Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Border Cities
🇨🇦 Del Bonita, Alberta
🇺🇸 Del Bonita, Montana
Coordinates
48.98°N, 113.25°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wait Times
15-30 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~300 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Limited near Del Bonita (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps
Safety Information
Remote, beware wildlife
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Del Bonita, Alberta & Del Bonita, Montana
A Remote Prairie Passage
In the vast plains of Montana’s Glacier County, the Del Bonita border crossing connects to Alberta’s Cardston County via Montana Highway 213 and Alberta Highway 62. This quiet port, one of Montana’s less-traveled crossings, serves those heading to Great Falls (2 hours south) or Lethbridge (1 hour north). With minimal traffic and sparse services, it’s a low-key option, but scams in nearby towns and limited hours call for checking CBP or CBSA updates before travel.
Historical Background
Opened in the 1930s, Del Bonita supported homesteaders and ranchers in a rugged region. Named for a nearby creek, it facilitated cattle and grain trade across the border. Prohibition-era smuggling—whiskey and livestock hidden in hay bales—left colorful stories, like a 1932 bootlegger chase across the plains ending in a standoff. Its small scale persists, serving local farmers and travelers seeking the prairie’s solitude. The crossing’s remote vibe reflects its roots as a lifeline for early settlers carving out lives in harsh terrain.
Crossing Details and Wait Times
Northbound, you’ll stop at Del Bonita’s CBP office (4071 Chalk Butte Road, Cut Bank) for an exit stamp, then reach Canadian immigration, needing a passport and possibly a $7 CAD eTA (apply online). Southbound, expect a Canadian exit stamp and U.S. entry rules, usually just a passport. Hours are 9 AM–5 PM (June–August) and 9 AM–3 PM (September–May). Waits are under 10 minutes, with rare 20-minute summer delays. Check CBP’s Border Wait Times or CBSA’s CanBorder app. It’s a “Permit Port,” so cargo needs pre-approval from Sweetgrass.
Scam Warnings
Scams are rare due to low traffic, but “border guides” in Alberta may charge $10–$30 for fake help. Use only CBSA/CBP services and secure an eTA online. Currency exchange scams in nearby towns like Cardston push poor rates—carry USD/CAD cash or use Cut Bank ATMs. Secure valuables, as services are scarce. Avoid unofficial offers for “fast-track” processing—they’re scams targeting unsuspecting travelers.
Getting There
From Great Falls, it’s a 2-hour drive to Del Bonita via Montana Highway 213, crossing open plains. No public transit serves the border, so drive or rent a car. From Alberta, Highway 62 reaches Lethbridge in 1 hour. Gas and services are in Cut Bank, Montana, or Cardston, Alberta, 30–40 minutes away. Confirm taxi fares upfront, as rideshares are nonexistent. Cyclists, note the flat but windy roads—gear up for gusts and long stretches without shade.
Roads and Surroundings
Highway 213 and Highway 62 are paved but narrow, with antelope or coyote crossings. Summer (June–August) is clear; winter (November–March) brings blizzards, requiring chains or snow tires. The prairie’s endless horizons stun, with summer highs of 25°C and winter lows of -20°C. Wind and dust are common, so pack layers. Check Montana’s 511 or Alberta’s (877) 262-4997 for road updates. The vast, open landscape feels like stepping into a painting.
Local Sights
Cardston’s Remington Carriage Museum, 40 minutes north, showcases pioneer history with vintage wagons. Glacier National Park, 1.5 hours west, offers epic hikes. Try local beef jerky or Alberta’s frybread at Cardston’s Cobblestone Manor. Lethbridge’s Fort Whoop-Up, 1 hour north, dives into the fur trade era. For nature lovers, Milk River’s Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, 1.5 hours northeast, features ancient petroglyphs.
Cultural and Economic Role
Del Bonita blends Montana’s ranching heritage with Alberta’s prairie culture, seen in shared rodeos and Cardston’s Heritage Days, featuring cowboy poetry and crafts. It supports grain and cattle trade, vital to local economies. Its remote charm draws travelers seeking solitude, with the crossing fostering a quiet but strong cross-border bond. Farmers’ markets in Cut Bank and Cardston highlight local produce, tying communities together.
Travel Tips
Check hours (9 AM–5 PM summer, 3 PM rest of year) and carry cash—ATMs are far. An eTA saves time for visa-exempt travelers. Winter drivers need snow gear; check Montana’s 511 or Alberta’s (877) 262-4997 for closures. Declare all goods, especially boats, which face Aquatic Invasive Species inspections in Alberta. Secure valuables in this isolated area and pack snacks—services are minimal.
Extra Tips for Visitors
Cell service is weak—download maps ahead. Summer winds kick up dust; winter blizzards demand caution. Locals are sparse but friendly—plan for self-reliance. Try Cut Bank’s Pioneer Bar for a burger or Cardston’s Cobblestone Manor for tea and scones. Photographers, capture the prairie’s golden hour glow. Locals share tales, like a 1940s cattle drive that halted the crossing, adding charm to this off-grid spot.