Drivers In BC Are Avoiding The US-Canada Border Restrictions For Cheap Gas In Point Roberts

Gas prices have been soaring across Canada in recent weeks — but savvy drivers in B.C. have spotted an opportunity to get cheap gas and bypass the COVID-19 restrictions at the U.S.-Canada border.

According to the government website, Canada still requires a rapid antigen or PCR test to enter the country, and it requires all travellers to submit mandatory information, including proof of vaccination, via the ArriveCAN app.

However, in Point Roberts — a small community that's technically part of Washington state but is only accessible by driving through neighbouring Delta, B.C. — fully vaccinated Canadians can drive across the U.S.-Canada border for any length of time without the requirement to show a negative COVID-19 test when coming back into Canada.

That is because of an exemption that applies to Point Roberts, which the federal government recognizes as a "remote border community."

It's one of just five towns that are listed on the government's exemptions list, which is currently set to expire on March 31 and also includes Campobello Island, New Brunswick; Hyder, Alaska; Northwest Angle, Minnesota; and Stewart, B.C.

Drivers re-entering Canada from Point Roberts only need to submit proof of vaccination via the ArriveCAN app. They do not need to show proof of a negative pre-entry COVID-19 test, unlike at other border crossings. However, they can still be randomly selected to do a COVID-19 test once they're back home in Canada.

According to Gas Buddy, gas prices in Point Roberts on March 8 are between US$4.31 and US$4.43 for a gallon. This equates to between 146.6 and 150.6 Canadian cents a litre.

Compare that to the gas prices in neighbouring Delta, B.C., where, according to CAA, the average gas price is 209.9 cents a litre on Tuesday, and you can see why drivers are taking the short trip across the border to fill up.