Tsawwassen: gateway to Point Roberts, WA

Tsawwassen is a bedroom community about an hour south of Vancouver. It is the end of the world as far as Canada is concerned and unless you wanted to spend a day at the beach or catch a ferry to Victoria there is not much here. All roads lead north into the larger cities of Richmond and Vancouver where the locals commute daily to their jobs in the city.



It is a place surrounded by water on 3 sides separated at the 49th parallel to yield a little piece of America at its southern tip known as Point Roberts, WA. If you were heading up I-5 from Seattle or Bellingham, you would have to cross the Cdn/US border crossing at Blaine and drive northward about 50 kms (30 miles), turn left and head south to Tsawwassen and through US border security to finally arrive at your destination.



This intersection is in the middle of the business district. There is a strip mall housing a large grocery store, bank and other assorted businesses, as well as a Tim Hortons. This is 12th Avenue, only 12 blocks from America



Most residents of Point Roberts are Canadian. There is not really much shopping down there having only a few gas stations, bank and a couple of postal outlets where we ship our online internet purchases. Point Roberts is considered to be continental USA and UPS maintains daily deliveries here from their distribution centre in Bellingham.



The US border crossing is at the top of the hill



As you near the top of the hill, you are advised that the border is a mere 150 meters (450 feet) ahead . The main street is 56th Street and 1st Avenue is the last exit before the border crossing (which is 1 block south).



On the Canadian side, it appears to be a normal subdivision, the same as you would find anywhere, except that their back yards back up along the US border. Just a short jump over your fence and you are in the America. Not that you would do this of course, as there are security cameras everywhere to keep an eye on things



Canada ends at the yellow cement abutments. I don't dare to put my foot on the other side. The Canadian subdivision is built right up to the "line", and on the American side there is nothing but trees and undeveloped land



Here is a closer view of the USA. A tranquil place with little traffic



Finally we see a classic car turn the corner. Yes, its a beautiful day to drop the top of your Triumph TR3, a cousin to the mighty Bonneville



An omnimous sign which MUST be OBEYED . . .