Peace Arch Provincial Park
- Please note: The parking lot is situated on Semiahmoo First Nation Indian Reserve land. As the land is located outside the park, BC Parks is not responsible for vehicles or occupants in the parking lot.
- Please be advised that as this Park is on the Canada/US Border you may be asked to provide identification and immigration information by officers of the Canada Border Services Agency and/or the US Customs and Border Protection.
About This Park
Peace Arch Provincial Park is unique in BC's system of provincial parks. Its location straddles the 49th parallel, with its planning and development done in conjunction with Washington State Parks. With its formality of beautiful lawns and gardens, this park is like no other.The Peace Arch, dedicated in 1921, was the first such structure in the world. It was built on the International Boundary between Canada and the United States to commemorate the lasting peace between the two countries. School children from the United States and Canada donated money for the purchase of the land surrounding the Peace Arch and in 1939 the Canadian portion of the Peace Arch Park was officially dedicated.
The park provides opportunities for walking, indoor and outdoor picnicking and a playground for children.
Park Size: 9 hectares on the Canadian side
Reservations
There are no vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park. Group campsite and/or group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park, by calling (604) 541-1217.
Location and Maps
The park is about 40 km south of Vancouver and is situated on the International Boundary at the Douglas Border crossing. This is at the junction of Highway 99 in British Columbia and Interstate 5 in Washington State.Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.- Park Map [PDF 43KB]
Nature and Culture
- History - The Peace Arch is the world's first monument to peace. Sam Hill a prominent American businessman, conceived the idea of the Arch. Mr. Hill laid a hollow cornerstone within which he placed a hammered steel box made from the steel of a captured slave ship. Inside the box, he placed apiece of the Beaver and the Mayflower. The Arch was fitted with two iron gates, leaving them open to symbolize peace between the two great nations. Peace Arch was dedicated in 1921. The lands around the Arch were gathered through donations and fundraising efforts. Two decades later, on November 7, 1939, the Peace Arch and surrounding lands on the Canadian side became Peace Arch Provincial Park.
- Conservation - The park features the historical Peace Arch with its engravings “Children of a Common Mother”, on the Washington side and “Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity” on the British Columbia side. Among other things, the park offers broad lawns, public areas, a lily pond and a flower garden in the shape of the Canadian flag. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park's natural heritage. Please do not damage or remove them.
Activities Available at this Park
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Facilities Available at this Park
Drinking Water
Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area and there are 42 picnic tables available. There is also a large adjacent grassy area; however, the playground shown on the park map no longer exists. Wheelchair accessible flush toilets are available. There is no locked gate.
The picnic shelter is available for rental between April 1st and November 15th each year. Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are taken after January 1st of each year by calling (604) 541-1217.
The picnic shelter is available for rental between April 1st and November 15th each year. Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are taken after January 1st of each year by calling (604) 541-1217.
Group Picnic Building Use Fee: $200.00 per group
Pit or Flush Toilets
There are flush toilets available at the park.
Wheelchair Access
There is a wheelchair path from the parking lot to the washrooms.
The trail is approximately 300 metres long.
