beer cruise bellingham

Ales N’ Sails Cruises

Ales n’ sails brewery dinner cruises, to book a reservation please call us at (206) 719-7622.

“It was a lovely day on the water and great fun to participate in raising the sails, and watch the crew as they trimmed it out. All on board seemed to be having fun. I’d recommend a day cruise on The Zodiac. I plan to go again and take a friend.’ – TripAdvisor Review 2016

• Food & Drink

Taste some ales while you take a sail on classic schooner Zodiac on Bellingham Bay

Craft brewers offer samples as historical vessel sails in the shadow of Mount Baker.

Share story

BELLINGHAM — I’m in the middle of Bellingham Bay on a pristine summer evening and my wandering mind is envisioning a beer float — like a root-beer float, but with, uh, beer. Some people like them.

This is one of the schooner Zodiac’s Ales N’ Sails dinner cruises, so I suppose it’s natural that I have beer on the brain.

And I guess the startlingly near and clear view of snowy Mount Baker added the thought of a giant dollop of French vanilla.

Gliding peacefully over saltwater as the sun lowers into the San Juan Islands to the west, the sleek yet stately 160-foot historical sailboat — built in 1924 in East Boothbay, Maine, for the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical heirs — inspires such wandering thoughts.

That, and the samples of four beers from Bellingham-based Chuckanut Brewery , on tap from a portable bar on the aft deck.

This is one of the regular cruise offerings aboard the Zodiac, with rotating samples from local craft brewers, and I’m one of the near-capacity crowd of 47 passengers out for a three-hour sail. With a great view and just about all the beer we can drink.

Salty craft

Before boarding, passengers gather dockside at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in the Fairhaven district to admire the lovingly maintained vessel’s gleaming Douglas-fir spars. The mainsail boom, itself a tree trunk almost as thick as the 12-story-high mainmast, is a varnished work of art as sun glints off the wood’s whorls and knots. Baggywrinkles resembling giant, shaggy caterpillars — made from short pieces of yarn cut from old lines — climb shrouds to cushion sails from chafe. The water is a glittering jade green, and the view out to the bay is of slowly pirouetting sailboats in an evening race that won’t set any speed records in these light airs.

A black-and-white feline — Abby, the ship’s cat — nestles in the shade of a raised skylight on the Zodiac’s deck.

Most Read Life Stories

• How Seattle Bouldering Project is turning a bank into a climbing gym
• 10 new Seattle-area bars to know about
• Rubinstein Bagels founder settles lawsuit against Ethan Stowell Restaurants, Stowell says
• How to try Seattle’s hot new dim sum spot and more on our food podcast
• Seattle’s China Harbor will close after 3 decades

Acting as ship’s mate tonight in charge of the young 14-member crew is Henry Darron, from Virginia, who starts our adventure with a safety talk aimed primarily at (A) keeping us from falling overboard, and (B) keeping us from falling down stairs or ladders.

“And our insurance company says no climbing in the rig today!” he concludes.

“Oh, shucks,” several in the crowd chuckle ironically, apparently more interested in hops than high-wire acts.

But there is a chance to practice some seamanship (and utter a pirate oath or two, if you like) as we get underway. Anybody who wishes is invited to help hoist the sails, starting with what Darron frequently reminds us is “the largest working mainsail on the West Coast.”

“It’s 4,000 square feet!” he cries. “The size of two tennis courts — or one 4,000-square-foot house!”

My fellow passengers and I queue up in two lines of a dozen or so people each, on both sides of the boat, like contestants in a tug of war in which the opponent is the heavy gaff-rigged sail.

Grabbing rough, inch-thick rope, my team leans back with many a grunt and hauls on what’s called the throat halyard, raising the end of the gaff nearer to the mast. The others haul on what’s called the peak halyard, raising the end further from the mast.

“All the way, throat!” calls Darron, then “Hold, peak!” and vice versa until the mammoth white sail towers over us and softly bellies in the breeze.

Mike Heintz, a retired engineer who lives in Bellingham, enthusiastically hauls at the front of our line. Had he ever raised a sail before?

“Yes, on a really tiny boat — I think it was a Sunfish,” he says. “I have nothing to compare it to, but being at the front I’ll assume my job was harder than anyone’s!”

And now, as they used to say, it’s Miller time. But, to the joy of craft-beer lovers aboard, it isn’t.

