You’re standing in two countries at once. No, seriously. Most people think of international borders as scary lines with barbed wire, grim-faced guards, and a lot of "sir, please step out of the vehicle" energy. But Peace Arch State Park is different. It’s a 20-acre weirdness where the grass is green, the flowers are manicured, and the border literally doesn't exist for a few hundred yards. You can walk from Blaine, Washington, into Douglas, British Columbia, without showing a passport—provided you don't leave the park.
It’s strange. It’s beautiful. And honestly, it’s one of the most misunderstood spots in the Pacific Northwest.
The Arch That Isn't Just for Show
Right in the middle of the park sits the Peace Arch itself. It’s a massive, 67-foot white concrete structure that looks like something out of ancient Rome but was actually built in 1921. It commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. If you look up, you’ll see two inscriptions. On the American side, it says "Children of a Common Mother." On the Canadian side, it reads "Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity."
It’s a bit sentimental, sure. But in a world where borders are getting harder to cross, the symbolism hits differently.
Sam Hill, the guy who built the Maryhill Stonehenge and basically pioneered the Pacific Highway, was the driving force behind this. He wanted a monument to peace. He got it. The arch sits exactly on the 49th parallel. If you stand right under the center of the arch, your left foot is in the United States and your right foot is in Canada.
Why the Logistics Matter
People get confused about the rules here. Let's be clear: Peace Arch State Park is a unique "international neutral zone."
When you enter the park from the U.S. side (Blaine), you park your car, pay your Discover Pass fee (or use your annual pass), and walk onto the lawn. You can walk right up to a Canadian family having a picnic. You can play frisbee across the international line. You can even hug your cousin who lives in Surrey while you’re standing on American soil and they’re on Canadian soil.
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But don't get cocky.
The moment you exit the park's designated boundaries into the "other" country, you are technically entering illegally if you haven't gone through the official port of entry. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are watching. They have cameras everywhere. High-tech sensors are buried in the grass. It looks like a chill park, but it’s a highly monitored security zone.
The COVID-19 Era and the "Portal" Fame
If you heard about Peace Arch State Park in the last few years, it was probably because of the pandemic. When the land border closed to non-essential travel in 2020, this park became a loophole. It was the only place where separated families and binational couples could meet face-to-face.
It became a tent city of love.
People would bring pop-up gazebos and stay all day. I remember seeing news reports of weddings happening right on the grass because the bride was in Vancouver and the groom was in Seattle. It was deeply emotional. However, that fame came with a price. The Canadian side (Peace Arch Provincial Park) eventually closed for a while due to the crowds and safety concerns, while the Washington side stayed open.
Today, things are back to normal, but that legacy of being a "meeting place" remains. You’ll still see people carrying lawn chairs from the Washington parking lot to meet friends coming from the BC side.
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What to Actually Do There (Besides Border Hopping)
Is it just a lawn with a big arch? Basically. But that's the charm.
The gardens are spectacular. The Washington State Parks department and British Columbia Parks collaborate on the landscaping. We’re talking about massive floral displays that change with the seasons. In the spring, the tulips are a major draw.
- Picnicking: There are plenty of tables. It’s a great spot to eat while watching the massive line of cars waiting to get through the actual border crossing. There’s a certain smug satisfaction in eating a sandwich while watching someone sit in two hours of traffic.
- Photography: The Arch is the star, but the views of Semiahmoo Bay are underrated. On a clear day, the light hitting the water is incredible.
- The Sculpture Exhibition: Usually, between May and September, the park hosts an outdoor sculpture display. These are works from international artists, and they’re scattered throughout the American and Canadian sides of the park.
- The Annual International Peace Arch Association (IPAA) Events: They hold various celebrations, including "Hands Across the Border," which usually involves scouts and youth groups from both nations.
The "Hidden" American Side
Most people stay near the Arch. If you head further south into the American side of the park, it gets quieter. There are forested areas and more secluded spots if you want to escape the "touristy" feel of the monument itself.
There’s also a playground for kids. It’s standard-issue park equipment, but it’s a lifesaver if you’ve been stuck in the car for five hours driving up from Portland.
Essential Tips for Visiting
If you're planning a trip to Peace Arch State Park, don't just wing it.
First, the Discover Pass. You need one to park on the Washington side. You can buy a daily pass for $10 at the automated station in the parking lot, or use your $30 annual pass. If you forget, the fines are annoying.
Second, watch the traffic. The park is literally adjacent to the I-5 border crossing. If you’re visiting on a holiday weekend, the traffic getting to the park entrance in Blaine can be a nightmare because you're fighting with everyone trying to go to Canada. Try to arrive early in the morning or on a weekday.
Third, bring your ID just in case. While you don't need it to walk around the park, if a Border Patrol agent decides to strike up a conversation (which they do), life is much easier if you have your passport or enhanced driver's license on you.
A Note on the "Gaze"
You will feel watched. Because you are.
It's a weird vibe. You’re relaxing, but there are white SUVs with green stripes idling nearby. Don't let it ruin your vibe; they're just doing their job. Just stay within the mowed grass areas. If you start wandering into the bushes or toward the residential streets in Douglas, BC, expect a visitor in a uniform.
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Is It Worth the Drive?
Honestly, if you're already in Bellingham or heading to Vancouver, yes. It's a 10/10 stop. If you’re driving three hours just to see a concrete arch, you might find it a bit underwhelming unless you’re a history nerd or a fan of geographical oddities.
But there’s something genuinely moving about the place. In a world that feels increasingly divided, seeing a park where the border is literally a mowed line in the grass—where kids from two different countries can play tag without knowing they're crossing international boundaries—is refreshing.
What to do next:
- Check the border wait times before you leave. If the "Point Roberts" or "Pacific Highway" crossings are slammed, the I-5 crossing near the park will be too.
- Pack a "neutral" picnic. Grab some Washington apples and maybe some Canadian maple cookies.
- Download the "Discover Pass" app or ensure your physical pass is displayed. The park rangers in Blaine are diligent.
- Visit the Semiahmoo Spit afterward. It’s only a 10-minute drive away and offers some of the best bird-watching and beach walking in the state.
- Respect the flags. This is a place of high ceremony for many veterans and civic groups. Keep the "border-hopping" fun respectful.
Peace Arch State Park remains a testament to a long-standing friendship between neighbors. It’s a patch of land that refuses to be a barrier. Whether you're there for the history, the flowers, or just the weirdness of being in two places at once, it's a Pacific Northwest staple that everyone should see at least once.