Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Border Cities
🇨🇦 Huntingdon/Lynden, BC
🇺🇸 Sumas, Washington
Coordinates
49.00°N, 122.27°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~5000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Available near Sumas (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, rural area
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Huntingdon/Lynden, BC & Sumas, Washington
A Quiet Rural Gateway
The Sumas-Huntingdon crossing, also known as Sumas-Lynden, connects Sumas, Washington, with Abbotsford, British Columbia, via Washington State Route 9 and British Columbia Highway 11. This 24/7 port, less busy than nearby Peace Arch, links Bellingham (15 minutes south) to Vancouver (50 minutes north). Popular with locals and light freight, it’s a scenic alternative for travelers. Foreign visitors should check CBP or CBSA updates, as scams and occasional congestion can occur during peak times.
Historical Background
Opened in the late 1800s, Sumas-Huntingdon supported the Fraser Valley’s dairy and berry farming. Named for the Sumas Prairie, it grew with early settlers’ trade in milk and crops. During Prohibition, smugglers used rural roads, with a 1927 moonshine bust becoming local legend. The 1970s brought highway upgrades, boosting light trade. Today, it serves thousands weekly, with occasional disputes over agricultural goods adding tension. Its history reflects the region’s farming roots and cross-border resilience.
Crossing Details and Wait Times
Northbound, you’ll stop at Sumas’s CBP office for an exit stamp, then reach Abbotsford’s Canadian immigration, needing a passport and possibly a $7 CAD eTA (apply online). Southbound, expect a Canadian exit stamp and U.S. entry rules, typically a passport for visa-exempt travelers. Open 24/7, passenger waits are 10–20 minutes, but morning commutes (7–9 AM) can hit 40 minutes. Summer weekends spike delays to 30 minutes. Check CBSA’s CanBorder app or CBP’s Border Wait Times for live updates.
Scam Warnings
Scams are less common here but exist, with “visa helpers” in Abbotsford charging $15–$40 for fake services. Bogus “customs offices” may overcharge for forms—use only CBSA/CBP channels and secure an eTA online. Currency exchange scams near the crossing offer poor rates; carry USD/CAD cash or use Sumas ATMs. Pickpocketing risks rise during summer, so secure valuables. Avoid “fast-track” offers—they’re scams targeting travelers unfamiliar with this quieter crossing.
Transportation Options
From Bellingham, it’s a 15-minute drive to Sumas via SR 9. From Vancouver, Highway 11 reaches Abbotsford in 50 minutes. Buses like Greyhound stop in Bellingham, but none go to the border, so drive or rent a car. Taxis and rideshares are available—confirm fares upfront. Gas and services are in Sumas or Abbotsford, 5–10 minutes away. Pedestrians can cross but need a pickup arranged on the other side.
Road Conditions and Views
SR 9 and Highway 11 are well-paved but narrow in spots. Summer (June–August) is clear; winter (November–March) brings rain and occasional snow, requiring cautious driving. The Fraser Valley’s farmlands and distant mountains offer stunning views, with summer highs of 25°C and winter lows of 0°C. Check Washington’s 511 or BC’s (800) 550-4997 for road updates. The lush fields and berry farms make it a scenic drive, especially in spring.
Local Sights
Sumas’s Pioneer Park, 5 minutes south, offers picnic spots and local history. Abbotsford’s Tradex, 10 minutes north, hosts cultural festivals. Try Sumas’s burgers at Bob’s Burgers & Brew or Abbotsford’s butter chicken at Spice Kitchen. Vancouver’s Granville Island, 50 minutes north, is great for markets, while Bellingham’s Fairhaven District, 15 minutes south, has historic charm and bookstores.
Cultural and Economic Role
This crossing blends Washington’s rural charm with BC’s multicultural energy, seen in shared events like Abbotsford’s Berry Festival, celebrating local harvests. It supports dairy and berry trade, fueling both economies. Sumas’s small-town vibe and Abbotsford’s urban growth thrive on cross-border visitors. Community markets, farm tours, and hockey games foster a strong binational bond, with locals sharing a love for fresh produce and outdoor activities.
Travel Tips
Open 24/7, but check CBSA/CBP for holiday schedules. Carry USD/CAD for duty-free shops or fees. An eTA saves time for visa-exempt travelers. Winter drivers need rain gear; check Washington’s 511 or BC’s (800) 550-4997 for road conditions. Declare all goods—agents are strict on produce and dairy. Secure valuables in this crossing and pack snacks for potential waits during busy periods.
Extra Tips for Visitors
Cell service is reliable but spotty in rural areas—download maps ahead. Summer traffic is light but picks up on weekends; winter rain demands cautious driving. Locals are friendly—ask about 1920s smuggler tales for fun insights. Try Sumas’s Edaleen Dairy for ice cream or Abbotsford’s Oldhand Coffee for a latte. Photographers, catch sunrise over the Fraser Valley’s fields. This crossing’s rural charm and scenic beauty make it a delightful stop.