June, 2022
Let’s head for the border! 🙂 When I visited the Blaine Marine Park in my last blog post, I took a few photos of the Peace Arch that sits on the border between Canada and the USA, although those photos were taken from a distance. Today, I’m going to get as close to the Peace Arch (and the border) as I can.
I got there! Not only did I get to the Peace Arch, but I walked inside it, right through the middle of the Peace Arch. There were no fences. I walked across the border between the USA and Canada, several times — stepping on the border, jumping across, etc. No one else was around (except hundreds of cars heading north to Canada on the road on the east side of the Peace Arch and hundreds of cars heading south to the USA on the road on the west side of the Peace Arch). I’m sure there were cameras all around me and I hope the border guards enjoyed my shenanigans. 🙂 I had a great time.
I took a LOT of photos. There are more photos in this blog post than in any other blog post I’ve produced. Even with all the photos I’ve shared here, I still had trouble not sharing more photos from this excursion. Click to enlarge photos. Enjoy. 🙂
So, as usual, first off, here’s a Google image of where I went …
The YELLOW boundary, as you can see, runs smack dab right through the middle of the white Peace Arch.
The RED STAR in the lower right is a parking lot in the Peace Arch State Park (USA). No camping there, but it has a large parking lot, with dozens of picnic tables, and a walkway through some garden areas, past public restrooms, and some admin buildings — a walkway that leads right to the Peace Arch. How perfect.
But also, before you leave the image above, notice that immediately above the YELLOW border, on the right side of the image above, there is a road there with four WHITE lines on it. I put the white lines there to get your attention. 🙂 Look how close that road is to the border. We’ll be taking a close look at that road further down this blog post.
I parked the big white truck and headed out on foot to explore this state park, and the area, with hopes of getting to the Peace Arch from here.
There was a large kiosk with a great many informational displays. I’ll share three of them with you.
Establishing this border between Canada (owned by the English back then) and the USA was not easy. There were differences of opinion! Over several decades. As the third image from the kiosk below suggests, eventually war was declared, which turned into the infamous “pig war”. In truth, both the English and the USA occupied one island and did almost come to blows or weapon fire with/towards each other. In the end, an agreement was reached and no humans were killed, and no shots were fired between the two groups of humans. But … there was a pig that died, shot … I can’t remember which side shot the pig, but it was shot because of the “war” not because it was being used for food. Hence, the “pig war”.
Ok, enough of that. 🙂 Let’s continue the walk through the gardens and past the buildings while I make my way over to the Peace Arch.
All of the plants here are native to the area. It seemed lush and rich to me.
Not only were there all manner of native plants and flowers here, but a good number of art installations and sculptures.
“Yin Yang” marble stone sculpture by Viven Chiu, a sculptor/artist who lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
And then I walked around a curve on the paved path … and saw the Peace Arch.
The road/street directly in front of me is the road that vehicles take when heading to the right, north, into Canada at this border crossing. The vehicles heading to the left, just past the Peace Arch are heading south into the USA.
I could simply walk across that road to the Peace Arch … no boundaries, no fences, no guards. The lawn to the left/south of the Peace Arch is USA … the lawn to the right/north of the Peace Arch is Canada.
But before I walked across that crosswalk to the Peace Arch, I walked further north on the grass beside the road, up to where the border is (photo below) and stood ON the border and looked towards the Peace Arch. You might notice the two concrete “posts” each with a white base, perfectly aligned. I’m standing on the border.
Then I walked back south a bit so I was for sure in the USA and then I crossed that road and walked over to the Peace Arch.
Notice the “gate” on the inner wall at the bottom of the Peace Arch. There was a similar “gate” on the other inner side as well. Each was permanently affixed open, bolted to the wall, never to be closed.
There were also a number of plaques attached to the Peace Arch. I especially liked the one below — partly because it mentioned no names of humans. It was simply all about peace.
I was a bit nervous that there were no fences, or lines painted on the grass, or some other sort of definition or delineation or demarcation that let me know where I could walk and where I couldn’t. I didn’t want to misstep. I really didn’t want eight thousand Canadian troops charging down on me for taking ONE tiny step into Canada without authorization.
On the other hand, I would have loved to see a troop of Royal Canadian Mounted Police on horses ride over the hill toward me. But, ’twas not to be.
As mentioned, I did walk across this border, several times, and eventually I walked for quite a distance up closer to the Canadian administration building and quite close to the large planting of flowers that represented the Canadian flag … no one said a word to me.
Here below is another photo of the Canadian flag, the Maple Leaf, in flowers. THIS photo was taken without zoom. I was standing in Canada.
I walked around for quite awhile. Most of my great-grandparents or grandparents came from Ireland and Scotland and Wales, through Canada, and eventually into the USA, maybe the others did too, tho I don’t know for sure. Canada has always seemed safe to me. And it did today as well.
I walked back down to the Peace Arch, to the border, and stood with my back to the Peace Arch and looked east. Wow, is that a road there in the distance, or at least a walkway? Notice the black/dark stone post/obelisk at the foot of that walkway, near the base of the large tree. That post is right smack dab on the border. That means that the blacktop walkway is in Canada, and the tree is in the USA.
