Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Land
Border Crossings
All crossings are open 24 hours except Lynden/Aldergrove, which is open 8am to mid-
night. During the week, expect to wait five to 20 minutes, an hour or more on weekends
and during holidays. For up-to-date wait times, check www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-
eng.html ; it has links to other US-Canada border crossings. Tips and directions can be
found at www.vancouver.hm/border.html .
Many travelers also cross the border by ferry, principally on journeys from Anacortes to
Sidney (near Victoria), BC, and from Port Angeles to Victoria.
Blaine/Douglas (aka Peace Arch) crossing The main overland point of entry from
Washington to Vancouver, BC. It's at the northern end of I-5, which continues as Hwy 99
on the Canadian side. This crossing has the longest lines.
Pacific Hwy crossing Commercial trucks (and regular vehicles) use this crossing, 3
miles east of Blaine/Douglas; from I-5, take exit 275 (the one before Blaine). If you're en-
tering Canada with duty-free goods, you'll need to cross here.
Lynden/Aldergrove crossing A good choice during busy times is this little-known cross-
ing about 30 miles east of Blaine/Douglas. Take exit 256 off I-5, just north of Bellingham,
and follow Hwy 539.
Sumas/Huntingdon crossing Best for heading to British Columbia's interior is this cross-
ing 62 miles east of Blaine/Douglas. Take exit 255 off I-5, just north of Bellingham, and fol-
low Hwy 542 and then Hwy 9.
Bus
In car-oriented societies like the USA and Canada, bus travel takes second place. Service
is infrequent or inconvenient, networks are sparse and fares can be relatively high. Air
travel is often cheaper on long-distance routes, and it can even be cheaper to rent a car
than take the bus, especially for shorter routes. However, very long-distance bus trips can
be available at decent prices if you purchase or reserve tickets in advance.
The largest nationwide bus company in the USA and Canada, Greyhound (
800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com ) operates to major and minor cities throughout the
Pacific Northwest; check its website for destinations and schedules. Tickets can be pur-
chased by phone or online with a major credit card and mailed to you if purchased in ad-
vance, or picked up at the terminal with proper identification. Buying tickets in advance
will save you money, as will traveling during weekdays and nonholiday times. Children,
students, military personnel, veterans and seniors are eligible for discounts as well; check
Greyhound's website for specifics.
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