Camano Island vs. Whidbey Island:
A Comparison
Camano Island is a stunning location with convenient access to the I-5 corridor. Just 45 minutes from Seattle and 90 minutes from Canada, it’s perfect for enjoying a night out, whether for dining, entertainment, theater, sports, shopping, or sightseeing. The island is connected to the mainland by a land bridge from Stanwood, eliminating the need for a ferry. Within 90 minutes, you can reach ocean beaches, mountains, hiking trails, and major airports and seaports.
Camano Island offers beautiful beaches, scenic views of Saratoga Passage, Whidbey Island, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. While both Whidbey and Camano Islands are part of Island County, Washington, they offer different living experiences. Whidbey Island has the only incorporated cities in the county—Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Langley. Oak Harbor hosts a U.S. Naval base, which means more amenities but also the occasional sound of jets. In contrast, Camano Island is more relaxed, with a quieter, residential atmosphere, and no incorporated cities. It does have small grocery stores and is close to larger shopping centers in Smokey Point and Mount Vernon.
A major advantage of Camano Island is its easy car access. While Whidbey Island can be reached by either a ferry ride from Mukilteo or a scenic drive through Deception Pass, Camano Island is just a short bridge hop from the mainland, making commuting and accessing amenities more convenient.
For those concerned about medical care, Camano Island’s bridge access means easier trips to specialty medical facilities in Seattle or Bellingham. Local clinics on Camano Island or in Stanwood provide basic care, but specialized treatments are more accessible via a direct drive.
When considering a quiet, beautiful island lifestyle with easy access to shopping and medical facilities, Camano Island is a compelling choice. Seattle, known as the Emerald City for its lush greenery and mild climate, is nearby, and Camano Island shares this emerald glow with less rain and more sunshine. Camano Island averages 20 inches of annual precipitation and about 162 sunny days per year, compared to Seattle’s 34.1 inches and 152 sunny days. This equates to more time outdoors enjoying the beaches and natural beauty.
Camano Island experiences some snow but remains mild overall, with November being the wettest month. The island’s weather supports a variety of outdoor activities, including whale watching. From late February to early June, you can spot Gray Whales migrating from Baja to Alaska. Kayaking around the island provides a serene way to view these majestic creatures.
For thrill-seekers, Canopy Tours NW offers six zip lines, nature hikes, and rides in a Unimog through the forest. The island also features Arrowhead Ranch, the state’s first axe-throwing venue, and the annual Great Northwest Glass Quest, a treasure hunt hosted by local businesses in Stanwood and Camano Island.
Although Camano Island lacks palm trees and sandy beaches, its wildlife and landscapes are breathtaking. From rocky beaches to tall fir and oak trees, the island is rich with small mammals, aquatic life, and diverse bird species. Popular spots include Iverson Trail Preserve for bird watching and beach combing, Cama Beach State Park for fishing and hiking, and Camano Island State Park for its extensive recreational facilities and scenic views.
Thinking about relocating to Camano Island? Its natural beauty, mild weather, and convenient access make it ideal for both real estate and day trips. I’d be excited to provide you with information on the many beaches, parks, and boat launches, helping you explore and enjoy everything this vibrant island has to offer.
Written by Beth A. Newton
Managing Broker | Land Specialist
Windermere Stanwood & Camano Island
