Canada border crossing travellers using Chief Mountain in Alberta should plan to complete their trip before the seasonal port closure at 6:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
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Canada Border Crossing Update
The Canada Border Services Agency says the Chief Mountain port of entry will close for the season and reopen in spring 2027.
This Canada border crossing connects southern Alberta with Montana through Alberta Highway 6. It is located on the boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta and Glacier National Park in Montana.
When The Chief Mountain Border Crossing Will Close
The Chief Mountain border crossing will stop processing travellers at 6:00 p.m. MDT on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The closure is seasonal rather than permanent.
According to the CBSA, the port operates from May to September because of its high elevation and harsh winter conditions.
The agency has not announced a specific reopening date for spring 2027 in the closure notice.
Travellers should check the CBSA’s current port-of-entry information before planning a trip around the reopening period.
Alternative Alberta Ports Of Entry
During the winter closure, travellers can use other Alberta ports of entry instead of this Canada border crossing to enter Canada from the United States.
Carway port of entry
Del Bonita port of entry
Coutts port of entry
These are the alternative Alberta ports of entry identified by the CBSA in its closure notice.
Travellers should check current operating information and available border wait-time information before leaving because service details may vary by location.
Where Chief Mountain Is Located
Chief Mountain is located south of Calgary along Alberta’s Highway 6.
The port sits on the boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park and provides a route between Alberta and Montana.
At 1,722 metres above sea level, Chief Mountain has the highest elevation of all border crossings in Canada, according to the CBSA.
The location is also known for its scenic setting near the Rocky Mountain landscape.
Because of the crossing’s elevation and winter conditions, its operating season is shorter than that of many other Canadian border-entry locations.
Chief Mountain Traffic During The 2026 Season
The CBSA reported that 53,993 travellers had entered Canada through Chief Mountain as of September 7, 2026.
The agency said that figure was nearly 5,000 higher than the comparable total from the previous year.
The figure covers travellers who entered Canada during the 2026 seasonal operating period, which began on May 15.
The CBSA’s 2026 seasonal-opening notice listed the following hours in Mountain Daylight Time:
May 15 to May 31: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
June 1 to September 7: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
September 8 to September 30: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
What Travellers Should Know Before Reaching The Border
All travellers must declare their goods upon entry into Canada.
Returning Canadian residents should keep receipts available for goods purchased or received outside Canada.
The CBSA encourages travellers not to bring firearms. Those who choose to travel with firearms should review the rules on importing firearms and other restricted or prohibited goods before travelling.
Travellers should also come prepared with the travel documents required for their circumstances. A border services officer will assess whether the traveller meets the applicable requirements for entry.
Checking the Canada border crossing’s status and estimated wait times before departure may help travellers choose the most suitable route.
Why The Seasonal Closure Matters For Cross-Border Trips
For people who normally use this Canada border crossing, the Chief Mountain closure may affect visitors travelling between southern Alberta and northern Montana, including people visiting the two nearby national parks.
Drivers who normally use Highway 6 should allow additional time if they need to reroute through Carway, Del Bonita or Coutts.
The most suitable alternative will depend on the traveller’s route, destination and the operating information available on the day of travel.
The closure does not remove the general requirement for travellers entering Canada to report to a designated port of entry.
Travellers should not attempt to cross the international border at an unauthorized location.
Chief Mountain Reopening Information
The CBSA says Chief Mountain will reopen in spring 2027.
The agency’s September 23, 2026 notice does not provide the exact date or operating hours for the next season.
Before travelling in 2027, visitors should consult the CBSA’s Directory of Offices and Services or Border Information Services for the latest details.
The CBSA can also be reached by telephone at 1-800-461-9999.
Operating information should be confirmed close to the planned travel date because seasonal conditions or operational requirements may affect service.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Chief Mountain border crossing close in 2026?
The Chief Mountain port of entry will close at 6:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
When will Chief Mountain reopen?
The CBSA says the port of entry will reopen in spring 2027, but the September 23, 2026 notice does not provide a specific reopening date.
What are the alternatives to the Chief Mountain port of entry?
Travellers can use the Carway, Del Bonita or Coutts ports of entry during the seasonal closure.
Why does the Chief Mountain border crossing close each winter?
The crossing operates seasonally because of its high elevation and harsh winter conditions.
Fact-Checked: Checked against the CBSA September 23, 2026 closure notice and its May 7, 2026 seasonal-opening notice, which identify the crossing’s Alberta-Montana route and operating period.
Disclaimer: Border hours and services can change, so travellers should confirm current information with the CBSA before departure.
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