The Definitive Guide

    Point Roberts, Washington

    A 4.9-square-mile American exclave at the tip of a Canadian peninsula. History, real estate, tourism, and community — everything you need to know.

    By STAY49 EditorialUpdated February 202615 min read

    4.9 sq mi

    Area

    ~1,300

    Population

    Open 24/7

    Border Crossing

    ~15 min

    From Tsawwassen

    70°F / 21°C

    Avg Summer High

    ~$384K

    Median Home Price

    Geography

    A Geographic Anomaly Like No Other

    Point Roberts is a pene-exclave — a piece of the United States that can only be reached by land through another country. It exists because of the Treaty of Oregon (1846), which established the 49th parallel as the US-Canada border from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The treaty drew a straight line that sliced through the Tsawwassen peninsula, leaving this small, south-facing tip in American territory.

    The result is one of the most geographically unusual communities in North America. To reach Point Roberts by car from anywhere else in the United States, you must drive north into Canada, through the Canadian border community of Tsawwassen, and then south back into the US through the Point Roberts border crossing. It's roughly a 35-minute drive from downtown Vancouver — but a 3-hour journey from the nearest American city, Bellingham.

    This geography creates something truly special: an American community with Canadian character. The currency at most shops is US dollars, but Canadian dollars are widely accepted. The postal service is USPS, but many residents have Canadian cell phone plans. The TV stations are Canadian, the accents lean British Columbian, and the default weekend trip for most residents is a quick drive north to Tsawwassen — not south to Bellingham.

    Geographic Fun Facts

    • Point Roberts is one of only a handful of pene-exclaves in North America
    • The 49th parallel border cuts through Boundary Bay — you can see the concrete markers on the beach
    • Despite being US territory, Point Roberts is closer to Vancouver (35 min) than to any US city
    • The peninsula is roughly 5 square miles — small enough to bike around in under an hour
    • During WWII, a US military observation post was stationed here to watch for Japanese submarines
    • 80% of border crossers spend less than 15 minutes in Point Roberts — mostly for packages or gas

    History

    From Treaty Line to Tight-Knit Community

    Over 175 years of history shaped by an arbitrary line on a map — and the remarkable people who built a community around it.

    Pre-1846

    Coast Salish Territory

    For thousands of years, the Semiahmoo people and other Coast Salish nations inhabited and fished the waters around the peninsula, harvesting salmon, shellfish, and cedar.

    1846

    The Oregon Treaty

    Britain and the United States established the 49th parallel as the border from the Rockies to the Pacific. Because the peninsula extends south of this line, Point Roberts became US territory — accessible by land only through British territory (now Canada).

    1850s–1900s

    Early Settlement & Fishing

    Commercial salmon fishing and canneries defined early Point Roberts. By the early 1900s, several fish processing operations employed hundreds of workers seasonally. The canneries are long gone, but their pilings still dot the shoreline.

    1920s–1960s

    Prohibition & Recreation

    During Prohibition, Point Roberts' unique geography made it a smuggling route for Canadian whiskey. Later, Canadian families from Vancouver discovered the quiet beaches and began purchasing vacation properties — a tradition that continues today.

    1970s–2000s

    Quiet Growth

    Point Roberts grew slowly as a retirement and vacation community. The marina expanded, Lighthouse Marine Park was established, and the community developed its distinctive character — American in jurisdiction, heavily Canadian in culture and commerce.

    2020–2021

    The Border Closure

    COVID-19 border restrictions hit Point Roberts harder than almost any community in America. Cut off from Canadian visitors and many property owners, businesses shuttered, the school nearly closed, and the population dropped. The experience exposed the community's deep dependence on cross-border access.

    2022–2024

    Recovery & New Beginnings

    With borders reopened, Point Roberts experienced a partial revival. New businesses opened including The Pier restaurant at the marina (2024), property values recovered, and optimism grew around tourism and remote work opportunities.

    2025–Present

    The Tariff Challenge

    US-Canada trade tensions and tariffs dealt Point Roberts another blow. Canadian visitors — the backbone of the local economy — declined sharply. Several businesses closed, including Kora's Corner. The community is once again confronting its unique vulnerability to cross-border disruptions, while long-term residents push for creative solutions and diversification.

    Things to Do

    Natural Beauty & Outdoor Adventures

    Point Roberts punches way above its weight for a community of 1,300. Beaches, wildlife, cycling, fishing — all within a few miles of anywhere.

    Lighthouse Marine Park

    The crown jewel — a stunning county park on the western tip with panoramic views of the Gulf Islands, Mount Baker, and some of the best orca whale watching in the Pacific Northwest.

    One of the best shore-based orca watching spots in North America

    Maple Beach

    A long, sandy stretch along Boundary Bay — recently named one of the top shelling beaches in the USA. At low tide, the beach extends hundreds of meters, revealing tide pools and sandbars.

    Named one of America's best shelling beaches

    Point Roberts Marina

    A full-service marina offering boat moorage, fuel, and access to some of the best salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Charter fishing trips depart regularly during summer.

    Gateway to world-class Pacific salmon fishing

    Scenic Cycling Loop

    The entire peninsula is bikeable on quiet, flat roads — a scenic loop of roughly 10 miles passes beaches, parks, the marina, and residential neighborhoods with views of the Gulf Islands.

