US Canada Border Crossing
Entry Points Into The Okanagan

Osoyoos - Oroville

This border crossing is the closest and enters directly into the Okanagan.

You leave US Route 97 in Oroville Washington and begin Highway 97 in Osoyoos British Columbia.

I have used this crossing many times and you will rarely find it busy on either side of the border.

It is open 24 hours a day year round.

Aldergrove - Lynden

Leaves US Route 539 in Lynden Washington and enters BC Highway 13 in Aldergrove British Columbia. You take BC Hwy 1A north, then east to the Trans Canada Hwy 1 which then branches off into other highways to the Okanagan Valley.

It is open 8:00 AM to midnight every day of the week.

Abbotsford - Sumas

Leaves US Route 9 in Sumas Washington and enters BC Hwy 11 in Abbotsford British Columbia. Take this route to the Trans Canada Hwy and on to the Okanagan.

It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Boundary Bay - Lynden

Leaves US Interstate 5 (I-5) onto 56th Street in Point Roberts Washington and enters BC Hwy 99 in Delta British Columbia. It will then connect with Hwy 1 towards the Okanagan Valley.

It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There is a choice of the US Canada border crossing one would use from traveling along the coast of California, Oregon and Washington State into British Columbia.

Pacific Highway - Blaine

Also referred to as the Peace Arch border crossing. This is the third busiest US Canada border crossing for passenger auto traffic. I have been through this crossing on occasion and you should be prepared for long delays.

Leaves US Route 543 in Blaine Washington and enters BC Hwy 15 in Surrey British Columbia. This highway will then connect with BC Hwy 99. Take this route until it connects with the the Trans Canada Hwy and onto the Okanagan.

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Douglas - Blaine

Also referred to as the "Pacific Highway truck crossing". There are no trucks and commercial vehicles allowed at the Peace Arch crossing so they must come through here.

I found this US Canada border crossing a lot faster to get through.

Leaves US Route 543 in Blaine Washington and enters BC Hwy 15 in Surrey British Columbia. This highway will then connect with BC Hwy 99. Take this route until it connects with the the Trans Canada Hwy and onto the Okanagan.

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Midway - Ferry

If you are traveling from the east this is the US Canada border crossing you would use.

Located on Customs Road in Ferry Washington the crossing takes you to Dominion Street in Midway British Columbia. Take BC Hwy 3 West into the Okanagan.

They are open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day all year round.

There are also some border crossings that enter British Columbia from the states of Idaho and Montana as well as in the far north from Alaska into British Columbia

A Few Things You Should Know
Before Crossing The Border

As you enter the US Canada border crossing you will speak with a Border Services Officer.

Being prepared will make your stop that much quicker so you can continue on your trip.

Having proper ID proving that you are a citizen of the US is one thing you can have ready for the officer. Some acceptable proof of citizenship forms include:

• Passport
  
• Birth certificate
• Photo ID
  
• Nexus Card
  
• Permanent resident card
• Fast Card

For those of you who may be coming into the region by air there are Canada Customs agents available to process you through at:

• Vancouver International Airport
  
• Kelowna International Airport
  
• Penticton Regional Airport

I have given a guideline on US Canada border crossing information. There may be changes to the rules affecting entry into Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency has more detailed information and will answer any questions you may have before you make a trip.

The Border Information Service (BIS) is a computerized, 24-hour telephone service that automatically answers all incoming calls and gives information on general border services.

To contact BIS:

Calls within Canada

(Toll free)

English: 1-800-461-9999

French : 1-800-959-2036

Calls outside of Canada

(Long distance)

English: 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064

French : 204-983-3700 or 506-636-5067

I hope this page helps in making your trip to the Okanagan through a US Canada border crossing a smooth and pleasant experience for you.


Okanagan Valley Guide will be updated regularly. Please return often or bookmark this site. I will be adding more pages of exciting information for you.

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See you soon!