Opening Hours
Standard Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Seasonal Adjustments: None
Holiday Closures: None - operates year-round
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait: 15-30 minutes during off-peak times; 1-3+ hours during peak periods
Peak Times:Weekends (especially Friday afternoons and Sundays)
Holiday periods (especially Canadian and US holidays)
Summer months (June-August)
2pm-8pm daily
Express Options: NEXUS trusted traveler program (dedicated lanes with significantly reduced wait times, typically available 7am-11pm)
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available 24/7
Customs Processing: Available 24/7
Health Screening: Available when required during health emergencies
Services:
Restrooms: Available
Food: Limited vending machines
Currency Exchange: Not available at border (available in nearby towns)
Information Desk: Available during business hours
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible facilities
Accessible restrooms
Priority processing available for those with mobility issues (upon request)
Official Resources
Canada Border Services Agency: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/,
Phone: +1 800-461-9999
US Customs and Border Protection: https://www.cbp.gov/,
Phone: +1 360-332-5771
Travel Advisories:
Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Overview
The Peace Arch (Douglas) Border Crossing is a major international gateway connecting Surrey, British Columbia, Canada with Blaine, Washington, USA via Interstate 5. This historic crossing point serves as a critical link in the Vancouver-Seattle corridor, facilitating significant commercial trade and tourist travel between the two nations. Operating 24/7 year-round, the crossing features comprehensive immigration and customs processing facilities on both sides. The iconic Peace Arch monument, standing proudly at the border, symbolizes the enduring friendship between Canada and the United States with its inscription "Children of a common mother" and "May these gates never be closed." As one of the busiest land border crossings between the two countries, it processes thousands of vehicles daily and serves as a vital economic conduit for the Pacific Northwest region.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport (with minimum 6 months validity beyond planned stay)
- Valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada (if required)
- Valid visa for US (if required)
- Proof of ties to home country
- Evidence of sufficient funds for stay
- Return/onward ticket
Canadian citizens entering US: Valid Canadian passport, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or NEXUS card
US citizens entering Canada: Valid US passport, US passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or NEXUS card
Permanent residents: Green card (for US) or PR card (for Canada) plus passport from country of citizenship
Canadian citizens: Valid Canadian passport, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or NEXUS card
US citizens: Valid US passport, US passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or NEXUS card
Crossing Procedure
From Canada Side
Approach the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) inspection booths
Present travel documents to the CBSA officer
Answer questions regarding your trip, purpose of travel, and goods being transported
Declare any items as required by regulations
If selected, proceed to secondary inspection area for additional screening
Once cleared, proceed to US entry point
From USA Side
Proceed to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection booths
Present travel documents to the CBP officer
Answer questions about purpose of visit, length of stay, and items being brought into the US
Declare any goods, currency over $10,000, or agricultural products
If required, proceed to secondary inspection area
Once cleared, continue to your US destination
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Temporary vehicle imports generally allowed for tourism purposes
Permanent vehicle imports require advance paperwork and possible modification
Proof of insurance valid in destination country required
Goods Allowances:
Duty-free allowances vary by length of stay
Canadian residents: CAD$200 (24+ hours), CAD$800 (48+ hours)
US residents: US$800 after 48 hours abroad
Alcohol and tobacco limits apply (age restrictions: 21+ for US, 19+ for BC)
Prohibited Items:
Firearms and weapons
Illegal drugs
Certain agricultural products (fruits, plants, meats)
Counterfeit goods
Endangered species products
Currency Restrictions:
Amounts over CAD/USD $10,000 must be declared
No restrictions on amount that can be transported if properly declared
Accommodations
- Immediate Vicinity (0-5 km):
- Pacific Inn Resort & Conference Centre (Canada side)
- Ocean Promenade Hotel in White Rock (Canada side, 5 km)
- Semiahmoo Resort & Spa (US side, 3 km)
- Northwoods Motel in Blaine (US side, 4 km)
- White Rock Area (5-10 km, Canada):
- Grandview Corners Bed & Breakfast
- Motel 6 Surrey
- Comfort Inn & Suites Surrey
- Various vacation rentals along Marine Drive
- Blaine/Birch Bay Area (5-15 km, US):
- Birch Bay Getaway
- Worldmark Birch Bay
- Several vacation rentals and smaller motels
- Further Options:
- Surrey (Canada, 15-20 km): Multiple chain hotels including Sheraton, Holiday Inn
- Bellingham (US, 30 km): Full range of accommodations from budget to luxury
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Peace Arch (Douglas) Border Crossing receives mixed feedback from travelers. Most visitors appreciate the professional and courteous border agents who efficiently process crossings, particularly during off-peak hours. The NEXUS program earns high marks from frequent travelers who value the expedited processing. However, wait times during peak periods (weekends, holidays, and summer months) remain a significant concern, with some travelers reporting delays of several hours. Secondary inspections occasionally frustrate travelers who feel the questioning is excessive. Facility amenities receive criticism for being limited, with few food options and basic restrooms. Despite these challenges, many travelers acknowledge that the crossing is well-managed considering the high volume of traffic it handles daily, with recent technological improvements helping to streamline the process.
Traveler Experiences
Crossing the Canadian border from USA on Saturday was a smooth and efficient process. Despite some traffic, We were able to clear customs within 30-40 minutes. I found the border agents to be professional and courteous. - Arpan Patel, December 2024
Went to do flagpole for my LMIA work permit today. Took me 2 hrs mainly just waiting. Ensure you have an appointment and be there 1 hr early. - Andrian, October 2024
We crossed during a weekday morning and barely had any wait. The NEXUS lane was efficient, and the officers were helpful with our questions about bringing back purchases. Would recommend avoiding weekend crossings if possible. - Sarah M., August 2024
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.
