The Point Roberts–Boundary Bay Border Crossing connects the communities of Point Roberts, Washington, and Tsawwassen, British Columbia on the Canada–US border. Tyee Drive on the American side joins 56 Street on the Canadian side. The crossing is the westernmost in the contiguous United States. By land, Point Roberts can only be accessed via this crossing. This port has NEXUS lanes for entering the U.S. or Canada. Entering the U.S., there are four primary and four secondary inspection lanes. The Point Roberts Border Crossing is the 5th busiest US/Canada crossing!
When the border between the United States and Canada was established as the 49th parallel, it cut straight through the southern tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula. This created a chunk of U.S. territory that cannot be reached by land from the U.S. It is one of only four locations in the contiguous United States not directly connected to the lower 48, the others being Elm Point, Minnesota, Angle Inlet, Minnesota, and the town of Alburgh, Vermont. Point Roberts has a small airport and a large marina for air and water access.
US Side
As this my first visit to the US after the issuing of my current Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver I was required to enter the building for photograph and fingerprinting and the payment of a $6 fee. The border staff were friendly and asked the purpose and duration of my visit.
The Border
The border was easily accessible as the border control facilities were close together. However, for photographs the best access point was to drive along Roosevelt Way until the crossing point (the road is blocked) and that provides a great viewpoint.
Canadian Side
Modern and streamlined crossing, but lots of questions about what I have bought and what I had been doing in Point Roberts.
Roosevelt Way
Point Roberts’ northernmost street, Roosevelt Way traverses the peninsula from west to east. Only when it reaches the border crossing is it blocked on both sides to allow uninterrupted north – south traffic.
Date of Visit: 08 December 2023
Barry's Borderpoints 