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Peace Arch Historical State Park
A dramatic white arch rises from the green lawns and flowering gardens on the U.S.-Canada border at Blaine. Some may not realize that the international Peace Arch they pass on Interstate 5 is the principal feature in an iconic Washington Historical State Park devoted to peace and serenity.
Peace Arch is unique among parks because it consists of two parks in two countries. The southern half of the park and the monument itself is owned by Washington State Parks and the northern half, by British Columbia Parks. The 67-foot concrete arch, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed to honor the centennial of the treaties resulting from the War of 1812. These agreements between the U.S. and Britain established a peaceful, undefended border between the U.S. and Canada.
Take a stroll through the lush gardens. Stand on the lawn and take in the view of Point Roberts and Vancouver Island. Enjoy seasonal bursts of color from rhododendrons, azaleas, dahlias, hybrid tea roses and annual blooms. The sound of children's laughter may drift from the playground to the gazebo, adding to the calm, happy feel of this manicured landscape.
Whether you're headed north or south on Interstate 5, this park is a worthy stop and a moving reminder that peace is possible.
Park features
Peace Arch Historical State Park is a unique 19-acre day-use park that lies on the boundary between the United States and Canada. The Peace Arch monument sits on the border at the 49th parallel.
Automated pay stations: This park is equipped with automated pay stations for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.
Picnic & day-use facilities
There are 79 unsheltered picnic tables, including several ADA tables at the park, available first come, first serve. The American Kitchen facility is available for day-use rental (see group rental tab for details).
Activities
Other activities & features
- Bird watching
- Swing set and play field
Concessions
- International Peace Arch Association Snack Shack - Treat yourself and support a good cause! We all love refreshing hot and cold drinks, ice cream, and snacks. You will find that and much more at the Snack Shack. We have a variety of unique handmade gifts and park souvenirs. Kids can pick up a free park history brochure and coloring sheet or go on a scavenger hunt. The Peace Arch Park Snack Shack is open on the weekends year-round and is located in the western parking area across from the park office. Proceeds from the Snack Shack help support annual park programs and publications. For more information about the Peace Arch Association and the Snack Shack's current schedule, visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
Interpretive opportunities
The park features horticultural displays and interpretive panels and audio.
Additional information
- There is an annual Art in the Park exhibition May through September.
- A swing set, play field and playground are located in the park.
- Printable park brochure (PDF).
Boating features
Peace Arch does not have a launch but there is one located in Drayton Harbor within walking distance of the park.
Group facility rental
The park provides a rentable day-use facility, the American Kitchen. Surrounded by thousands of flowers, this building features views of the Gulf Islands, Point Roberts, Vancouver Island, Semiahmoo Bay, and the historic Peace Arch on the United States and Canadian border. A scenic location for meetings, company picnics, weddings, receptions and reunions, the American Kitchen has an interior capacity of 85 people and a combined grounds rental capacity of 300.
Reservations
Reservations must be made by calling Peace Arch State Park at (360) 332 8221. Special Activities Permit Applications can be found under the Passes & Permits tab at www.parks.wa.gov. Email a copy of the application to Rickey.Blank@parks.wa.gov. Be sure to call the park for availability.
Historical information
The 67-foot Peace Arch was the vision of Sam Hill, a prominent road builder, Quaker and humanitarian, who built many landmark structures in Oregon and Washington. Hill bought property in both countries for the construction of the arch. Peace Arch was the first arch in the U.S. to be dedicated to peace and is still one of very few in the world.
The arch design is widely believed to be the work of renowned architect Harvey Wiley Corbett. Construction was completed Sept. 6, 1921. The structure commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 and the Rush- Bagot Agreement in 1817. The treaties, signed by the king of England and President Monroe, provided for peaceful resolution of U.S. – British disputes and an unguarded U.S./Canadian border. The treaties resulted from the War of 1812 with Great Britain.
In 1931, the property on the Washington side became a Washington State Park. In 1939, British Columbia added Peace Arch Provincial Park to its park system.
The Pacific Highway, the precursor to Interstate 5, was diverted in 1932 to pass along either side of the arch. A much-expanded I-5 still runs north and southbound on each side of the arch.