SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 14, 2025 – Another sign of the times is impacting long-enjoyed travel freedoms: Canada has closed its border at the top of the Pacific Crest Trail, the 2,650-mile wilderness path that runs from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington State.
The End of an Era for Pacific Crest Trail Hikers
Previously, hikers—who take about 5 months to walk the entire length—could simply apply for a permit that allowed them to walk the 8 miles into southern British Columbia to complete their journeys at Manning Park Resort. Since the late 1930s, the Manning Provincial Park area has achieved legendary status among an international community of hikers as a terminus where victorious PCT participants celebrate the finish line of their odysseys, recover with fellow explorers, and enjoy clean clothes mailed from home.
A New Reality for PCT Completion
Now, all hikers who reach the PCT’s endpoint in Washington at the Canadian border with the United States must turn around and backtrack, retracing the previous 32.3 miles they’ve walked to go back to Hart's Pass, where they can arrange onward road transportation.
Official Statement from Canadian Authorities
Without warning, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) replaced the webpage used for permit applications with this terse statement: “The Pacific Crest Trail permit program has ended. Anyone seeking to complete the Canadian portion of the trail must use a designated port of entry.”
Alternative Entry Points into Canada
The nearest acceptable ports of entry into Canada are now Abbotsford and Osoyoos, each of which is about 60 miles away, as the crow flies, from the trail. If hikers were to walk to those ports of entry, the effort would add many days to their itineraries.
The Reasoning Behind the Border Closure
The change was not explicitly made out of security concerns, but because U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not allow hikers to enter the U.S. from Canada on the trail. The uncharacteristic border closure is widely interpreted as a response to recent aggression by the Trump administration.
Clarification from the CBSA
“Hikers from the U.S. without a permit who wish to complete the Canadian portion of the trail will from now on be required to first enter Canada via a designated port of entry,” the CBSA confirmed in a release.
A History of Border Restrictions
The border on the PCT was also closed temporarily during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of Canada’s larger efforts to contain the disease.
Impact on the Hiking Community
This sudden change in policy has sent ripples of concern and disappointment through the hiking community. The tradition of finishing the PCT at Manning Park has been a cherished ritual for generations of hikers. The added logistical challenges and the need to backtrack significantly alter the experience and potentially deter future hikers. The closure also raises questions about the future of cross-border recreational access and the impact of political tensions on outdoor enthusiasts. Many are hoping for a swift resolution that allows hikers to once again experience the full length of this iconic trail. The loss of this traditional endpoint is not just a change in itinerary; it represents the loss of a shared experience and a significant part of the PCT’s history.
The Future of the Pacific Crest Trail
While the immediate future of the Canadian section of the PCT remains uncertain, the spirit of the trail and the determination of the hiking community are likely to prevail. Hikers are known for their resilience and adaptability, and it is expected that they will find new ways to celebrate their achievements and experience the beauty of the trail. However, the closure serves as a reminder of the fragility of cross-border access and the importance of preserving these shared natural spaces for future generations. The long-term impact on the PCT's popularity and the potential economic consequences for communities near the trail are yet to be seen.
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