Come ride the historic MV Plover, the oldest passenger foot-ferry in Washington State. Built in 1944 in Seattle, the MV Plover was used to shuttle cannery workers to the Alaskan Packers Salmon Cannery on Semiahmoo Spit, now home to Semiahmoo Resort & Spa. MV Plover provides passenger foot-ferry service during the summer season, Memorial Day through Labor Day, shuttling up to 17 passengers along with bicycles and strollers to summer activities happening on both sides on Drayton Harbor.

About the ride.
The Plover is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry 17 passengers between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Resort. Running time from Blaine Harbor to Semiahmoo Resort takes approximately 11 minutes with views of Blaine's working harbor, Semiahmoo Bay and the Canadian Coastal Mountain range. On the return run from the dock at Semiahmoo to Blaine harbor is approximately 23 minutes. Here the Plover takes an extended route to view Drayton Harbor with Mt. Baker looming in the background. Passengers can view resident harbor seals, a sunken tugboat (tide permitting), blue herons, caspian terns, cormorants, nesting gulls, majestic bald eagles, osprey eagles, and a variety of other waterfowl. See photos below.

A leg in the Coast Millennium Trail. The Plover Ferry is now part of the Coast Millennium Trail, Whatcom County's contribution to the Pacific Coast Trail. When completed it will stretch from Vancouver, British Columbia to San Diego, California.

Charter Services Available. The Plover provides an excellent opportunity for organizations to have the nostalgic vessel to be chartered for that special occassion. For more information regarding charters, please contact the vessels master or the Plover manager, Captain Richard Sturgill at (360) 332-5742.

The MV Plover docking area is located in the Blaine Marina on Marine Drive by the Blaine Moorage Dock at Gate II, just off I-5 Exit 276. On the Semiahmoo Resort side, the Plover docking area is on the pier behind Pierside Restaurant. Drayton Harbor Maritime has just built a new docking pier.

Did you know?
Blaine and Birch Bay are a "Birder's Paradise" and should not be missed! Both Blaine and Birch Bay are among the top birding spots on the "Great Washington State Birding Trail's Cascade Loop". This area is one of the Northwest's premier bird viewing areas, noted for it's natural setting and easy access. Visit Birch Bay State Park, Dray ton Harbor and Blaine's Marine Park to enjoy nature at its best with views of majestic bald eagles, blue heron, belted kingfishers, sandpipers and seals swimming playfully nearby. Come be a part of history and nature...ride the MV Plover!

For more information and maritime history in Blaine and Semiahmoo area, visit www.draytonharbormaritime.org

The Plover docking in Blaine. Tugboat shipwreck in Drayton Harbor.

Harbor Seals by Semiahmoo Resort in Drayton Harbor. The Plover heading to Semiahmoo Resort dockside.

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