Peace Arch

Imagine a place where the state border isn't a barrier but a blossoming park. Right here, on the shared border of the USA and Canada, stands the majestic Peace Arch. This snow-white monument, over 20 meters tall, is located in the charming city of Blaine and is one of the few monuments in the world dedicated to the ideals of peace and neighborliness.

Constructed from 50 tons of steel and hundreds of cubic meters of concrete, the structure is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The date "1814 Open One Hundred Years 1914" is inscribed on its west side, while the east side features the inspiring phrase: "May These Gates Never Be Closed". Inside the arch, iron gates remain open at all times, symbolizing the openness and friendship between the two nations.

The picturesque Peace Arch Park, spanning 43 acres, surrounds the monument. This unique space consists of two parts: a U.S. state park and a Canadian provincial park. Over half a million people visit each year to admire the manicured gardens, see historic relics embedded in the arch's walls, and enjoy stunning views of Semiahmoo Bay.

To plan your visit to this unique trans-border park, you can use the following contact information:

Visiting Peace Arch Park is a wonderful opportunity to spend time outdoors surrounded by flowers and historic monuments. First, head to the arch itself to examine the bronze plaques depicting ships and stand by the open gates, feeling as though you are in two countries at once. It’s the perfect spot for the unique photos that Blaine is famous for.

Walkers will appreciate the well-maintained paths and themed gardens, which are especially beautiful in the spring and summer. The park features designated picnic areas where families can relax while enjoying the sea breeze from Semiahmoo Bay. Be sure to find the International Boundary Monument, erected in honor of the Oregon Treaty, and check out the information displays detailing the area's diplomatic past.

If your visit coincides with the second Sunday in June, you can witness the annual "Hands Across The Border" celebration—a large-scale event bringing together residents of both countries. At other times, the park remains a quiet oasis, perfect for nature watching, relaxation, and short strolls without needing to go through formal border procedures to access the recreation area itself.

Getting to this symbolic location is easy, as it is situated at the intersection of the West Coast's major transportation arteries. The Peace Arch is located directly on the border, where the American I-5 freeway meets the Canadian Highway 99 (Pacific Highway). A car trip from Seattle takes about 1.5 hours, and from Vancouver, it's just 45 minutes. Parking areas are provided on both the American side in the city of Blaine and the Canadian side in Surrey.

If you prefer public transport, you can take bus routes that serve the Peace Arch Border Crossing. Whatcom Transit buses operate from the direction of Seattle, and BC Transit serves the Vancouver side. You can also reach the park by taxi from downtown Blaine or book a transfer from nearby airports.

For those who enjoy active recreation, special walking and cycling trails run along the border leading to the park. It is important to remember that while the park is a shared zone, if you are arriving by car, you should check traffic conditions ahead of time using dedicated apps, as this is a popular international checkpoint.

The history of this majestic structure is inextricably linked with the name of Samuel Hill, a prominent American lawyer and humanitarian. In 1914, he initiated fundraising for a monument to commemorate the centennial of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Hill dreamed of creating a symbol of eternal brotherhood, and his vision came to life on September 6, 1921, when the arch was officially dedicated.

The project's architect was the renowned Harvey Wiley Corbett, who proposed a design that became one of the first seismic-resistant structures in North America. International volunteers helped with the construction, which was made of concrete and steel. Inside the structure, iron gates were intentionally left open, and bronze plaques depicting the historic ships Mayflower and Beaver were mounted above them.

The area around the arch has expanded over the decades. In the 1930s, both countries set aside land to create a full-fledged park. A milestone event was the 1946 centennial celebration of the Oregon Treaty, marked by the installation of the International Boundary Monument. Today, the Peace Arch is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and continues to serve as a venue for significant diplomatic meetings, including the 1964 signing of the Columbia River Treaty.

To leisurely explore the Peace Arch, read all the historic inscriptions, and take souvenir photos, 1–2 hours is usually enough. This is plenty of time for a walk through the central part of the park and to view the open gates inside the monument.

If you plan to have a picnic on the grass, enjoy panoramic views of Semiahmoo Bay, or explore the numerous flower gardens in detail, allow about 3 hours for your visit. The park is well-suited for a relaxed pace, so many tourists prefer to spend half a day here, soaking in the peace and unique atmosphere of cross-border unity.

The park area and the Peace Arch monument itself are open to visitors daily. According to official data, the park is open 24 hours a day, allowing tourists to see the monument at sunrise or under evening lights.

Despite the 24-hour access, we recommend checking the park's official website before your trip for information on any temporary restrictions or special events that might affect access to certain recreation areas.

A stroll to the famous arch is just the beginning of your introduction to the border region. The surrounding area offers many interesting locations where you can continue your leisure time, enjoy local cuisine, or learn more about the history of these places. Exploring nearby sites will allow you to deeper experience the atmosphere of this hospitable city and its unique location.