Crossing Canada/ U.S. Border at Peace Arch Crossing in British Columbia

Driving into the U.S. from British Columbia, Canada

Canada and United States are good neighbours.

After the war of 1812 between the British and Americans along the Niagara Falls/ Kingston area, citizens from both countries have never fought again.

Scenery along the British Columbia, Canada/ U.S. border crossing

Both countries have been enjoying a cordial, cooperative and peaceful relationship with each other.


We take pride in the fact that we share the longest undefended border in the world.

Enjoying a driving holiday is a Canadian way of life

A driving holiday and crossing the U.S. customs is a part of Canadian life.

Canadians do it all the time without giving it much thought.

Cars lining up for the border crossing into US

When I was a teenager, it was absolutely hassle free for Canadians crossing the border to the U.S. side on a whim.

If we felt like it, we went over with some friends to the U.S.  side  to do some shopping and dining. After a few hours, we drove back to Canada. Easy as pie.

No special documents were required from Canadians at the border. We just needed to show our drivers' licenses to the U.S. Customs Officers.

Cars stopped at the US Customs for clearance

I still remember vividly a few times when our friends forgot their driving licenses. All they had to do was showing their wallet size birth certificates.

 I was amazed at the smoothness of the whole border crossing process.

Due to the recent political situations, Canadians crossing into the U.S. border do need to bring their valid passports.

Peace Arch at the Canada/ US border crossing near British Columbia, Canada

On our last recent entry into the U.S., stopping at the British Columbia Peace Arch Crossing,  I was deeply touched by what I saw. 

Standing majestically on the green lawn at the border,  an arch with both the U.S. and Canadian flags flying high in the sky has this phrase inscribed on its top. 

Inscription on the Peace Arch at the B.C. Canada/ U.S. border

" Children of a Common Mother" - an inscription referring to our two countries' common heritage being British and the closeness of our relationship. I was moved by this simple phrase.

How wonderful and peaceful this world would have been if we could all see ourselves as brothers and sisters descending from the same parents, belonging to the same family?

I pondered on this five words as our car crossed the border, again with ease, efficiency, and speed.

We are fortunate to be living in a country like Canada, in peace, harmony and respect with our dear neighbour.

R.T.
Border Crossing at Peace Arch
British Columbia
Canada