Ales aplenty

This is the second Ales N’ Sails cruise for the Chuckanut Brewery crew, and they love doing it, says co-owner Mari Kemper.

“Look at the view here!” she explains, pointing to Mount Baker. “You don’t get that view until you’re on the water. It’s fun for all our crew that gets to come along, and when you get out on the water you just find it’s easier to relax.”

It’s relaxed all around, since no money need change hands as thirsty passengers line up to sample the first ale offering (all covered in the $69 fare).

The evening’s samples start with the perfect summer sip, a low-alcohol Mexican-style Lager, which the brewery concocted last year for Tom Douglas’ restaurants (“like Corona, without the skunkiness,” Kemper quips).

With beer in hand, I wander down one of the scuttles — the salty term for a stairway — to visit the ship’s cook, Caz Ludtke, who’s busy in the galley preparing dinner for about 70 people.

It’s her second season on the Zodiac in about eight years on tall ships. As on many classic sailing vessels, this crew includes nomads who move from ship to ship across the globe. One crew member this evening speaks with a distinctive Scottish accent.

“They’re from all over the country, all over the world,” Darron tells me. “It’s a very neat experience. You get to meet all sorts of interesting people, and you form a cohesive unit out of people who pretty much have nothing in common except for a love of the ocean.”

Ludtke has posted a perfect beer-friendly menu: pretzel-bun bratwurst sliders with caramelized onions; herb and mustard potato salad; corn, tomato and bacon salad; chicken enchilada suiza and dessert of raspberry cheesecake brownies. (Vegetarian and other special menu items are available by advance request.)

I’m just in time to watch her ring the dinner bell.

Diners can stay below in the roomy salon, though most take plates back up top in the waning sunlight that is just about the same color now as the Vienna Lager that Kemper and Michael Toomes, operations manager for the brewery, are serving up. It’s described in the brew menu as “light bronze, malty, toasty, toffeeish,” with a crisp finish.

Also on tap: the “golden, dry, sharply bitter, noble, flowery, snappy” Chuckanut Pilsner, which seems made to match with potato salad.

Panoramic scenery

Passengers chat, sip and eat as they perch on rails and cabin tops and take in the vista. From left to right as I turn 180 degrees: Mount Baker, then the snow-capped Cascade peaks called The Sisters, then the Chuckanut Mountains, followed by distant Cypress Island and finally the long hump of Lummi Island, silhouetted now like a black, crouching panther.

I wander aft to watch passenger Meghan Schleicher, visiting from Denver, who is handling the ship’s wheel with one hand while nursing a beer with the other. She has a big smile on her face.

No, she’s never steered a boat like this before. And no, in the light breeze it’s not difficult — especially under the watchful eye of a crew member.

“He’s telling me how many spokes to turn it,” she says.

Most seem happy with the ale selection.

“This exceeded my expectations,” says Jenifer Jaques, visiting from Portland. “I’m not typically a lager or pilsner person, but these are good.”

As the Zodiac aims back toward port and the crew tugs, tucks and hauls sails down, Kemper serves up the last beer of the evening, her Schwarz Lager. The tasting notes say “black, bitter chocolate, bready, dry and smooth.” In other words, practically tailor-made to go with raspberry cheesecake brownies.

In fact, it would have been amazing with a scoop of French vanilla plopped in.

Ale cruises and more on the Zodiac

The Zodiac’s summer 2017 schedule has so-far included three Ales N’ Sails cruises, each featuring samples from a different craft brewery and including dinner ($69). One such cruise remains this summer, though if demand warrants, more Ales N’ Sails outings may be added for fall; call to find out.

The next is 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, with Bellingham-based Aslan Brewing .

Other day sails

Space remains on other outings, including:

• Friday Night Salmon Dinner Sails , $59-$79.

• Bellingham Bay Brunch Sails , Sundays, $49-$69.

• Afternoon Adventure Sails , Sundays, $35-$55.

Multiday cruises

Space remains on several multiday cruises in summer/fall 2017. A sampling:

• Ukuleles at Sea is just what it sounds like; bring your own; Aug. 7-9, $595-$675.

• Voyage to Desolation Sound , Aug. 19-30, $2,350-$2,800.

• Books A’Sail , a book-club voyage led by proprietors of Fairhaven’s Village Books ; Sept. 12-14, $595-$675.

