Black Friday 2026: crossing from Windsor to shop in Michigan
Black Friday weekend is one of the busiest of the year at the Windsor–Detroit crossings. Here’s how much you can bring home, what to declare and how to spend less time in line.
Wait times right now
Official figures as of 2:07 AM ET. They refresh every few minutes on the live page, which also has driver reports.
The short version
- Same-day trip: no duty-free amount. Duty and taxes can apply to everything you bring back.
- Overnight (24+ hours): up to CAN$200 per person. 48+ hours: up to CAN$800.
- Declare everything and keep receipts together so the booth is quick.
- Cross early and check the live times; the shortest line changes through the day.
How much you can bring back
| Time away | Duty-free, per person |
|---|---|
| Less than 24 hours | None |
| 24 hours or more | CAN$200 (go over and you pay on the full amount) |
| 48 hours or more | CAN$800, including some alcohol and tobacco |
U.S.-made goods beyond your exemption can also carry Canada’s 2026 surtax on top of duty and taxes. Food, alcohol and the full rules are in our duty-free limits guide.
Spend less time at the border
- Leave early. Mornings are usually quicker than afternoons and evenings in both directions.
- Check all three crossings before you leave and again before you head home. See the 7-day forecast to plan your day.
- For malls off I-75 (Great Lakes Crossing, Somerset), the Gordie Howe Bridge connects straight to the freeway.
- Have your passport, NEXUS card or enhanced licence and your receipts ready before you reach the booth.
Common questions
When is Black Friday 2026?
Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after U.S. Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26.
How much can I bring back from Black Friday shopping in Michigan?
On a same-day trip, nothing duty-free: duty and taxes can apply to everything. Away 24 hours or more, up to CAN$200 per person; 48 hours or more, up to CAN$800. Declare everything and keep your receipts.
Do I pay the 2026 surtax on things I buy in the U.S.?
Possibly. Since September 8, 2026, Canada charges a surtax of 15%, 25% or 50% on a list of U.S.-made goods brought in beyond your personal exemption. On a same-day trip that can mean everything you buy. Check CBSA Customs Notice 26-23 before a big shopping trip.
Which crossing is best for Great Lakes Crossing or Somerset?
Both malls are off I-75 north of Detroit. The Gordie Howe Bridge connects straight to I-75, and the Ambassador Bridge is close behind; pick whichever is shorter on the live times.
When is the border busiest on Black Friday weekend?
Expect more Detroit-bound traffic from Thanksgiving Thursday through Saturday and heavier Canada-bound traffic in the evenings as shoppers head home. Check the live times and the 7-day forecast before you go.
Official sources
This page is independent and not affiliated with CBSA, CBP or any bridge operator. Not legal or tax advice.