Last updated on July 15th, 2019 at 05:10 pm
This Semiahmoo Resort and Spa review was originally published in February 2017 and updated in July 2019.
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa is one of the top Pacific Northwest weekend getaway spots for families. Scroll down for our full review!
We recently got back from our second trip to Semiahmoo Resort and Spa up in Blaine, Washington. It was just as fantastic as we remembered!
It’s no wonder why it was voted the Northwest’s Best Resort in the December 2016 issue of Seattle Magazine.
This Semiahmoo Resort and Spa review contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Where is Semiahmoo Resort and Spa?
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa is located in Blaine, Washington about 90 minutes north of Seattle.
The resort is located a bit off the freeway with lots of turns. Thankfully, there is plenty of signage along the roads making it really easy to find the resort.
It was dark by the time we got there, but we could tell that the view would be really spectacular had we arrived during the daylight. We drove past the Semiahmoo golf course before arriving at the resort.
Again, there was plenty of signage to tell us how to get to the lobby.
Semiahmoo Resort and Spa Room Tour
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa has 3 levels. We stayed on the ground floor our first trip and it was nice to be able to walk right out to the beach.
This time, we stayed on the 2nd floor and had a nice balcony looking out at the trees.
instead because our baby was in the midst of his 4-month sleep regression.
The only thing that was missing was bottled water. I don’t remember staying in a hotel in the past couple of years that didn’t provide a couple of complimentary bottles of water.
With the air being so dry, my husband and I were insatiably thirsty and so we relied heavily on the tap water.
Overall, we loved our room! The doors are a bit heavy, but it was nice knowing that our kids couldn’t just open the door and walk out!
Semiahmoo Resort and Spa Kid-Friendly Activities
DISCOVERY THEATRE
While they offer movies during the evening as a resort activity, you can also request a movie to watch in the theatre during the day.
We watched a bit of Spiderman before heading to our BBQ dinner.
GIANT CHESS SET
Right outside of Packer’s Kitchen + Bar, there’s a giant outdoor chess set. Kids of all ages love to move the pieces around.
This was a great way to keep them occupied while we waited for our dinner reservation one night!
SANDBOX
Even though Semiahmoo Resort & Spa is located right on the beach, it was really nice to have a sandbox at the hotel.
Parents could sit on nearby logs or hang out at one of the many outdoor seating areas and keep an eye on their kids.
This was super handy while we took turns roasting marshmallows!
BEACH ACTIVITIES CENTER
For adventurous families, there’s the Beach Activities Center. They rent out bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards for you to use.
It’s a great way to get active during your PNW getaway!
SEMIAHMOO KIDS CLUB
While we haven’t tried this yet, I love that there’s a kids club at Semiahmoo.
The Semiahmoo Kids Club teachers hold 2-hour kid explorations that feature arts and crafts and a range of unique activities.
It’s offered Saturdays June through September, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for $30 per child.
GAME ROOM
My family always loves the game room at Semiahmoo Resort and Spa.
The family-friendly games included Apples to Apples Junior, Monopoly, Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Jenga, Life, Uno, Yahtzee and more!
But they also have some toys, including a large assortment of Lincoln Logs!
The room itself was quite relaxing as there were large windows overlooking Canada and the water in between.
BIRD WATCHING
There’s also free activities available, like this bird watching tour, where we saw great blue herons, crabs, seals, and 3 bald eagles!
We met at the front desk and each person got their own pair of binoculars before we started the guided walk.
They even set up a telescope so we could see the animals even closer!
EXPLORE THE BEACH
One of the main activities at Semiahmoo Resort and Spa is exploring the beach. This is where you’ll find geoducks, sand dollars, beach glass, shells, and lots of rocks!
My husband spent some time teaching our boys how to skip rocks in the water. They mostly just threw the rocks after awhile and it occupied them for quite some time!
If you go during low tide, it’s pretty cool to walk out on the mud flat and see what treasures you can find.
SEE THE PEACE ARCH CROSSING
They had a nice veranda where we could let our kids run around. The coolest thing is that we could see the Peace Arch border crossing into Canada!
I’ve only seen while driving through the border, so it was pretty spectacular to see the line of cars slowly passing from one country to the other.
They even have viewing area specifically to check it out!
BONFIRE + S’MORES
Every night at dusk, Semiahmoo Resort and Spa delivers baskets of s’mores ingredients to their bonfire sites. They even include wooden roasting sticks!
