Not Too Far From Home: Step Into These 11 Spectacular Locations Along the Canadian Border

The United States and Canada share the world’s longest international border, stretching more than 5000 miles across the continent. And while many of us may think of this border as mostly a line drawn on maps, the area around it is full of fascinating and beautiful places to explore. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a spot for adventure, these 11 locations along the Canadian border are some of the best options.

1. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Lakeshore, Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Region, Ontario.
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While Niagara Falls is on everyone’s bucket list, fewer people know about this charming town on the Ontario-New York border. This picturesque place on Lake Ontario is famous for its vineyards and historic sites. You might even like to catch a show at the Shaw Festival Theatre.

2. Victoria, British Columbia

VICTORIA, BC, CANADA, JUNE 23 2015: Royal British Columbia Museum consists of The Province of British Columbia's natural and human history museum as well as the British Columbia Provincial Archives.
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Situated across the Salish Sea, you can take a 2-hour ferry ride from Port Angeles, Washington, to get you to Victoria. With beautiful gardens, British-style architecture, and must-see spots like the iconic Empress Hotel and Inner Harbour, it’s worth the drive and the adventure of the water voyage.

3. Windsor, Ontario

WINDSOR, CANADA-OCTOBER 22, 2016: Windsor Waterfront trail in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with General Motors Renaissance Center displaying Breast Cancer logo support on skyline.
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If you are in Detroit, travel across the border to Windsor. It has a scenic waterfront, a buzzing casino district, and the fabulous Windsor Sculpture Park with amazing views of the Detroit skyline.

4. Saint Andrews, New Brunswick

ST. ANDREWS, NEW BRUNSWICK, JULY 21, 2014: A landmark building in Saint Andrews by the Sea, The Algonquin, New Brunswick, Canada
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Saint Andrews is only about 3 miles from the Maine border. This lovely little coastal town is about historic buildings typical of an 18th-century British colonial settlement, a picturesque harbor, and the fantastic Algonquin Golf Course that offers epic views of the Bay of Fundy.

5. White Rock, British Columbia

White Rock, British Columbia, Canada - September 9, 2019: Train passing by the Pier during a cloudy summer sunset.
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Only a short drive from the Washington border is this coastal gem along Semiahmoo Bay, boasting sandy beaches, a scenic promenade, and the iconic White Rock. This massive 486-tonne glacial rock sits on the town’s beach.

6. Lacolle, Québec

St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Canada - 31 July, 2016:Side view of tourists in truck feeding animals in safari
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Not many towns in the U.S. can make you feel like you’re driving across the border into the French countryside, but this small town located three miles from the Vermont border in Montérégie achieves just that. It is home to the historic Lacolle Border Crossing and offers easy access to nearby vineyards and apple orchards.

7. Fort Frances, Ontario

International Falls, Minnesota and Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada. High quality photo
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Three miles from the Minnesota border and situated on the Rainy River, Fort Frances is an outdoor lover’s paradise with excellent fishing, boating, and nearby Quetico Provincial Park.

8. Saint Stephen, New Brunswick

St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada - July 16, 2015 : St Stephen's Lighthouse resides on the public wharf and above the waters of the St Croix river. St. Stephen is a Canada-USA international border.
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Located just over Maine’s western border, chocolate lovers are going to want to visit this town. It is famous for its chocolate factories and hosts the annual Choc Fest, which runs over four days in August —pure heaven for all the chocoholics.

9. Vancouver, British Columbia

vancouver
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Vancouver is an absolute blast and only 24 miles from the Washington border by car. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, you’ll find a diverse culinary scene, stunning parks like Stanley Park, and top-notch cultural attractions.

10. Carway, Alberta

Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada - July 5, 2022: Two men admire Cameron Falls waterfall on a summer day
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Just across from the Montana border in southern Alberta, you’ll find epic views of the Rocky Mountains and easy access to natural wonders like Waterton Lakes National Park.

11. The International Peace Garden

International Peace Garden split between North Dakota, United States and Manitoba, Canada
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This serene and captivating tourist attraction on the border between North Dakota, USA, and Manitoba, Canada, spans 2,300 acres. Its stunning gardens, sculptures, and peaceful ambiance symbolize peace and friendship between the two nations.

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