
The US-Canada border is the longest international border in the world, stretching over 8,891 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. This massive border is a fascinating topic, and in this section, we'll break down the key points to help you understand the US-Canada border map.
The border is formed by the 49th parallel north, which runs from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes. This natural boundary was established by the Treaty of 1818 to settle a border dispute between the US and British North America.
The border passes through a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. From the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains to the scenic beauty of Lake Superior, the US-Canada border offers a wealth of natural wonders.
One of the most interesting aspects of the US-Canada border is its complex history, shaped by the interactions of indigenous peoples, European explorers, and colonial powers. This rich history has left a lasting impact on the border region, evident in the unique cultural and linguistic heritage of the area.
Border Length and Geography
The Canada-US border is a significant geographical feature that spans across the two countries. The total length of the border from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans is approximately 6,416 km, with 2,878 km of land and 3,538 km of water.
You might be wondering how long the border is from the Pacific to the Arctic Oceans. It's significantly shorter, at around 2,475 km, with 2,183 km of land and 292 km of water.
If you're interested in the exact distances in miles, the border from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans is around 3,987 miles, with 1,788 miles of land and 2,199 miles of water. From the Pacific to the Arctic Oceans, it's approximately 1,538 miles, with 1,357 miles of land and 181 miles of water.
Here's a quick summary of the border lengths in both kilometers and miles:
Keep in mind that these lengths are only for the sections of the border that run from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans and from the Pacific to the Arctic Oceans.
Border Crossings and Ports
Land ports of entry along the US-Canada border are open year-round during the day, except where noted. The yellow background indicates a border crossing where travel is permitted in only one direction.
Some border crossings are located at bridges or tunnels, which are marked with a green background. For example, the border crossing at Skagit Valley Provincial Park is located at a bridge and has access to Hozomeen Campground on Ross Lake.
Travelers should be aware that some former uncontrolled roads that served as points of entry were barricaded or closed in the mid-1970s, including roads in upstate New York and Vermont.
Here's a list of some notable border crossings:
Some border crossings are located in remote areas and do not require reporting, such as the unstaffed crossing at Sutton, Vermont, which briefly crosses the border into Canada for approximately 1/3 mile before crossing back to the US.
US States and Border Information

The US-Canada border stretches for hundreds of miles, with varying degrees of accessibility and traffic. The longest international border in the world has 18 land border crossings in North Dakota alone.
North Dakota's border with Canada is particularly notable, crossing into the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Red River of the North plays a significant role in this border region, flowing into Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba.
In contrast, the border between New Hampshire and Canada is much shorter, spanning approximately 58 miles. This border has only one crossing, the Pittsburg Chartierville Crossing, which sees about 10,000 vehicles per year.
Maine
Maine has the 3rd longest border with Canada, stretching 611 miles (983 kilometers) with the Canadian province of Quebec. This border is significant for trade and transportation.
Some of the busiest land border crossings in the country are located in Maine, including Calais-St. Stephen, Madawaska-Edmundston, and Houlton-Woodstock Road. These crossings are important for trucking transportation.
The St. Croix River forms 71 miles (114 kilometers) of the border between Maine and Quebec. This river is one of the most significant rivers at the border.
Here's a list of the top 5 states with the longest border with Canada:
North Dakota
North Dakota shares a 310-mile border with Canada, crossing the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The border is crossed at 18 land points, with Portal-North Portal being one of the most popular.
The Red River of the North passes along the North Dakota and Minnesota border before crossing into Canada. It ultimately drains into Lake Winnipeg in the Canadian province of Manitoba.
North Dakota's border with Canada is heavily trafficked, with many crossing points serving as a reminder of the strong connection between the two countries.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a border with Canada that stretches for approximately 58 miles. The Canadian province of Quebec sits across from New Hampshire.
The Pittsburg Chartierville Crossing is the only border crossing between New Hampshire and Quebec, and it receives about 10,000 vehicles each year.
In general, the Quebec side of the border is more populated and civilized, with farms and roads scattered up to the border.
US-Canada Border Map
The US-Canada border is the longest international border in the world, spanning over 8,891 kilometers.
The border is shared by eight US states and three Canadian provinces.
You can find the US-Canada border map, which marks the official border crossing points, on the official government websites of both countries.
The map highlights the various border crossing points, including airports, land ports, and marine ports.
The busiest border crossing point is the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which connects Michigan to Ontario.
The US-Canada border map is essential for travelers, traders, and anyone who needs to cross the border.
Sources
- https://www.internationalboundarycommission.org/en/the-boundary-and-you/interesting-facts.php
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canada%E2%80%93United_States_border_crossings
- https://www.worldatlas.com/geography/us-states-that-border-canada.html
- https://www.itmb.ca/pressrelease.php
- https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/map-of-us-border-between-united-states-and-canada
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