Introduction: A Border Like No Other
At 5,525 miles, the US-Canada border is the longest international boundary in the world. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, and all the way up to the Arctic, this sprawling line cuts through forests, lakes, mountains, and even buildings!
While the two countries enjoy a famously friendly relationship, the border is anything but simple. From towns split between nations to exclaves accessible only through foreign soil, the US-Canada border is packed with quirks and oddities you’ll have to see to believe.
Let’s dive into this fascinating geographical marvel.
Where Does the US-Canada Border Go?
The US-Canada border stretches across the entire North American continent, weaving through diverse landscapes:
1. The Eastern Border
- Maine to New Brunswick: A jagged and twisting border winds through dense forests and rugged terrain, shaped by the Aroostook War of the 1830s.
- 45th Parallel: From Vermont, the border follows this latitude line westward, cutting neatly through forests and farmland.
2. The Great Lakes Region
The border uses natural waterways like:
- Niagara River: The iconic border between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
- Thousand Islands: A stunning archipelago where the border weaves between tiny islands and inlets.
3. Lake of the Woods and the Northwest Angle
Here, the border takes a strange detour north before U-turning back toward the 49th parallel. This leaves a tiny piece of the US—the Northwest Angle—isolated and only accessible via Canada.
4. The 49th Parallel
From Minnesota to the Pacific Ocean, the border follows the 49th parallel for over 1,200 miles. This straight-line boundary cuts through:
- Flat farmlands of the Midwest
- Dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains
- Lush forests of British Columbia and Washington State
5. Alaska and Canada
The border arcs dramatically across Alaska, following natural landmarks like the Yukon River and the towering St. Elias Mountains.
Quirks and Oddities Along the Border
Now that we know where the border lies, let’s explore its strangest and most fascinating features.
1. Derby Line, Vermont: A Town Split in Two
In Derby Line, Vermont, the international border cuts directly through buildings, including the famous Haskell Free Library and Opera House.
- The library’s front door is in the United States, but its bookshelves and reading room are in Canada.
- Residents live with a border running through their homes—eating breakfast in the US and sleeping in Canada.
While charming, stricter post-9/11 security has complicated this unique arrangement.
2. East Richford Road: A Road That Dips Into Canada
In Vermont, East Richford Road crosses into Canada for 550 feet before looping back into the US.
- Unlike most border crossings, you don’t need to go through customs to drive this short stretch.
- However, you won’t get far—there’s nowhere to turn deeper into Canada!
3. The Northwest Angle: America’s Northernmost Exclave
In Minnesota, the Northwest Angle is a quirky pocket of US territory cut off from the rest of the country.
- This oddity happened due to a map error in the 1783 Treaty of Paris.
- Today, the area is home to about 100 residents and is accessible only by boat or through Canada.
Fishing enthusiasts and adventurous travelers flock to the Northwest Angle for its remote beauty and unique geography.
4. Point Roberts, Washington: A US Town Trapped in Canada
Located south of Vancouver, Point Roberts is another American exclave created by the 49th parallel.
- To reach Point Roberts by land, you must travel through Canada.
- Residents often cross the border multiple times daily for work, school, or shopping.
Point Roberts’ quirky geography has given it unique demographics, including residents who work in Vancouver while technically living in the United States.
5. The Pig War and the San Juan Islands
The Oregon Treaty of 1846 left parts of the US-Canada border ambiguous, leading to disputes over the San Juan Islands.
- The conflict escalated in 1859 when an American farmer shot a British pig, nearly sparking war.
- The US eventually gained control of the islands after arbitration, settling the border once and for all.
6. Haida, Alaska: An American Town That Feels Canadian
In remote Haida, Alaska, residents rely heavily on Canada for day-to-day life.
- The town uses Canadian currency, celebrates Canada Day, and even runs on British Columbia’s time zone.
- The border here feels almost irrelevant, with deep economic and cultural ties to nearby Stewart, BC.
7. Campobello Island: A Canadian Island Linked to the US
Located in New Brunswick, Campobello Island has its only road connection to the US state of Maine.
- Residents must cross the border into the US for most essentials, like groceries and healthcare.
- Calls for a Canadian bridge persist, as ferry service is seasonal and unreliable during harsh winters.
How the Border Was Created: Treaties and Mistakes
The strange quirks of the US-Canada border are largely due to treaty negotiations and outdated maps:
- Treaty of Paris (1783): Ended the American Revolutionary War but relied on inaccurate maps, creating oddities like the Northwest Angle.
- Webster-Ashburton Treaty (1842): Settled disputes over Maine’s jagged boundary with New Brunswick.
- Oregon Treaty (1846): Established the 49th parallel as the western boundary but left ambiguities around Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands.
These historical quirks remain visible today, creating exclaves, border-splitting towns, and other anomalies.
FAQs About the US-Canada Border
1. What is the longest international border in the world?
The US-Canada border is the longest at 5,525 miles.
2. Why does the border cut through towns and homes?
Historical treaties and inaccurate maps led to quirks like Derby Line, Vermont, where buildings straddle the border.
3. What is the Northwest Angle?
The Northwest Angle is a small piece of Minnesota cut off from the US mainland, accessible only via Canada.
4. Why does Point Roberts exist?
Point Roberts, Washington, exists because the 49th parallel cuts through the Tsawwassen Peninsula, leaving its southern tip in the US.
5. Is the border defended militarily?
No. The US-Canada border remains undefended, reflecting the peaceful relationship between the two nations.
Conclusion: A Border Full of Stories
The US-Canada border is far more than just a line on a map. It’s a fascinating patchwork of quirks, historical oddities, and geographical marvels. From towns split in two to exclaves like the Northwest Angle and Point Roberts, this boundary tells the story of centuries of diplomacy, mistakes, and cooperation.
As the world’s longest international border, it remains a testament to the unique friendship between the United States and Canada—one marked by open roads, shared history, and a whole lot of interesting geography.
