People find Lummi to be a beautiful and peaceful alternative to urban living. Living on Lummi Island offers a change of pace, a closer connection to the natural world, and greater involvement in a small community. In addition, unlike the ferry situation with the other San Juan islands, the Lummi Island ferry is more affordable, the ride is short, and the runs are frequent.

From Seattle, you can reach the ferry dock in less than 2 hours. The distance from Vancouver is about 1 hour, depending on the international border wait time. Many of the Canadians who own property here get a Nexus pass, which makes crossing the border a breeze. Travel time to Bellingham takes about 30 minutes, including the ferry ride.

Yes. In spite of running double runs, or more, in the peak summer months of July and August (the ferry makes a round trip in 20 minutes), ferry-lines can occasionally be as long as an hour, but that is very unusual. One seldom waits for more than one ferry during the other 10 months of the year. Visit this page for more information about using the ferry to get here.

Yes. The ferry can be a formidable inconvenience for some people. Many permanent residents talk positively about ferry lines being a place to unwind, read, meditate or chat with neighbors, but others find it a trial. Those who live on the island successfully develop a relationship with the ferry that works for them. It is ironic, but the ferry and semi-isolation of the island are the reasons some people leave; they’re also the main reasons many of us never do.

Every year, the Whatcom Chief ferry undergoes a 2 to 3-week dry dock for essential maintenance and a fresh coat of paint. During this time, Lummi Island is served by a passenger-only ferry, with parking available on both sides.

Many islanders embrace dry dock as a time to slow down, step out of our car-bubbles, and reconnect with neighbors. Those who live farther from the ferry often rely on an "island car" for local transportation while leaving their primary vehicle on the mainland. Others choose to rent a car for the duration. It's also common to stock up on heavy essentials beforehand to keep loads light for the passenger ferry.

To learn more about upcoming dry dock dates, visit Whatcom County’s Annual Dry Dock page. 

No. You’ll drive through the reservation to get to the ferry dock, but Lummi Island is not part of the Lummi Nation.

Some generalizations: Islanders seem to share a strong need for, and appreciation of, nature. They don't seem very attached, or even enthusiastic, about city resources and environments—except for shopping and supplies. In spite of a strong appreciation of community ties and traditions, islanders love their solitude. The island itself is central to their sense of belonging, identity and value system. Lummi Island is generally a "live and let live" kind of place, with a high level of tolerance and acceptance of differences. The education level is high. This said, as with any group, there are sub-groups and many exceptions.

Lummi Island is home to approximately 1,141 year-round residents, with a median age of 67. The island has a total of 777 housing units, with a mix of permanent residences and seasonal homes.

Employment on the island is diverse, with many residents working locally at businesses such as Beach Store Café and the Whatcom Chief ferry. Others are involved in the island’s historic reef net fishing industry, operate their own businesses, or work remotely. Some residents also commute to the mainland for employment, taking advantage of the island’s proximity to Bellingham and other nearby communities.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) DHC

There are no medical facilities on the island. We have an excellent Lummi Island volunteer fire department and EMT unit that responds quickly to emergencies, which are announced to the island at large by siren. Emergency patients are transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital in Bellingham by a helicopter, or by ferry to an ambulance on the mainland side (whichever is needed). The ferry crew responds to calls for special medical emergency runs day or night. You can also get an insurance policy for emergency helicopter service for about $100 per year.

There are three beaches open to the public. One is located across from the Beach Store Cafe, and it faces east with expansive views of Mt. Baker across Hales Passage. There’s also Sunset Beach, which is located just north of Melcher Ave on the west side of the island. For stunning southerly views, visit Church Beach, located behind Lummi Island Congregational Church on Legoe Bay Rd. Other beaches should be used only with permission of the owners.

We have a small general store, a county library branch, a post office, a Grange Hall, an elementary school, a volunteer fire department, two churches, a cafe, a gift store, a few private arts and crafts studios open to the public, and a variety of individual skills and services available to islanders. When you meet with one of our brokers, we’ll provide you with a guide to many of these business listings, and you can read more about life on Lummi Island here.