In Canada the parallel forms part of the border between Quebec and New Brunswick.
Ships heading north along the coast of Washington toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca must make radio contact with Canadian Coast Guard vessel traffic service upon crossing the 48th parallel.
At this latitude the sun is visible for 16 hours, 3 minutes during the summer solstice and 8 hours, 22 minutes during the winter solstice.
If the latitude in the northern hemisphere is 48º50' or smaller, it is possible to view both astronomical dawn and dusk every day of the month of July.
[1] Starting at the Prime Meridian and heading eastwards, the parallel 48° north passes through: