The entrance to the marina at Point Roberts is narrow and shallow. Caution is advised during minus tides. Photos by Migael Scherer

The peninsula of Point Roberts juts south into the Strait of Georgia from the mainland of British Columbia: a five-square-mile rectangle of United States land occupied and enjoyed mostly by Canadians.

For U.S. boaters, Point Roberts is completely out of the way to or from anywhere. Arriving by land is even more inconvenient, as you must clear customs into Canada and then back into the U.S.; from third grade on Point Roberts children do this twice a day to attend school in Blaine. The chief attraction at Point Roberts is beautiful Lighthouse Marine Park.

Moorings
Point Roberts Marina has no designated guest moorage, but usually there are temporarily empty slips that can be used for visitors. Reservations by phone are strongly recommended (360.945.2255). The harbor office also monitors VHF channel 66.

Entrance to the marina is on the west side of a rock breakwater. Keep the pilings to port and favor the green markers. The marina’s website (www.pointrobertsmarina.com) advises that boaters use extreme caution during minus tides. Currents set strongly within the marina and turning room can be tight.

The first dock on the right as you enter is the Customs dock—a busy place on weekends with Canadians checking in and out. Moorage check-in is at the fuel dock.

There is no anchorage in Point Roberts.

Looking southeast toward the harbor buildings and beyond to Mt. Baker. Most of the boats in this crowded marina belong to Canadians living in the greater Vancouver area.

For the Boat and Crew

Full-service marine repair and supply is available at West Wind Marine Service (360.945.5523). The yard has a travel lift and a 45-foot tower for mast work.

For showers and laundry, get a key from the harbormaster when you check in. A convenience store is located on the fuel dock; a large supermarket is only a five-minute walk away, north on Tyee Drive. The peninsula has several restaurants and night spots.

Things to Do
Lighthouse Marine Park, about a 20-minute walk west from the marina, is sited among sand dunes and beach grass. It has a marvelous open feel, with extensive views of Georgia Strait, the mountains of Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands. This 21-acre park has campsites, fire pits, picnic tables, a playground area and a boardwalk. A SunSweep sculpture, one of three spanning the 2,778 miles of U.S.-Canadian border, is set among the dunes.

A small, informative display describes the three pods of orca whales that frequent the area in summer; climb the 30-foot wooden viewing tower to scan for them. Clamming is good at minus tides on the south beach. Sunsets here are extraordinary.

The flat terrain of Point Roberts makes it perfect for bicycling.

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

About Migael Scherer

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

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