• Autumn Harvest Cruise , visiting farms and markets of the San Juan Islands; Oct. 13-15, $675-$750.

Passengers sleep in 48-inch-wide bunks behind a curtain off the ship’s salon or in one of seven private staterooms with multiple bunks and a sink and mirror.

Most sailings depart from Bellingham Cruise Terminal/Alaska Ferry Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham.

Bookings / information

206-719-7622 or schoonerzodiac.com

A nautical glossary

Spar: A stout pole such as those used for masts, etc.; a mast, yard, boom, gaff or the like.

Boom: A horizontal spar at the base of a sail.

Gaff-rigged sail: A sail that is four-sided rather than triangular, set fore and aft rather than crosswise to the vessel; with a spar (“gaff”) at the top as well as a boom at the base.

Baggywrinkle: A soft covering for cables to reduce sail chafe. There are many points in the rig of a sailing vessel where the sails come into contact with shrouds or other rigging; unprotected sails would soon develop holes at the points of contact.

Shroud : A cable or line providing lateral support for a mast.

Halyard: A line used to raise and lower a sail.

Generations of family ownership

Bellingham’s Mehrer family acquired the Zodiac in the 1970s and restored it with the help of a community of volunteers before beginning to operate it as a charter vessel in the early 1990s.

Three generations of Mehrers have skippered the Zodiac, including Karl Mehrer (now retired) and his son Tim, who now shares captain duties with his son Calen.

The Vessel Zodiac Corporation’s bylaws direct all profits beyond operating costs back into the continuing restoration of the boat.

Bellingham Bay BREWers Cruise

• Photo Gallery

The Washington Beer Blog

Beer news and information for Washington, the Northwest, and Beyond

Hop Aboard a Brew Cruise with Boundary Bay Brewery & Others

Related Articles

NEVER MISS A STORY!

A Member Of…

The Washington Beer Blog is a member of:

Some images provided in partnership with  DepositPhotos.com .

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Beer Blog

Privacy Policy

• Email Newsletters
• Subscriber Center
• Frequently Asked Questions
• News & Comment
• Seattleland
• Eat Drink Toke
• Weekly Classics
• Best of Seattle
• Dining Guide
• Protest Guide
• Sponsored Content
• Classifieds
• How to Advertise
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Washington’s Best Beers Taste Better on a Boat

Up in Bellingham, a brew-fueled cruise series is taking happy hour to sea.

More Stories From This Author

Casey Estrada Is Upping Leschi’s...

JJ Proville and Zac Overman...

The Fervor and Fermentation of...

Turntable Kitchen Delivers Impeccable Taste

Netflix series kept Lynnwood rape survivor in mind, creator says

Susannah Grant was inspired by The Marshall Project and ProPublica reporting to make “Unbelievable.”

Travis Thompson, Wolf Parade headline Fisherman’s Village fest

The Everett Music Initiative festival, May 16-18 in Everett, will showcase more than 50 acts.

Summer Movie Preview 2018

From action blockbusters to heartfelt documentaries, our film critic picks the summer’s must-see films.

Featured Local Savings

• Arts & Culture
• Newsletters
• Media Solutions
• Accessibility

• A subsidiary of Black Press Media
• Work With Us

Bellinghams Best Beer

The boundary bay brewery blog, bellingham bay brews cruises.

Cruises are $35 per adult.  Fee includes the tastings of three beers, per brewery. Cruises will sell out quickly so reserve your spot ONLINE  or by calling 1-800-443-4552 or (360) 738-8099. (This summer, season passes are available!)  The boat departs from the Alaska Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven at 6:30pm. Check in 30 minutes prior to pick up your tickets and board the Victoria Star.

CRUISE DATE & BREWERIES:

July 10 – Boundary , Kulshan Brewery ,  Chuckanut Brewery

July 17 –   Boundary , Flyers Brewery ,  Skagit River Brewery

July 24 – Boundary , Scuttlebutt Brewery , Birdsview Brewing Company

July   31 –   Boundary , Dick’s Brewery , Island Hoppin’ Brewery

Aug 07 – Boundary , Pike Place Brewing , North Sound Brewery

Aug 14 – Boundary , Elysian Brewery , Georgetown Brewery  

Aug 21 – Boundary , Port Townsend Brewery , Lazy Boy Brewery

Aug 28 –  Boundary , Diamond Knot , Schooner EXACT Brewing Co. 