I was impressed that even during the busy summer, we didn’t run out of supplies. Staff members kept delivering them!
And when we came in the wintertime, we were able to ask for the supplies to be delivered a bit earlier and it was still a fabulous experience!
Semiahmoo Resort and Spa Restaurants
PACKER’S KITCHEN + BAR
I loved that we didn’t have to walk outside at all to eat at one of the Semiahmoo Resort restaurants.
Formerly called Pierside Kitchen, Packer‘s is our favorite place to eat at Semiahmoo. We’ve eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner here and the food (and service) has always been excellent.
They pride themselves on using locally sourced produce and partner with local companies to create amazing dishes.
They also have an extensive breakfast buffet that included fruit, pastries, meats, potatoes, pancakes, eggs, yogurt, cereal and more.
They have a great kids menu for each meal, including the breakfast buffet where even the pickiest eater will find something they like.
What’s extra awesome is that kids ages 5 and under eat free!
GREAT BLUE HERON GRILL
If you are looking to grab a bite with a view of the greens, this golf club restaurant fits the bill.
Located at Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club, the Great Blue Heron Grill offers up casual fare in a comfortable manner.
SEASIDE CAFE
This is a little coffee shop located near the lobby. They sell drinks, muffins, and other grab and go items during the morning hours.
SEASIDE BBQ DINNER
As a special event during the summer, Semiahmoo holds an outdoor Seaside BBQ dinner and it’s incredible.
The party kicks off on the lawn at 5:30pm with live music, lawn games, and delicious food.
Their Seaside BBQ features a delicious a la carte menu with classic favorites, including hamburgers, gourmet hot dogs, ribs, fresh corn on the cob, and a Salish Sea seafood hot pot.
Semiahmoo Spa + Pool Area
INDOOR/OUTDOOR POOL AREA
What I love about this Northwest resort is that their pool area is inviting year-round.
They have an indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub in a space where you can close large garage doors in the winter or open them in the summer. And there’s plenty of lounge chairs and tables and chairs to relax.
Families will appreciate the array of pool noodles and life jackets available for kids!
Inside the locker rooms are a sauna and steam room.
FITNESS AREA
One of the coolest things for golf enthusiasts is their indoor golf simulator.
They also have a fitness center upstairs that features an indoor track as well as a fitness room that offers classes (like Zumba and Pilates) throughout the day.
And they have a large indoor tennis/basketball court as well as an outdoor tennis court.
SEMIAHMOO SPA
I’ve had a facial and massage here so far and both have been unbelievably relaxing!
Both times, I was warmly greeted by staff and given slippers and a key to the women’s locker room.
Once I had changed into the Spa robe, I headed to their relaxation area. There was a cozy fireplace, lots of comfy seating, plus they offered lemon water and trail mix.
It reminded me a lot of the Spa at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C.
Semiahmoo Signature Massage
I had Elka and she asked me a bit about the pressure I like and then got to work. It was fantastic to zone out for a bit and just relax.
She used hot towels to gently exfoliate my skin before using massage oil.
At the end of the massage, she put a hot towel around my face, which felt great!
Note: They also have add-on items, like their new CBD oil if you want to upgrade your experience.
Hydrating Sea Flora Facial
I was fully relaxed by the time my esthetician came to collect me.
She was very gentle and explained that SEAFLORA is a luxurious Organic Seaweed Skin and Body care line that is hand-harvested from the cold, clean Pacific Northwest coastline.
When’s the Best Time to Go to Semiahmoo Resort and Spa?
We have gone during the winter and the summer and both have been incredibly relaxing!
There’s something a bit magical about unplugging and spending a winter weekend at the beach. It’s quiet but still enough activity to keep your family busy.
In the summer, it’s busier, but there are a whole lot more outdoor activities and events available.
Is Semiahmoo Resort and Spa Pet-Friendly?
Yes! We saw lots of families with their dogs at the resort. There’s lots of space for dogs to run around on the beach and on the lawns.
We even saw dog water bowls set up around the resort.
Top 10 Things for Families to Know about Semiahmoo Resort & Spa
- Kids under 5 eat free at the restaurants and with room service.
- They have a heated indoor/outdoor pool (kids must be 6 or older to use the hot tub).
- Guests receive one hour free of either a bike, kayak, or paddleboard rental (which is great for testing out a family activity.)
- The indoor tennis/basketball court is a great place for kids to burn off some energy, especially during the chillier seasons.
