Blaine, WA

A ride on the MV Plover Foot Passenger Ferry at the Blaine Marina is a popular tourist and local attraction. The Plover is Washington’s oldest foot passenger ferry, operating from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, the Plover was out of commission during my visit.

The Plover is an 11-ton, 32-foot, 17-passenger foot ferry that sails between Blaine Harbor Marina, Gate 2 to Semiahmoo Wharf dock behind Semiahmoo Resort. The vessel is owned by the City of Blaine, Washington, and operated by the nonprofit Drayton Harbor Maritime. As an added attraction for kids, the Plover allows children to steer the Plover and become “Captain for the Day.”

Part of the Coast Millennium Trail, the Plover carries passengers with bicycles. The Coast Millennium trail is a regional trail that eventually will connect trails as far south as Skagit County to the Canadian border. The cost to ride the Plover is by donation. It features a two-person crew commentary on the history and restoration of the ferry. The ferry is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard with a running time of 20-minutes from Blaine to Semiahmoo Resort Wharf and a return trip of 20-minutes to Blaine Harbor Marina. Times are approximate.

Built in 1944, the MV Plover is the oldest foot passenger ferry in Washington with the shortest route. The Plover is made of cedar and fir and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Until 1964, the Plover was used to shuttle workers to the Alaska Packers Salmon Cannery on Semiahmoo Spit, now home to Semiahmoo Resort-Spa-Golf. In the late 19th century, the cannery was one of the largest salmon canneries in the world.