The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed that the Chief Mountain port of entry—linking Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta with Glacier National Park in Montana—will close for the winter at 18:00 MDT on 30 September. The high-altitude crossing, sitting 1,722 metres above sea level, is routinely shuttered each autumn due to severe weather. From May to early September this year, the crossing processed nearly 54,000 inbound travellers—up 10 per cent on 2025 volumes as U.S. leisure traffic rebounded. Once closed, the nearest 24-hour commercial options will be Carway, Del Bonita and Coutts. Businesses moving seasonal staff or equipment across the border should adjust logistics plans now, especially as construction on U.S. Highway 89 is expected to lengthen detours. CBSA recommends monitoring the online border-wait-time dashboard and ensuring ArriveCAN declarations are submitted in advance to speed processing at alternative checkpoints. Although Chief Mountain is primarily used by tourists, the closure can affect just-in-time deliveries to resort operators in both national parks. Companies should inform drivers of route changes and verify U.S. Customs hours on the Montana side to avoid unexpected layovers.
Source: Canadian Travel News
