On the heels of the news that Americans are now visiting Canada more than Canadians visit the U.S. in a historic reversal, Canadians will no longer be able to use this border road.
Along the Canada–U.S. border lies a remote strip of road that Canadians have travelled freely for generations.
The catch? It’s actually on the American side.
For decades, Canadians have used Montana’s Border Road because it links seamlessly with numerous Alberta routes.
Under a long-standing arrangement, Toole County, Mont., provided the gravel while Warner handled the upkeep — a reflection of the close ties between the two border communities.
For decades, residents have travelled Border Road without passing through an official crossing — even during past U.S. border security crackdowns.
As of next year, Canadians will no longer be able to use the road without first going through an official crossing.
Warner’s Reeve Randy Taylor said U.S. Homeland Security confirmed the shutdown timeline in a meeting last week, after months of speculation.
Canadians have long relied on Border Road because it intersects with so many Alberta roads.
In response, the county plans to construct a new gravel road entirely on the Canadian side.
According to a report by the CBC, Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen stated that the county has made significant progress in designing a replacement road, and, pending funding approval, construction is expected to start late this fall or early next year.
The decision to close access to the road next summer is part of broader Canadian and U.S. efforts to tighten border controls.
Can Canadian citizens drive across the US border?
Yes, Canadian citizens can drive across the US border.
They will need to present the correct travel documents and may be subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers.
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