Canada Permanently Closes Four Falls Border Crossing

The Canada Border Services Agency has permanently closed the Four Falls port of entry in New Brunswick, ending a border service that had been out of operation since May 2020.

The agency announced the decision on May 11, making permanent a closure that began as a temporary COVID-19 measure. The crossing had previously operated on a seasonal basis and had not reopened after pandemic-related travel restrictions were introduced.

Closure Now Official

The Four Falls port of entry served travellers crossing the Canada-U.S. border in northwestern New Brunswick. Although the site first closed on May 17, 2020, the CBSA had extended the suspension several times over the past six years.

The latest announcement confirms that the crossing will not reopen.

Travellers in the area must now use nearby border crossings when entering Canada. Anyone entering the country is required to report to the CBSA at an official port of entry.

Nearby Crossings Available

The CBSA says two alternate ports of entry are located within 15 kilometres of Four Falls.

The Andover port of entry is located at 6 Route 190 in Carlingford, New Brunswick. It remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Gillespie Portage port of entry is located at 600 Route 375 in California Settlement, New Brunswick. It operates daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Travellers can check the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services for updated hours and contact details. The agency also posts regularly updated border wait times on its official website.

Rules for Entering Canada

The CBSA reminded travellers that they must enter Canada through a designated port of entry. Failing to report to border officers can lead to serious consequences.

Penalties may include fines, seizures, the loss of trusted traveller program status, or prosecution under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or the Customs Act.

Travellers with criminal records may also need to prepare before arriving at the border. Even offences such as driving under the influence can affect a person’s ability to enter Canada.

Why Four Falls Was Closed

The CBSA says the final decision followed a review of operational needs in Atlantic Canada.

The agency pointed to four main reasons for closing the Four Falls crossing permanently. First, the port operated only seasonally, from mid-April to mid-October. Second, it handled relatively low traffic, with about 8,000 travellers each season.

Third, two other Canadian ports of entry are located within 15 kilometres, giving travellers nearby options. Fourth, there is no matching U.S. port of entry directly across the border.

The CBSA said that last factor helped align Canadian operations with U.S. operations along that section of the border.

For residents and travellers in northwestern New Brunswick, the change means planning ahead and using Andover or Gillespie Portage instead.