Remote Surveillance Trailer in Point Roberts, WA

It's an idyllic border town on a Canadian peninsula, offering a curious blend of international charm and a slice of Americana — a living reminder that borders don't define ethnicity; it shapes communities instead, a place that's amazingly brought together and cut off. Port Roberts, a pene-exclave of the state of Washington, is perched on the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, the only road access to the town.

America isn't just about the 50 stars on its flag, but is also about the exclaves stretching beyond the mainland. The beautiful sun-kissed beaches of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico and the secluded atolls of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa, are just some of the U.S. territories that carry their own cultures and languages, yet are still tied to the United States. Every territory owned by the U.S. reminds us that borders, regardless of the size and location — may it be a geographical oddity, are stories that extend past the American frontier.

Point Roberts, of course, is no exception. A product of the Canadian-American border dispute, you need a passport to visit this stunning small Washington town. But how can you visit this tiny American territory?

Step Into The Only American Town That Requires A Passport

Point Roberts is located at the tip of the Canadian peninsula of Tsawwassen, a favorite fishing spot for anglers. Located south of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Tsawwassen is the only land entry to Point Roberts via 56th Street. You will drive approximately 25 miles through Canada from Blaine, Washington, to the Point Roberts - Boundary Bay Border Crossing that connects the Canadian mainland to Point Roberts. Getting to Point Roberts requires two customs and immigration procedures: one in Tsawwassen and the other in Point Roberts. Americans can show their valid passport or Nexus Card as proof of U.S. citizenship.

There are no ferries that serve Point Roberts, but those who have private boats don't have to drive through mainland Canada, and can simply access the town across Boundary Bay through the Point Roberts Marina. It's worth noting, though, that you still need to clear customs at the marina, since all arrivals at Point Roberts are considered international.

You can also access Point Roberts by flying through Point Roberts Airpark, which is adjacent to the marina. The small airport is privately owned and caters to small planes. There are no scheduled flights, but you can arrange a charter flight with San Juan Airlines to get to Point Roberts.

The Oregon Treaty designated the 49th parallel as the boundary between the U.S. and Canada, and Point Roberts is located south of the boundary. Historical surveying methods, though, weren't perfect or accurate, which made the line veer slightly from the 49th parallel.

Historically named "Isla de Cepeda" by European explorers in the 1790s, Point Roberts was established in 1846 following the Oregon Treaty that fixed the Pacific Northwest American–Canadian border dispute, with the 49th parallel as the defining boundary of the region.

After its founding, both British and Spanish expeditions found out that Isla de Cepeda was, after all, not an island, and therefore the name was changed to Punta Cepeda. It was only officially recognized as Point Roberts after it was renamed after Henry Roberts, an English explorer and the commander of the expedition.

The Best Things To Do In Point Roberts

Point Roberts might be a tiny exclave of Washington, but that's what makes this town truly unique, not to mention its geographical location, being surrounded by waters on three sides and bordered by Canada to the north. From pristine beaches, a scenic marina, tidepools, trails, and epic sunsets, Point Roberts is definitely a stop on the map, where traffic, sirens, and the noise of the metropolis are non-existent.

Point Roberts is blessed with beautiful spots to lounge and explore. Monument Park, for instance, is home to towering trees, a quiet beach, and gorgeous views of the Strait of Georgia. The Beach Trail is a 0.3-mile winding trail used for hiking and biking, with the last 0.2 miles to the beautiful beach being hiking only. Monument Park marks the 49th parallel and the U.S.-Canada border, and is therefore home to Boundary Marker No. 1, which feels surreal to stand along the monument, on the line where two countries divide in a stunning forested setting.

Also, the Lily Point Marine Park covers more than 275 acres of tidelands, beaches, forested upland bluffs, and 1.4 miles of saltwater shoreline along Boundary Bay. This is a local favorite for its scenic beach walks and birdwatching, with fantastic views of the bay. And, the sunset here is pure magic!

Apart from the quiet beaches in Monument Park and Lily Point Marine Park, other areas in Point Roberts also treat beach lovers with miles of beautiful beaches that are largely undeveloped. So, exploring the beaches in town gives you a sense of rawness and solitude.

Most beaches in Point Roberts are rocky, rugged, and driftwood-strewn, with wildlife sightings both on land and sea, including sea lions, Orcas, seals, hermit crabs, eagles, sand dollars, and much more. Maple Beach is popular for swimming and is the sandiest beach in Point Roberts, with gorgeous views of Mount Baker.

Some beaches in Point Roberts are privately owned. Make sure to explore the public beaches managed by Whatcom County.

Lighthouse Park Beach is also the best spot to relax and enjoy the sights of Orcas passing through the Strait of Georgia. Here, you can enjoy beachcombing, picnicking, and sunset viewing. It's the only place in town where you can go camping.

Point Roberts is also home to a handful of locally owned specialty shops and restaurants that offer an international twist. From souvenirs, groceries, local crafts, sweet treats, and many more, there's no reason for you to skip getting your loved ones some presents when you get back home. Point Roberts local markets are also the best spots to visit, where you can pick up locally made goods and handmade items.

The Point Roberts Marina Resort is also a perfect place for boating. There are several shops and restaurants to explore, and it is the best place to witness the first light of the day spill across the water.

The Best Time To Visit Point Roberts

Sparkling shores, longer days, local events and festivals, and warm weather make Point Roberts one of the top destinations in the U.S. (or in Canada, too). And this happens in the summer, when the town is vibrant and all outdoor activities blend well with long summer days of up to 16 hours.

From late June to early September, Point Roberts dazzles with sunny skies, vibrant trails, and the best time to spot wildlife. The weather is particularly comfortable in the summer, which makes it a great time for outdoor activities. The crowds, though, at this time would swell, but still manageable, as Point Roberts doesn't get heavy footfall all the time.

Both spring and fall are more peaceful when the summer crowds are still non-existent, but the rain starts to pick up at these times and the weather gets cooler and chilly at night. The scenery, though, is gorgeous with iconic spring and fall foliage during the shoulder season.

In the most fascinating way, Point Roberts is the only town in America where you can't go without a passport. It might be geographically odd as it's disconnected from the rest of the United States, but Point Roberts is proof that borders don't define communities — Canadian or American.