Peace Arch Provincial Park
Peace Arch Provincial Park
4.5
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Neighborhood: South Surrey
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
88 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
31
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Brad Y
Ohio13 contributions
Dec 2016 • Business
I've always had a fascination with borders, and this is one of two places where you can roam freely between the US/Canada border without going through customs (the other being the Haskell Free Public Library in Derby Line, VT / Stanstead, QC). I visited on a Sunday in December and there were pretty much no cars in the lot. Parking is free on the Canadian side (I think they charge on the US side), which is where I parked. You can freely roam "both sides" of the park, and the park itself, is well-maintained and offers a nice view of the Pacific Ocean. The Peace Arch itself is also a nice monument.
It's a little odd getting there though - there are two ways to do it coming from Canada. You can either drive south on Hwy 99 past 8th Ave (last exit before the US border) then turn right on to Beach Ave, OR you can drive west on 0 Ave (road that runs right along the border on the Canada side, and the road curves around the customs booths and then you can turn right on to Hwy 99, then an immediate left on to Beach Ave. The parking entrance is the second on the left (just past the duty free shop).
I will caution you with one thing though - you need to have ID on you in the park, and if you are from another country then the country to whose parking lot you are returning, I highly recommend having your passport with you, and not going to the park if there is any sort of questionable nature about your being in the country to which you are returning. There was basically nobody in the park, and upon returning to my car I was stopped by two CBSA (Canadian border patrol) officers. They wanted to know where I was from and see my ID. I am from the US but had flown into Vancouver and cleared customs at the airport, and accessed the park from the Canadian side. They asked me how I got to the park, who I was talking to on the phone, if I was alone or with anyone, what I was doing in Canada, etc. I answered the questions and handed the one guy my passport, which I had on me (not sure if it would have been an issue had I only had my drivers license or if he could have looked up my passport based only upon this), since I figured he could use it to see that I legally entered Canada through Toronto. He then had me go into the building they have at the border and sit in the waiting area for a few minutes while he disappeared with my passport (if you've seen Season 1 of Border Security: Canada's Front Line on Netflix, this is the same building that they show at the Peace Arch border crossing). He came out after a few minutes, handed me my passport, and told me that I was free to go.
It's a little odd getting there though - there are two ways to do it coming from Canada. You can either drive south on Hwy 99 past 8th Ave (last exit before the US border) then turn right on to Beach Ave, OR you can drive west on 0 Ave (road that runs right along the border on the Canada side, and the road curves around the customs booths and then you can turn right on to Hwy 99, then an immediate left on to Beach Ave. The parking entrance is the second on the left (just past the duty free shop).
I will caution you with one thing though - you need to have ID on you in the park, and if you are from another country then the country to whose parking lot you are returning, I highly recommend having your passport with you, and not going to the park if there is any sort of questionable nature about your being in the country to which you are returning. There was basically nobody in the park, and upon returning to my car I was stopped by two CBSA (Canadian border patrol) officers. They wanted to know where I was from and see my ID. I am from the US but had flown into Vancouver and cleared customs at the airport, and accessed the park from the Canadian side. They asked me how I got to the park, who I was talking to on the phone, if I was alone or with anyone, what I was doing in Canada, etc. I answered the questions and handed the one guy my passport, which I had on me (not sure if it would have been an issue had I only had my drivers license or if he could have looked up my passport based only upon this), since I figured he could use it to see that I legally entered Canada through Toronto. He then had me go into the building they have at the border and sit in the waiting area for a few minutes while he disappeared with my passport (if you've seen Season 1 of Border Security: Canada's Front Line on Netflix, this is the same building that they show at the Peace Arch border crossing). He came out after a few minutes, handed me my passport, and told me that I was free to go.
Written December 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VSBCCanada
Surrey, Canada15 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
This is a beautiful gassed area for games and group Bar-B-Ques. Reservations would have to be made to use the Bar-B-Q and building if needed. It is very well maintained with ocean view.
Written May 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kym T
Vancouver, Canada72 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
This park is a 'neutral zone' spanning both British Columbia and Washington. People mix from both sides of the border (no doubt there are a LOT of cameras) - especially on July 4th and Canada Day (July 1st). People have wedding receptions, birthday parties, play sports and just wander. There is limited parking on the Canadian side, so on a special day come early. Trains (Amtrak and cargo) run on tracks by the seaside next to the park. You can watch people crossing the border in cars and walk through the arches that have gates welded open to express the continuing brotherhood of Canadians and Americans. There is a large building that can be rented with a covered BBQ area outside. Probably can hold 100 people inside. Toilets available in the building and nearby. Lovely grounds and some outdoor art pieces. Always return to the side where you originated or you will be in big trouble! Wonderful place to visit in the summer or to view the fall colours.
