Point Roberts is a small town in the United States, but it’s a little different from most American towns. This town is separated from the rest of the country by Canada! To go to school, students in Point Roberts have to take a special trip every day.
Each morning, students leave their homes in Point Roberts and head toward the Canadian border. They cross into Canada and travel through the city of Tsawwassen. Then they head south again and cross back into the United States to get to Blaine, Washington. This means they have to go through two border checkpoints every day, both on the way to school and on the way home. The whole journey takes about an hour each way!
The reason for this unique situation dates back to the Treaty of 1846 between the United States and the United Kingdom. The border between the U.S. and Canada was drawn along the 49th parallel, but this line cut through the small peninsula where Point Roberts is located. As a result, the town became part of the United States, even though it is surrounded by Canadian land and water on three sides.
For students in Point Roberts, this is a normal routine. Many of them are used to it, and the long commute has become just another part of their daily life. It may be a long trip, but on the bright side, students get to travel internationally every day.
In addition to its unique location, Point Roberts is known for its quiet, small-town charm. The town is popular with Canadians who visit to enjoy the local beaches and parks, especially during the summer. Popular sightseeing spots include Monument Park, the Enchanted Forest Trail, and Lighthouse Marine Park. Point Roberts has just over a thousand residents, making it a close-knit community with a peaceful atmosphere.
Vocabulary
Checkpoint – A place where people are stopped and checked when entering a different country.
Synonyms: Inspection point, border post
Example Sentences:
The students stop at the border checkpoint every day.
There are guards at the checkpoint to check your ID before you can cross.
Question: Have you ever gone through a checkpoint?
Treaty – A formal agreement between two or more countries.
Synonyms: Agreement, pact
Example Sentences:
The Treaty of 1846 decided the border between the U.S. and Canada.
Many countries sign treaties to avoid conflicts.
Question: Do you know any famous treaties from history?
49th Parallel – The line of latitude that forms part of the border between the U.S. and Canada.
Synonyms: Latitude line, boundary line
Example Sentences:
The 49th parallel is the line where the border between the U.S. and Canada is located.
Point Roberts is just south of the 49th parallel.
Question: Have you heard of any other important lines of latitude?
Peninsula – A piece of land almost completely surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water.
Synonyms: Cape, headland
Example Sentences:
Point Roberts is a peninsula surrounded by Canadian land and water.
We went to a beautiful beach on a peninsula last summer.
Question: Can you think of any famous peninsulas in the world?
Close-knit – A group of people who are very friendly and supportive of each other.
Synonyms: Tight-knit, united
Example Sentences:
Point Roberts is a close-knit community with just over a thousand residents.
Our neighbourhood is very close-knit, and everyone helps each other.
Question: Are you part of a close-knit community?
Grammar Focus - Modal Verbs
Example Sentences:
Students have to go through two border checkpoints every day.
They must travel through Canada to reach their school.
The students don’t have to bring a passport, but they do need identification.
Grammar Questions:
What do you have to do today?
Are there any activities you must do before going to school or work?
Discussion Questions
How do you usually get to school or work?
What’s the longest trip you’ve ever taken?
Have you ever travelled internationally? If so, where?
What are the advantages of living in a small town?
Do you prefer living in a small town or a big city? Why?
How do you think it would feel to cross a border every day for school?
What do you enjoy most about your hometown?
How do you think living near an international border affects daily life?
How do you stay entertained during a long trip or commute?
What is the most interesting place you have ever visited?
Do you enjoy travelling by yourself, or do you prefer to travel with others?
Do you think long commutes are a good time to relax, or are they stressful?