The Canada Border Services Agency has issued its Thanksgiving 2026 travel reminder for people entering Canada over the long weekend, with a clear message: plan the crossing before you leave. The October 6 advisory highlights documents, declarations, border wait times, food restrictions and the Advance Declaration option for participating airports.
CBSA also warns that the Monday of holiday long weekends tends to be the busiest day at land crossings. For travellers, that makes timing and preparation more useful than trying to predict an exact queue length hours in advance.
Canada Thanksgiving 2026: the border checklist
| Before you travel | What CBSA recommends |
|---|---|
| Travel documents | Have valid documents ready to present to an officer |
| Goods | Declare everything you are bringing into Canada |
| Land crossing | Check official border wait times and port hours |
| Airport arrival | Use Advance Declaration up to 72 hours ahead at participating airports |
| Food | Check restrictions before carrying food, especially poultry products |
| Weapons and restricted goods | Review import rules before travelling |
When are border crossings expected to be busiest?
CBSA says early mornings are generally the best time to cross by land to avoid heavier waits, while the Monday of holiday long weekends tends to be the busiest. That does not guarantee a short queue at any specific port, but it is useful when choosing between two realistic departure times.
Travellers should check the live border wait-time tool shortly before leaving and again if the trip is long enough for conditions to change.
Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle: construction may affect waits
The 2026 advisory specifically notes construction work at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle port of entry. CBSA says this may create higher-than-normal waits and suggests considering an alternative port of entry if another route is practical and has shorter wait times.
Do not rely only on the route chosen automatically by a navigation app. Check the official port hours and compare the fastest and shortest route options before committing to a crossing.
What do you need to declare?
CBSA’s instruction is simple: declare everything you have with you when entering Canada. If you are travelling by car, you are responsible for what is inside the vehicle.
For Canadian residents returning from abroad, personal exemptions can apply depending on the length of the trip and the goods involved. Keep receipts accessible and know the value of your purchases in Canadian dollars.
Thanksgiving food: pay attention to poultry rules
The advisory specifically warns about food containing poultry. Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada under the rule highlighted by CBSA for this travel period.
Food import restrictions can change because of animal-health conditions, so travellers carrying meat, eggs, dairy or plant products should check the official rules for the exact item and country of origin rather than relying on an old travel forum post.
Flying into Canada? Advance Declaration can save time
At participating Canadian airports, eligible travellers can submit their customs and immigration declaration through Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before arrival. This does not remove the border inspection process, but it can shorten the time spent completing the declaration after landing.
Before relying on the service, confirm that your arrival airport participates and that you have the information needed to complete the declaration accurately.
Travelling with medication
Prescription medication should remain in clearly labelled packaging whenever practical, and travellers should verify Canadian import rules for controlled or restricted substances before departure. CBSA’s reminder also notes that a doctor’s prescription is not the same as Health Canada authorization where a separate authorization is legally required.
Firearms, weapons and cannabis
CBSA encourages travellers to leave firearms and weapons at home. If you intend to travel with a firearm, the applicable import and declaration rules must be checked in advance.
Cross-border cannabis rules are especially important because legal possession inside Canada does not make it legal to carry cannabis across the international border without the required authorization.
How to reduce the chance of a stressful crossing
- Confirm passports and other travel documents before departure.
- Check your chosen port’s hours of operation.
- Review current wait times shortly before leaving.
- Keep receipts and a simple list of purchases accessible.
- Check food restrictions before packing coolers or leftovers.
- Submit Advance Declaration if arriving at a participating airport.
- Answer border questions directly and declare uncertain items rather than hiding them.
What if you are travelling with children?
Families should carry the documents normally required for each child. If a child is travelling without one or both parents or legal guardians, additional documentation such as a consent letter can help explain the travel arrangement if officers ask questions.
Allow extra time for family travel. A slightly earlier departure is often more useful than trying to make up time near the border.
Why the long weekend creates more pressure
Holiday weekends concentrate road traffic into a smaller number of peak periods. Border processing also involves more than simply checking passports: officers may need to examine goods, vehicles or travel circumstances. That is why a queue can change quickly even when the number of open lanes looks stable.
FAQ: Canada Thanksgiving border travel 2026
What day is likely to be busiest?
CBSA says the Monday of holiday long weekends tends to be the busiest at land crossings.
Can I complete my Canadian customs declaration before landing?
At participating airports, Advance Declaration can be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival.
Can I bring Thanksgiving leftovers containing poultry into Canada?
The October 6 CBSA advisory says homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada.
Where should I check border wait times?
Use the official CBSA border wait-time service shortly before departure and verify the port of entry’s operating hours.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency, October 6, 2026. More Canada travel coverage is available under Travel.
