Little Squalicum Park is a waterfront park on the northwest edge of Bellingham, near Birchwood, where Squalicum Creek meets the bay. The big recent addition is the Little Squalicum Pier, a 1,248-foot public pier that reaches far out over the water, billed as the longest public pier between White Rock, BC and Pacifica. Beyond the pier, the park has a restored estuary, a beach and new trails through the shoreline area. It is one of the city’s newer waterfront experiences, built around restoration and access to the bay rather than playgrounds or courts. For a beach walk and a long pier stroll, it stands on its own.

What you’ll find

The headline is the Little Squalicum Pier, a 1,248-foot pier extending out over Bellingham Bay, described as the longest public pier between White Rock, BC and Pacifica. The park also includes a restored estuary where Squalicum Creek meets the bay, a beach for shoreline access and beachcombing, an off-leash dog area, and new trails through the area. There is parking, but no restrooms on site. It is a restoration-focused waterfront park, so the value is in the pier, the beach and the estuary rather than built recreation facilities. The long pier in particular makes it a distinctive stop on the bay.

Good for

Little Squalicum suits people who want a beach walk, a long pier stroll out over the water, and a look at a restored estuary, plus dog owners using the off-leash area. It is good for sunset and bay views, fishing or crabbing from the pier, and an easy shoreline outing. The trade-off is amenities: there are no restrooms, and it is not a playground or sports park, so it is best for walking, water access and taking in the bay rather than a full family-activity day. Bring what you need, since services on site are limited.

Getting there

Little Squalicum Park is on the northwest waterfront of Bellingham near the Birchwood area, reached via the streets toward the shoreline off Marine Drive and nearby access. There is a parking area but no restrooms. The pier and main paths are designed for public access and are relatively level, while the beach and estuary edges are natural. Because it is a newer waterfront park, it is worth confirming the latest access details, but in general it is an easy drive from the north and west sides of the city.

A local broker’s take

The northwest waterfront, including the Birchwood area near Little Squalicum, has been getting more attention as the city invests in shoreline access like this new pier. Public waterfront amenities tend to lift the appeal of nearby neighborhoods over time. If you are looking on the north and west sides and value being close to the bay without paying true waterfront prices, parks like this are worth factoring in. I can help you understand which nearby streets benefit most from the improving shoreline access and how that fits a value-conscious search.

Good to know

How long is the Little Squalicum Pier?

The pier is 1,248 feet long, described as the longest public pier between White Rock, BC and Pacifica, extending out over Bellingham Bay.

Is there a beach at Little Squalicum Park?

Yes. The park has a beach and a restored estuary where Squalicum Creek meets the bay, along with new shoreline trails and an off-leash dog area.

Are there restrooms at Little Squalicum Park?

No, there are no restrooms on site. It is a newer, restoration-focused waterfront park centered on the pier, beach and estuary, so plan accordingly.