Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight) daily for both personal and commercial traffic
Commercial Processing (Canada Side): Weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Special Lanes:
Ready Lane (US side): 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM weekdays (for RFID-enabled documents)
NEXUS lane: Variable hours (check current schedule on official websites)
Holiday Closures: Major US and Canadian holidays may affect operating hours, check official websites for holiday schedules
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- NEXUS lanes: 5-15 minutes
- Standard lanes: 15-45 minutes (weekdays)
- Standard lanes: 30-60 minutes (weekends)
- Commercial vehicles: 30-90 minutes (weekdays)
Peak Times:
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (especially summer months)
- Weekday afternoons: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Holiday periods: Major US and Canadian holidays (Memorial Day, Canada Day, Labor Day)
- Summer tourist season: June through August
Express Options:
- NEXUS program for pre-approved travelers
- Ready Lane for RFID-enabled document holders (US side, limited hours)
- Consider alternative crossings during peak times (Sumas/Huntingdon, 20 km east)
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available
US Side: Two personal vehicle lanes, NEXUS booth (12:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
Canada Side: Two standard lanes, single NEXUS lane
Customs Processing: Available
US Side: One dedicated commercial lane
Canada Side: Commercial processing weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Health Screening: Limited (based on current health advisories)
Services:
Restrooms: Available on both sides
Food: Limited vending machines
Currency Exchange: Travelex kiosks (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 3.5% margins)
Information Kiosks: Available during standard hours
Accessibility:
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms
Hearing assistance systems (induction loops)
Accessible inspection areas
Official Resources
United States Border Authority:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Lynden): (360) 318-9200
- Website: www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/lynden
- CBP Border Wait Time website: https://bwt.cbp.gov
Canada Border Authority:
- Canada Border Services Agency (Aldergrove): 1-888-226-7277
- Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/offices-bureaux/1124-eng.html
- CBSA Border Wait Times: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html
Travel Advisories:
- Joint Travel Advisory Portal: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/usa-border
- US State Department: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html
- Government of Canada Travel Advice: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
Overview
The Lynden-Aldergrove Border Crossing serves as a vital connection between Washington's Whatcom County and British Columbia's Fraser Valley. Formally known as the Kenneth G. Ward Land Port of Entry on the US side and operated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on the Canadian side, this crossing facilitates approximately 80,000 vehicle movements annually. A significant portion of this traffic is dedicated to agricultural and small-scale commercial exchanges, reflecting the crossing's importance to the regional economy. The port features dedicated lanes for NEXUS program members and RFID-enabled document holders during specific hours, offering expedited processing for frequent travelers. Plans for major renovations beginning in 2026 aim to expand the US facility to 24-hour service with additional personal and commercial vehicle lanes to address congestion issues. Currently operating daily from 8:00 AM to midnight, this crossing provides an excellent alternative to busier ports like Peace Arch, especially for travelers between Bellingham and the eastern suburbs of Vancouver.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport from country of citizenship
- Valid US visa or ESTA authorization (if entering US)
- Valid Canadian visa or eTA (if entering Canada)
- Proof of onward travel or return ticket
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
- Proper documentation for any pets (vaccination records, health certificates)
- Additional documentation may be required based on country of origin
- Valid Canadian passport or NEXUS card
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)
- Birth certificate with government-issued photo ID (for minors under 16)
- Proper documentation for any pets (vaccination records, health certificates)
- Valid US passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
- NEXUS card (if enrolled in the program)
- Birth certificate with government-issued photo ID (for minors under 16)
- Proper documentation for any pets (vaccination records, health certificates)
Crossing Procedure
From USA Side
Approach the US border plaza and select appropriate lane (standard, NEXUS, or commercial)
Proceed to the CBP inspection booth when signaled
Present all required travel documents to the officer
Answer all questions truthfully about your trip, duration, and purpose
Declare any goods, alcohol, tobacco, or cash exceeding $10,000 USD
Complete secondary inspection if selected (may include vehicle checks)
Proceed into Canada after clearance
From Canada Side
Approach the Canadian border plaza and select appropriate lane based on vehicle type and program enrollment
Submit passports or NEXUS cards to CBSA officers via direct interaction
Answer all questions truthfully about citizenship, purpose of visit, and items in possession
Declare any goods exceeding CAD$200, alcohol, tobacco, or currency over CAD$10,000
Complete secondary screening if selected (may include detailed vehicle inspections)
Receive entry documentation if applicable (visitor record, work permit, etc.)
