For decades, many of the thru-hikers who trek the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) have ended their journey just a few miles over the U.S.-Canada border. Yet they’ll now have to be satisfied with ending their hike at the border — or trekking an extra 62 miles to the closest available border crossing.

That’s because the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) changed the rules this week. Previously, hikers could apply in advance for a permit to cross the border on the trail. But the CBSA said Monday that it’s now prohibited to cross the border via the PCT.

The Canadian border agency didn’t provide a reason for the sudden change. However, President Donald Trump has threatened Canada with higher tariffs over claims that it’s sending illegal drugs across the border, and told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to “close up your borders.”

“The CBSA announced today it is discontinuing the issuance of permits to enter Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail without presenting yourself to a port of entry,” the Canadian agency said Monday. “This change will facilitate monitoring of compliance of trail users, enhance security at the border, and aligns with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who does not allow travellers to enter the U.S. from Canada on the trail.”

Thru-Hikers React

The 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail stretches all the way from Mexico to Canada. Most of the trail winds through the U.S. in California, Oregon, and Washington state. Only a small 8-mile section reaches into Canada within E.C. Manning Park, southeast of Hope in southern British Columbia.

Many hikers don’t even finish with the border crossing. The Pacific Crest Trail Association called the news “disappointing,” while acknowledging that the rule change merely brings Canadian policy in line with the U.S. In fact, American policy has long prohibited hikers from entering the U.S. through the trail.

“We can appreciate their points, and the fact that this policy is consistent with the United States’ policy,” the trail association said in a statement.

At least one thru-hiker doesn’t think the news will radically change the PCT for aspiring trekkers.

“I feel like it’s honestly not a huge deal,” said Dylan “Pickle” Tonkin, who finished the PCT a few years ago before founding Town Shirt, a hiking apparel company inspired by the trail. “We didn’t go into Canada when we finished. Not everyone does. We had a ride coordinated ahead of time, though.”

However, the rule change could impact local Canadian businesses. Every summer and fall, hundreds of hikers who complete the Canadian section of the trail end up at Manning Park Resort to pick up supplies, eat at the restaurants, or even spring for a night or two in a real bed.

But with the nearest border crossings now 60+ miles away from the trail, the resort’s general manager, Vern Schram, isn’t sure what to expect this year, the CBC reported.

“It’s quite an impediment to the last 13 kilometers and an awful lot of effort on their part, so I’m not sure how many people will actually go through with that, or they’ll say the border is good enough and that’s their final destination,” Schram said.