The Top Border Towns in the Pacific Northwest: Switzerland of North America

Discover some of the unique and fascinating border towns that straddle the USA-Canada border in the Pacific Northwest. These towns offer a blend of cultural and geographical experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Point Roberts, Washington: A Unique Peninsula

Point Roberts is a small peninsula located in Washington, USA. Yet, it is geographically cut off from the rest of the mainland U.S., being surrounded by Canada on three sides. This unique arrangement makes it a prime example of cross-border geography. Visitors can drive to Blaine, Washington, which is connected to the main road network, before crossing the border to reach Point Roberts. Point Roberts is accessible only through the Blaine border crossing and has a population of just around 1,100 people. This small town offers a distinctive lifestyle where you can experience the best of both countries in one place.

Blaine, Washington: Shared Community Experience

Blaine, Washington, is situated directly across the border from the Canadian city of Surrey, British Columbia. The border runs through the town, creating a unique shared community experience. The town is essentially split in half with the U.S. half located along the north side of the Fraser River and the Canadian half along the south side of the river. This unique setup means that the residents of Blaine live and work in one community, but their homes may straddle the border. People on both sides of the border share the same infrastructure, including roads, schools, and recreational facilities.

DTO Canada: A Border Particular

DTO Canada, also known as Stanstead in Quebec, offers a glimpse into the complex nature of borders in the region. Here, residents can take a short drive to go from one country to another. However, the situation can be a bit tense at times. When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not in a good mood, residents find themselves having to drive miles to cross the border. This adds an element of unpredictability to daily life. In this small community, residents carry passports for routine crossings.

For Points Roberts, a slightly different scenario exists. The town is on the Canadian side of BC's Boundary Bay. While it enjoys a unique position, it is still only accessible through the Blaine border crossing. The U.S. side of Point Roberts is relatively small and rural, offering a glimpse into the less-urbanized side of the Pacific Northwest border.

Border Life in Point Roberts and Blaine

Walking along Zero Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia, brings one to the apex of this unique border geography. The ditch on the left side of the road marks the U.S./Canada border, while the northern city limit of Blaine, Washington, lies just a few paces away. The road itself is entirely within Canada, in the city of Surrey. Despite the close proximity, there are no physical barriers between the two sides, only hidden electronic sensors designed to catch anyone attempting to illegally cross the border. People caught crossing illegally are often intercepted within 5 to 10 minutes.

Iconic Locations to Visit

Point Roberts, Blaine, and DTO Canada gift visitors with experiences that complement the diverse offerings of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're exploring the cultural blend in Blaine, walking the border in Point Roberts, or navigating the unique lush landscapes of DTO Canada, these border towns provide a fascinating snapshot of life in the region where geography and politics intertwine.

So, next time you're looking to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, consider venturing into these border towns for an experience that is both unique and memorable.