Sept 04   – Boundary , Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Co ., Ram Brewing at Northgate 

Sept 11   – Boundary , Hale’s Ales , Northfork Brewery  

***Pictures courtesty of San Juan Cruises***

Share this:

Leave a comment.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Breathtaking sights on the horizon…

There are many ways to get on the water with us – whale watching tours, trips to Friday Harbor, crab dinner cruises on Chuckanut Bay or in the Swinomish Channel, beer & wine tasting cruises, picnics on Sucia Island, and private charters. Come aboard for an adventure in the San Juan Islands or a fun and relaxing evening on Bellingham Bay!

Chart Your Own Adventure

The San Juan Islands boast over 400 islands and rocks, and more than 478 miles of shoreline. The archipelago's rich biodiversity is unrivaled.

Plot a course to remarkable memories

Discover the majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest with San Juan Cruises. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the serene waters of the San Juan Archipelago, where over 400 islands and rocks dot the stunning 478 miles of coastline. Our wide range of excursions, from 1.5-hour gourmet food and drink cruises to full-day explorations to Friday Harbor, ensures there's an adventure for every taste.

With a legacy dating back to 1987, our expertly guided tours provide opportunities for whale watching, wildlife viewing, and private parties. Join nearly a million adventurers who have charted their course to remarkable memories with us and explore the natural splendor of the San Juan Islands.

The Best Cruising Experience in the San Juan Islands

sanjuancruises

Sharing a Legacy of Exploration

Embarking on our 37th year of unforgettable journeys.

A sea of thanks to our 900,000+ passengers!

• Sept. 20 Print Replica
• Newsletters

Cruise news: Bellingham Bay outings offer brews, food, scenery and history

Water you waiting for.

• July 16, 2022 5:05 a.m.

In the glory days of Washington summers, it’s good to have friends with boats. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to tag along on a number of outings in Bellingham Bay and beyond.

Whether it was getting an invite to Sucia Island with a buddy who lived aboard his sailboat, from which we caught fresh shrimp and watched the sunset from the prow; taking a day trip on a trawler for a potluck picnic with the San Juan Islands lurking nearby; or sharing cocktails and fresh oysters on a cruise ship chartered for a party, I’ve made the most of every opportunity to get on the water — preferably with a meal plan in mind, as everything tastes better when you’re inhaling the briny breezes of summer.

But even when my friend with the sailboat set sail for Hawaii and the trawler was sold in order to purchase an RV, I’ve always had plenty of options to leave land behind and become a temporary seafarer.

I’ve spent plenty of time on San Juan Cruises’ various watercraft. Its Bellingham Bay Brewers Cruise is a great way to impress both residents and visitors, who get a bigger scope of the place they live or have traveled to simply by seeing it anew from the water. For $44, those onboard leave the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and spend a couple of hours sipping craft beer from Boundary Bay Brewery and other regional breweries, nibbling on snacks and taking in the splendiferous views.

San Juan Cruises’ Wednesday night beer cruises are augmented by Chuckanut Cracked Crab Dinner Cruises, “UnWINEd on the Bay” wine tasting cruises Thursdays aboard the Victoria Star 2, Sucia Island Picnic Cruises on the weekends, and Whale Watching Lunch Cruises. (I have conflicted feelings about commercial whale watching tours, but that’s a topic for another day.)

The last time I was on Whatcom Museum’s History Sunset Cruise was with my late father, who was not only happy to escape the blistering heat of the July day, but was also thrilled to be getting the inside scoop on how Bellingham’s waterfront had evolved over the years.

As we enjoyed a picnic dinner of roasted chicken, potato salad and sliced watermelon — along with a couple of cold brews purchased from the concession stand — historian Brian Griffin regaled us with tales of the parks, businesses, industries and neighborhoods dotting Bellingham Bay.

My dad appreciated that Griffin tied the past to the present, discussing what was happening in the current day as San Juan Cruises’ 100-foot Victoria Star motored past waterways and shipyards. We filled our stomachs, saw a bunch of harbor seals lolling on logs and commented on the way the sun hit the madrone trees along the Chuckanuts when we passed Bellingham city limits. I won’t soon forget the trip.

