Point Roberts offers waterfront recreation and pene-exclave geography
Located on the Tsawwassen Peninsula, Point Roberts’ biggest strength is abundant outdoor recreation, from whale watching to hiking through fir forests. “There’s no major shopping; it’s more of a nature-based community. Lots of people are walking, running and biking,” says broker Greg Heppner, who works with National Real Estate Point Roberts and has over two decades of expertise in the area. For many remote workers, retirees and second homeowners, it’s a coastal paradise, home to multiple beaches with stunning views. The unique area is one of the only pene-exclaves of America, meaning it’s detached from the mainland and only accessible through Canada. The small town has a population of approximately 1,300, who are closer to Canadian metro hubs instead of American cities. “We are a very rural seaside community, very safe and quiet, yet close to all the amenities you could want in Richmond and Vancouver,” Heppner says.
Lighthouse Marine Park, Lily Point Marine Reserve and more recreation
Waterfront recreation is never far away in Point Roberts. In the southwest corner of the community, Lighthouse Marine Park offers a beach and the Whale Trail, where visitors can see whales and sea lions in the Strait of Georgia. “It's a park with a campsite, a place to launch a boat and go on a walk,” Heppner says. “A lot of people walk the beach.” Lily Point Marine Reserve, located on the east end of the community, has trails through the forest and along the cliffside, with overlooks of the strait. Bald eagles are common in the area, so the reserve is also popular with birdwatchers. Point Roberts Marina gives boaters access to multiple islands in the vicinity as well as the opportunity to spot the orca whales that live in the area.
Manufactured and contemporary homes in Point Roberts
Point Roberts is mostly residential, with many rural roads of woodsy lots. The area also has some denser subdivisions, like South Beach on its south end and Maple Beach on the west side. Both have single-family homes on smaller lots, often landscaped with fences and a few evergreen trees. The community offers water views on its east, south and west sides; the coastal feel attracts many part-time residents. “It’s mostly a second-home market. The second homes are for both Canadian and U.S. buyers. More people are buying here for retiring or working remotely; it’s an ideal place for them to live,” Heppner says. The architecture varies throughout the community, including manufactured homes that range from $110,000 to $450,000. Contemporary homes range from $330,000 to $1.1 million. Land is also available, priced between $20,000 and $770,000, depending on acreage.
Local businesses, including Kiniski's Reef and Kora’s Corner
The community doesn’t have any retail centers, but it has a handful of popular locally owned restaurants. “If you want burgers or wings with great views, there’s Kiniski's Reef. And for great lunches and sandwiches, you have Saltwater Cafe,” Heppner says. Kiniski’s Reef Tavern serves pub food with panoramic views of the strait, while Saltwater Cafe offers a cozy nautical-themed atmosphere. The Pier is a more upscale restaurant at the marina. Local stores include the gift shop Kora's Corner and the supermarket International Marketplace, both on the west side of town. Kora’s Corner features The Rubber Duck Museum, which has over 2,000 rubber ducks.
Schools from Point Roberts Primary to Blaine High
Point Roberts Primary School has a B rating on Niche. Blaine Middle School has a C-plus, while Blaine High School earns a B rating. The high school’s extracurriculars range from the Improv and Comedy Club to the Young Writers Society. The primary school is located right in the community, while older students must travel through Canada to get to Blaine, Washington, for the middle and high schools. Both are located about 25 miles away from Point Roberts, which can take nearly an hour with two border crossings. Blaine School District provides buses for Point Roberts students.
Fourth of July and Strings and Things: International Music Festival
Point Roberts hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration that includes a pancake breakfast, a parade and fireworks over the marina. At the Strings and Things: International Music Festival, visitors can watch six concerts over the course of a day in mid-July.
A 20-mile drive to Richmond, 25 miles to Vancouver and more logistics
Point Roberts is about 20 miles from Richmond, British Columbia, and about 25 miles from Vancouver. “Being so close Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport and the ferry attracts people here, both second-home and full-time residents,” Heppner says. The commute to Vancouver requires a border crossing and can take over 90 minutes during rush hour. Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal is about 10 miles from the community and connects to Nanaimo and Victoria.
