Know before you go
Advisories
Visitor guidelines
Be aware of the international border
This park is on the Canada-U.S. border. You may be asked to provide identification and immigration information by officers of the Canada Border Services Agency or U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Use caution on roads and paths
Steep bluffs and cliffs border the edge of the picnic grounds. Please use caution. Be careful crossing the road. There is no access from the park to the beach.
Park in designated spots
Park only in the designated parking lot. There is no parking on Beach Road or on the park access road.
You can only access the parking lot when the park gate is open. It is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily.
The parking lot is on Semiahmoo First Nation land. BC Parks subleases the parking lot from Semiahmoo for public use.
Make a day-use reservation for Heritage Hall
From April to October, you can reserve Heritage Hall for picnicking or general day-use through the BC Parks reservation service. For more information, see the picnic shelters section of this page.
No Camping
Camping is not allowed anywhere in Peace Arch Park. You may set up a sun or rain shelter, with no walls, for day use. But overnight stays are never permitted.
Leave No Trace
Always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. Minimize impacts on plant and animal life and be considerate of other visitors. Dispose of waste properly.
For detailed information on outdoor ethics, visit the Leave No Trace Canada website.
No drones
Operating drones without permission is illegal in BC Parks. In the rare cases when we grant permission, you must keep your drone away from wildlife and other visitors.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
Peace Arch Park is about 40 km south of Vancouver, at the Douglas Border Crossing of the Canada-U.S. border. It is at the junction of Highway 99 in British Columbia and Interstate 5 in Washington State.
Things to do
Dogs and other domestic animals are welcome but must be leashed. They are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You must always be in control of your pets and dispose of their waste appropriately.
About this park
The Peace Arch is the world’s first monument to peace. Sam Hill, an American businessman, had the idea for the Arch. Mr. Hill laid a hollow cornerstone within which he placed a hammered box made from the steel of a captured slave ship. Inside the box, he placed pieces of the Beaver and the Mayflower.
Peace Arch was dedicated in 1921. The Arch was fitted with two iron gates, left open to symbolize peace between Canada and the United States. The lands around the Arch were gathered through fundraising efforts. In 1939, the Peace Arch and surrounding lands on the Canadian side became Peace Arch Park.
Peace Arch Park includes 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.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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Park operator | This park is operated by Peace Park Management Ltd. |
Washington State Parks | Peace Arch Historical State Park and the American Kitchen sit on the U.S. side of the border. They are managed by Washington State Parks. |
General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |