The 7 Friendliest Towns On The U.S.-Canada Border

Border tensions between the U.S. and Canada proceed. Whereas Canada profits from their boycott of U.S. travel, America is about to lose $12.5 billion in worldwide customer spending because of “Trump-era” insurance policies. One U.S. state is appealing to Canadians to visit as its vacationer numbers dip. It is at all times nice for morale and doubtlessly the economic system that states put within the effort amid these fraught occasions, particularly in cities alongside the U.S.-Canada border.

Though these areas are stricter on entry now, there are nonetheless a number of pleasant U.S.-Canada border cities value visiting right this moment. From a small village in Vermont’s Derby (U.S.) to twin cities in Maine (U.S.) and New Brunswick (Canada), and a metropolis in British Columbia (Canada), these welcoming communities mix historical past, pure magnificence, and infinite out of doors adventures. They’re additionally underrated locations, good for cozy fall holidays.

Sault Sainte-Marie, Michigan/Ontario

Sault Sainte-Marie refers to 2 totally different cities of the identical title: one in Michigan, U.S., and another in Ontario, Canada. These territories are separated by the gorgeous St. Marys River and linked by the International Bridge. In consequence, these cities have earned the nicknames “Twin Soos” and “Sister Cities.”

Either side are vacationer hubs that share a wealthy historical past and entry to the Nice Lakes (Superior and Huron). This cultural connection runs deep, as seen of their harmonious communities, that are very welcoming to 1 one other. Nonetheless, the cities of Sault Sainte-Marie have a definite character. You get small-town attraction in Michigan and a extra city expertise in Ontario. The easiest way to take pleasure in each is by taking a cruise or boat tour close to their border on the St. Marys River.

Derby Line, Vermont/Stanstead, Quebec

Derby Line, Vermont, is an integrated village within the small city of Derby. This village is greatest recognized for the Haskell Free Library & Opera House, a Victorian constructing which straddles each the U.S. and the city of Stanstead, Quebec, in Canada. The border is marked by a thick black line on the ground contained in the library. It is the one library constructed immediately over a world border and operated in each nations.

Canadian employees and library cardholders had been at all times allowed to make use of the unique entrance entrance on the U.S. aspect. Now, they have to first cross by way of a proper U.S. port of entry earlier than utilizing that entrance. Regardless of these new border guidelines, which had been implemented to curb drug trafficking, the library stays a protected and peaceable spot. They’re additionally advocating in opposition to these modifications and elevating funds to open an accessible entrance to the Canadian aspect of the constructing.

Calais, Maine/St. Stephen, New Brunswick

Calais, Maine, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, are twin cities conjoined by their downtown areas. Related by the Ferry Level Bridge, these border cities face one another throughout the St. Croix River, a well-liked spot for canoeing, boating, and fishing. They’re basically one city, however Calais is that basic New England group, whereas St. Stephen has that contact of caprice as Canada’s Chocolate City.

Calais is a tight-knit city that can also be very welcoming to Canadian guests. Yearly in August, Calais and St. Stephen have a good time the Worldwide Homecoming Pageant to foster friendship between the 2 cities. Amid the border battle, Calais said it’s now a “ghost town” without Canadian tourists, who they see as “household on each side.”

Key Points of interest — Calais, ME

Key Points of interest — St. Stephen, NB

Eureka, Montana

Eureka in northwest Montana prides itself as a small city with an enormous coronary heart. Although it has a conservative inhabitants, locals are usually laid-back and pleasant to Canadian guests. It was based within the Eighties and was one of many final areas within the state to be settled in the course of the frontier period. It borders Canada to the north, particularly the village of Grasmere, in British Columbia.

Eureka and Grasmere are linked through the Roosville Border Crossing situated on U.S. Freeway 93. It is one of many lowest-traffic crossings between the U.S. and Canada, and it is open 24/7. Sandwiched between the Whitefish and Purcell mountain ranges, Eureka is a scenic spot in its personal proper. Nonetheless, it is also a gateway to varied out of doors sights, comparable to Glacier National Park (77 miles away). It is a terrific jump-off level for hikers and anglers seeking to expertise the genuine aspect of Montana.

Abbotsford, British Columbia

Abbotsford, British Columbia, is a big metropolis that borders the U.S. at Sumas, Washington. It is one of the ethnically numerous cities in Canada, and so it is no shock that Abbotsford continues to draw American vacationers regardless of political tensions. It is also among the finest cross-border weekend getaways between Canada and the U.S.

Abbotsford has an abundance of procuring facilities, family-friendly parks just like the Castle Fun Park, cultural festivals, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of out of doors actions. It is an exquisite city surrounded by numerous landscapes, together with the Fraser River, Sumas Mountain, Mount Baker, and huge agricultural fields.

Grand Portage, Minnesota

Grand Portage, Minnesota, is an unorganized territory on Lake Superior. It borders Neebing, Ontario, on the Pigeon River, linked by the Pigeon River Bridge, the place Minnesota State Freeway 61 meets Ontario Freeway 61. Grand Portage is a distant group that’s dwelling to Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, the Excessive Falls at Grand Portage State Park, which stands at 120 toes.

The city gives easy accessibility to unspoiled wilderness and pure icons, comparable to Isle Royale Nationwide Park, which has ferry services operating in Grand Portage. Grand Portage, together with the remainder of Prepare dinner County, is understood for its heat reception of Canadian neighbors, as seen of their special guides and offers.

These pleasant cities alongside the U.S.-Canada border show that, regardless of heightened restrictions, native communities are wanting to welcome guests with open arms, providing out of doors adventures and even nice offers.