In the northwest corner of Washington state, a small and distinctive U.S. exclave named Point Roberts finds itself grappling with challenges coming from heightened tensions between the United States and Canada. The repercussions of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are unmistakably felt in this waterfront border town, where residents and businesses—many of whom did not support Trump—rely heavily on Canadian cooperation for survival. As a community that has long thrived on cross-border ties, the current situation has stirred concern among locals and visitors alike about the town’s future and how it will withstand the increasingly strained relations between the two nations.
Tamra Hansen, a longtime resident and business owner in Point Roberts, expressed deep concern over the impact of the trade impasse, describing it in personal terms. Her two restaurants, vital to the town’s social fabric, are facing dire financial difficulties. “This was really devastating,” Hansen explained, emphasizing the town’s dependence on Canadian patronage for its survival. If Canadian visitors dwindle, she fears the town could wither away.
Point Roberts is a uniquely situated enclave, separated from the mainland United States and accessible only via Canada. It occupies a mere 5 square miles, with water bordering it on three sides and only a land connection through Canada. The journey to downtown Vancouver, B.C., involves crossing the border just once and traveling approximately 25 miles north by car. For those needing to access mainland America through the United States, it necessitates two border crossings and a 25-mile drive via Canada. These geographical nuances have, over time, strengthened the town’s cultural and economic connections with Canada.
The town, renowned for its picturesque beaches, marina, golf course, and hiking trails, has historically been a favored retreat. However, growing hostilities are keeping Canadian visitors away, and American residents have faced tensions regarding their nationality. Point Roberts Fire Chief Christopher Carleton describes the area as a pristine natural wonder, endangered by political landscapes where decision-makers are out of touch with the community’s unique lifestyle. He advocates for mutual support among neighbors to preserve the community’s way of life despite external pressures.
Recent escalations in U.S.-Canada tensions, driven by Trump’s fluctuating threats to impose tariffs, have unraveled the longstanding amiable dynamic between the two countries. In retaliation, Canada has vowed to implement its own tariffs—further complicating matters for Point Roberts. Canadians, historically cherished as friendly neighbors, have found themselves significantly troubled by Trump’s divisive rhetoric, particularly his insinuations about Canada becoming the “51st state.”
Mark Nykolaichuk, a Canadian with personal ties to Point Roberts, maintains a unique view. Though he avoids mainland U.S. due to current tensions, he considers Point Roberts a special case. The seamless border shared for years instills a sense of unity rather than division for many Canadians who regularly crossed over. Much of the property in town is owned by Canadians, and many of its 1,000 permanent residents hold dual citizenship. The town’s economy has pivoted from fishing to retail, largely sustained by tourism and vacation property rentals. Surprisingly, in this evolving community, only seven students attend the local school, nicknamed “The Borderites.”
Nykolaichuk tries to keep the fragile local economy afloat by supporting the Point Roberts International Marketplace. With business reportedly down by 20% to 30%, he recognizes the grocery store as essential, particularly since U.S. customs restrictions prevent him from bringing certain goods, like raw meat, over the border. “Nobody wants to see this place shut down,” he emphasized, pondering the ramifications for local and visiting U.S. citizens alike.
Despite the broader political maneuvers, many Point Roberts residents sympathize with Canadian frustrations over perceived threats to their sovereignty. Hansen articulates a shared sentiment of compassion for Canadians navigating these turbulent times. For individuals like Larry Musselwhite, owner of Larry’s Liquor Locker, there is no shortage of frustration directed at Trump for the town’s economic hardships. Musselwhite, at 75, faces ongoing challenges in his business, recently feeling compelled to delay retirement due to declining sales.
Point Roberts residents overwhelmingly opposed Trump’s candidacy in the last presidential election, with over 75% supporting alternatives—higher than the wider Whatcom County average. The abrupt and unpredictable nature of tariff impositions has left residents wary of incurring unexpected penalties, affecting cross-border commerce and daily activities. This uncertainty has led to wider hesitancy about making purchases within the town at all.
Real estate agent Hugh Wilson observes this hesitancy firsthand through a drop in Airbnb bookings and increasing cancellations. He notes how the constantly shifting regulations create an unpredictability at the border, making routine travel complex and bewildering. The community remains anxious about the future, as unresolved trade disputes risk further escalations, potentially impacting essential services like water and electricity—supplied primarily from Canada.
Brian Calder, a fourth-generation resident and former president of the Chamber of Commerce, warns of the precariousness of these cross-border utilities. As local leaders seek solutions from Washington state and British Columbia, dialogue continues with national representatives to address Point Roberts’ unique challenges.
For Hansen, maintaining her restaurants, Saltwater Cafe and The Pier, amid declining business is a personal journey of perseverance. Her commitment to her 15 employees and the wider community is unyielding, despite financial instability. “There are some businesses that are going out of business right now as we speak,” she conceded, moved by her affection for her neighbors and the town’s enduring spirit.