Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Border Cities
🇨🇦 Boundary Bay, British Columbia
🇺🇸 Point Roberts, Washington
Coordinates
48.98°N, 123.07°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wait Times
15-30 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Limited near Point Roberts (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
Accessibility Features
Ramps
Safety Information
Remote, beware wildlife
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Boundary Bay, British Columbia & Point Roberts, Washington
A Crossing to an American Exclave
The border crossing connecting Point Roberts, Washington, with the Boundary Bay area of British Columbia is a journey into one of the most peculiar and fascinating geographical anomalies in the world. This is not a crossing between the mainlands of two countries; it is the lifeline for the American exclave of Point Roberts, a small piece of US territory that is physically separated from the rest of the United States and is only accessible by land through Canada. To cross here is to enter a unique community whose daily life is completely defined by the international border that surrounds it on three sides. It is a passage that highlights the quirks of history and the challenges and charms of living in a geographical oddity.
Operational Details
This is the main and only 24/7 checkpoint for the Point Roberts exclave. It connects the United States with the suburban community of Tsawwassen in Delta, British Columbia. The crossing is a small but busy facility, essential for the residents of Point Roberts who must cross the border to travel to the US mainland, and for the many Canadians who cross to visit the marina, buy cheaper American gasoline, or pick up packages at one of the many mail-receiving businesses. There are three other, smaller crossings into Point Roberts with more limited hours.
A History of a Cartographical Accident
The history of this crossing is the history of a cartographical accident. In 1846, the Oregon Treaty established the border between the United States and British North America (later Canada) along the 49th parallel. The treaty negotiators, using an inaccurate map, did not realize that this line would cut off the tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, creating a small, isolated piece of US territory. This accident of history created the exclave of Point Roberts. For decades, it was a remote and sparsely populated place. In the 20th century, it became a popular summer resort area and a unique, quiet community where the daily need to cross an international border became a routine part of life.
The Unique Border Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard process, but its context is unique. For the residents of Point Roberts, crossing the border is a daily necessity, like crossing a street for other people. They must cross into Canada and then back into the United States just to go to a major supermarket or to see a doctor. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the extreme vulnerability of the community, as the closure of the border to non-essential travel completely isolated the residents. For travelers, the process is the same as at any other US-Canada crossing. You will need a valid passport or other approved travel document. The border officers are accustomed to the unique situation and the constant flow of local traffic.
The Surrounding Region: United States Side
On the US side, Point Roberts is a small, quiet, and heavily wooded community. It has a beautiful marina, a small golf course, several parks with beautiful beaches and views of the San Juan Islands, and a number of businesses that cater to Canadian visitors, such as gas stations and package-receiving services. The community has its own small school for the younger grades, but older students must endure a daily commute that involves four international border crossings to attend high school in Blaine, Washington. It is a unique and peaceful place, a slice of rural America that happens to be surrounded by Canada.
The Surrounding Region: Canada Side
On the Canadian side, the crossing is in the suburban community of Tsawwassen, part of the Metro Vancouver region. Tsawwassen is home to a major BC Ferries terminal, with services to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. It also has a large shopping mall. The crossing is a gateway to the major metropolitan area of Vancouver, one of the most beautiful and multicultural cities in the world, with its stunning mountain and ocean scenery, its vibrant downtown, and its world-class attractions like Stanley Park.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The official currencies are the US Dollar (USD) in the United States and the Canadian Dollar (CAD) in Canada. Be aware of the customs limits for goods. For residents, special arrangements often exist for transporting everyday goods. For visitors, it is a fascinating day trip from the Vancouver area to experience this unique geographical situation. Remember that to return to the US mainland from Point Roberts by car, you must re-enter Canada and then cross the border again at one of the main crossings like Blaine-Surrey.
Final Considerations
The Point Roberts–Boundary Bay border crossing is a journey into a geographical curiosity. It is a functional checkpoint that is the lifeline of a unique and resilient community. It is a place where the abstract line of a border has a profound and tangible impact on every aspect of daily life. For the traveler, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a world defined by its isolation and its complete dependence on the open and friendly nature of the US-Canada border. It is a testament to the quirks of history and the adaptability of the human spirit.