Changes to Canada-US Border Crossing Hours in 2025

Starting January 6, 2025, the operating hours for 35 land border crossings between Canada and the United States will change. These new hours will take effect from 12:01 am local time, and they will impact travelers crossing by road, making the available crossing windows shorter.

These changes are important for those who regularly cross the Canada-US border by car, as well as for newcomers using flagpoling services—a process where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada at a border crossing to complete their immigration paperwork in person.

The affected ports of entry are located in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The United States will also adjust the hours for several of its ports to align with the new Canadian timings.

Revised Border Crossing Hours

Here's a summary of the new operating hours for select ports of entry:

Alberta

• Del Bonita: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
  
  

British Columbia

• Cascade: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
• Nelway: 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week
  
  

Manitoba

• Cartwright: 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
• Gretna: 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week
• Winkler: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
  
  

Quebec

• Chartierville: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
• Highwater: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
• Lacolle Route 221: 6 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week
  
  

New Brunswick

• Bloomfield: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday (excluding holidays)
• St. Croix: 9 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week
  
  

Saskatchewan

• Estevan Highway: 8 am to 6 pm (March to November), 9 am to 7 pm (rest of the year)
• Monchy: 9 am to 5 pm (March to November), 10 am to 6 pm (rest of the year)
  
  

For a complete list of updated timings, travelers can visit the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website. All timings are based on the local time zone of the port.

Why Are the Hours Changing?

According to the CBSA, these adjustments are being made to "enhance overall security for both countries" and to "optimize the deployment of officers at busier ports of entry." By focusing resources more efficiently, the CBSA aims to improve the processing of travelers and goods, as well as manage enforcement activities.

This change also helps facilitate the return of inadmissible travelers and goods between Canada and the US. When one side of the border is closed while the other remains open, it makes the return process more complicated. These aligned service hours will ensure smoother coordination between both countries.

Understanding Inadmissibility

Inadmissibility refers to being denied entry to Canada due to reasons such as criminal convictions, health issues, security concerns, or immigration law violations. The new border hours are expected to help both countries manage inadmissibility cases more efficiently.

If you frequently cross the Canada-US border, be sure to plan ahead and check the new timings before your trip to avoid any inconvenience.