Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Park overview:

Peace Arch State Park is a 20-acre day-use park commemorating treaties and agreements that arose from the war of 1812. The park celebrates the unguarded United States/Canadian border that stretches from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. The park features horticultural exhibitions and the giant, commemorative, concrete arch that straddles the border of the two nations. The countries co-maintain the monument.

Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

The park is open year round for day use only.

Winter Schedule for all Washington State Parks

Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.

The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!

Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.

Campsite Information:

The park has no camping.

Group Accommodations:

The park provides a rentable day-use facility: The American Kitchen. Surrounded by 20,000 flowers, this building features views of the San Juan islands, Point Roberts, Vancouver Island, Semiahmoo Bay and the historic Peace Arch on the United States/Canadian border. A scenic location for meetings, company picnics, weddings, receptions and reunions, the American Kitchen has an interior capacity of 100 people and a combined grounds rental capacity of 400.

To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Simple locator map of Peace Arch State Park

Simple locator map of Peace Arch State Park

Driving Directions

Located 21 miles north of Bellingham, Wash., in the city of Blaine, Wash., on the Canadian border in Whatcom County.

From I-5:
Traveling north on I-5, take exit #276, the last exit before crossing into Canada. Follow signs to the park.

Park Maps

Peace Arch downloadable pdf map #1

List of all downloadable Washington State Park maps.

Park Features

Vast lawns, gardens and the magnificent Peace Arch on the border of the United States and Canada make this a uniquely beautiful park. More than 20,000 flowers are planted annually on the grounds. The park offers magnificent views of Point Roberts and Vancouver Island.

History

The 67-foot Peace Arch is jointly maintained by the United States and Canada. The concrete structure was the inspiration of Sam Hill, railroad builder and industrialist. Construction (begun in 1920) completed Sept. 6, 1921. The words which are printed on the U.S. side of the Peace Arch are "Children of a Common Mother" and "Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity" is on the Canadian side. In the middle of the arch are the words "May These Gates Never Be Closed" and on the opposite side in the middle is "1814 Open One Hundred Years." The Arch commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 and the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817. Entered into by the king of England and President Monroe, these treaties provided for an unguarded United States/Canadian border from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Bay of Fundy. Both treaties resulted from the War of 1812 with Great Britain.

Interpretive opportunities

Annual Keep U.S./ Canada Peace Arch Day features horticultural displays, interpretation, picnicking and recreational programs.

Services/Supplies

	Available in the area
	• Auto repair • Airport • Camping • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Golf • Groceries • Hardware • Marine supplies • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Postal service • Propane • Recreational equipment • White gas • Wood

Most services are available within a few miles of the park.

Activities

Trails	Water Activities	Other
• 0.6 mi. Hiking Trails		• Bird Watching • 2 Horseshoe pits
Activities include the annual United States/Canadian "Hands Across The Border" celebration attended by more than 30,000 visitors. There is an annual "Art In The Park" exhibition May through September.

Events

Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.

The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:

Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend

Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Full list of events at Washington State Parks

Boating Features

Peace Arch does not have a launch but there is one located in Drayton Harbor within walking distance of the park.

Picnic and Day-use Facilities

There are 100 unsheltered picnic tables, including several ADA tables at the park, available first come, first served.

Wildlife

Mammals	Birds	Fish & Sea Life
• Squirrels	• Crows or Ravens • Ducks • Eagles • Geese • Gulls • Hawks • Herons • Hummingbirds • Jays • Woodpeckers