I lived in Point ROberts and had to cross the blaine washington crossing everyday so I can tell you first hand it is a NIGHTMARE. They have taken my car apart removing seats etc. then left it all on the ground I had to call my son to help me get it back together.

I have been detained for more than an hour while they checked my background...and that was because when they ask where I was going I said the dentist and they ask the dentist name...and I could not remember it. It was my first visit! They made me late.

My husband bought a new car and it was raining they let drug dogs with muddy feet walk all over his seats...then when he bitched one of the guards took out a knife and said well we could look at the seats this way....some of the guards are complete assholes on either side or the border. It will just depend on which guard you get. My uncle drove all the way from Michigan to visit me but he had a felony conviction from the 60s and they refused to let him into Canada.
If your friend has a felony it would be better to fly or take the ferry from Seattle. They will still check your ID but they don't take your finger prints and run a background check like the border often does. Make sure you have a passport or TWO kinds of ID a picture ID AND a birth certificate. If you don't have an up to date passport they absolutely will not let you in unless you have both a picture ID and BC....

If you decide to chance it which you are taking a risk..at least drive east to the Surrey crossing...they are not as bad as the Peace Arch.

Good luck...let me know how it goes ok?
Oh and drug dogs are an everyday thing...cross clean.

Cat