Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Border Cities
🇨🇦 Roosville, British Columbia
🇺🇸 Roosville, Montana
Coordinates
49.00°N, 115.07°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wait Times
15-45 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~1500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Available near Roosville (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, rural area
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Roosville, British Columbia & Roosville, Montana
A Major Trade Corridor
Straddling the 49th parallel, the Roosville border crossing links Eureka, Montana, with Roosville, British Columbia, via U.S. Highway 93 and British Columbia Highway 93. This 24/7 port, one of Montana’s busiest alongside Sweetgrass and Piegan, serves travelers heading to Kalispell (1 hour south) or Banff (3 hours north). It’s a key trucking route for timber and coal, with heavy traffic that can spike delays. Foreign visitors should check U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for updates, as scams and limited services in nearby Fernie require preparation.
Historical Significance
Opened in the early 1900s, Roosville tied Montana’s logging industry to BC’s coal mining boom. Named for a local settler, it became a vital trade hub by the 1920s, moving lumber and minerals. During Prohibition, smugglers ran whiskey and untaxed goods across, with one 1925 chase ending in a dramatic standoff near Eureka. The 1960s brought highway upgrades, cementing its role as a freight artery. Today, it handles thousands of trucks yearly, reflecting its enduring economic clout, though occasional tariff disputes still stir tensions.
Crossing Details and Wait Times
Northbound, you’ll stop at Roosville’s CBP office for an exit stamp, then hit Canadian immigration, needing a passport and, for some, a $7 CAD eTA (apply online). Southbound, you’ll get a Canadian exit stamp and meet U.S. entry rules, typically a passport for visa-exempt travelers. Open 24/7, passenger waits are 10–20 minutes, but freight surges (7–10 AM weekdays) can hit 60 minutes. Summer weekends may see 45-minute delays. Check CBSA’s CanBorder app or CBP’s Border Wait Times for live updates.
Scam Warnings
Scams target travelers in Fernie, with “express entry” touts charging $15–$40 for fake services. Bogus “visa offices” may overcharge for forms—use only CBSA/CBP channels and secure an eTA online. Currency exchange scams near Fernie offer poor rates; carry USD/CAD cash or use ATMs in Eureka. Pickpocketing risks rise during peak seasons, so secure valuables. Avoid unofficial “guides” promising faster crossings—they’re not legit.
Transportation Options
From Kalispell, Roosville is a 1-hour drive via U.S. Highway 93, winding through forested valleys. No public transit serves the border, so drive or rent a car. From Fernie, Highway 93 reaches Cranbrook in 1 hour. Gas, food, and lodging are in Eureka or Fernie, 10–15 minutes away. Confirm taxi fares upfront, as rideshares are scarce. Cyclists face heavy truck traffic—stick to daylight hours and wear bright gear for safety.
Road Conditions and Views
U.S. Highway 93 and BC Highway 93 are paved but busy with trucks. Summer (June–August) offers clear roads; winter (December–March) brings snow, requiring chains or snow tires. The Rocky Mountains and Lake Koocanusa dazzle, with summer highs of 28°C and winter lows of -15°C. Wildlife like elk or bears may cross, so stay alert. Fall’s golden larches make it a photographer’s dream. Check Montana’s 511 or BC’s (800) 550-4997 for road updates.
Nearby Attractions
Fernie, 20 minutes north, offers ski resorts and a historic downtown with craft breweries. Kootenai National Forest, 15 minutes south, has trails and camping. Try local elk burgers or Canadian poutine at Fernie’s The Griz Inn. Banff, 3 hours north, stuns with national park vistas, while Glacier National Park, 1.5 hours west, is a must for hikers. Creston’s orchards, 45 minutes north, offer fruit-picking in summer.
Cultural and Economic Role
Roosville blends Montana’s ranching roots with BC’s outdoor lifestyle. Fernie’s Griz Days festival, with parades and local brews, draws both sides together. Economically, it’s a powerhouse, moving coal, timber, and tourism dollars. The crossing’s 24/7 access supports regional trade, with Eureka’s small businesses and Fernie’s ski resorts thriving on cross-border visitors. Its shared culture shines in community events like farmers’ markets and rodeos.
Travel Tips
Open 24/7, but check CBSA/CBP for holiday changes. Carry USD/CAD for duty-free shops or fees. An eTA saves time for visa-exempt travelers. Winter drivers need snow gear—check Montana’s 511 or BC’s (800) 550-4997 for road conditions. Declare all goods; agents are strict on prohibited items like certain fruits. Secure valuables in this busy crossing, and bring snacks—services are sparse at the border itself.
Extra Tips for Visitors
Cell service can drop—download maps ahead. Summer truck traffic clogs roads; winter ice demands slow driving. Locals are welcoming but busy—plan for self-reliance. Try Fernie’s Big Bang Bagels for coffee or Eureka’s Jax Café for burgers. Photographers, hit sunrise for mountain shots. Locals share tales, like a 1980s trucker protest over fees, adding flavor to your trip. This crossing’s scenic and bustling—perfect for adventurers.