Here are some photos (below) of that post/obelisk. Indeed it is precisely on the border, and that blacktop walkway is indeed in Canada.
The two photos below were taken while I was standing in the USA and looking north into Canada.
The two photos below were taken while I was standing in Canada and looking south into the USA.
I was very much aware that there were no fences here either, no signs warning not to cross the border, no yellow tape, no guards, no warning not to walk on the blacktop walkway and so walk into Canada, or vice versa and walk into the USA from Canada.
After exploring the area around the Peace Arch for a couple of hours, I decided to head back to my truck. By now, it was late morning and there were more people in the Peace Arch State Park enjoying the day and the picnic area.
But then I noticed those homes and the road along the north/left edge of the picnic area in the photo above and I got seriously distracted by all of that. The road seemed to line up with that blacktop walkway back by that obelisk, but that walkway was in Canada. So I walked partway back there and indeed, this road leads directly from that walkway.
In the photo below, the green lawn on the right is the Peace Arch State Park and is in the USA. But the road, the blacktop road on the left, is in Canada. I was stunned. There was nothing to prevent anyone from simply walking back and forth across the border. In fact, there were several locations along this road/street where there was a path between the two countries, with a culvert under the path so water could run along that ditch. It seemed that the ditch was the border, but numerous ways to simply walk across that border without “checking in” were purposefully provided here.
I walked on the grass (in the USA) next to the ditch, almost to the tall trees in the distance. There were a few signs along the way, mostly posted where the paths were that made it easy to walk across the ditch and across the border.
But there was nothing that said “DO NOT CROSS THIS BORDER!” I didn’t notice any way to drive across the border here, but people can simply walk across. On the other hand, with technology what it is, maybe every telephone pole has a camera and infrared devices and digital sensors and such that the border guards in both countries know when someone walks across the border. I don’t know. I didn’t try it. 🙂
And then I did head back to the big white truck in order to head back to my campsite. I took the two photos below of the entrance to the Peace Arch State Park as I was driving out.
An online website says … “The first Peace Arch was built during the summer of 1915 when the Vancouver B.C. [Canada] Automobile Club erected an arch made of logs. On the side they attached a copper plaque that read; “Erected by the Vancouver Automobile Club in commemoration of the Peace Centenary 5 July 1915.” This commemorated the 100 years of peace between Great Britain and the United States.”
What I read on the BBC website and on numerous other websites is that Canada is hoping to increase the number of immigrants entering Canada. With an increasingly aging population, Canada needs younger people. And Canada acknowledges that, except for Native Nations, every human being in Canada is an immigrant. If immigrants aren’t welcome, they say that means that 95% of the population must leave. Hmmm, what a concept.
I know, there are all kinds of issues around “immigration”. Let’s not start that discussion here. But let’s appreciate that there are open doors in the world. And there are people all over the world who understand we are one people.
If you get a chance, go see this Peace Arch. It’s just north of Blaine in Washington, and just south of White Rock in British Columbia. And there are no fences there.
Peace. 🙂
This was great! Sure is an example to other countries, and other borders. That sculpture was wonderful.
Indeed. Thanks, Babe.
Excellent tour of the Peace Arch and the area around it! It looks even better than when we drive through! I suspect we will be stopping and exploring on foot in the very near future. Thank you for that.
There are hundreds probably thousands of places along the Canada/USA border where one can simply walk across in either direction without going thru Customs. If you get caught, you could be in trouble, but, shrug, who knows? 🙂
Love the Calla Lilies.
You are always welcome in Canada, Ann, at our home and I’d bet lots of other homes!
Janey
Thank you, Janey! There have been times down here in the USA when I might have taken you up on that! And, yes, aren’t Calla Lilies so sweet?
You can just WALK across the border? without going through Customs?! Ok, yeah maybe you get arrested if they catch you but, wow, that’s really cool. I like the thought of you dancing around the border at the Peace Arch. 🙂 That was fun.
All the flowers were gorgeous, thank you from me and the bees!
Yes, one can simply walk across the border without going through Customs, isn’t that an odd thought? You and the bees are very welcome. 🙂
I do not wish to start a discussion. It is noteworthy the difference between the USA’s northern border and the USA’s southern border. And it must be noteworthy about Canada wishing to have more immigration. Of course there are major factors involved. And yet one wonders if a billionaire or two might fly some of the immigrants up to Canada. You may delete my comment if you wish Ann. England certainly has done no favors for “other” people. I love the flowers and your shenanigans I think you call them at the Peace Arch. That brought a smile. 🙂
While visiting the border with Canada, and doing some research about it, I too thought about the USA’s southern border, and wondered. The difference is significant, and troubling. It will take a very long and very thoughtful discussion to change that. And, yes, England has had its share of border issues that don’t reflect well on England, other countries too. Seems to happen many places all over the world. Wish it would change.
Thanks for sharing your smile, Henry. 🙂
Fascinating that there are official border crossings, but that there is also open access possibly for miles and miles of the border. Thanks for the great photos and history and flowers. Really appreciate all the details you share.
