Canada Warns of Heavy Thanksgiving Traffic and Shares Tips for a Faster Border Crossing
The U.S. Thanksgiving weekend, set for November 27, 2025, is expected to be one of the busiest periods for cross-border travel between Canada and the United States.
In preparation for that, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is already reminding travelers to start planning.
Expectations for 2025 based on 2024 numbers
Last year, during the holiday season, cross-border travel between Canada and the United States showed robust growth, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and setting the stage for an even busier holiday weekend in 2025.
13 U.S. states share a border with Canada and offer 119 official border crossings. However, the primary points of entry for U.S. residents by car are Blaine (between Washington and British Columbia), Buffalo-Niagara (between New York and Ontario), and Detroit (between Michigan and Ontario). These three crossings together accounted for 70.9% of all trips.
Adding Port Huron in Michigan and Champlain–Rouses Point in New York to the above brings the total to five that handle nearly 100% of the volume. The remaining 114 crossings saw only a sliver of traffic.
During the 2024 Thanksgiving weekend, congestion peaked on Wednesday and Sunday at Blaine, Washington, with hourly vehicle volumes 20-30% above typical weekend levels, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
On Wednesday, traffic along I-5 peaked between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., followed by shorter surges on Thursday (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) and Friday (11 a.m.–6 p.m.). Northbound travel on Saturday through Monday returned to typical patterns.
Southbound traffic showed little change from usual on Wednesday through Friday, but volumes climbed on Saturday (9 a.m.–4 p.m.), Sunday (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), and Monday (7 a.m.–12 p.m.).
Alternative border crossings for holiday travelers
When the main crossings at Blaine, Buffalo–Niagara, Detroit, Port Huron, and Champlain–Rouses Point back up, nearby alternatives can ease Thanksgiving congestion. Check the border wait times online before departing.
Drivers between British Columbia and Washington can reroute through Sumas–Abbotsford, adding about 30 to 40 minutes but often avoiding I-5 gridlock.
Those near Buffalo–Niagara Falls can switch to the Lewiston–Queenston Bridge, roughly 20 to 25 minutes away, to bypass long Peace Bridge lines.
Travelers moving between Ontario and Michigan typically have two options. While using the Port Huron–Sarnia (Blue Water Bridge) may add about 1 hour and 15 minutes to the trip, it is often less congested than the Detroit–Windsor crossings.
On the New York–Quebec corridor, drivers can detour to Highgate Springs–St. Armand/Philipsburg, about an hour east of Champlain–Lacolle. This route is longer by an hour, but it may still save time.
How to cross the border smoothly this Thanksgiving
The CBSA’s latest guidance outlines several steps to ensure a quick and stress-free border crossing.
Officials recommend keeping passports and identification ready for inspection.
Declaring every item in the vehicle, from groceries to gifts, is essential. The guidance reminds travelers that bringing any poultry product is forbidden. It includes homemade food and leftovers.
Canadian residents returning home should check their duty-free limits in advance and bring all necessary receipts along.
While it is unlikely anyone is hauling steel, aluminum, or vehicles on a Thanksgiving weekend trip, the CBSA reminds travelers that the 25% surtax remains in effect.
Officials also noted that in 2024, the agency processed more than 93.4 million travelers, intercepted over 34,400 kilograms of illegal drugs, and prevented 17,200 weapons and 930 firearms from entering Canada.
Travelers planning to bring fireworks should first consult the rules to confirm that the products are authorized.
The CBSA urges everyone to review the list of restricted and prohibited goods before departure to avoid fines, seizures, or prosecution. All prohibited items, such as firearms, weapons, narcotics, and cannabis, must be left behind.
Flying instead of driving?
Data from the travel deals platform Going indicates that Americans started searching for Thanksgiving flights about two weeks earlier than in 2024.
While flying on Thanksgiving Day still offers 15% to 30% savings, Going’s regional data shows that nearby dates may just be more affordable.
Return flights remain the most expensive, with the Sunday after Thanksgiving (November 30) showing the highest post-holiday fares.
For Canadians flying home or visiting family in the U.S., Air Canada remains a leading choice. The airline was named Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, earning nine honors across business, premium, and economy categories.
Syndicated from The Roam Report.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.