Coming to Lethbridge: Your Guide to Border Crossings
Border crossings are an important part of travelling internationally, and planning enough time to ensure you have a smooth experience is important, regardless of your mode of travel. Lethbridge is close to a number of southern Alberta border crossings, and if you're travelling through the city we'll make sure you know everything you need to know to make your border crossing as smooth as it can be!
Your Guide to Southern Alberta Border Crossings and Coming to Lethbridge
Ports of Entry
Most land crossings into Canada can be found along major highways, though some seemingly exist in the middle of nowhere. Alberta’s only 24hr port of entry is located on Highway 4/Interstate 15 at the crossing point of Coutts, Alberta and Sweet Grass, Montana. Other major ports on your journey to Lethbridge are:
- Coutts/Sweetgrass, Montana (open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) — Just over an hour from Lethbridge
- Carway/Peigan, Montana (open year-round) — An hour and 15 minutes from Lethbridge
- Del Bonita/ Montana (open year-round) — One hour from Lethbridge
- Chief Mountain/ Montana (open seasonally) — An hour and 45 minutes from Lethbridge.
Click here to find your closest Port of Entry and current hours of operation.
Documentation
A valid passport is required for all international travellers looking to enter the country. Canadian citizens may be able to use government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship to get across, though a valid passports is preferred. American Citizens participating in the NEXUS program may present their membership card as proof of citizenship when arriving at ports of entry.
When travelling with children, it is recommended to have a letter of consent prepared if one or more of their parents/legal guardians are not present. Letters should contain the date(s) of travel, full names of parents/guardians, the full name of the children crossing as it appears on their documentation, destination of travel, contact information, and signatures of the parents/guardians. The Government of Canada has posted a fillable consent form template that can be accessed here. If you have any questions of concerns, please see the government's FAQ page
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There are currently no required vaccination related documents required to enter Canada.
Outdoor Adventuring
Exploring nature is fun, no matter what country you're in! In fact, part of the draw towards travelling internationally is the chance to experience environments not available in your home country. But you must also be aware the restrictions places upon international adventurers.
When Crossing to Camp
Do not bring any firewood along with you, as wood products containing untreated bark are inadmissible to Canada. This regulation protects our natural resources from diseases like Dutch Elm disease and pests like Mountain Pine Beetles. Firewood can be purchased at most campgrounds or nearby gas stations.
When Going Hiking in Bear Country
When hiking it is always recommended to carry bear spray. While mace and pepper spray is illegal in Canada for personal use against other people, bear spray is admissible so long as the can directly states that it intended for use on animals. Make sure to declare bear spray when crossing and have it packed in an easily accessible spot in case officers request to examine it.
Travelling with Aquatic Pleasure Craft
All aquatic pleasure crafts (including paddle boards) must be inspected upon entry into Alberta at one of the mobile Aquatic Invasive Species check-stops. This protects Alberta’s natural resources from pests like Zebra and Quagga mussels. To pass inspection, pleasure craft must be clean of debris, dry, and drained of water from bilges, ballasts, coolers, etc. Also make sure that your drain plug is pulled on your boats. This is the law in Alberta and failure to comply may result in fines. Finally, ensure that all gear like oars, paddles, and personal flotation devices are thoroughly cleaned as well. For more information on Alberta's aquatic pleasure craft, click here.
Fishing
Planning to cast off on your time-off? Make sure you:
- Follow all provincial fish and wildlife guidelines
- Leave your live bait at home
- Clean your equipment before and after each use
- To learn more about sport fishing regulations in Alberta click here; for licensing inquiries click here.
Phones and Funds
While most major US credit cars are accepted in Canada, it is still advisable to carry some Canadian currency. Some smaller towns and campgrounds may not be equipped for card payments. In such cases, you can exchange your currency at any of Canada's national banks (CIBC, RBC, TD, and Scotiabank). Please note that some may charge a service fee for non-members. International travellers are also advised to notify your bank of any international travel plans to avoid transactions being flagged as fraudulent activity.
American travellers will still often have phone service while visiting Canada. In most cases, your phone will automatically connect to Canadian phone towers for service providers like Rogers or Telus. Nonetheless, we recommend that all travellers check in with their service providers prior to departure to avoid incurring any extra fees or roaming charges.
If you simply need an internet connection and don't need to worry about using cellular data, Canada has you covered! Free Wi-Fi is available in restaurants like McDonald's and Tim Hortons, as well as public buildings like libraries, visitor centres, malls, and many more. The whole townsite of Waterton is even equipped with free Wi-Fi
Travel Companions
Pets need proper documentation to cross the border too! Dogs and cats are required to have a signed rabies certification including the date and type of vaccination administered (please note that kittens and puppies under three months of age are exempt from the vaccination requirement). Service dogs are not subject to any import restrictions so long as the importer is the one who requires the animal.
To find out what requirements your pet needs, visit the Automated Import Reference System. Pets from certain states are subject to different requirements.
As of August 1, 2024, new documentation is required to bring your dog into the United States from Canada. On August 1 and afterwards, dogs entering into the United States will be required to:
- Be at least 6 months of age
- Have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant readable Microchip.
- Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- Appear healthy on arrival
- Have an export document issued and signed by a Canadian Licensed Veterinarian
For further information regarding specific documents and crossing requirements for dogs entering the United States, click here.
Firearms
Whether it be for hunting or in transit, all firearms must be declared upon arrival at Customs. Non-restricted firearms like rifles and shotguns may be temporarily imported for sporting or hunting, competition, in-transit movements, or for protection against wildlife in remote regions of the country. Alongside oral declaration, the importer must also provide proper documentation of the firearm(s) that will be verified by a customs officer. In addition to providing a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration from the importer, there is an importation fee of $25.00 CAD.