    ~10-mile flat loop with ocean views

    Monument Park & Boundary Bay

    Where the US-Canada border meets the beach. The concrete border monuments along the 49th parallel are fascinating — you can literally stand with one foot in each country.

    Stand in two countries simultaneously

    Bald Eagle & Wildlife Watching

    Point Roberts is home to a resident bald eagle population, and the surrounding waters host seals, sea lions, herons, and migrating orca pods.

    Resident bald eagles and seasonal orca pods

    Real Estate

    The Market at a Glance

    Point Roberts real estate is uniquely positioned — American property at a fraction of Vancouver prices, with strong seasonal rental demand.

    $0K

    Median Home Value

    Zillow Home Value Index, 2026

    0.7

    Median Age

    ACS 2023 Census Data

    0%

    Owner-Occupied

    vs 18% renter-occupied

    0.0

    Square Miles

    Total area of the peninsula

    The Point Roberts housing market shows a median home value of approximately $384,000 (Zillow, 2026) — remarkable when you consider that equivalent waterfront properties across the border in Tsawwassen command $1.5–$3 million CAD. This price differential has always attracted Canadian buyers looking for affordable beachfront property on the US side.

    Properties range from modest 1960s-era cottages ($250K–$350K) to renovated waterfront homes ($500K–$800K+). The market tends to move slowly — homes average over 200 days on market — which creates opportunities for patient buyers.

    For investors, the key metric is vacation rental potential. A well-managed 3-bedroom home can generate $35,000–$55,000 in gross annual rental income — representing a compelling return on a sub-$400K property.

    Challenges

    The Realities

    Border Dependency

    Every trip to Costco, every Amazon delivery, every doctor visit requires crossing an international border. The 2020-2021 border closure and 2025 tariff tensions are stark reminders of how quickly cross-border disruptions can upend daily life and commerce.

    Limited Infrastructure

    Point Roberts has one grocery store (International Marketplace), a handful of restaurants, no hospital, and limited services. The community relies heavily on Tsawwassen and Delta (BC) for shopping, healthcare, and entertainment.

    Small & Aging Population

    With roughly 1,300 year-round residents and a median age of 55.7, Point Roberts faces challenges common to small, aging communities: maintaining infrastructure, supporting the local school, and attracting younger residents and families.

    Tariff & Trade Tensions

    The 2025 US-Canada tariff war has hit Point Roberts particularly hard. Canadian visitors — who comprise the majority of local commerce — have declined significantly. Several businesses have closed, and the community is navigating renewed economic uncertainty.

    Opportunities

    The Potential

    Tourism Growth Potential

    Point Roberts is genuinely undiscovered by most American travelers. As remote work and experiential travel trends continue, the combination of natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and unique geography positions it for meaningful tourism growth.

    Vacation Rental Market

    The STR market in Point Roberts is still relatively thin compared to established resort communities. Professional, well-managed listings have a real opportunity to stand out and capture premium rates — especially during the May-September peak season.

    Community Resilience

    Despite repeated challenges — from COVID border closures to tariff tensions — Point Roberts has shown remarkable resilience. Community organizations, local advocacy, and grassroots initiatives continue to push for creative solutions.

    Remote Work & Digital Nomads

    Point Roberts offers reliable internet, stunning scenery, and affordable living costs relative to nearby Vancouver. As remote work becomes permanent for many professionals, the peninsula is increasingly attractive as a live-work destination.

    Local Life

    Businesses & Community

    Point Roberts has a small but vibrant business community. Here are some of the places that make this community unique.

    Beach Bar & Grill

    Kiniski's Reef

    Point Roberts' largest outdoor patio, owned by retired professional wrestler Nick Kiniski. Full menu, cold beer, ocean views, and regular karaoke nights. Seasonal hours — check before visiting.

    Waterfront Dining

    The Pier Restaurant

    Opened in 2024 at the Point Roberts Marina (715 Simundson Dr). Known for its legendary burger, Nashville chicken sandwich, and weekly rotating specials. Ocean-front patio dining with sunset views.

    Café & Restaurant

    Saltwater Café

    Standalone café at 1345 Gulf Rd serving specialty coffee, pastries, and elevated New American cuisine using local Pacific Northwest ingredients. Hours vary by season — call ahead, especially off-season.

    Grocery & General Store

    International Marketplace

    The peninsula's only grocery store — essential for residents and visitors alike. Owned by Ali Hayton, it's the commercial heart of Point Roberts.

    Business listings are provided for informational purposes. STAY49 is not affiliated with these businesses unless stated otherwise.

    Safety & Community

    One of the Safest Places in Washington

    A+

    Crime Rating

    areavibes.com

    64%

    Below Nat'l Avg

    Total crime (FBI 2023)

    75%

    Below Nat'l Avg

    Violent crime (FBI 2023)

    Point Roberts consistently reports one of the lowest crime rates in Washington State. With total crime roughly 64% below the national average and violent crime about 75% below, the numbers confirm what residents already know: this is an extraordinarily safe community. Many long-time residents describe leaving their doors unlocked as a matter of course.

    Beyond safety, Point Roberts is a genuinely welcoming place. The tight-knit community looks out for each other, and newcomers — whether visiting for a weekend or buying property — are embraced warmly. Even the border guards on both sides are known for being friendly and personable.

    FAQ

    Common Questions About Point Roberts

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