Day Trip: Peace Arch Park
Peace Arch Park, along the border between Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia is an easy day trip from the Seattle area.
The highlight of the park is the International Peace Arch, standing 67 feet high, proudly rooted, one side in American soil, the other in Canadian. Straddling the longest undefended boundary in the world, the Peace Arch was dedicated in 1921, and was the first Monument built and dedicated to world peace.
The American side of the arch is inscribed: “Children of a Common Mother.” The Canadian side is inscribed: “Dwelling Together in Unity.” Spanning both sides of the border is the inscription: “May These Gates Never be Closed.”
Although most visitors to the Peace Arch are crossing the border, you can visit the park without doing so. You may walk around and enjoy one side of the park or the other, but are not permitted to walk outside the park boundaries or into the other country’s side without clearing Customs. Customs personnel from both countries monitor Peace Arch Park.
The park covers 40 acres, with beautiful gardens that host events both organized and spontaneous: family gatherings, picnics, wedding and civic events. It boasts over half a million yearly visitors.
Although a more popular destination in the warm summer months, the gardens are beautiful any time of year, and subject of interest year round.
Peace Arch Park is two-hour drive north of Sea-Tac International Airport, approximately 125 miles north. It’s an easy drive, the entire way over an interstate highway.
Photo credit: wikimedia
6 Comments
I love the Peace Arch park. I go down there all the time, when I am crossing the border to the states. Rarely do I get a chance to stop and appreciate how lovely it is there.
Your post reminded me of when I was a kid, and was a girl guide (girl scout to you americans), and participated in Hands Across the Border. Can’t you just picture it thousands of girl guides, girl scouts, and boy scouts celebrating our similarities and our differences. Its a great memory…thanks for triggering it.
I have fond memories of the park from childhood as well. I always thought it was so exciting to be in a “different” country.
During the summer it seemed like there was always something going on. I remember seeing representatives from both sides of the border participating in concerts, proudly representing their own country and the harmony in which our two countries exist.
It was a kinder, gentler time.
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Great photo of the peace arch love your blog, great day trip for washington folk coming up to canada is to head up to the fraser canyon, visit my site http://www.travelthecanyon.com for ideas.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Riley.
The Fraser Canyon is a wonderful area! I’ve always enjoyed Harrison Hot Springs, and Minter Gardens. Your comment is a great reminder that I need to visit your area soon!