and connect locals and visitors alike with resources, recommendations and even a punch card! 

Snohomish County 

Snohomish County includes the coastal cities of Everett, Edmonds, Mukilteo & Stanwood and is following statewide COVID-19 mandates. The City of Everett has recently started the Everett Streatery program to open up city stalls for restaurants to expand outdoor seating. In Mukilteo, a brand new ferry terminal was opened in December offering improved service to Whidbey Island.

Whatcom County

Bellingham & Fairhaven: The main visitor center at 904 Potter Street is open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For an essential visitor checklist and updated links to open restaurants and businesses, visit bellingham.org/travel-advisory and subscribe to the city’s monthly newsletter.

Birch Bay & Blaine: The Birch Bay Visitor Center is currently closed to the public, but the staff is accessible via email and telephone. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce has created a business resource page for up-to-date information about restaurants, retailers and hotels that are open to the public. For information on visiting Blaine during COVID-19, the Welcome Center remains open to the public and can be reached over phone or email. 

Lummi Island: The island remains accessible by ferry on a modified schedule. Click here to see the current Whatcom County ferry schedule. Visit Lummi Island’s website to peruse some of the beautiful parks and outdoor activities the island has to offer.

Point Roberts: This lone peninsula has been ravaged by COVID-19, leaving some residents landlocked and seasonal residents from Canada unable to access their properties. Though an emergency ferry travels to and from Bellingham and Point Roberts, it is limited to essential travelers to allow Point Roberts residents to access vital resources on the mainland. So, unless you have a charter plane, it may be best to avoid planning a trip to Point Roberts in the foreseeable future.