The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is recalibrating the operating schedules of 13 land ports of entry across Manitoba, effective 2:00 am Central Time on 1 November 2026 through 2:00 am on 14 March 2027. The move responds to Manitoba's shift to permanent daylight saving time, which had created a mismatch with neighbouring US border facilities that continue to observe seasonal clock changes.
By aligning service windows with US counterparts, the CBSA aims to preserve seamless cross-border coordination—particularly for travellers deemed inadmissible who must return to their origin country immediately. The adjustment also gives carriers, logistics firms, and passengers clearer expectations of when each crossing will be staffed.
Operational details by port
The updated hours vary by location and traffic type. For example, the Cartwright and Coulter crossings will serve travellers daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with commercial operations available Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Meanwhile, the Lyleton port will remain open for travellers from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm every day.
In cases where a designated port is closed, the CBSA advises travellers to use an alternative crossing. The agency maintains coordination with emergency services on both sides of the border to facilitate urgent crossings when needed.
These changes reflect the CBSA's ongoing effort to streamline border management and improve service delivery for both Canadian and US travellers. For travel professionals—especially tour operators and cross-border logistics providers—the revised schedules will be critical for planning itineraries and delivery routes.
Manitoba's adoption of permanent daylight saving time, which took effect earlier this year, had created a one-hour discrepancy with US ports during the winter months. The CBSA's adjustment ensures that service hours remain consistent year-round, even as the US continues to shift clocks seasonally.
The agency has published the full list of affected ports and their new hours on its website. Travellers and commercial operators are encouraged to review the updated schedules before planning trips.
This is not the first time the CBSA has tweaked border hours to accommodate policy changes. Similar adjustments have been made in other provinces when local time regulations diverged from US practices. The agency's proactive approach helps maintain the efficiency of cross-border trade and travel, which is vital for the regional economy.
For the broader travel industry, this development underscores the importance of staying attuned to regulatory changes at border crossings. As Air Canada expands its winter network and other carriers adjust schedules, consistent border operations become even more critical for smooth passenger flows.
The CBSA's move also aligns with broader efforts to modernise border services, including the use of technology to expedite processing. Travel technology vendors and GDS providers should note the updated hours when integrating border-crossing data into their platforms.
For agents and tour operators, the revised hours may affect ground transportation arrangements and day-trip itineraries. It is advisable to communicate the changes to clients who frequently cross the Manitoba-US border.
As the travel industry continues to recover and evolve, such operational adjustments are a reminder of the complex logistics that underpin cross-border mobility. The CBSA's commitment to synchronisation with US ports is a positive step for both leisure and business travel.
