The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on Monday announced significant changes for hikers using the Pacific crest trail (PCT), requiring entry through designated border checkpoints rather than directly via the trail.
This decision affects those travelling the 4,265-kilometre trail from Mexico to Canada, which includes a 13-kilometre segment into British Columbia’s Manning provincial park.
Previously, hikers could apply for permits to enter Canada through the PCT, but as of this policy shift, they must use nearby entry points such as Abbotsford or Osoyoos, located roughly 100 kilometers away.
As per CBC News, the CBSA stated that the new rules align with US customs and border protection policies, which similarly restrict trail-based entry from Canada into the United States.
The Pacific crest trail Association expressed disappointment but acknowledged the decision aligns with American regulations. The association has advised hikers to respect the new rules and consider the US-Canada border as the trail’s terminus unless they can logistically navigate the additional steps for Canadian entry.
Challenges for hikers
Vern Schram, general manager of Manning Park Resort, noted the logistical hurdles this change imposes on hikers, as per CBC News. Completing the Canadian portion now involves additional travel time and coordination, potentially adding three or more days to their journey.
Schram shared that the resort had traditionally welcomed several hundred PCT hikers annually, providing them with rest, meals, and packages containing fresh clothes and supplies. “We get the happy smile face. We get the ‘I just need to have a shower before I talk to anybody first,’” he said. However, he acknowledged that the increased difficulty might deter some from completing the Canadian segment altogether.
This policy adjustment comes amidst heightened scrutiny of border security. According to The Canadian Press, President Donald Trump has urged Canada to strengthen its southern border, though CBSA did not confirm if this move is directly tied to US concerns.
The Pacific crest trail’s cross-border access was previously suspended between 2020 and 2023 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With its reopening, the new rules underscore a stricter approach to managing entry points and monitoring compliance, as The Canadian Press.