The history cruises cost $35–$40 and take place from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 30, and it’s best to book your tickets in advance as the tours fill up quickly. Feel free to bring dinner, snacks and beverages, but leave your own libations at home. Beer, wine and cocktails are sold on board, as are snacks.

I have yet to book a cruise on the Schooner Zodiac, but I plan to change that this summer when I’ll finally check out the draw of the 98-year-old, 160-foot windjammer making departures from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.

In addition to its multi-day sails, locals can also purchase tickets on the Zodiac for a number of food-related outings ranging from $59–$89, including Salmon Dinner Sails, Brunch on the Bay and Ales N Sails Dinner Cruises — the latter of which invites Bellingham-based microbreweries to come along to offer tastings of their favorite beers to passengers.

In addition to mixing and mingling with brewery reps, guests can learn about the brewing process while enjoying a tasty meal meant to complement the craft beers.

After hearing reports about one of these brew cruises from a friend who attended the June 30 cruise for her birthday, I’m sold. She said she had a perfect night on the water while Boundary Bay Brewery offered a variety of brews. Passengers were welcome to help raise the sails, but it wasn’t a requirement.

With warm weather on the horizon and summer still in full swing, now is a good time to get acquainted with the large body of water in our own backyard. Purchase a ticket to one of the aforementioned events or track down a friend with a boat. Offer to bring dinner for their next outing, and I bet they’ll invite you to come aboard.

For more details, go to whales.com , whatcommuseum.org or schoonerzodiac.com . 

Latest stories

History, quirk and community at Whatcom County’s most iconic theater

Inclusive restaurant roundup: Vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options

Kyle Berger: Animal control supervisor

Have a news tip.

Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

Subscribe to our free newsletters

Subscriptions.

• Copyright © 2024 Cascadia Daily News
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Book Now! 360-599-9580

Boats & Tours from the Bellingham Ferry Terminal

The chilly navy water of Bellingham Bay, set against the emerald green backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, is a haven for wildlife and tourists alike. Visitors flock to the small town to enjoy nature at its best. World-renowned for their epic west coast sunsets, Bellingham locals know that the best place to take in the scenery come golden hour is from a boat in Bellingham Bay or the Salish Sea.

Tours via boat are plentiful in this part of the Northwest, with its ideal location near the San Juan Islands and other port towns. It is the ideal adventure to add to your itinerary when staying at a Bellingham vacation renta l !

Many options, from sunset sails to whale watching day trips, leave from the Bellingham Ferry Terminal or nearby ports. Whether your interest is ecological, photographic, or historical, or you simply want a good old-fashioned cocktail cruise with a stellar view— Bellingham has a tour for that.

Here are nine exceptional boat tours departing from Bellingham fit for all kinds of couples, solo travelers, and families. While most tours operate regularly in the temperate summer months, several offer year-round excursions. Be sure to check their departure schedules before planning your trip.

1. Sip the Finest Craft Beer on the BREWers Evening Cruise

• Website: whales.com/other-cruises/bellingham-bay-brewers-cruise
• Schedule: Wednesdays, June through September . 

Each summer, one of Bellinham’s favorite local breweries teams up with a slew of other local brewers and puts on the weekly 21+ sunset cruise through Bellingham and Chuckanut Bay. Beer is an attraction in itself in Bellingham, and Boundary Bay Brewery is the ideal guide on this tour. Snacks and beer tastings are the theme for this 1.5-hour cruise. Just be sure to time your visit accordingly, as it only runs through the summer months. 

2. Go Whale Watching with San Juan Cruises

• Website: whales.com
• Schedule: Weekends in May and daily June through September. 

The Puget Sound and northern bays are blessed with several resident whale pods. Orcas, Grey Whales, and Humpbacks are commonly spotted. San Juan Cruises takes enthusiastic spotters for a scenic boat ride through the San Juan Islands with guided narration and a complimentary lunch. 

While San Juan Cruises is the most popular company for whale watching, if they are booked, there are a number of other whale-watching companies taking tourists out into the Salish Sea from Bellingham or Anacortes to spot whales.

3. Sail the Sea like a Pirate on the Schooner Zodiac

• Website: schoonerzodiac.com
• Schedule: Day sails run from May through September. 

