We’re thrilled to announce that the Canada PCT Entry Permit program has restarted! After being paused since 2020, Canada Border Services Agency, PCTA, and the U.S. Forest Service worked together to restart it. We thank everyone involved for restarting this special program and facilitating it on an ongoing basis—crossing into Canada is a special part of the PCT experience.
A Canada PCT Entry Permit allows you to travel into Canada from the Northern Terminus of the PCT. With the permit, you can walk eight beautiful miles through British Columbia’s E.C. Manning Provincial Park to the nearest road.
Entering Canada without this permit is illegal.
Smiles and Flow arrive at the Canadian Border after walking 2,650 miles. Photo by Florian Astor
You’ll find detailed information on how to apply on our website here. Please follow the instructions carefully and be patient while many applications are reviewed.
Not everyone will be approved for a Canada PCT Entry Permit, and others will simply choose not to cross the border. Luckily, you have another option; you can do the “victory lap” back 30 miles to the nearest dirt road in the United States at Hart’s Pass. Please check for updates about Hart’s Pass Road as repair work continues. The connector trail in Canada is not an official segment of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, so don’t worry about it for completion. Learn more about getting to and from the Northern Terminus here.
Please remember, this permit is only for crossing into Canada via the Pacific Crest Trail. Should detours find you traveling off the PCT to get to the border, you’ll need to turn around as this permit does not allow entrance into Canada at other locations. Also, travel into the United States from Canada via the PCT remains prohibited.
Our warm thanks to the Canada Border Services Agency once again for restarting the program, and to all their staff who help Pacific Crest Trail travelers have a special experience in Canada.
Happy trails!