The United States and Canada share the longest international border in the world, stretching over 8,891 kilometers (5,525 miles). While there are various official border crossings between the two countries, there are also several cities where you can simply walk across from one country to another. Here are some of the most notable cities where you can easily cross the border on foot:
Detroit, Michigan/Windsor, Ontario
Located in the Great Lakes region, Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, are separated by the Detroit River. The Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel are two official border crossings between the two cities, but you can also cross the border by walking through the Detroit RiverWalk or the Windsor Riverfront.
Buffalo, New York/Fort Erie, Ontario
Buffalo, New York, and Fort Erie, Ontario, are situated across the Niagara River from one another. The Peace Bridge is the main border crossing between the two cities, but you can also walk across the border via the pedestrian walkway on the Rainbow Bridge.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan/Ontario
Sault Ste. Marie is a twin city located on both sides of the St. Marys River, which separates Michigan and Ontario. The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge is the primary border crossing between the two cities, but you can also walk across the border via the Sault Ste. Marie International Railroad Bridge or the International Rapids Bridge.
Derby Line, Vermont/Stanstead, Quebec
Derby Line, Vermont, and Stanstead, Quebec, are unique in that they share a library and opera house that straddle the border between the two towns. You can easily walk from one side of the building to the other, technically crossing the border. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House even has a black line running through the center of the building to indicate the border.
Beebe Plain, Vermont/Stanstead, Quebec
Beebe Plain is another town in Vermont that shares a border with Stanstead, Quebec. The border between the two towns runs through homes and businesses, and residents on both sides can freely cross back and forth without going through border control. In fact, the Haskell Free Library and Opera House is also partially located in Beebe Plain.
Point Roberts, Washington/Tsawwassen, British Columbia
Point Roberts is a small, isolated peninsula located south of Vancouver, British Columbia, but is part of Washington State. The only way to reach Point Roberts by land is through Canada, which means that visitors to Point Roberts must cross the border twice. You can walk across the border at the Point Roberts Border Station or drive through the nearby Peace Arch Border Crossing.
Stanstead, Quebec/Derby Line, Vermont
As mentioned earlier, Stanstead, Quebec, shares a border with Derby Line, Vermont. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House is located in both towns, and visitors can cross the border by walking through the building. The border between the two towns also runs through several homes and businesses, allowing residents to cross freely without going through border control.
Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario
Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination located on the border between New York and Ontario. While there are several official border crossings between the two cities, you can also walk across the Rainbow Bridge, which has a pedestrian walkway.
Lynden, Washington/Aldergrove, British Columbia
Lynden, Washington, and Aldergrove, British Columbia, are two small towns located on either side of the border. The primary border crossing between the two towns is the Lynden-Aldergrove Port of Entry, but you can also cross the border by walking through the nearby Peace Arch Border Crossing.
Saint Stephen, New Brunswick/Calais, Maine
Saint Stephen, New Brunswick, and Calais, Maine, are situated on either side of the St. Croix River. The St. Stephen-Calais International Bridge is the main border crossing between the two towns, but you can also walk across the border via the pedestrian walkway on the nearby Ferry Point International Bridge.
These cities provide unique opportunities for visitors to experience the cultural and linguistic differences between the United States and Canada. Walking across the border allows you to see first-hand how these differences are reflected in the architecture, landscape, and people of these cities.
However, it is important to note that while these border crossings may be more relaxed than others, you still need to carry your passport or other identification documents with you. You may also be subject to customs and immigration inspections, so be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and the items you are carrying with you.
In addition, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected travel restrictions between the United States and Canada, so be sure to check the latest guidelines before planning your trip.
In conclusion, these cities provide unique opportunities for visitors to experience the cultural differences between the United States and Canada. While there are official border crossings between the two countries, walking across the border allows you to see first-hand how these differences are reflected in the architecture, landscape, and people of these cities. However, it is important to always carry your identification documents and be prepared for customs and immigration inspections, and to follow the latest COVID-19 travel guidelines.