Written October 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William C
Vancouver, Canada114 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
Once upon a time it was a good day out to drive down to the border at Peace Arch, maybe spend some time in the park itself in the no-mans land that it's supposed to be.
Not any more! One mistake and you're trapped in a border lineup, with no turning back without first having to go through the U.S. Customs, where you are cross examined, and then having to get back in through Canada Customs where you are cross examined as a citizen again, so make sure you have your passport with you!.
I warn you now that you have to keep your wits about you if you don't want to subject yourself to a couple of hours of grief. Also make sure there's nothing that can get you into trouble on your cell phone or laptop because both sides have the right to search them.
I made the mistake of going in the duty free parking lot and found it was the road to hell. Once you're in there there's no way out other than the border, and even to get to that you have to cross about 10 lanes of traffic to be in the right lane to come home.
It's not a pleasant experience at all !
I'll only go now if there's a desperate need, because I just can't stand being within 50 meters of that border, I get the heebie-jeebies anywhere south of White Rock
Don't waste your time, because the chance for trouble far outweighs any pleasure you'll get from the visit, leave it to the innocent tourists.We have all we need here in Canada.
Not any more! One mistake and you're trapped in a border lineup, with no turning back without first having to go through the U.S. Customs, where you are cross examined, and then having to get back in through Canada Customs where you are cross examined as a citizen again, so make sure you have your passport with you!.
I warn you now that you have to keep your wits about you if you don't want to subject yourself to a couple of hours of grief. Also make sure there's nothing that can get you into trouble on your cell phone or laptop because both sides have the right to search them.
I made the mistake of going in the duty free parking lot and found it was the road to hell. Once you're in there there's no way out other than the border, and even to get to that you have to cross about 10 lanes of traffic to be in the right lane to come home.
It's not a pleasant experience at all !
I'll only go now if there's a desperate need, because I just can't stand being within 50 meters of that border, I get the heebie-jeebies anywhere south of White Rock
Don't waste your time, because the chance for trouble far outweighs any pleasure you'll get from the visit, leave it to the innocent tourists.We have all we need here in Canada.
Written February 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarlTroop
Ramsgate, England, United Kingdom113 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
It is a very clean and well-kept area overlooking the often long queues of traffic waiting to cross the border. A nice place to relax.
Written September 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam R
Vancouver, WA45 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
If you happen to be crossing the border into the United States or into Canada this is certainly a must-see. However to see the Peace Arch up close and have a chance to walk up to it and not just seeing it from your car, you will need to park at the Peace Arch Provincial Park in Canada or the Peace Arch State Park in the United States and then you can walk over to it. You can certainly feel the history of it when you're up close next to the Peace Arch and I found it amusing to walk through it knowing that I was crossing between the two countries. If your history fan like I am this is certainly worth your time.
Written May 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RJourn
1,245 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
We stopped at park on Canadian side by taking Beach Ave exit. There are picnic tables in a beautifully landscaped area. Then you can walk to the arch and to the flower flags as well as the beautiful flower gardens! Great place to relax, appreciate and reflect on the importance of this Park's theme!
Written August 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smrgeog
Vancouver, Canada2,038 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
I normally visit this park from the Canadian side, so much of my experience is from that side. The park is very nicely maintained with flower beds and plants which make it ideal on a summers day plus they use plants to make both a Canadian and American flag on their respective sides of the border. There are picnic tables although they are mostly on the Canadian side. In addition, the park is perfect for taking pictures because of the Peace Arch itself, the flower beds themselves, and the fact you're right on the border line and the markers themselves. Washroom facilities are available on both sides of the border.
Access and parking is available on both sides although I would say the parking lot in Blaine is larger and you can get there from 2nd street in Blaine and you can get there from Exit 276 on I-5 and taking the second junction at the roundabout.
From the Canadian side: the parking lot is off Beach Road (Exit 1 on Hwy 99). Once on Beach road, take the SECOND left for a small road to the parking area. The first left leads into the Duty Free and there is no turnaround.
As Peace Arch State/Provincial Park straddles the US/Canada boundary it is important to carry identification on you in case you might be requested to do by border officials. You are perfectly fine visiting both sides of the park and staying within its confines without needing to go through border checks. If you are parked in BC and plan to walk to Blaine or vice versa, you MUST check in with customs and immigration. Both sides levy heavy fines to those who attempt to enter their respective countries illegally.
