Hyder–Stewart Border Crossing
| Hyder - Stewart Border Crossing | |
|---|---|
 The US - Canada Boundary at Hyder, Alaska | |
 Click on the map for a fullscreen view | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States; Canada |
| Location | US Port: None Canadian Port: Highway 37A International Border, Stewart, BC V0T 1W0 |
| Coordinates | 55°54′43″N 130°01′04″W / 55.912017°N 130.017807°W |
| Details | |
| Opened | 1914 |
| US Phone | None |
| Canadian Phone | (250) 636-2747 |
| Hours | 8:00AM - midnight PT (video telephone reporting after hours) |
| Statistics | |
| Website http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/offices-bureaux/515-eng.html | |
The Hyder - Stewart Border Crossing connects the communities of Hyder, Alaska and Stewart, British Columbia on the Canada–US border. It can be reached by British Columbia Highway 37A from Stewart and International Street from Hyder. There is no US border inspection station at this crossing, making it the only land border crossing where a person may legally enter the United States without reporting for inspection. The US closed its border station, which was located in the same building as the Boundary Gift Shop, in the 1950s. As a result, all flights leaving the Hyder Seaplane Base to other cities in Alaska are treated as international arrivals, and all passengers, including Hyder residents, must be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.[1] Hyder is the easternmost community in Alaska.
On April 1, 2015, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) decided to close its border station at Stewart between midnight and 8:00AM Pacific as a cost-cutting measure. The road was closed with a steel gate when the station is closed, cutting off the only road entry point into Hyder. The decision was met with protests from Hyder residents, as they rely on Stewart for health care and mainland road access, although the Canadian authorities reassured that the residents would continue to have access to emergency services.[2][3] The move also inconvenienced people wishing to cross the border early, such as mine workers working in mines accessible only via Hyder, as well as tourists entering Hyder for bear viewing.[4] Following discussions between US and Canadian officials, starting in June 2015 the road is reopened for 24-hour access. Anyone crossing into Canada after border station hours is required to report to CBSA by video telephone.[5][6][7]
See also
References
- ^ "13 strange facts about the town of Hyder Alaska". Retrieved 2014-10-12.
- ^ Armstrong, Matt (2015-04-02). "Hyder mayor: Canada silent on border road closure". KETCHIKAN DAILY NEWS. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
- ^ "B.C.-Alaska nighttime border closure cuts off tiny U.S. town". www.cbc.ca. 2015-04-05. Retrieved 2016-04-13.
- ^ Killen, Anna (2015-04-01). "In pictures: Stewart, B.C. and Hyder, Alaska residents protest border closure". Terrace Standard. Retrieved 2016-04-13.
- ^ Kheiry, Leila (2015-05-20). "Hyder border to reopen for 24-hour access". KBRD. Retrieved 2016-04-13.
- ^ "Tiny B.C.-Alaska border crossing gets overnight telephone check-in". www.cbc.ca. 2015-06-25. Retrieved 2016-04-13.
- ^ "Notice to All Travellers Requesting Clearance to Canada Between Midnight - 08:00 hrs Pacific Standard Time" (PDF). Canada Border Services Agency. 2015-06-24. Retrieved 2016-04-13 – via District of Stewart website.