Proceed into Canada after clearance
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Temporary vehicle imports require proof of ownership, insurance, and registration
Vehicle imports older than 15 years to Canada or 25 years to US may qualify for exemption from emission standards
Permanent vehicle imports require advance authorization and compliance with safety/emission standards
Goods Allowances:
US to Canada: CAD$200 per person for 24+ hour stays
Canada to US: USD$800 per person for 48+ hour stays
Alcohol limits vary based on amount and duration of stay (generally 1-2 bottles of wine or equivalent)
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 200g of tobacco
Prohibited Items:
Firearms and weapons (unless properly declared and permitted)
Narcotics and illegal drugs
Certain agricultural products (fruits, plants, seeds, meat)
Counterfeit goods
Obscene materials
Currency Restrictions:
Amounts over USD/CAD $10,000 must be declared (includes cash, checks, money orders)
Failure to declare may result in seizure (8% seizure rate at this crossing)
Known Issues:
Upcoming renovation project (2026-2028) may cause temporary closures of southbound lanes
Agricultural inspection delays during harvest seasons
Limited commercial processing hours on Canadian side
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in near Border United States:
- Oxford Suites Bellingham (22 km)
- Hotel Bellwether (28 km)
- Lynden Dutch Village Inn (5 km)
- Rustlers Front Street Grill (Lynden, 5 km)
- Fairway Cafe (Lynden, 6 km)
Hotels and Restaurants in Near border Canada:
- Best Western Plus Country Meadows Inn (6.3 km)
- Sandman Hotel Abbotsford Airport (9.7 km)
- Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites (12 km)
- Cactus Club Cafe (Langley, 10 km)
- White Spot Restaurant (Langley, 8 km)
Better Options Nearby:
- Bellingham, WA (28 km) – Offers numerous accommodation options, restaurants, and shopping
- Abbotsford, BC (15 km) – Features international airport and expanded accommodation options
- Langley, BC (10 km) – Several hotels and dining options with easy access to Vancouver
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Lynden-Aldergrove Border Crossing generally receives positive feedback for its efficiency and shorter wait times compared to busier crossings along the US-Canada border. Travelers appreciate the professional and courteous border agents who maintain a civil atmosphere while conducting necessary security checks. Many reviewers highlight this crossing as an excellent alternative to avoid long lines at the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway crossings, especially during peak travel periods and holidays. However, some travelers note occasional inconsistencies in processing times depending on staffing levels and time of day. A few reviews mention concerns about the limited facilities available while waiting, particularly during inclement weather. Travelers should be aware of the upcoming renovation plans beginning in 2026, which may temporarily affect southbound traffic patterns and potentially increase wait times during construction phases.
Traveler Experiences
Iain Brodie, January 2025:
"Crossed back into the US from Canada mid-afternoon on a Friday in January. Didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised to see only about 10 cars queuing at each booth. Maybe 20 minutes wait to move forward to the head of the queue. The officers were professional and efficient, making this a smooth border crossing experience."
Linda Willard, January 2025:
"I was stopped at this crossing on January 6th and asked to speak with an officer inside. I talked to two officers, both of whom were very pleasant and easy to talk with. The female officer took the time to explain to me why I had been selected for additional screening. Despite the extra step, the process was handled professionally and respectfully."
Gregory Feder, February 2025:
"Good alternative crossing, but takes about 20+ minutes to get to from SR543, and then it's a 50mph road once you cross, not the 70mph on the I-5. If you hate waiting in line and don't mind burning gas, it's great though! Very pleasant crossing guards versus the truck crossing in my opinion, nobody is pretending to be Inspector Clouseau, feels more civil."
DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.
