Peace Arch International Park, Surrey

Built in 1921, the Peach Arch straddles the 49th parallel with a foot on both Canadian and United States of America soil. The monument features the engraving "Children of a Common Mother", on the Washington side and "Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity" on the British Columbia side. CREDIT: Venture Vancouver, SOURCE: www.venturevancouver.com

The monument in Peace Arch International Park which sits on the boundary of Canada and USA.

STATS

Type:

Park

Season:

All Seasons

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

1 hour

Cost:

Free

What to bring:

Camera, Sense of Curiosity

Visit one of the most unique parks in North America, Peace Arch International Park which sits on the 49th parallel and encompasses two parks: Peace Arch Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada and Peace Arch State Park in Washington, USA. The centerpiece of this beautifully manicured park is the monument - the first of its kind which commemorates the lasting peace between the two countries and sits with one foot on the Canadian side of the border and the other on the American side of the border.

Peace Arch International Park is one of the most unique Parks in British Columbia with its location straddling the 49th parallel. The Park is split into two - the Canadian side (Peace Arch Provincial Park) and the other on the US side (Peace Arch State Park).

The Park is built around the Peace Arch which was constructed in 1921 and dedicated on September 6th - the first structure of its kind in the world. The structure commemorates the lasting peace between the two countries and was made possible by the efforts of Samuel Hill who spearheaded the fundraising efforts. The 67 foot earthquake proof monument was designed by H.W. Corbett and built with steel and concrete. Inscribed on monument is "Brethren Dwelling together in Unity" on the Canadian facing side and "Children of a Common Mother" on the American side. The monument stands with one foot on the southern edge of the 49th parallel (the US) and the other on the northern edge (Canada). As well as the monument, there are two boundary markers which indicate the Canadian / USA border line and reference the 1925 treaty which defines the International Boundary between the two countries. The Canadian side of the park was officially dedicated in 1939.

Peace Arch Provincial Park, the Canadian section of Peace Arch International Park (park map) encompasses nine hectares of land in southern Surrey, British Columbia. The American side, Peace Arch State Park, encompasses eight hectares (park map) and is located in Blaine, Washington. Conjoined, Peace Arch Provincial Park and Peace Arch State Park (forming Peace Arch International Park) is a beautiful place with acres of manicured gardens, historic buildings, picnic tables, parkland and is the international border entry between Canada and the United States of America.

It is important to note that Peace Arch International Park is located on an international boundary and visitors may have to provide identification information (such as a passport or enhanced drivers license) to Canada Border Services or US Customs and Border Protection officers.