Chief Mountain Border Crossing

Chief Mountain border crossing

The Chief Mountain Border Crossing is located between the town of Babb, Montana and Pincher Creek, Alberta. It is one of only two ports of entry on the US-Canada border that closes down during the winter months. In fact, the US CBP calls this a summer station since they only open from May 15th to September 30th. This port of entry is also the only border crossing located within the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which is the combination of the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and the Glacier National Park in Montana.

Since the border crossing is located between the two parks, the route going to and from this port of entry is very scenic and usually used by vacationers who are planning on visiting the parks on both sides of the border. From May to August 2016, the Canadian border station alone welcomed 90,182 travelers. While this area is a popular destination during the summer months and processes a lot of vehicles, customs inspections are fairly quick.

Hours of Operations & Wait Times in Chief Mountain

The Canadian customs facilities at the Chief Mountain border crossing is open from May 15 to September 30 each year and has seasonal office hours. For commercial vehicles, the Canadian border station is open on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm. For passenger vehicles, the port is open daily from May 15 to May 31 between the hours of 9 am to 6 pm. From June 1 to Monday Labour Day, the port is open daily between the hours of 7 am to 10 pm. From Tuesday following Labour Day to September 30, passenger vehicles can enter Canada at this port between the hours of 9 am to 6 pm.

The US customs facility is also only open from May 15 to September 30 with seasonal operating hours. From May 15 to May 30, the port is open to all vehicles from 9 am to 6 pm. From June 1 to September 1, it is open from 7 am to 10 pm. From September 1 to September 30, it is open from 9 am to 6 pm.

Crossing the US-Canada border between the two parks is fairly quick and easy; travelers usually don’t experience any delays. If you want to monitor the current wait times at this location, you can download the CBP Border Wait Times app on Google Play or iTunes or the CanBorder app.

Weather, Traffic & Road Conditions

The Chief Mountain border crossing is a seasonal port of entry that experiences plenty of travelers passing through between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Travelers who wish to keep updated on weather-related road conditions, vehicle restrictions, road work, and other travel information in Montana can dial 511 (800-226-7623 for calls outside the state) or visit the state’s travel info map online. Travelers heading to Alberta can also get updates on road and weather conditions in the province by calling 511 (1-855-391-9743 for outside Alberta), following ‎@511Alberta on Twitter, or checking Alberta’s Road Conditions Map.

Contact & Directions for Your Trip

Travelers who want to learn more about crossing the border at the Chief Mountain port of entry can get in touch with the US or Canadian customs officials at this location using the phone numbers given below. To reach this port of entry, travelers can make use of the map and the directions posted below.

Find Directions to the Border Crossing on the Map

How to Get to the Border?

From the US, travel north on Montana Highway 89 until you reach the Highway 17. Continue all the way through Glacier National Park until you reach the US-Canada border. From Canada, head south on Alberta Provincial Highway 6 which starts near Pincher Creek. Drive through Waterton Lakes National Park until you reach the US-Canada border.

Address & Phone Numbers

U.S.A

U.S.: 1400 Chief Mountain Hwy, Browning, MT 59417
US Customs: (403) 653-3152

Canada

Canada: Highway #6, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Canadian Customs: (403) 653-3535

Things to Know Before the Chief Mountain Border Crossing:

The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the world’s first International Peace Park, having been formed back in 1932. It’s a World Heritage Site, and both parks have been declared by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserves.
Citrus, tomatoes, peppers, and home-grown tomatoes are prohibited from being brought into the US. All firewood, except those accompanied by a heat treatment certificate, are also prohibited from being brought into the US.
There are plenty of activities for vacationers stopping by Waterton Park for the summer. These include fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, windsurfing, and horseback riding.
Get a rare glimpse of endangered species such as the Canadian lynx or explore the underground caverns and tunnels of the Nakimu Caves in Glacier National Park.