Canada and the United States share the world’s longest international border, stretching over 5,500 miles. Along this vast frontier, there are many amazing landmarks that often go unnoticed. Some of these hidden gems sit right on the edge between the two countries, offering unique views and experiences for visitors from both sides.
In this blog, I’ll take you on a tour of 12 incredible Canadian landmarks that touch the US border.
Peace Arch, British Columbia/Washington
The Peace Arch is a massive white monument that stands right on the border between Canada and the US. It was built in 1921 to celebrate the long-lasting peace between the two countries. The arch has two gates that are always open, showing how friendly the two nations are. Visitors can walk through the arch and enjoy the beautiful surrounding park, which is split between both countries.
Niagara Falls, Ontario/New York
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, and it sits right on the border. The falls comprise three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Millions of people visit yearly to see the powerful rush of water and feel the mist on their faces. You can take boat tours, walk behind the falls, or just enjoy the amazing view from either side of the border.
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Alberta/Montana
This incredible park combines Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada with Glacier National Park in the US. It’s a place where mountains, lakes, and forests come together in stunning ways. The park is home to all kinds of animals, including bears, wolves, and mountain goats. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the beauty of nature that doesn’t care about country borders.
St. Stephen Chocolate Museum, New Brunswick
Right on the border with Maine, this museum tells the sweet story of chocolate in the area. St. Stephen is known as “Canada’s Chocolate Town” because of its long history of making candy. The museum shows how chocolate is made and lets visitors try their hand at making some treats. It’s a fun and tasty way to learn about the shared history of the region.
Campobello Island, New Brunswick
This small island is part of Canada, but you can only drive to it from the US. It was the summer home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is now an international park. Visitors can tour the Roosevelt Cottage and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. The island is a great place to watch whales, go hiking, or just relax by the sea.
Pigeon River High Falls, Ontario/Minnesota
These impressive waterfalls mark the border between Canada and the US. The water drops about 120 feet, creating a spectacular view. Hiking trails on both sides of the border lead to great viewpoints. The falls have played an important role in the region’s history, from Indigenous peoples to fur traders.
International Peace Garden, Manitoba/North Dakota
This beautiful garden sits right on the border and is dedicated to world peace. It has over 2,300 acres of flowers, lakes, and forests. The garden has a peace tower, a 9/11 memorial, and a huge floral clock. Visitors can enjoy concerts, walk through the gardens, and even stand with one foot in each country.
Point Roberts, Washington
This tiny piece of the US is actually cut off from the rest of the country by Canada. To get there by land, you have to cross the border twice. It’s a quiet place with beautiful beaches and great ocean views. Many Canadians have summer homes here, and it’s a popular spot for boating and fishing.
St. Croix Island, New Brunswick/Maine
This tiny island sits in the St. Croix River, which forms part of the border. It was the site of one of the first European settlements in North America. Today, it’s an international historic site. While you can’t visit the island itself, there are interpretive centers on both sides of the river. These tell the story of the early settlers and the native Passamaquoddy people.
Haskell Free Library and Opera House, Quebec/Vermont
Like the Stanstead Library, this building is split by the border. The unique thing here is that the opera house stage is in Canada, but most of the seats are in the US. This means performers and audience members often cross the border during shows. It’s a one-of-a-kind place where culture brings two countries together.
Thousand Islands International Bridge
This bridge actually consists of five separate spans connecting Canada and the US. It crosses the beautiful Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. The views from the bridge are incredible, with tiny islands dotting the water below. It’s not just a way to cross the border, but an attraction in itself.
Northwest Angle, Minnesota
This small piece of land is the northernmost point of the lower 48 US states, but it’s surrounded by Canada on three sides and Lake of the Woods on the fourth. To get there by land from the rest of the US, you have to go through Canada. It’s a paradise for fishing and outdoor activities, with a unique border-crossing process for visitors.
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