- The staff will start the bon fire earlier than 8 p.m. if there is enough interest.
- There is a microwave available next to the ice machine.
- They have a family bathroom located near Packers that has a changing table and is very clean. The sink does not have a step stool, so be prepared to lift smaller kids.
- They offer a family movie night on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Discovery Theater is available for guest use depending on availability and they have more than 100 family-friendly films.
- It takes about 90 minutes to get to from Seattle (but I’d allow an extra hour if you are heading up on Friday night.)
- Visit in late May/early June for all the summer festivities without the summer crowds!
I received complimentary room, spa service and select meals from Semiahmoo Resort and Spa for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
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91 Comments
Looks like you had a wonderful time!
We had a blast! So many things for our family to do!
I’m ready for a trip like that, sounds like just the ticket.
It was relaxing, which is usually not the case with little kids!
This looks like a wonderful resort! We have been wanting to visit that area so this is a great option!
You should check it out! It’s simply gorgeous!
This is a great post ! I love Vancouver, i will surely check this resort. Lovely pics
We love Vancouver, too! It’s definitely worth combining with a trip here!
Your lemon pancakes look delicious! I’ve heard of this place but have never had the chance. The indoor/outdoor pool looks awesome! Definitely have to try to check it out next time I’m in Canada!
The pancakes were devine! My husband and son loved the pool!
Oh My Goodness! Those pancakes just made me so hungry. I just want to jump in a plane and get there and relax and have fun with my family. Thanks for sharing
It was definitely relaxing! Such a great spot to get away from it all!
I love resorts that are not too big, but have their own restaurants and entertainment (especially when you arrive by plane and don’t have a car). This resort sounds lovely.
Yes, it was awesome! Great food and I loved that we didn’t need to drive anywhere!
It looks like y’all had a wonderful vacation. What a beautiful place you stayed in, and I love the car mat! My daughter would have gone crazy over that!
Yes my son went nuts over the car mat!
Wow! Sounds like such a great trip for the whole family to experience! Food looked delicious!
The food was awesome! I’m jealous my hubby had oysters without me!
Looks like so much fun. I love the chest with all the games. That is really an awesome idea and looks like a blast to stay with kids!
Yes, the game chest was a great option for chilly days!
That part of Canada is so beautiful! I lived on whidbey island for a bit which isnt far and its pretty amazing!
The indoor outdoor pool is worth the visit to the resort! Looks like a blast
I love Whidbey Island! I’m hoping to get over there this summer for a blog post!
This place looks like so much fun! I have never been to any kind of resort like this one and now I’m tempted to find the perfect one close to where I live. Loved all the pictures!
Do it! We had so much fun!
What a fun place, it looks like a great place to take the kiddos too! A kid resort sounds like the best kind of vacation.
Kid resorts are the best! I’m on the hunt for more to check out!
Thanks for such a thorough review, Marcie! I know it makes a lot of effort to put it together and after reading this I get a feeling I want to see it myself 🙂 I guess, next time I’m in Seattle 🙂
The review practically wrote itself (and I had to stop myself from posting even more photos!) Such a fun place for families!
This looks like such a fun place to visit! I’m always looking for new places to take my little boy!
Semiahmoo is great for little kids because they can really run around!
Your son is so cute! This is a great review of the resort. It looks like a great place for the family. How awesome that they provide the activity mat!
The activity mat was definitely a highlight for us when we were laying low in the room!
Looks like you’ve had such a lovely time away! The place looks gorgeous – and so do the pancakes haha! x
We LOVE pancakes! Such a fun time at Semiahmoo!
This looks like such a nice little place to visit. It seems like you and your family had so much fun!
We had some great bonding time!
This spa looks like an amazing time! I would love to visit a place like this and relax a little.
The spa was so relaxing! I could have stayed there all day!
This resort looks super cute! I want to take my boys on a family vacation this year. We have not been in awhile. I want to find a place like this!
I love taking my boys on trips because we get a lot of togetherness and bonding! So many fun memories!
It sounds like y’all had a great trip! I admit, I laughed a bit when I read that the clock in the room was too bright because I complain about that all of the time too. I prefer total darkness when I’m sleeping and bright numbers from the clock next to the bed always frustrate me.
YES! I don’t know why places do that! I keep my cell on the nightstand and I have to flip it over so my alerts won’t wake me up!
What a great stop between Vancouver and Seattle and that pool looks amazing too!
