Maple News reports that beginning January 6, 2025, the operating hours at 35 land border crossings between Canada and the United States will be adjusted, according to coordinated announcements from both nations’ border services. The new hours will take effect at 12:01 a.m. local time on that date and reflect a joint decision to harmonize services across both sides of the border.
These changes may have a considerable impact on cross-border travelers, especially those who regularly commute or use land ports for services such as flagpoling—a practice where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada within 24 hours to receive in-person immigration services. Temporary residents relying on these ports should take note of the updated hours to avoid disruptions.
Affected ports of entry span six provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The range of new hours includes reduced operational windows at several locations—from previously 24-hour or longer schedule to limited daytime hours. For instance, Alberta’s Del Bonita crossing will now operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, while British Columbia’s Nelway port will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Manitoba sees the largest concentration of changes, with 12 ports affected, including Cartwright, Crystal City, and Winkler. Elsewhere, Quebec will adjust hours at 10 ports, including Chartierville, Frelighsburg, and Lacolle Route 221. In Saskatchewan, service hours will vary based on seasonal daylight saving periods, such as Monchy, where hours change from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. to 10 a.m.–6 p.m. outside daylight saving months.
New Brunswick will see five of its ports, including St. Croix and Bloomfield, adopting modified schedules. Notably, some ports will also have differentiated hours based on weekdays or seasons. For example, Bloomfield will operate only Monday through Saturday, excluding U.S. and Canadian holidays.
Maple News notes that both the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are collaborating to ensure consistency and efficient staffing levels. These revised hours are part of a broader effort to optimize border services based on travel patterns and resource management.
Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and verify the specific local timings for their intended ports of entry, especially if using the border for time-sensitive immigration services. All hours referenced are in local time zones.
For commercial transporters and businesses, separate schedules remain applicable and can be referenced directly via CBSA’s official platforms.