TORONTO — With the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend approaching, many Canadians are preparing to travel south of the border to visit family and friends. But experts are warning that travellers should brace for possible flight delays and long border waits due to a combination of high holiday traffic and an ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown.
Holiday Travel Surge
Thanksgiving in Canada falls on Monday, October 13, and while Americans celebrate their Thanksgiving in November, the second Monday of October is also a U.S. federal holiday — Columbus Day — meaning many federal employees will also have the day off.
This overlap creates one of the busiest travel weekends of the fall season. Michael Tomas, airport duty manager at Toronto Pearson International Airport, told CP24 that the airport expects a surge in traffic. “Thanksgiving weekend will be busy, with 140,000 passengers passing through the terminals on Thursday alone,” he said.
Travellers are advised to arrive early: at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and three to four hours before international departures. Real-time security wait times, flight updates, and parking availability can be checked at torontopearson.com.
Flight Delays Expected Due to U.S. Shutdown
Canadians flying to U.S. destinations may experience delays or cancellations caused by a shortage of American air-traffic controllers, many of whom are currently unpaid during the partial U.S. government shutdown.
John Gradek, a faculty lecturer in supply networks and aviation at McGill, told Global News that Canadian airlines will not be given priority. “If Air Canada has got 10 flights a day going into Newark or five flights a day going to Chicago, those flights will be delayed as well — there’s no preference given to keeping Canadian flights on time,” he said.
Driving? Check Border Wait Times First
For those planning to travel by car, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is urging travellers to check border wait times online before leaving home.
- Niagara Crossings: Check the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission website for updates on the Queenston Lewiston Bridge, Whirlpool Bridge (NEXUS only), Rainbow Bridge, and Peace Bridge.
- Windsor Crossings: The CBSA website provides real-time information for the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge.
- Other Crossings: Wait times for Canada’s 28 busiest border points are updated hourly, 24/7, on the CBSA website.
The CBSA recommends crossing early in the morning to avoid long delays and reminds travellers to keep passports and travel documents easily accessible. Those travelling with children who are not their own should carry a consent letter from the child’s parent or legal guardian.
Travel Numbers Declining
Despite the expected holiday rush, overall Canadian travel to the U.S. has declined in recent months. Statistics Canada reports that Canadian-resident return trips from the U.S. by car dropped 39 per cent in July compared to the previous year, with nearly 60 per cent of those being same-day trips. Air travel from the U.S. to Canada also fell by 16 per cent during the same period.
Final Tips
The CBSA cautions that posted wait times are estimates and can change quickly. Travellers can also find border checklists, information for travelling with animals, and other tips on the CBSA website.
Whether flying or driving, planning ahead and building in extra time could make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one this Thanksgiving weekend.