Various small locations in the United States connect to the North American continent but do not physically connect to the rest of the U.S. Two of those spots require people to clear immigration and customs and then enter Canada. Then they do it all over again in reverse to gain access to the small parcel. Well, unless they want to take a boat. I’ve featured those locations previously: Point Roberts, Washington and Minnesota’s Northwest Angle.
A similar situation exists in Vermont . Sort of. However, no entry into Canada necessary.
Welcome to Alburg
Check out this peninsula at the northern end of Lake Champlain. Indeed, the peninsula features a long border with Canada, with water surrounding it on the remaining sides. It does not have a physical land connection to any other part of the United States. Technically it represents the same situation as Point Roberts and the Northwest Angle.
Well, except three bridges provide direct access. So, for this one, there’s absolutely no reason to travel into Canada and circle back. Yes, it’s physically disconnected. However it doesn’t hold the same esteemed position as the other two instances. You don’t have to clear customs and immigration twice to get to it. So you can just drive to it. You probably wouldn’t even realize its significance unless someone pointed it out.
My Experience
I visited this anomaly a few years ago. Actually I did cross an international border but only because I was driving down from Montréal (I would have had to cross that border regardless). It’s beautiful country up here. This photo wasn’t actually taken on the peninsula, but immediately to the east. I was camping at the state park on North Hero Island. This view looks across Lake Champlain towards the peninsula. It is literally as peaceful as it looks.
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