Cats & Dogs

Ride Guide Overview

Ride Details

Distance:  18.6 miles (or 13.2 miles*)

Elevation Gain:  979 feet (or 719 feet*)

Suggested Time:  3-4 hours

Riding Surfaces:  streets & bike lanes (78%), city trails (22%)

Starting Point:  Waypoint Park at 1145 Granary Ave

* Note: “Cats & Dogs Lite” is a shorter route (13.2 miles long) with less climbing (719 feet).

About the Ride

Rumor has it that there are more dogs than children in Bellingham and more cats than dogs. Whether or not this is true, it is indeed the case that Bellingham loves cats and dogs. Even if you don’t have your own four-legged furry friend, the Cats & Dogs ride is a fun one for learning about all the cat- and dog-themed places in town.

 

The route begins at Waypoint Park. You hardly leave the park before your first stop at Yacht Dogs. Then cycle over to NEKO Cat Cafe and Are You My Human?, where you can mingle with rescue cats and dogs. Afterwards, head on down to Beach Cat Brewing South Paw to check out the fun vibes, and then meet two shop kitties at Bellingham Wind Works. From there, enjoy a ride along the trails to the Whatcom Humane Society, where you can see the cats and dogs available for adoption. After a stop at Alleycat Bike Shop, cycle by a building with a number of Pet Murals. Then pedal over to Petstop, a locally owned pet store, before heading on to historic Fairhaven, where you’ll swing by The Black Cat. Pause your ride for a brew at Paws for a Beer, and then stop by Fairhaven Bicycles to see some merch that supports the community’s canine and feline friends. From there, pedal by the colorful Bellingham Community. Enjoy a glizzy at Dog Days before returning to Waypoint Park.

 

Note: Cats & Dogs Lite does not visit the Whatcom Humane Society.

The Route

Click “Send to Device” above the map to download the Cats & Dogs ride guide to the Ride with GPS app on your phone. By clicking “Send to Device,” you agree to the Terms of Use for BIKE Bellingham.

 

Note: Click here to view the route for the shorter Cats & Dogs Lite ride.

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Featured Businesses

The route includes stops at the following businesses. Check their hours of operation before you ride.

Yacht Dogs

Yacht Dogs is where the Windy City’s famous hot dog meets the City of Subdued Excitement’s grass-fed beef franks. The stand allows Bellinghamsters the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the Midwest with a fresh take on Chicago-style hot dogs.

yachtdogspnw.com

(360)656-5319

NEKO Cat Cafe

NEKO Cat Cafe is a popular, Japanese-inspired cat cafe and sanctuary where guests can enjoy snacks and drinks in the company of adoptable rescue cats. The space features a separated cat room where 20 to 35 cats roam freely, lounge, and interact with visitors on their own terms.

nekocatcafe.com

(360)656-6217

Are You My Human? Rescue Dog Lounge
Are You My Human? Rescue Dog Lounge is a unique community space and adoption center. It provides a comfortable, home-like environment where adoptable rescue dogs can decompress, socialize, and bond with people outside of a traditional shelter setting.
millieproject.org/areyoumyhuman
(360)526-5045
Beach Cat Brewing South Paw
Beach Cat Brewing South Paw is the second location of the popular Birch Bay-based brewery. Known for its scenic dockside views, cat-themed beers, and welcoming atmosphere, it serves as a community hub in downtown Bellingham.
beachcatbrewing.com
(360)366-8089
Bellingham Wind Works

Bellingham Wind Works is a premier, musician-owned music shop in the Fountain District. The shop specializes in band and orchestra instrument sales, rentals, expert repairs, and rare accessories, serving students, educators, and professionals throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties.

bellinghamwindworks.com

(360)733-5840

Whatcom Humane Society
The Whatcom Humane Society is a private, non-profit animal welfare organization caring for over 5,000 domestic, farm, and wild animals annually. As an open-admission shelter, they accept all animals in need, regardless of age, breed, temperament, or medical condition.
whatcomhumane.org
(360)733-2080
Alleycat Bike Shop
Alleycat Bike Shop is a local repair and custom build shop. Known for decades of combined mechanic experience, they specialize in high-end suspension rebuilds, wheel building, and personalized customer service for both mountain and road bikes.
alleycatbikeshop.com
(360)778-3701
Petstop
Petstop is a locally owned, highly-rated independent pet supply store located in Sehome Village. Established in 1993, it is celebrated for its premium pet food, bulk biscuit bars, knowledgeable staff, and convenient same-day local delivery.
petstopinfo.net
(360)738-3663
The Black Cat
The Black Cat is a beloved American bistro and bar located in the heart of historic Fairhaven. Housed on the third floor of the 1890s Mason Block (Sycamore Square), it is famous for its speakeasy-like vibe, craft cocktails, classic comfort food, and expansive bay views.
blackcatbellingham.com
(360)733-6136
Paws for a Beer
Paws For A Beer is Bellingham’s premier 21+ dog park, curated dog shop, and tavern. It allows both dog owners and humans unaccompanied by canines to enjoy local beers, ciders, and wine while watching dogs socialize and run freely in a safe, off-leash environment.
pawsforabeer.com
(360)733-7297
Fairhaven Bicycle
Fairhaven Bicycles is a renowned, woman-owned bike shop highly rated for providing friendly service and great turnaround times on maintenance. The store is praised for its knowledgeable staff, friendly atmosphere, and breathtaking views of Bellingham Bay.
fairhavenbicycles.com
(360)733-4433
Dog Days

Kulshan Brewing’s “Dog Days” is an on-site, in-house food truck permanently parked at the Trackside Beer Garden on the Bellingham waterfront. It serves classic summer boardwalk bites designed to be eaten with one hand while enjoying a craft beer.

kulshanbrewing.com/dogs

Where to Park

A great spot for free parking is the gravel lot across the street from the route’s starting point, Waypoint Park. If you’re unable to find a spot here, you can park nearby, though beware of metered parking.

Extend Your Experience

Dog Days of Summer Festival
The Whatcom Humane Society’s Dog Days of Summer is a free, highly anticipated, annual community festival that is the most pup-ular in the Pacific Northwest for celebrating dogs and their families. The festival includes a full slate of canine games & contests, pet-themed vendors and exhibitions, vegetarian food trucks, a beer garden, and delicious animal-friendly food. It’s a doggone good time for the whole family!
Black Cat Cycling Collective

The Black Cat Cycling Collective is an intermediate, queer-friendly casual cycling group. They host weeknight human-powered, mixed-terrain adventures and social rides. The group meets every Tuesday evening at 7pm at the Acid Ball at Waypoint Park.

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