This 160-ft tall classic vessel with billowing white sails and wooded interior has all the glitz and glamour you would expect from a perfectly preserved 1920s yacht. It doesn’t matter which cruise you choose with this company; riding the waves on this stunning ship is the real appeal. The most popular day cruises are the Salmon Dinner , Bellingham Bay Brunch Sail , and Ale Sail for those interested in enjoying the local brews.

Multi-day cruises through the San Juan Islands, prominent seafood and wine destinations, and Desolation Sound are also available.

4. History at Sunset with a Bellingham Historical Cruise

• Website: whatcommuseum.org/explore/history-sunset-cruise
• Schedule: Tuesdays, July through September.

Another worthwhile specialty cruise is the Bellingham Historical Cruise, guided by the Whatcom Museum. This tour partners with San Juan Cruises for a  2-hour journey. You’ll get professional insight from a local historian as you are guided past prominent landmarks, parks, shipyards, and more dotted along the coastline. Peppered with Bellingham trivia, current events, and historical insight, this is a great way to get to know the real Bellingham.

5. Ride the Washington State Ferry to Vancouver Island

• Website: ferrytravel.com/anacortes-sidney.htm
• Schedule: wsdot.com/ferries/vesselwatch

Vancouver Island is one of the most heavily forested and spectacularly beautiful destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Using a local Washington State Ferry, you can hop from Anacortes (40 minutes south of Bellingham) to Victoria, hike, bear watch, and explore the jewel of British Columbia to your heart’s content. The travel time is around 3 hours, and the ferry service runs year-round! You can even travel with your car/camper on the car deck and make a road trip out of it.

6. Set Sail with Gato Verde

• Website: gatoverde.com
• Schedule: June through September.

Looking for that iconic sunset sailing experience? This is the company for you. While Gato Verde offers a variety of sailing trips, the most popular is their sunset cruise. The boat used for the tour is the very first wind-electric hybrid charter on the west coast. This means not only will your boat trip be eco-friendly but also quiet and peaceful for everyone on board.

7. Work up a Sweat While Sea Kayaking with Moondance

• Website: moondancekayak.com
• Schedule: Check the website for current tour times. 

Admittedly, this is not a cruise. It’s not a boat tour, but we felt compelled to add Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures because it is a popular tour out in the water in Bellingham. Kayaks are a super environmentally friendly option for families and friends just looking to hit the open water of the Salish Sea for a half-day, full-day, and multi-day trip adventure suitable for new and seasoned paddlers alike.

8. Opt for the River Instead

• Website: triadrivertours.com

For those looking for a quirky alternative to a traditional boat tour in Bellingham, Triad River Tours runs river rafting routes all over Washington State from the Skagit River to Snoqualamie. This is not a typical “boat tour,” but as the river rafting company makes its home base in Bellingham, it is a great opportunity to add some whitewater adventure to your vacation.

9. Journey to Alaska!

This is the most popular cruise destination from the Bellingham Ferry Terminal due to Bellingham’s proximity to the central Alaskan sailing routes. Small vessel charters with personalized itineraries, massive cruise ships with scheduled itineraries, and no frills ferry rides all embark from this ferry terminal. Here are the two options for an Alaskan sailing.

Alaska Ferry Route

• Website: dot.alaska.gov
• Schedule: dot.alaska.gov/amhs/schedules

Utilizing the robust local ferry system you can travel from Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven Village at the end of Harris Ave to Alaska via the Inside Passage along what is commonly referred to as the Alaska Marine Highway System . 

The journey takes about 36 hours to the first stop in Ketchikan and does not have all the bells and whistles of a commercial Alaska Cruise. Unless you pay an additional cabin fee, you’ll be expected to camp in the “solarium,” known as the ship’s deck. This is how the locals journey to the isolated 49th state. Other stops include Wrangell for the famous St. Alias National Park, Skagway, Petersburg, and Haines.

Small Vessel to Alaska

• Website: northwestnavigation.com
• Schedule: northwestnavigation.com/schedule-and-rates

While often pricier, these smaller ships can offer carefully tailored itineraries with activities like kayaking, photography, and wildlife viewing. Northwest Navigation Co. is one of the best companies departing from Whatcom County. From their 5-day fjords cruise around Ketchikan to their 12-day route all the way to Juneau. Many itineraries include a stopover at the Pack Creek Bear Viewing platform, where wildlife enthusiasts can get up close photos of the shaggy brown bears. 

