'''Blaine'''[http://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/][http://www.blainechamber.com/index.html] is a city in the Northwest Cascades region of Washington (state). It is notable as the major land border crossing between this part of Washington and the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada. It straddles Interstate 5, and is on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
Understand
Officially incorporated in 1890, Blaine (aka "The Peace Arch City") was first settled in the mid-1800s and named after James G. Blaine, secretary of state and presidential candidate.
Bordered by Canada on the North, it has a long history of smuggling, and a great deal of Blaine's economy is based on legal trade across the Canadian border.
The Department of Homeland Security has 2 border inspection stations, Peace Arch Crossing to the West & Truck Crossing to the East.
The estimated population is under 5,000.
Blaine has 2 large marinas with hundreds of boats. Salmon, crab, and other seafood are widely available.
Get in
By car
Blaine is the 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
Blaine has a small airport for general aviation. After years of debate about whether to keep the airport or use the land for other development, it looks like Blaine has finally decided to shut it down. As of July 2008, it is still open.
The nearest major commercial airport is Bellingham International Airport (BLI). Vancouver International Airport (YVR), while across the border in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada, is sometimes convenient.
By bus
There is a limited local service bus between Blaine & Bellingham.
Get around
See
Peace Arch State Park. o north on 2nd Street until the loop at A Street.. 1-(360) 332-8221. eaceArch@PARKS.WA.GOV. ttp://www.peacearchpark.org/sculpture.htm. ree. A grand white arch in a grassy lawn marks the official US-Canada international border. On either side of the park are frequently lines of cars crawling slowly through the border checkpoint lines. You can enter the park from either the US or Canadian side, and walk all around it, but you must leave by the side you entered, or else formally pass through the border checkpoint.
Do
There are many biking & walking trails.
Blaine is a major birdwatching area.
There is a casino in Blaine, a library, and various small businesses.
Buy
Eat
Blackberry House Cafe. 21 H Street. 1-360-332-5212. nfo@blackberryhousecafe.com. ttp://www.blackberryhousecafe.com/. Cafe with sandwiches and soups for lunch. Free wireless internet.
Drink
Sleep
Smuggler's Inn Bed & Breakfast. 480 Canada View Drive. 1-(360) 332-1749. nfo@smugglersinnblaine.com. 1-(360) 332-1749. ttp://www.smugglersinnblaine.com/. :00 PM to 9:00 PM. 1:30 AM. 100-$350/night. Eight guest rooms in a three-story Victorian house.
Contact
Get out