Forum Discussion

PeddlePaddle's avatar
PeddlePaddle
Explorer
Nov 23, 2018

Peace Arch border crossing

This will be our first year trying the snowbird thing. Our route will take us from Vancouver island to the lower mainland, possibly crossing at the Peace Arch crossing. We are in a fifth wheel that is 13’6” tall. Is there a height restriction at that crossing?
  • Well just an update to my post. At the last minute we decided to use the Pacific crossing which is a few minutes to the east, still easy to get to from the Tsawassen ferry. The lanes were tight but doable if you were careful and the height was not an issue. After the booth, cars had to weave through an obstacle course to leave the customs area but the officer radio’d to her fellow officers who opened the “ long route “ ~200 yds for us to leave the customs area. I asked her if we could have used the Nexus lane and she said while it was allowable it would have been very challenging making the necessary turns to leave the area. I also asked if Peace arch was possible for a vehicle of our height and she said “ I would like to say yes but honestly I am not sure.
  • I've used Victoria to Pt Angelas for 20 years - main thing is make a reservation on the Black Ball ferry, out of Victoria EVEN if you have to stay overnight in Vic. - once out of P.A Head EAST on 101 to I5 S. lots of fuel stops in P/A some further south till you hit I5.
    Many - MANY R/V & fuel on 5 all the way to the Mex border.
    We like to stay at 7 Feathers casino in Canyonville Or. GREAT PARK - hot tub free ride to casino - good food & fuel stop.
    Just ask if you want more details.
    BBT
  • Have you checked out the cost of using Black Ball ferry MV Coho from Victoria to Port Angeles versus using B.C. Ferries Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay. Added benefit of avoiding going through Seattle.
  • Thanks everyone - I thought I had seen a limit of 12 ft something on Google maps streetview but couldnt angle it to the right hand lane.
  • It's been decades since we've used the Peace Arch crossing, but back then the canopy over the booths had a 12 foot clearance, and there was an "oversized vehicle" lane on the far right, but we got yelled at each time we used it with our 13 foot tall fifth wheel. Last year we stayed in Surrey and used the truck crossing with no issues. Going north was a piece of cake; going south we had to weave through their concrete barriers after exiting the booth area, but we made it through.
  • I'd do the truck crossing, just east of the Peace Arch crossing. There seems to be more room, and often the wait is shorter.
  • BobsYourUncle wrote:
    No problem at both Peace Arch and the truck crossing on 176th. I've crossed both countless times,
    Lots of room.
    Sometimes the truck crossing can be faster if it's a busy time. It's not very far from Peace Arch. Just take 8th Ave east and turn right on 176 and you're right there.

    Phone number above is for the US side. If you call you will want the Canadian side. It will be a 604 number. 360 is Washington


    How tall is your trailer?
    OPs is 13'6" so are the overhead canopies tall enough for his rig to clear?

    If coming from Canada INTO the US...wouldn't one have to clear thru US Customs?
    So wouldn't calling US number get correct info on any height restrictions etc?

    Never crossed into Canada but always figured I would deal with Canadian Border Check going into Canada and then US Customs on return trip back into USA..........
  • No problem at both Peace Arch and the truck crossing on 176th. I've crossed both countless times,
    Lots of room.
    Sometimes the truck crossing can be faster if it's a busy time. It's not very far from Peace Arch. Just take 8th Ave east and turn right on 176 and you're right there.

    Phone number above is for the US side. If you call you will want the Canadian side. It will be a 604 number. 360 is Washington