Peace Arch: The Historic Monument Marking Peace on the Canada-US Border
Stand at the symbolic gateway between two nations in Surrey, British Columbia, where this towering arch celebrates enduring friendship and open borders.
Peace Arch rises dramatically from the manicured lawns of Peace Arch Park, its white neoclassical form straddling the exact line between Surrey, British Columbia, and Blaine, Washington. Erected in 1921, the 20-metre monument commemorates more than a century of peaceful relations between Canada and the United States, making it one of the most photographed border landmarks in North America.
Why Visit Peace Arch
Unlike typical border crossings dominated by concrete and fencing, this site offers an open, park-like setting where visitors can walk around the base of the arch and literally step between countries in a single stride. The structure itself features intricate carvings, including the words “Children of a Common Mother” and “Brothers Dwelling Together in Unity,” along with flags of both nations. On clear days the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range provide a striking backdrop, while the surrounding gardens bloom with roses and seasonal plantings.
Exploring the Site
Begin on the Canadian side in Surrey’s Peace Arch Provincial Park. Wide pathways lead directly to the monument, allowing close-up views of the relief sculptures and the opportunity to pose with one foot in each country. Picnic areas shaded by mature trees, open lawns for informal games, and short walking trails along the border swath offer relaxed ways to spend an hour or two. Interpretive panels explain the history of the 49th parallel and the 1909 treaty that settled the boundary without conflict.
Getting There
Peace Arch Provincial Park sits just off Highway 99 south of Vancouver, roughly 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver by car. Public transit users can take the Canada Line to Bridgeport station then connect via bus to the park entrance. Those arriving from the United States use the adjacent Peace Arch State Park in Washington, reached via Interstate 5. Parking is available on both sides; the two park sections connect only at the monument itself.
Best Time to Visit and Nearby Attractions
Late spring through early autumn brings the most comfortable weather and full garden displays. Winter visits are quieter and still rewarding for photography, though occasional frost or rain is possible. Combine a visit with nearby White Rock’s seaside promenade and pier, only ten minutes north, or continue south into Washington’s Birch Bay for beach walks. Vancouver’s urban attractions and the Fraser Valley wine region both lie within an hour’s drive, making Peace Arch an easy addition to broader itineraries.
Visitor tips
- Bring valid identification; border officers patrol the parks and may ask for proof of citizenship even if you do not intend to cross fully into the other country.
- Wear comfortable shoes for strolling the lawns and border pathway; the grounds are flat but can be damp after rain.
- Visit mid-week or early morning on weekends to enjoy the monument with fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk through the Peace Arch from Canada into the United States?
Yes, the monument sits directly on the international boundary, so you can step from one country to the other at the arch itself, but you must still satisfy any border entry requirements if you proceed beyond the immediate park area.
Do I need a passport to visit Peace Arch Park?
A passport or other approved travel document is recommended if you plan to cross fully into the opposite country; simply viewing the monument from the Canadian side of the park does not always require one, but officers may request identification.
Is Peace Arch suitable for children?
The open lawns, short pathways, and proximity to picnic areas make it family-friendly; parents should supervise children near the border line and any park roadways.
Are there facilities like restrooms and food at Peace Arch?
Basic restrooms are available in both the Canadian and American park sections; visitors usually bring their own picnics, as permanent food service is limited.
Can I take photographs at the monument without restrictions?
Personal photography is welcome and encouraged around the arch and gardens; commercial or drone photography may require advance permits from the respective park authorities.