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Border
infoRMation

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Border Information
for Travel to Creston BC  Canada

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Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, this picturesque vacation destination is just a stone's throw away from the USA-Canada border between BC & Idaho, with two border crossings—Kingsgate Crossing near Yahk and Rykerts Crossing near Creston—which offer easy access from Idaho, Washington, and Montana. In this section find important information on border crossing locations, port of entry operating hours, travel documents you'll need to enter Canada, and valuable tips for a smooth and enjoyable visit to Creston, BC, Canada.

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BORDER CROSSINGs Near Creston Valley

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The Creston Valley area is just a short distance north of the USA-Canada border between Idaho & British Columbia and both the Town of Creston and the hamlet of Yahk are short drives from the following two crossings:

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1. Rykerts-Porthill Border Crossing

 

This is the most direct link between Bonners Ferry, Idaho and Creston—about 30 minutes (27 mi/43 km) from Bonners Ferry via Idaho State Hwy 1, then another 5-10 minutes on BC Hwy 21 to downtown Creston. Travellers and local residents favour this route and crossing while most commercial trucks choose the larger Eastport–Kingsgate crossing.

 

** Because the Canadian side is open later, travellers planning a same‑day return to Idaho must time their trip to reach the U.S. booth before it closes. If you miss the window, you’ll need to detour 70 km (45 mi) east to the 24‑hour Eastport–Kingsgate crossing. Please find the current hours of operation, phone number and further contact information for Rykerts-Porthill below:​​​

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Rykerts (Canadian) Port of Entry​ Info

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Porthill (U.S.A)  Port of Entry Info

 

Facilities & traffic notes

  • Vehicle mix: personal cars, RVs and tour buses; limited commercial freight.

  • Wait times: typically low, but peak July–August weekends can back up. Check CBSA’s CanBorder app or U.S. CBP’s Border Wait Times site before you go.

  • Shopping & Services: shopping, fuel, food and lodging can be found in Creston, which is 5-10 minutes from the border.

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Quick tips

  • Confirm both ports’ hours the morning you travel.

  • Winter tires are mandatory on BC highways from Oct 1 to Apr 30.

  • Cell coverage is spotty between Bonners Ferry, Idaho & the border—download maps or wait‑time apps in advance.

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2. Kingsgate-Eastport Border Crossing 

 

This is the main commercial gateway between Idaho and southeastern B.C. — about 30 minutes (28 mi/45 km) north of Bonners Ferry on U.S. Route 95, then 15 minutes south of Yahk on B.C. Highway 95. Creston is a further 40 minutes north on Hwy 3/95.

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Because both booths run around the clock, Kingsgate–Eastport is your best option for late‑night or early‑morning travel. It also handles most regional freight, so expect heavier truck traffic than at Rykerts–Porthill.For the specific hours of operation, contact details, and further information, please refer to the details provided below:​

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Kingsgate (Canadian) Port of Entry Info

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Eastport (U.S.A) Port of Entry Info

 

Facilities & traffic notes

  • Vehicle mix: high commercial volume plus cars, RVs and tour buses.

  • Wait times: usually light outside peak summer weekends and weekday freight surges (7 – 10 a.m.). Check CBSA’s CanBorder app or U.S. CBP’s Border Wait Times site before you leave.

  • Duty‑free: shops on both sides of the line (Idaho side 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; B.C. side 8 a.m.–10 p.m. seasonal).

  • Services nearby: fuel, food and lodging in Yahk, which is 15 minutes from the border, or Creston, which is another 40 minutes.​

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Quick tips

  • Freight queues can build quickly, so there may be waits. Solo travellers can sometimes bypass via the passenger‑vehicle lane.

  • Winter tires are required on B.C. highways Oct 1 – Apr 30.

  • Cell coverage along Hwy 95 is good, but data can be spotty north of Yahk—download maps or border apps in advance.

 
What Documents will You Need To Cross the Border?
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  • Passport (required): Each traveller, including children, must present a valid passport.

  • Extra photo ID (recommended): A driver’s licence or other government‑issued photo ID can speed up verification if asked.

  • Vehicle papers: Keep your registration or rental agreement handy—officers may request proof of ownership.

  • Pet records: Bringing a pet? Have vaccination certificates (e.g., rabies) ready; requirements vary by species.​

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For the latest details and any exceptions,  visit the Canadian Border Service Agency's website here.​​

Image by Agus Dietrich
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Other Tips for Crossing the Border
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  • Know what you can bring—and your duty‑free limits - Review rules for alcohol, tobacco, firearms, pets and cannabis (never allowed). Note exemption amounts and declare uncertain items to avoid duty or penalties.

  • Check hours and wait times before leaving - Smaller crossings may close early and line‑ups fluctuate. A quick look at official apps or websites can save you a long, unexpected delay.

  • Prepare your vehicle for inspection - Clear out clutter, roll down windows, switch off radios and phones, remove sunglasses; visible luggage and quiet surroundings speed the officer’s visual check.

  • Have ID and paperwork ready - The driver hands over all passports or ID cards. Keep vehicle registration or rental agreement—and pet vaccination records—within easy reach for possible review.

  • Declare everything - Food, plants, animal products, gifts—even snacks—must be declared. Complete honesty prevents seizures, fines and time‑consuming secondary inspections.

  • Answer clearly and truthfully - Expect questions about destination, length of stay and accommodation. Direct, honest replies—no jokes—help keep the line moving for everyone.

 
​​​More Helpful Information & Resources

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For more information to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip to the the Creston Valley:

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Can we help?​

Have any questions about travelling to the area ? Contact the Creston Valley Visitor Centre and staff will be happy assist you!​​

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