Frequently Asked Questions About Lummi Island:

People find Lummi to be a beautiful and peaceful alternative to urban living. It 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 inexpensive, the ride is short and the runs are frequent.

2. How long does it take to get to the ferry dock from Seattle, Vancouver B.C. and Bellingham?
From Seattle, you can be at the ferry dock in less than 2 hours. The distance from Vancouver is about 1 hour, depending on the international border situation. Travel time to Bellingham takes about 30 minutes, including the ferry ride.

3. Does the ferry ever get backed up?3. Does ferry traffic back up at times?
Yes. In spite of running almost continuously in the peak summer months of July and August (the ferry makes a round trip in 20 minutes), ferry-lines can be as long as an hour, or even more on occasion. One seldom waits for more than one ferry during other times of the year.

4. Is the ferry a problem for some people?
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 is the reason some people leave...it is also the main reason many of us never do.

5. What is the ferry's annual dry dock and how do people cope with it?
Every year in September, the car ferry goes into a 2-week dry dock for maintenance and a fresh coat of paint. During that time, Lummi Island is served by a passenger-only ferry. Parking is provided on each side. Many islanders look forward to dry dock as a time when things quiet down, we get out of our car-bubbles and reconnect with each other.
Many residents, not within walking distance of the ferry, have an "island car" which is trotted out for dry dock, while the "good car" is left on the mainland side. Others rent a car for 2 weeks. We also find it necessary to stock up on heavy items before drydock to keep the loads we are carrying on the passenger ferry light weight.

6. Is Lummi Island part of the Lummi Indian Reservation?
No. You drive through the reservation to get to the ferry dock, but Lummi Island is not part of the Lummi Nation.

7. Describe a "typical, long-term Lummi Island resident."
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.

8. What about medical emergencies?
There are no medical facilities on the island. We have an excellent volunteer fire department and EMT unit that responds quickly to emergencies, 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.

9. Are there any public parks or beaches on the island?
Only one, which is located across from the Beach Store Cafe. Other beaches should be used only with permission of the owners.

10. What services and commercial establishments are on Lummi Island?
We have a general store, a library, our own post office, a Grange Hall, one church, two restaurants, two coffee shops, a seasonal craft store, a pub, a few B & B's, and a variety of individual skills and services available to islanders (described in our local "Yellow Pages").