The pool was fun in January and I can’t even imagine how awesome it’d be in warmer weather!
That resort spa looks amazing 🙂 Good that you could bring the kid as well 😀 The food sounds amazing as well. Must be a great getaway for the whole family. I have never been to a spa resort, but going to one in Cancun this April. Cant wait must be amazing to be pampered like this 😀 Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I hope you have a blast in Cancun! How fun!
Looks like fun! I love BC and your resort sounds outstanding!
It really is outstanding! The staff are truly exceptional!
What a fun trip! I’d love to visit.
You should! Semiahmoo is fabulous!
This resort looks wonderful! And those pancakes, yum! Definitely need to check this out next time we’re considering visiting Vancouver. 🙂
Yes! Semiahmoo is a great stop on a Vancouver trip!
Oh wow, that looks like such a relaxing and fun place to stay. Those rooms! I am ready for a vacation now.
The rooms are fantastic! And the beds are sooooo comfy!
What a darling place to get away! Vancouver is my home so I go back often to visit! Never have stopped in Semiahmoo although I know it ‘s gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing the fun pics!
Valerie
Fashion and travel
You should stop by on one of your trips home! It’s so pretty!
I’d really love to travel more. Of course my baby doesn’t sleep well so that would make it hard. Having the money to travel would probably help too!
Yes, it definitely helps when baby is sleeping better! Hang in there!
That indoor/outdoor pool looks awesome! And so does all that food! I would love to visit someday!
It definitely is a special place!
I love how kid friendly this resort is, they thought of everything! And the rain boots pic is priceless!
My son was so excited to wade into the water with his boots!
You’re giving your son such wonderful life experiences. Seems this resort was perfect for a family! Thank you for sharing!
It was super perfect for our family!
This resort looks so nice! I love the decor and what a pretty spot! such a fun family vacay 🙂
Yes and it was so clean!
This place looks really great! That pool…those lemon pancakes…and what they have a movie theater! This looks like a great place for a family vacation!
Yes, the movie theater was such a cool feature!
i LOOOOOVE PNW. We’re on the east coast, but our family is on the west coast and the army brings us out there often. I’d love to stay at this resort and YAY for hotels that keep kids in mind! <3
Yes, yay for hotels that keep kids in mind! Hope you’re able to head back to PNW soon!
Those pancakes look so yummy! And that pool looks so relaxing too. I am so excited to try this place. Thanks for sharing.
The pool was such a great feature! Perfect anytime!
Ooo haven’t heard of this, need to check it out! Have you been to Suncadia? Is it like that?
I’ve been to Suncadia, but we stayed in a house rather than the resort so I can’t comment on the rooms. The restaurants at Semiahmoo are both located right at the resort (you don’t have to leave the building) as opposed to Suncadia where you need to take a shuttle or drive. But, the spa at Suncadia is hard to compete with and worth a trip alone!
I want to have time for this. To unwind and go adventure with my family. You have such an amazing experience.
Our family has a hard time unplugging, so getaways like this are our favorite way to bond and relax together!
This resort looks awesome. I love the fact that you gave you an ipad charger. The movie theater is a cool amenities too. Thanks for including a top 10 list, very smart.
I’m a big fan of top 10 lists because sometimes you don’t have time to read the whole post and just want the takeaways!
What a beautiful room! I love the sightseeing that you did too. Such a beautiful place. We have friends that live there. We’ll need to plan a visit!
Thanks! You should definitely visit!
I love a spacious hotel room. You and your family looked like you really enjoyed it and relaxed. Good recap!
Thanks! We love resorts that cater to families!
This sounds like the perfect resort for rest and relaxation! The food looks pretty amazing, too.
The food was really tasty and pretty!
I’m nowhere near BC but if I was I would absolutley be planning a weekend at Semiahmoo! With two little ones the most important thing to me is that the resort is family friendly and with the spacious rooms, the movie theater, board games and matchbox cars, it seems like the resort really has gone out of its way to make it a great place for families to stay.
Yes they did! We’re big fans of resorts that cater to families! It really makes travel with kids easy!
Looks like a fun and relaxing weekend!
It was amazing! I wish I could go every weekend.
Wow, this place looks incredible! Looks like you all had a great time!
It is such a fun place!
Wow, such a lovely place it seems. Love the pictures. I can feel the fun you’ve had. Love tea in any form, especially cinnamon tea – sounds like just the place for my family too!