In southeast Alaska lies an historic 33-mile path now prepared for tourists. Spanning across both Canada and the U.S., the Chilkoot Trail sees both its American and Canadian sections accessible this season; however, crossing between countries remains off-limits for hikers.
U.S.-Canada border
.
The National Park Service along with
Parks Canada
has alerted visitors that venturing across the international boundary is against the law and thus they “need to turn back at the frontier.”
The path and the frontier entry point have remained shut for almost five years due to COVID-19 regulations and subsequently significant flooding damage on the American side.
Currently, either section can be used, but those wanting to hike the full path must register at an official point of entry. There isn’t a specific checkpoint along this route, with the closest customs facility located in Skagway—a town approximately 11 miles away from the starting point on the U.S. side.
The difficulty in overseeing border crossings was mentioned by the Canada Border Services Agency as justification for keeping the COVID-19 era regulation in place.
“The CBSA is collaborating with its partners to enhance border security measures, which is why they continue to enforce a ban on entering Canada via the Chilkoot Trail. This restriction remains in place due to the inability to effectively track individuals crossing the border and monitoring their belongings at this isolated site,” said the agency in a statement to CBS News.
The CBSA stated that its choice aligns with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s decision to prohibit travelers from entering the U.S. via trails from Canada.
Before 2020, hikers had the option to register prior to beginning their trek and were able to cross the border using valid paperwork.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not promptly reply to requests for comments.
Within the jurisdiction of the National Park Service’s
May announcement
Regarding the reopening of the path, Park Superintendent Angela Wetz stated, “Following five years of closure, Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park is now joyfully inviting trekkers back to hike along 16.5 miles of this breathtaking trail.”
The path extends from Dyea, Alaska, all the way to Bennett, British Columbia. Accessible solely during summertime, it previously welcomed more than 15,000 trekkers and camping enthusiasts annually prior to the outbreak of COVID-19.
as per the National Park Service
.
International trekking adventures are growing increasingly difficult for avid hikers. In January, the Canada Border Services Agency
announced
Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail will no longer receive permits to enter Canada unless they go through a port of entry.
The agency stated, “Hikers from the U.S. aiming to finish the Canadian part of the trail without a permit must now initially enter Canada through an authorized port of entry.”
Since President Trump’s second inauguration in January, his remarks concerning annexation along with threats of tariffs have put a strain on U.S.-Canada ties.
A meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney
Last month, in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump stated that the U.S. aims to have friendship with Canada, yet he simultaneously conveyed his wish to integrate Canada as part of the U.S.
When observing that stunning arrangement, when everything comes together, I consider myself quite an artistic individual,” Mr. Trump stated during the discussion. “But when I saw that…I thought, ‘This is exactly how it should be.’
Carney replied by informing Mr. Trump that Canada is not up for sale. He stated firmly, “Canada is not for sale, will never be for sale, period.”
As part of his rationale for imposing tariffs—which have largely been suspended—on Canada, Mr. Trump argued:
claimed
that large amounts of fentanyl come into the U.S. from its northern neighbor. He
accused the country
failing to allocate adequate focus and resources or engage in meaningful collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies to successfully curb the flow of illegal narcotics.
But
there is little evidence
Canada serves as a refuge for drug smugglers. During the 2024 fiscal year, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection confiscated 43 pounds of fentanyl at the northern border, whereas they seized 21,100 pounds at the southern border.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
reacted to Mr. Trump’s assertions
At that point, he mentioned that Canada had put into action a $1.3 billion strategy aimed at increasing helicopter deployments and boosting personnel presence on the ground, along with designating a “Fentanyl Czar.” He noted that during the period from December 2024 to January 2025, the amount of seized fentanyl coming from Canada and intercepted by U.S. officials plummeted by 97%, reducing to merely 0.03 pounds.
Unsanctioned entries into the U.S. continue to be minimal relative to the interactions occurring along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Customs and Border Protection data for fiscal year 2024, around 11,000 incidents took place at the U.S.-Canada border. Conversely, over 250,000 individuals tried to enter the country via the southern frontier.
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