Despite all that, the park is well worth the time and is a great place for a family picture on the national border!
Access and parking is available on both sides although I would say the parking lot in Blaine is larger and you can get there from 2nd street in Blaine and you can get there from Exit 276 on I-5 and taking the second junction at the roundabout.
From the Canadian side: the parking lot is off Beach Road (Exit 1 on Hwy 99). Once on Beach road, take the SECOND left for a small road to the parking area. The first left leads into the Duty Free and there is no turnaround.
As Peace Arch State/Provincial Park straddles the US/Canada boundary it is important to carry identification on you in case you might be requested to do by border officials. You are perfectly fine visiting both sides of the park and staying within its confines without needing to go through border checks. If you are parked in BC and plan to walk to Blaine or vice versa, you MUST check in with customs and immigration. Both sides levy heavy fines to those who attempt to enter their respective countries illegally.
Despite all that, the park is well worth the time and is a great place for a family picture on the national border!
Written April 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Galivanter-1941
Surrey, Canada41 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
Enjoyable stroll along the border, photo opportunities at the Peach Arch and the border marker (standing with one foot in each country is a popular pose) picnic areas with tables under trees. Flower beds in summer are filled with a delightful mix of plants lending the park colour and beauty.
Written October 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaynix2014
Switzerland127 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
The gardens are just gorgeous. It was a delight to walk there and while away some time on a sunny day. There are picnic benches and tables, and also washrooms. It was easy to cross the roads to reach all gardens. The flowers in the forms of the Canadian and US flags are beautiful. I would recommend a visit here combined with a trip to nearby White Rock.
Written July 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If I drive and park my car on the BC side, it looks like I have to cross the border to drive back to BC after. Do I need my passport? Will my passport be checked and stamped by US Immigration?
Hari A
Delta, Canada683 contributions
Between Canada and USA, passports are not stamped at point of entry or departure. But yes, you will require international travel documentation.
If I'm coming up from the US side on the 5 frwy is there an exit to get to the park before hitting the border?
Alan R
Surrey, Canada27 contributions
I don’t believe there is I’m afraid
Can some enter the park on the canadian side and slip out of the park on the us side
I would like to meet a friend of mine to donate clothing after a recent house fire. They lost everything they owned. Are they allowed to cross the boarder with these items?
Edit: neither of us have valid passports at the moment
Ali D
Houston, TX4 contributions
Two friends want to visit each other after a long time, one lives in Canada, the other in US and none of them are legally allowed to cross the border. Is it a safe bet if they come visit each other in this park and go back home at the end of the day?
Bill M
Olympia, WA995 contributions
Yes. The crossing security is on opposite sides. So people in each country can meet at the park without going through customs.
Arman C
1 contribution
If you come from the US side and exit from the US side, do you need a passport? If yes, how do they know you have entered from which side?
Jill N
40 contributions
Hi, I am Canadian and access it from Canada however we have gone to a park on zero Avenue across the roadway from Peace Arch Park in Canada and crossing into America' s park and no passport was required but there is border patrol present.
Michele43160
Washington Court House, Ohio, United States7 contributions
i'm thinking of going there *Peace Arch* in the next few days from the Canada side. Was there a lot of parking?
TerryHolly
Surrey, Canada12 contributions
Yes, there's lots of parking. Make sure you have an umbrella & a camera.
TassieEV
Hobart, Australia19 contributions
If you wanted to visit it after coming from Vancouver Airport, parking off Beach Rd on the Canadian side near the Duty Free store, how do you get to the middle is there a safe pedestrian crossing or is traffic so slow or stopped that people can cross into the centre where the arch is? Do you need to go through customs/immigration if you are only visiting the park then heading back to Vancouver/BC after?
Galivanter-1941
Surrey, Canada41 contributions
Sorry I didn't see your questions earlier, and you probably already have an answer to your questions. Yes there are pedestrian crossings and, in any event, cars are usually queued up for the border crossing so it's not difficult to get across the road. You don't need your passport to enjoy wandering through the grounds, but it is advisable that you carry photo ID with you nonetheless.
Peace Arch Provincial Park (Surrey) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Peace Arch Provincial Park
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- (0.39 mi) Northwoods Motel
- (0.48 mi) Spring and Summer fill up fast, BOOK NOW so too can enjoy this AWESOME AREA!!!!
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