Semiahmoo Park, Whatcom County Washington

The 1.5 mile long sandspit at Semiahmoo, aside from being a striking natural landform, has long been a place where people have connected to the marine world. Native Americans occupied a village on the spit for hundreds of generations, making a living from land and sea. The Alaska Packers Association Cannery was a center of salmon processing for nearly 80 years. Within the park over 300 acres of tidelands offer today's visitors an abundance of recreational opportunities. Beachcombing, birdwatching, and picnicking may be enjoyed year-round by park visitors. Walk the beach, enjoy a stroll on the Coast Millennium Trail, or simply relax and enjoy this "one long, low narrow strip of glistening sands flung out into the Georgian Gulf," immortalized by poet Ella Higginson.

A.P.A. Museum

Three buildings from the Alaska Packers Association (A.P.A.)Cannery were moved to Semiahmoo Park in 1981, one of which now serves as the Semiahmoo Museum. Numerous artifacts from the cannery are displayed in the museum to tell the story of fishing and canning in days gone by. The museum is staffed by volunteer docents of the Drayton Harbor Maritime Society from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hours are weekends only, 1:00pm - 5:00pm. No Admission, but donations are welcome.

Cannery Day Lodge

This two story former bunkhouse and office of the Alaska Packers Association Cannery has been restored for public rental. Reserve this unique venue for your group meetings, events and receptions, and inspire your guests with its spectacular setting. The Cannery Lodge features:

Views of Semiahmoo Bay, Drayton Harbor and Mt. Baker
Tables and chairs, seating for building capacity of 60 persons
Large deck connecting to boardwalks and beaches
15-foot long food service counter
refrigerator/freezer
microwave oven
stove/oven for reheating
brooms, sponges and mops for cleanup

Learn more about Semiahmoo Park by viewing these interpretive exhibits found at the park:

Semiahmoo Spit-A Gift of Ice and the Sea 1.30 MB

Alaska Packers Association Cannery 2.97 MB

A Sense of Place for hundreds of generations 3.87 MB

Salmon-Icon of the Salish Sea 6.21 MB

Directions: Take Exit 270 (Birch Bay-Lynden Road) off Interstate 5, then drive west 4 miles to four-way stop at Harbor View Road. Turn right (north) 1 mile to Lincoln Rd, then left (west) 3.8 miles to Semiahmoo Park.

WTA Route 55 provides access to the intersection of Drayton Harbor Rd and Harbor View Rd. Follow Drayton Harbor Rd west 2.5 miles to Semiahmoo Parkway, then north 0.6 miles to the park.

Download Map of Semiahmoo Park