Importation of restricted firearms requires the completion of the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form, a $25.00 CAD importation fee, and an Authorization to Transport (ATT) permit from the province/territory's chief firearms officer. An ATT will not be issued for hunting or self-protection purposes.
Failure to declare any firearms and provide the required documentation will result in fines and potential seizure of the firearm(s).
Click here to find a PDF version of the RCMP's Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form.
Food, Alcohol, and Controlled Substances
All fruits, vegetables, and animal products must be declared upon arrival at Canada customs. In order to enter the country, all fruits and vegetables must be clean and free of pests, debris, and have proof of the country of origin—but don't worry, a produce sticker or labelled bag is all you need! Any dried, frozen, or canned vegetables are generally admissible so long as they do not contain any meat products. Meat and animal products must have labels identifying the country of origin and type of animal. Please note that failure to provide proof of origin for any product could result in the seizure of goods. Check out the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's website for more information.
The personal duty-free exemptions for alcohol and tobacco apply to those who are entering Canada after being out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours are as follows:
- 1.5 L of wine OR 1.14 L of alcoholic beverages OR 8.5 L of beer. Note the ORs. This means that you cannot claim 1.5L of wine and 1.14L of vodka without paying duties.
- 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200g of manufactured tobacco, AND 200 tobacco sticks. Note the AND. You can claim 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars under the exemption, but if you declare 400 cigarettes, only 200 are covered under the exemption.
- Though cannabis and cannabis products are legal in all of Canada, it cannot cross international borders. Even if it is medically prescribed, it is inadmissible due to differing regulations between countries. This includes CBD, THC, and any other derivatives in any form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossing the US-Canada Border Near Lethbridge
What border crossings are closest to Lethbridge, Alberta?
The nearest crossing is Coutts/Sweetgrass on Highway 4/Interstate 15, about an hour from Lethbridge and the only 24-hour port of entry in Alberta. Other options include Carway/Peigan (about 1 hour 15 minutes away), Del Bonita/Montana (about 1 hour), and the seasonal Chief Mountain crossing (about 1 hour 45 minutes). Current hours for each crossing are listed on the Canada Border Services Agency website.
What documents do I need to cross the Canada-US border?
A valid passport is required for all international travellers entering Canada. Canadian citizens may use government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, though a passport is preferred. NEXUS cardholders may use their membership card as proof of citizenship at the border.
Do I need anything special to cross the border with children?
If any parent or legal guardian is not present, it is strongly recommended to carry a signed letter of consent. The letter should include travel dates, full names of parents or guardians, the child's full name as it appears on their documents, the destination, and contact information. A fillable template is available through the Government of Canada's travel website.
Can I bring my dog or cat into Canada from the US?
Yes, with the right documentation. Dogs and cats must have a signed rabies vaccination certificate showing the date and type of vaccine administered. Kittens and puppies under three months of age are exempt. Service animals face no import restrictions. Requirements can vary depending on which US state you're travelling from, so it's worth checking the Automated Import Reference System before you travel.
Can I bring cannabis or CBD products across the border into Canada?
No. Although cannabis is legal throughout Canada, it cannot cross international borders in either direction. This includes CBD and THC products in any form, even if medically prescribed.
What is the duty-free alcohol allowance when entering Canada?
Travellers who have been outside Canada for at least 48 hours may bring in one of the following duty-free: 1.5 L of wine, 1.14 L of spirits, or 8.5 L of beer. Note that these are "or" options; you cannot combine them without paying duties.
Can I bring firearms into Canada for hunting or recreation?
Non-restricted firearms such as rifles and shotguns may be temporarily imported for hunting, sport shooting, or wildlife protection in remote areas, provided they are declared at customs and accompanied by a completed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. There is a $25 CAD importation fee. Restricted firearms require additional documentation, including an Authorization to Transport permit. Failure to declare any firearm can result in fines and the seizure of the firearm.
Can I bring bear spray into Canada?
Yes, bear spray is admissible, but it must be clearly labelled for use on animals, not people. Mace and pepper spray intended for personal use against humans are illegal in Canada. Declare your bear spray at the border and have it accessible in case officers want to inspect it.
Do US credit cards and cell phones work in Canada?
Most major US credit cards are accepted in Canada, though it's a good idea to carry some Canadian cash for smaller towns and campgrounds. For phones, most US plans will automatically connect to Canadian networks, but roaming charges may apply (check with your carrier before you leave). Free Wi-Fi is widely available at restaurants, libraries, malls, and visitor centres throughout the region.
Can I bring my own firewood or aquatic equipment into Alberta?
Firewood with untreated bark cannot be brought into Canada, as it risks introducing pests and diseases like Mountain Pine Beetle and Dutch Elm disease. Firewood is available at most campgrounds. All boats, paddleboards, and other aquatic equipment must be inspected at an Aquatic Invasive Species check-stop upon entry into Alberta — they must be clean, dry, and fully drained, with drain plugs removed.
Explore Lethbridge
Even if you can’t explore the rest of the world just yet, you can experience international cuisine within the city. Check out our story about all the international restaurants in Lethbridge by clicking here!
Our webpage is neither a legal document nor a complete list of current restrictions and requirements to cross the border. This Webpage is only a summary of the regulations and information for crossing the border as of 2026, published by Tourism Lethbridge to help visitors from the United States of America to Canada understand what documents and information they should have to help the border crossing go more smoothly. If you are travelling from a different country or would like more information, please check the Government of Canada website.