Point Roberts – Boundary Bay
When the border between the United States and Canada was established as the 49th parallel, it cut straight through the southern tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula. This created a chunk of U.S. territory that cannot be reached by land from the U.S. It is one of only four locations in the contiguous United States not directly connected to the lower 48, the others being Elm Point, Minnesota, Angle Inlet, Minnesota, and the town of Alburgh, Vermont. Port Roberts has a small airport and a large marina for air and water access.
Current Traffic at Point Roberts
Always check our page with current traffic, road conditions, and border wait times to see what’s happening right now at the Point Roberts border crossing.
Point Roberts Port Information
- Hours of Operation – 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
- This port has NEXUS lanes for entering the U.S. or Canada. We have a separate page showing Nexus lane hours for both countries. Almost 80% of the population of Point Roberts has a NEXUS card.
- The only authorized land access to Canada from Point Roberts is Tyee Street, which becomes 56th Street in Canada.
- Canadian commercial services are available 8:00 to 17:00 (8am to 5pm), Monday to Friday (except holidays).
- Entering the U.S., there are four primary and four secondary inspection lanes.
Map of Point Roberts Border Crossing Area
Travel Tips for Point Roberts / Boundary Bay Customs and Border Crossing
- Here is a handy link to hotels in Washington state, and here is another link to hotels in British Columbia, Canada.
- Border crossing is generally 5-10 minutes both directions, but it can be as long as 30 minutes on weekends and holidays.
- Another problem is difficult access to the NEXUS lanes and line-jumping. However, authorities feel there is little they can do, as they do not control the roads leading to their facilities.
- NEXUS revocation is a problem at this location, and around 10% of local NEXUS users have had their card revoked. The primary issue is failure to conform to rules on bringing goods across the border. This is complicated by the fact that U.S. and Canadian authorities have different rules on the subject.
- It is okay to walk across the border, so long as you use the Tyee Street port. Do not try to walk across any place else, as the border is monitored and you may be arrested. Also, remember that even when you are walking, you must check into the Customs office and have all the required documentation.
- You can get customized traffic information for Washington over the phone using the 511 system. Simply dial 5-1-1 and say “traffic.” If you cannot dial 511 on your phone, you can also use the toll-free number 1-800-695-7623.
- To hear current road conditions in British Columbia, you can call (800)-550-4997.
- This is a Class A U.S. port, which means it is a designated port for all aliens. Foreign nationals entering the U.S. should use Class A Ports of Entry.
Telephone Numbers for the Border Customs Offices at Point Roberts / Boundary Bay
- Point Roberts U.S. Customs Office Telephone Number: (360) 945-2314.
- To contact Canadian Customs at this port, call the Canadian Border Information Service (BIS), which can answer your questions or transfer you directly to the Canadian port.
Point Roberts Port GPS coordinates – Latitude & Longitude: 49.001942, -123.067893