Point Roberts may be tiny and not heavily populated, but we’ve heard a lot of talk about it recently. The story behind this talk primarily concerns its peculiar location.
So what’s the deal with this town? Don’t worry; we have everything you need to know about this unusual American town.
Today, we’ll investigate why the tiny town of Point Roberts is getting so much attention.
Let’s dig in and get started!
Point Roberts is a tiny town in Washington. However, it’s developed quite a reputation for its unique geographic location. That’s because this town has one of the most unique geographic locations anywhere in the United States.
The town’s northern border is the beautiful British Columbia of Canada, the Pacific Ocean sits to its west, and the Strait of Georgia to its east. As a result, it has no direct land connection to the United States.
Visitors looking to experience this American soil must drive 25 miles through Canada. As a result, you’ll need to cross an international border twice to reach Point Roberts. As you can imagine, this presented challenges when the Canadian border was closed to non-residents. Luckily, this isn’t the case any longer.
Despite being only five square miles, a strong and vibrant community exists. At last count, there were approximately 1,100 residents in Point Roberts. They embrace their remote identity and come together to help one another with the many difficulties it creates.
Pro Tip: Check out these 12 Excellent Thousand Trails Campgrounds in Washington before hitting up the West Coast!
The United States became the land owner now known as Point Roberts in the early 1800s. The land was originally a part of the Oregon Country. The United States and Great Britain occupied it until the Oregon Treaty of 1846 was signed. This agreement officially made it the property of the United States.
This treaty finalized the border between the United States and, at the time, British North America. The area contained all of the land west of the Rocky Mountains. Officials used the 49th parallel as the boundary marker between the two countries. But, a little piece of land dangling off the Canadian mainland fell south of the 49th parallel.
If you are driving, you cannot reach Point Roberts without passing through Canada. Point Roberts is on a peninsula physically connected to the Canadian mainland. To access Point Roberts by land, you must drive through Canada.
Unfortunately, no roads or land routes connect Point Roberts to the contiguous United States. Due to this, you cannot reach Point Roberts via road without going through Canada first.
It is possible to reach this American town, but it will require a small plane or personal boat. The airport is a single grass runway, so don’t think Southwest or other major airlines will take you there.
Regarding safety, it’s what you’d expect from a small, isolated American town. It’s a generally safe and peaceful community. The residents enjoy very low crime rates, especially compared to larger urban cities. As mentioned, it’s a close-knit community that looks out for one another. Unfortunately, crimes can and do occur in small towns like Point Roberts.
You won’t likely experience a severe incident, but thefts and vandalism occur. In partnership with local law enforcement, the community prides itself on maintaining a safe place for residents and visitors to enjoy. Nevertheless, you should still retain your common sense. Lock your doors and vehicles, and be aware of your surroundings.
While it may not be a bustling city, Point Roberts still has plenty to offer. Here are several things you can do while visiting Point Roberts.
Lighthouse Marine Park is a 21-acre oceanfront park. It’s a great place to sit and watch Orca whales from land and stare into the Strait of Georgia. The panoramic views of the water are a great way to appreciate the coastal culture of the town. On the other hand, the park offers more than a stunning view.
The park offers beach access, picnic areas, playground equipment, and fishing areas. The campground is available from mid-April until the end of October. Additionally, two miles of trails connect the campground to the day-use areas. A majority of these trails provide incredible views of the water.
Lighthouse Marine Park is a great spot to relax and enjoy the view. Let the environment wash your stress away while you read a book, enjoy a picnic, or stare into the water. The ocean will be the perfect backdrop to whatever you choose to do.
Boundary Bay Regional Park requires a quick trip across the Canadian border. Despite this, it’s an epic spot to hike and enjoy bird watching. The breathtaking views and hiking trails make this an excellent spot for exploring and various outdoor adventures.
It’s a protected nature preserve surrounding Boundary Bay, recognized as an Important Bird Area on the Pacific Flyway. It’s common to spot sandpipers, herons, and various waterfowl. Many choose to stop while migrating along the Pacific Flyway.
Don’t miss this spot if you enjoy birds or photography. It’s an easy drive, especially if you’re already visiting Point Roberts. Just make sure you have plenty of storage space to capture pictures. Bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer view of the birds that fly in during your visit.
Want to do some retail therapy while visiting Point Roberts? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Tsawwassen Mills is another location requiring you to cross the Canadian border. In contrast, it’s only a short 4.9-mile drive from the center of Point Roberts.
This massive 1.2 million square foot shopping center has more than 200 stores. Whether you purchase home goods, clothes, or electronics, they have almost everything. If you get bored, visit the entertainment options like Skate Park at West 49, the Virtual Land, and Playscape Arcade. Don’t forget there’s always something to eat at the 1200 square foot Food Hall.
Hiking and biking are great ways to appreciate the landscapes and spend time in the natural beauty. Many of the trails in this tiny town provide epic views of the coast and are great for all skill levels. While you won’t be scaling mountains or navigating steep terrains, they can still get you into the great outdoors.
Some of the most popular trails in the area include Monument Park, Lily Point Marine Park Loop, and Lighthouse Marine Park. These hikes are less than two miles and have an easy rating. So, if the weather cooperates, take advantage of the opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of Point Roberts.
Another fun thing to do near Point Roberts is Birch Bay. This is a coastal community with a ton of charm. Its sandy shoreline makes it easy to enjoy views of the water and take a stroll. You can also test your sandcastle-building skills, enjoy a picnic with a view, or soak up some sun. Visitors and locals enjoy water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
If the water isn’t your thing, the town has multiple marks, including Birch Bay State Park. The 664-acre park has 8,255 feet of shoreline along the bay. Additionally, the campground has more than 150 sites and a short trail for hiking. Clamming, crabbing, and fishing are popular activities with guests.
Visitors love the laid-back atmosphere and vibe of this coastal town. While it will require you to cross two international borders, it’s worth the trip.
Like most peninsulas, water activities are extremely popular in Point Roberts. Kayaking and canoeing are great opportunities to get out on the water. Luckily, the waters around Point Roberts are relatively calm, which makes it easy for newbies to feel comfortable.
If you’re new to kayaking and canoeing, it’s a tranquil and relaxing way to spend time in nature. Take the opportunity to enjoy the peace of the water as you paddle your way along the shore.
You can find several golf courses within driving distance of Point Roberts. Luckily, Bald Eagle Golf Club is within the town’s boundaries and is set to reopen this month. It is an 18-hole course with 6,868 yards of course and a par of 72. Its rating is 73.5, and it has a slope rating of 136. It opened in 2001 after Graham Cooke & Associates designed it.
You can hit the links and enjoy the ocean breeze and sun on your face. The golf courses here are great, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting started. They have well-maintained facilities and provide incredible views.
While it may take some effort, visiting Point Roberts is worth it. Its unique location makes it difficult to access, so few tourists flock to it. This is an excellent opportunity if you want to avoid dealing with crowds but want to enjoy spending time outdoors. So, what are you waiting for? Add Point Roberts to your future travel plans.
