“The state of Washington, under a near constant cover of clouds and rain” pretty much sums it up.
Bella Swan was right. I stepped off the plane at 4:02 p.m., only to be met with foggy mountains and cold air for which I had not brought a thick enough jacket.
This frigid city, around 30 minutes south of the Canadian border and a ferry-ride away from Forks (the filming location of the young-adult hit series, “Twilight”), is called Ferndale, Washington.
There’s not much difference up here between Canada and the United States. Many make the commute up to Vancouver and back every day for work or school. There’s a calm, clear air and a stunning view of the snow peak of Mount Baker from nearly every street. To the left of Mount Baker is the Golden Ears Provincial Park in Canada, another wow factor of the small town.
This is the blur between two countries, an overlap of natural beauty tying them together.
A short hour north will leave you in Vancouver, Canada. Tall glass buildings accompanied by a view of the harbor covered in morning fog set the scene. The city skyline feels almost futuristic, and the soft greens splotched in and about the city keep the air fresh, allowing the natural elements to coexist.
Vancouver’s population is roughly 50% Asian, which to me means only one thing: Good comfort food.
On the eastern side of downtown is the largest Chinatown in Canada. In every direction are restaurants, shops, beauty salons and various herbal stands. It’s impossible not to get hungry while wandering about, so of course, indulging in some food tourism is necessary.
And if you venture about 15 minutes south of Ferndale, you’ll find yourself in the city of Bellingham. Cobbled streets, cozy bookstores and a variety of cafes and restaurants will keep you occupied. A brisk walk to the harbor from downtown provides views of a plethora of sailboats ranging in size and colors, and on Saturdays, the view is accompanied by the smell of fresh-baked goods and soft hums of jazz emanating from the farmers market.
There are several national parks in the surrounding areas, a few even stretching from Washington into Canada. The crisp air, stunning mountain views and clear lakes can take your breath away.
Good food, clean air, cool weather, ideal views and short commutes across two nations. What else could you ask for?
Many Americans journey up to Canada every year for these exact experiences, so if you also have this desire for exploration, make sure not to miss Bellingham and Ferndale on your way up North.
