The San Juans are located between Washington, USA, and British Columbia, Canada. You can get there by train, car, plane or ferry. If you’re coming from out-of-state, consider flying into either Washington or Seattle-Tacoma airports in the US or Vancouver or Victoria’s airports in Canada.
In addition to that, these two nations also share several fascinating tourist destinations, which straddle the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. Hence, it’s easy to have a cross-border vacation between the US and Canada. Here are some of a few things you can do along the US-Canada Border:
The camp offers free use of their kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Even if you don’t know how to fish or boat, you won’t feel anxious since their fishing guides are experts and very dependable. They’re very accommodating and funny as well. What’s more, you can enjoy shore lunch if you hire them. Wheaton’s Lodge is an excellent spot for a weekend getaway if you want a place to fish, stay, and sit in peace.
Visit Roosevelt Campobello International Park
The US-Canada border shares a long terrestrial boundary that stretches for 8,893 kilometers, making it the world’s longest international border. Specifically, 13 American states share the same borderlines with eight Canadian provinces and territories.
Going through the US-Canada border is typically a stress-free experience. However, it’ll only happen if you follow and bring each country’s required documents and protocols. Doing so dramatically affects how seamless your cross-border vacation will be.
Fish at Wheaton’s Lodge
This US and Canada government-owned park is open from late May to October. If you’re planning to attend certain services or programs, remember that the park is in Atlantic Time. More importantly, the park is situated on Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada, so be sure you have the correct travel documentation. Finally, remember that the US and Canada have different requirements, so check on them before traveling.
Kayak at the San Juan Islands
Another must-go destination to escape the cities’ hustle and bustle is the 1,090,000-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It’s one of the most breathtaking, remote places in the United States. It hugs 1,100 lakes within the Superior National Forest, which are only accessible by canoes, and extends around 150 miles along the US-Canada border.
If you’re into fishing, you’ll love East Grand Lake’s finest landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, and lake trout at the Wheaton’s Lodge in Forest City, Maine. This traditional family-operated sporting camp is well-known as one of Maine’s favorite pine-knot fishing lodges. It’s surrounded by Spednic Lake, Baskahegan Lake, and several smaller lakes and ponds.
The Roosevelt Campobello International Park preserved the shingle-style summer retreat of the US former president Franklin Roosevelt and his wife, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The historic place was meticulously managed, and it’s almost exactly as it was in 1920. The best part is there’s no admission fee for the park, including the 34-room Roosevelt Cottage. There are tours and programs you can enjoy as well, like Eleanor’s Tea or Prince Cafe.
Canoe at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Whether you’re into ephemeral nature strolls, day walks, ranger-led hikes, or backcountry treks, the Glacier National Park is any hiker’s paradise. This 112-year-old park has over 700 miles of trails to explore. Not only that but it’s also surrounded by several massive trees that are more than 500 years old! Yet, even with these ages, the park’s boardwalk is wheelchair-accessible, so it’s very accommodating for everyone.
The San Juan archipelago has an untapped charm and local feel. They’re famous for their isolated bays, uninhabited islands, and rocky bluffs, making it an idyllic summer sanctuary and a world-class destination for kayaking. They’re also well-known as the home for over 80 Southern Resident Killer Whales, which live in closely-knit family groups known as Orca pods. You can enjoy kayak tours with wildlife and whale watching at the archipelago.
Hike at Glacier National Park
Its vast wilderness is also the habitat for many animals, insects, and fishes. Moreover, this destination is famous for hiking, camping, and fishing. In cold seasons, tourists can enjoy winter activities for skiing, dog-sledding, and ice-fishing too. In summary, it’s the best place for those who want freedom, vast solitude, and personal integration with nature.
You can easily find priceline flight tickets going there whether it’s the peak or off season. May and September are the best months to visit the archipelago when the weather is dry, warm, and sunny.
Final Thoughts
Alternatively, drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of America’s most scenic drives. This 50-mile drive has several great stopping points, such as the Haystack Creek Bird Woman Falls overlook or the Weeping Wall, and is especially popular in summer. If you don’t like the crowd, it’s best to take it early or late in the evening. Additionally, fuel up in advance since there are no gas stations inside the park or on this drive.