Point Roberts, an unusual 4.9-square-mile exclave located in the state of Washington, enchants visitors lucky enough to make it to its remote shores. This friendly little town, located just south of the Canadian border, is surrounded by water on three sides. Yet, its greatest asset might be its small, close-knit community of roughly 1,200 residents. Despite its picturesque setting and rich history, Point Roberts faces unique challenges and opportunities that shape daily life for its inhabitants.
Settled in the mid-19th century, Point Roberts today is an oddity in American geography. The 1846 Oregon Treaty with Great Britain created our northern border along the 49th parallel, firmly separating the United States from Canada. This decision came to unintentionally cut off the peninsula from the rest of Washington State. Today, this geographical quirk creates a blend of cultures and lifestyles, with many residents relying on their Canadian neighbors for essential services like electricity and water.
The town’s layout is simple yet functional, featuring only two main roads: Tyee Drive and Gulf Road. The resulting lack of stoplights contributes to a peaceful mood. Only a pair of flashing lights along Tyee Drive interrupts the tranquility, letting neighbors pass with a familiar nod. That feeling of connection is evident as people meet at favorite neighborhood cafes or walk along Cutler Park’s beautiful trails.
Point Roberts returns the favor by wrapping its scenic arm around you, with four county parks featuring beautiful beaches, coastal bluffs, and nature trails. These parks become community hubs, a place where families reconnect with each other and the natural world around them. Fluttering prayer flags adorned this popular local and tourist scenic bike path that circles the peninsulas periphery. It provides an opportunity for these vibrant travelers to enjoy the sweeping scenery that characterizes this beautiful area.
Education in Point Roberts brings a different set of challenges to light. Point Roberts Primary School is expected to have only five students enrolled for the 2025 school year. This school only serves children through the second grade. Parents often seek out exceptional educational opportunities for their children from across the Canadian border. This artistic decision serves to underscore how deeply intertwined the two countries are in day-to-day life.
Dining options in Point Roberts reflect its small-town charm, with several locally owned restaurants that cater to both residents and visitors. Restaurateurs from around the U.S. have set up table — Kiniski’s Reef Tavern, Saltwater Café, and The Pier restaurant at Point Roberts Marina Resort provide exciting culinary adventures. They’re all about showcasing the tasty local flavors. Yet each business adds to the city’s cozy feel, where welcoming service is as constant and reliable as their local trains, turbines and taco trucks.
The Rubber Duck Museum is perhaps the town’s most delightful draw. It’s home to thousands of rubber duckies with rare artifacts, such as a founder’s original, dating back to 1911. This playful museum offers a quirky diversion for residents and tourists alike, celebrating a beloved childhood toy while contributing to the local culture.
Kora’s Corner Country Store has become a cherished community hub. Possibly an even stronger attraction is its extensive and wonderful assortment of penny candy, seemingly endless novelty items, local art, toys, souvenirs, and other whimsy. Yet this small store not only works hard to get the community involved, they feature local craftspeople. It provides the town’s residents and visitors an authentic flavor of the town’s distinct character.
This wee little airport gets by with just one runway. It provides on-demand, chartered Cessna flights to dozens of destinations throughout the United States and Canada. This unique airport serves as a lifeline to locals and visitors, connecting Point Roberts to the rest of the world in spite of its geographical remoteness.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts can’t get enough of Point Roberts’ breathtaking hiking trails that twist past evergreen foliage. It’s not surprising that visitors rave about the friendly golf course, ideal for relaxing rounds amid excellent views. It’s this mix of active outdoor pursuits and small town friendliness that creates an unusually vibrant and healthy lifestyle.
