As warm weather returns to southern Alberta, the Chief Mountain border crossing has officially reopened for the summer season.

Located 69 kilometres south of Pincher Creek along Highway 6, through the eastern edge of Waterton Lakes National Park, the Chief Mountain port of entry connects Alberta with the state of Montana. 

Canadian Border Services Agency confirmed that the crossing opened May 15, and the port of entry will remain open to travellers until Sept. 30. 

While many border crossings remain open year-round, the Chief Mountain port of entry closes before winter due to its high elevation and the harsh conditions that come with the season. Sitting 1,722 metres (5,649 feet) above sea level, Chief Mountain is the highest border crossing in Canada.

Currently, the port of entry is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and those hours of operation will remain in place until May 31. From June 1 to Sept. 1, it will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., before reverting back to the original hours from Sept. 2 to 30.

The seasonal border crossing is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly day-trippers, campers and hikers looking to visit nearby Glacier National Park. The numbers back this up, as 65,000 travellers passed through Chief Mountain border crossing in 2024.

To speed up processing times, CBSA encourages anyone planning to pass through the Chief Mountain border crossing to ensure they are prepared.

All travellers must declare their goods upon entry into Canada, and returning residents should be prepared with receipts for any purchases or items received while outside the country. Some goods imported from the United States may be subject to a 25 per cent surtax if they exceed the personal exemption limit.

CBSA also reminds travellers to check the rules before transporting firearms or restricted goods across the border.

For more information on border services and travel requirements, consult the CBSA website or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.