Leave Your Worries on Shore in Bellingham

Whether looking for an easy afternoon adventure or a multi-day Alaskan excursion, Bellingham has the boat for you. Excellent eats, local brews, history, kayaking, and whale watching are all on the docket and should be an easy addition to the itinerary of any Bellingham vacation home stay .

Copyright © 2022 BeerTopics

6 Superb Breweries to Pay a Visit in Bellingham, Washington

Table of Contents

With fun outdoor recreations like boat building, charter cruises, and fishing, Bellingham is dubbed as the best place to retire and live. People recognized the city for its exceptional brews, making Bellingham a suitable place to relax, enjoy, and drink pints.

You may also want to hop on in a brew pub after your mellowing leisure, so we have gathered up the best and world-class breweries in Bellingham. Make sure to drop by!

1. Aslan Brewing Company 

Like its name, which denotes the King of the Jungle, Aslan powerfully upholds its sustainability commitment. It reduces its water and power consumption by harvesting rainwater and using 100% Green Power Renewable Energy. All of its beers are USDA Certified Organic, which means that besides using organic ingredients, it also uses low-impact chemicals in brewery cleaning.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ASLAN BREWING CO. (@aslanbrewing)

Not only its care for the environment makes Aslan stand out, but also for serving top-notch beers, wines, ciders, and spirits. Have them in the Brew Pub on Forest Street, which features a fresh-looking taproom, mezzanine, and streetside seating, or The Depot on State Street, boasting a classic lounge and uncovered patio.

• Crowd Favorite: Batch 15 IPA. A juicy and unfiltered American-style beer with a 6.7% ABV.
• Highly Recommended: Dawn Patrol
• Hop-py Note: Kid and dog-friendly. Sells merchandise and gift cards. 
• Fun Fact: Aslan is a Certified B Corporation, one of the most well-known ethical blue ribbons.

Hours : Open Fri-Wed 12pm-10pm, Thur Closed

Address :  1330 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Contact :  (360) 393-4106  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Website

2. Wander Brewing

Reigning as one of the best award-winning breweries in Bellingham, Wander Brewing is proud of its over 20 awards from the World Beer Cup, GABF, and Washington Beer Awards. The brewery has been serving the public since 2013 and is known for its Wander Barrel Project beers. These beers are blended and fermented in a rye whiskey barrel and American oak foeder, creating a deep and award-worthy flavor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wander Brewing (@wanderbrewing)

Wander Brewing welcomes guests of all ages in its spacious brew hall with a fantastic indoor area and ample outdoor seating. You will find around 13 cans for to-go, 13 beers on tap, and a rotating list of local cider and wines. Moreover, the place has rotating food trucks daily, serving delicious pub grubs from American classics to vegan goodies.

• Crowd Favorite: Shoe Toss. A crisp and citrusy IPA with 6.8% ABV.
• Highly Recommended: Global Mutt
• Hop-py Note: Bike and free parking. Outside food is welcome. Kid-friendly.

Hours : Open Sun-Thur 2pm-9pm, Fri & Sat 12pm-10pm

Address :  1807 Dean Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Contact :  (360) 647-6152  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Website

3. Kulshan Brewing Company

Kulshan opened in 2012, and with three locations around Bellingham, it is one of the fastest-growing breweries. Just a year after opening, its owner, David Vitt, managed to double its brewing system to 15 barrels that produced award-winning beers and gave the brewery 48 medals and recognition.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kulshan Brewery (@kulshanbrewery)

Kulshan’s award-winning IPAs, ale, and lagers are always available to order, together with some seasonal beers, specialty, and limited releases. Enjoy them in Sunnyland’s famous beer garden or Roosevelt’s industrial-themed taproom. It also has a trackside brewery and beer garden, which operates from late spring to early fall.

• Crowd Favorite: Bastard Kat IPA. A hoppy American-style West Coast beer with 6.6% ABV.
• Highly Recommended: Kitten Mittens
• Hop-py Note: Bingo nights. Live music. Family and dog-friendly.
• Fun Fact: Kulshan’s most recent awards are its silver medal for Gose and bronze medal for Helles at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival.

Hours : Open Mon – Sat 11am – 9pm, Sun 12pm – 8pm.

