Weekly ferry connects Point Roberts to mainland Washington state

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (NEWS 1130) — People stuck in Point Roberts because of the Canada-U.S. border closure, due to COVID-19, are now able to take a weekly ferry to mainland Washington state.

The Port of Bellingham and Whatcom Transportation Authority are providing a free, short-term, passenger-only transportation service from Point Roberts to Blaine every Tuesday, starting today.

The first sailing sold out.

The new service offers just one return trip every week — on Tuesday.

People in Point Roberts are now able to take a ferry to mainland Washington State, but already today’s sailing is sold out. Just one return trip is being offered a week, but that could be increased if there is a lot of demand. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/zzaPttAwxz

— Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) August 25, 2020

Travellers are required to reserve a spot on the ferry, using the Port of Bellingham website, for the 9:30 a.m. sailing.

The Port of Bellingham says if demand remains high, the frequency of service from Point Roberts could be increased to a maximum of twice a week.

The transportation authority also provides a transit connection from Blaine Harbor to Cordata Station in Bellingham.

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Reservations are also required for that service.

Point Roberts residents have been seeking a special exemption to cross into Canada, to stock up on supplies and visit family, then return back through the Peace Arch border crossing into Washington.

The Canadian-U.S. border is closed to non-essential travel until at least Sept. 21 due to COVID-19.