You’re welcome, Ben. I seem to learn stuff too when I stop and look at things.
I really like those gates that are bolted permanently open. I know there are border guards and requirements for crossing this border, but the idea of trust and equality and caring for our “fellow” women and men and kids is huge to me. The flowers and plants are beautiful. I liked your dancing around and across the border at the Peace Arch. 🙂 This was a really nice blog post.
I liked those gates too. The idea that they have never been closed and are intended to never be closed, that’s pretty cool. Thanks for your nice comment. 🙂
My husband and I were both born and raised in northern Minnesota not too far from the border with Canada. Like yours, our ancestors too came from northern Europe and into Canada and then they simply walked across the border into the USA. We are immigrants! I can understand why the USA wants to “vet” immigrants coming through our southern border, but why be so cruel to them? We are now living in our motorhome in Arizona and hear about and see all manner of really bad behavior by the border guards here. Ann, delete this is you wish. I hope Canada can teach the USA some basic human kindness. Bah! sorry. Delete if you wish.
Ok, I love the flowers. 🙂 And the history. And the bilingual English-French signs that Canada posts. And like Henry said the border dancing and shenanigans that you did. 🙂 In all our camping in our motorhome, we never got up to Washington. We really like seeing your state! Ok mostly I like that closeup of the daisies and the iris. If you ever get down to Arizona, please let us know.
Oh, I’m with you Wanda. Why be cruel? Does being cruel make some people feel good? If so, those people need a different job! I’ve left your comment as is, your voice matters.
I wish you could have seen Washington for yourselves. There are so many miraculous places and things to see and do here. But then, I haven’t been to Minnesota (yet), so there you go. 🙂 I’ve driven in Arizona, but not camped there. If I ever get to Arizona again, I’ll let you know, thank you. And thanks for being here, both of you. 🙂
Really interesting. And beautiful. I’ve never been out of the US, so never crossed a border.
As a child, I crossed many borders of many countries, all around the world, so much that I felt it was normal and didn’t think a thing of it. But as an adult, I find it an honor to cross a border into another country, some other people’s land. There are Native Nations in the USA that own their own land, where they govern themselves. Their land and laws are not given to them or granted to them by the State in which their land exists. Although there is still some regulation by the Federal government, many Native Nations in the USA are independent … and they have borders. During the first two years of COVID, the Makah Nation on the Olympic Peninsula here in Washington closed their borders and posted guards, only members of the Makah Nation (or other people with specific approval from the Makah Nation) could enter. So, maybe you HAVE crossed a border into another nation if you have visited any Native Nations in the USA. Thanks Lori. 🙂
I’ve always thought of borders as akin to the front door of your home. Some families let lots of people in, some don’t. But it seems like everyone living in the home should have a voice. It should be a gentle sort of thing. I have a travel trailer and go into Canada lots in my travels from my home in Idaho. I’ve heard about the Peace Arch over in Washington State and thought I’d like to see it. Now I have to go see it!! This was great, Ann. Great photos, great history, fun “shenanigans”, gorgeous flowers, and kind people. 🙂
I like that! “akin to the front door of your home” That’s a great analogy, Susan.
Yes, come see the Peace Arch. And dance across the border. 🙂
I like the totem pole in photo #28. And I like that a Chinese woman, born in Hong Kong, who is now a Canadian citizen, created that Yin Yang sculpture and that it was installed on the USA side of the border by the USA folks. Balance and harmony.
Ah, the totem pole. When the border crossing here was first “built”, the land was taken from the Semiahama First Nation (or Native Nation) people without their consent. In the 1950’s, this totem pole was placed near the Peace Arch Visitor Centre, a bit back from the border. This totem pole is a replica of a pole that was in the Haida village of Skedans, and was carved by a very well-known carver Mungo Martin of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. So this totem pole is important to all three First Nations.
BUT, when the visitor center was rebuilt in 2008 or so, the totem pole was removed without consent, without even notifying the three nations (Semiahama, Haida, Kwakwaka’wakw), and the pole was not put back or returned to the three nations. In 2018, the totem pole was found, restored, and reinstalled right up front. And deeply felt apologies have been given to the First Nations, many times. The placement of the totem pole in such a prominent place is significant, to be seen first and foremost as you enter BC, Canada, at this border crossing.
I wanted to walk up to that totem pole and touch it, but it was so far into Canada and across the border that I was fearful of being told to leave, and, frankly, I was in such awe of the totem pole. Maybe on my next trip here, I’ll get permission. 🙂 Thanks for noticing the totem pole, Steve. And using the link to find out about the history of the “Yin Yang” sculptor. Balance and harmony.
That was a very nice reference to First Nations in your response to Steve, and especially the information about the Makah land/people (of which I am one) in your response to Lori. The Makah border opened in early 2022 I believe. We would love to have you come and camp here.
Thank you Mary. Makah and Neah Bay has been on my list for a few years now, I’ll be coming! Thank you.
That was great! Thank you. 🙂
You are so very welcome! 🙂