Thanksgiving weekend at the Windsor–Detroit border (Oct 9–12, 2026)
Canadian Thanksgiving is Monday, October 12, 2026. Long weekends put more cars on the bridges and the Tunnel in both directions, and the CBSA says the Monday of a holiday long weekend tends to be the busiest. Below is what a normal Friday to Monday looks like at each crossing, from our own 5-minute data, plus what to expect over the holiday.
Live wait times for all three crossings → · Next 7 days by hour →
Tips for crossing on Thanksgiving weekend
Go early. Early mornings are usually quickest, and Monday afternoon back into Canada is the time to avoid if you can.
Compare all three crossings. When one backs up, another is often moving. The live page marks the fastest one for your direction.
Set an alert. On any crossing card, pick “Alert me at” and a wait, and we will notify you when the line drops that far.
Know your exemptions. After more than 24 hours away you can bring back up to CAN$200 in goods (no alcohol or tobacco); after more than 48 hours, up to CAN$800. Same-day trips have no exemption. CBSA details.
Check food rules before you shop. For Thanksgiving 2025 the CBSA warned that homemade food or leftovers containing poultry could not be brought into Canada from the U.S. Check the current rules before you bring any back.
Have documents in hand and declare everything. If you have NEXUS, the NEXUS lanes are worth checking first.
Little or no delayUp to 20 min21–45 minOver 45 minNo data yet
Friday, October 9
Typical Friday, based on 2 past Fridays of 5-minute snapshots.
- Home game: Red Wings vs. Seattle, 7:00 PM at Little Caesars Arena. Expect heavier traffic before and after, especially at the Tunnel. Game-day tips
- Start of the long weekend. Trips usually begin Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, so Detroit-bound traffic may run heavier than shown.
| Crossing | 12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | Usually little or no delay all day. |
| Ambassador | Busiest around 3 PM (about 10 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Tunnel | Busiest around 7 PM (about 10 min); quietest 6–8 AM (3 min). |
| Crossing | 12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | Busiest around 5 PM (about 20 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Ambassador | Busiest around 1 PM (about 10 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Tunnel | Busiest around 8 PM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
Saturday, October 10
Typical Saturday, based on 2 past Saturdays of 5-minute snapshots.
| Crossing | 12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | Busiest around 10 AM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Ambassador | Busiest around 12 PM (about 20 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Tunnel | Busiest around 1 AM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (3 min). |
| Crossing | 12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | Busiest around 12 PM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Ambassador | Busiest around 12 PM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Tunnel | Busiest around 5 PM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
Sunday, October 11
Typical Sunday, based on 3 past Sundays of 5-minute snapshots.
| Crossing | 12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | Busiest around 1 PM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Ambassador | Busiest around 12 PM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Tunnel | Busiest around 12 AM (about 10 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Crossing | 12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | Busiest around 3 PM (about 15 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Ambassador | Usually little or no delay all day. |
| Tunnel | Busiest around 12 AM (about 10 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
Monday, October 12
Typical Monday, based on 3 past Mondays of 5-minute snapshots.
- Canadian Thanksgiving. Holidays break the usual pattern, so treat the typical figures below with caution.
- The CBSA says the Monday of a holiday long weekend tends to be the busiest, as people head home to Canada. Cross early if you can.
| Crossing | 12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | Usually little or no delay all day. |
| Ambassador | Usually little or no delay all day. |
| Tunnel | Usually little or no delay all day. |
| Crossing | 12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM |
|---|---|
| Gordie Howe | Busiest around 11 AM (about 10 min); quietest 6–8 AM (no delay). |
| Ambassador | Usually little or no delay all day. |
| Tunnel | Usually little or no delay all day. |
Thanksgiving weekend FAQ
When is the border busiest on Thanksgiving weekend?
The CBSA says the Monday of holiday long weekends tends to be the busiest, as travellers return to Canada, and suggests crossing early in the morning. Check the live wait times and compare all three Windsor-Detroit crossings before you go.
How much can I bring back duty-free after Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S.?
After more than 24 hours away, Canadian residents can bring back up to CAN$200 in goods, not including alcohol and tobacco. After more than 48 hours the limit is CAN$800, and it can include alcohol and tobacco within the set limits. Same-day trips have no personal exemption. Keep your receipts.
Can I bring a turkey or leftovers back from the U.S.?
Check the CBSA's current rules before you buy. For Thanksgiving 2025 the CBSA warned that homemade food or leftovers containing poultry could not be brought into Canada from the U.S.
Is Monday, October 12 a holiday in the U.S. too?
Yes. The same Monday is Columbus Day, also observed as Indigenous Peoples' Day, a U.S. federal holiday.
Are there Detroit games that weekend?
The Red Wings host Seattle at Little Caesars Arena on Friday, October 9 at 7:00 PM. Expect heavier downtown and Tunnel traffic before and after the game.
Rules checked September 30, 2026 against the CBSA’s Thanksgiving travel release and personal exemptions page. Rules change; confirm with the CBSA before you travel.