Address :  1538 Kentucky St, Bellingham, WA 98229

Contact :  (360) 389-5348  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Website

4. Gruff Brewing Co.  

Started in a garage in 2013, Gruff was founded by three Bellingham-born childhood friends. The owners wish for beer drinkers to enjoy their beers as much as they enjoy brewing them, and true enough, it is currently the hangout favorite in the downtown area, with fun pub activities like kite flying, art walk, and adult swim party.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by GRUFF Brewing Co. (@gruffbrewing)

Have a pint at Gruff’s sturdy picnic tables in the spacious, relaxing beer garden with mesmerizing views. You can also stay in its fire-heated covered outdoor patio and art-decorated taproom with collections from talented local artists.

• Crowd Favorite: IPA 007. A heavy-hopped American-style beer with 7.7% ABV.
• Highly Recommended: Trash Bird 
• Hop-py Note: Movie and Trivia nights. Live DJ. Dog-friendly. Table games.
• Fun Fact: In the 2022 Washington Beer Awards, Gruff’s won a gold medal for Blackberry Gose and a bronze medal for Mexican Lager.

Hours : Open Mon-Thur 3pm-11pm, Fri & Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11am-11pm

Address :  104 E Maple St #101, Bellingham, WA 98225

5. Boundary Bay Brewery 

Started pouring beers in 1995, Boundary Bay is the first brewery in Bellingham. It was recognized in 2014 as an “Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business for Washington State” for its constant spearheading of donations and hosting of non-profit events. It also has numerous sustainability practices to reduce its carbon footprint.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boundary Bay Brewery (@bbaybrewery)

As a brewery and bistro, it serves delectable fare and a wide array of beers such as hoppy IPAs, malty ryes, and fruity lagers. Cocktails, wines, and ciders can also be relished in the charming taproom of the brewery with a weather-sealed outdoor deck and mural-decorated bistro.

• Crowd Favorite: IPA (Inside Passage Ale). A classic, malty, and American-style beer with a 7.5% ABV. 
• Highly Recommended: Scotch Ale
• Hop-py Note: Kid and dog-friendly. Live music. Sells merchandise.
• Fun Fact: Boundary Bay’s Bellingham Blonde won silver at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival.

Hours : Open Sun-Wed 11am-9pm, Thur 10am-2pm, Sun 11am-11pm

Address :  1107 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

Contact :  (360) 647-5593  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Website

6. Twin Sisters Brewing Company 

Terri and Loren founded Twin Sisters, a restaurant and brewery combo. It serves classic pub grubs like fries, burgers, and tacos that perfectly go along with the 15 high-quality beers on tap and 11 seasonal beers to-go of the brewery. Non-alcoholics and rotating ciders are also on its list to give you choices.

Join the Twin Sister’s happy hour from 3 to 5 PM, and savor your drinks in the brewery’s unique and one-of-a-kind taproom. The taproom has a cozy mezzanine, a sunlit beer garden, a semi-private picnic alley, and a professional-grade tent. The brewery has a 450 guests capacity, and good thing because it is available for a full and partial buy-out.

• Crowd Favorite: Bellingham Green. A bold and lively American IPA with 7.2% ABV.
• Highly Recommended: Successor Hazy IPA
• Hop-py Note: Trivia and comedy nights. Live music. Kid and dog-friendly.
• Fun Fact: Twin Sisters occasionally holds fundraising events for non-profit organizations.

Hours : Open Fri & Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-8pm, Mon & Tue Closed, Wed 3pm-8pm, Thur Closed

Address :  500 Carolina St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Contact :  (360) 922-6700  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Website

Bellingham Breweries Map

You may also like

9 most popular breweries in illinois that are..., 10 top breweries serving the best craft beers..., 6 best breweries offering noteworthy craft beers in..., 10 best breweries in georgia to visit for..., 6 top breweries serving the most excellent craft..., the 9 best breweries in colorado you should..., 7 craft breweries you should visit in boise,..., 10 amazing craft breweries you should try now..., 5 breweries worth a visit in green bay,..., 11 best breweries serving award-winning craft beers in..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

BeerTopics has all you need to know about beer.

Whether you are a homebrewer, or if you are a beer lover looking for breweries, recipes, and advice we have it all.

Contact us: [email protected]

• Privacy Policy
• Breweries Hot

Discover the San Juan Islands on a Small Ship Cruise out of Bellingham