Over 175 years ago, this US town was left behind in Canada. Here’s what it’s like to live there now

CNN - Apr 8th, 2025
Open on CNN

Point Roberts, a U.S. pene-exclave accessible only through Canada, offers a unique lifestyle characterized by natural beauty, safety, and community spirit. Residents like Hannah Shucard and the King family have traded urban life for this secluded haven, drawn by its slow pace, idyllic environment, and tight-knit community. However, the town faces logistical challenges due to its geographic isolation, such as border crossing for daily needs and medical care, and an educational system that requires students to travel outside the enclave for schooling beyond second grade.

The economic stability of Point Roberts is threatened by rising U.S.-Canada tensions and tariffs, impacting its reliance on Canadian visitors for tourism and cross-border shopping. Businesses like Kora’s Corner Country Store, run by the Kings, are feeling the uncertainty as anti-U.S. sentiment grows in Canada, leading to boycotts. Despite these challenges, residents remain hopeful, relying on the enclave's community spirit and resilience to navigate future uncertainties. The story of Point Roberts highlights the complexities of living in a geographically unique area amid broader geopolitical tensions.

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RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and engaging portrayal of life in Point Roberts, effectively highlighting the unique geographic and lifestyle aspects of this U.S. exclave. Its strengths lie in its vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and clear narrative structure, which make the story both relatable and informative. The article successfully captures the idyllic nature of the community while also addressing the practical challenges faced by residents due to geographic isolation and economic dependence on Canada.

However, the story could benefit from greater source diversity and transparency, particularly regarding the selection of interviewees and the broader geopolitical context. While it provides a balanced view of the community's lifestyle and challenges, the lack of in-depth analysis on political and economic issues limits its potential impact on public discourse.

Overall, the article serves as an informative and engaging piece that sheds light on the unique experiences of Point Roberts' residents, with room for further exploration of the broader implications of living in such a distinctive location.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story provides a largely accurate portrayal of Point Roberts, aligning well with established facts about its geography, history, and community. The description of Point Roberts as a U.S. exclave accessible by land only through Canada is accurate, as confirmed by sources detailing its unique geographic situation. The population figure of approximately 1,200 residents is slightly higher than some reports, which suggest around 1,000 year-round residents, indicating a minor discrepancy. The historical account of the Oregon Treaty and its impact on the region's borders is factual, supporting the story's narrative.

The article accurately captures the community's dependence on Canadian visitors for economic sustainability, a point corroborated by sources discussing the economic interplay between Point Roberts and Canada. The logistical challenges faced by residents, such as border crossings for healthcare and education, are well-documented and reflect the reality of living in this unique location. Personal stories, like those of Hannah Shucard and the Kings, are anecdotal but plausible, adding depth to the narrative without contradicting known facts.

8
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of life in Point Roberts, highlighting both its idyllic qualities and the challenges posed by its geographic isolation. It effectively contrasts the peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle with the economic and logistical difficulties faced by residents, such as dependency on Canadian infrastructure and the impact of U.S.-Canada tensions.

However, the article could have included more perspectives from Canadian visitors or officials to provide a fuller picture of cross-border dynamics. While it touches on anti-U.S. sentiment and tariffs, it does not delve deeply into Canadian perspectives or the broader political context, which would enhance the balance of viewpoints.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and engaging narrative that effectively conveys the unique aspects of life in Point Roberts. The structure is logical, with a smooth flow from the idyllic descriptions of the community to the practical challenges faced by residents.

The language is accessible and vivid, painting a detailed picture of the town's environment and lifestyle. The use of direct quotes adds authenticity and personalizes the story, making it relatable and easy to follow. Overall, the clarity of the article supports reader comprehension and engagement.

7
Source quality

The article relies heavily on personal anecdotes and quotes from residents, which add authenticity but limit the breadth of source diversity. While these firsthand accounts provide valuable insights into the community's lifestyle and challenges, the lack of external sources or expert opinions on geopolitical or economic issues reduces the overall reliability.

The absence of direct citations or references to authoritative sources, such as government reports or academic studies, affects the article's credibility. Including such sources would strengthen the factual basis and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed.

6
Transparency

The article provides clear context about the unique geographic and historical aspects of Point Roberts, but it lacks transparency regarding the sources of its information. The narrative relies on personal accounts without disclosing how these individuals were selected or whether their views are representative of the broader community.

Additionally, the article does not address potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence the perspectives presented. Greater transparency about the methodology and selection of interviewees would enhance the reader's trust in the story's impartiality and accuracy.

Sources

  1. https://www.britannica.com/place/Point-Roberts
  2. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-this-u-s-border-town-is-grappling-with-trumps-trade-war-with-canada
  3. https://www.bellingham.org/point-roberts
  4. https://economictimes.com/news/international/global-trends/all-about-point-roberts-the-us-town-with-just-one-grocery-store-and-three-eateries-and-at-the-mercy-of-canadians/articleshow/119421344.cms
  5. https://pointrobertsnow.com/border-crossing-information/