Canada Border Services Agency

Great crossing. Not busy

I like to cross the border here, usually unpopular so it doesn't take much time to cross over here

More so a 1 star rating for google for not updating the f’ing border closing time. Thanks for nothing google.

Don’t Believe the SIGNS! This crossing now closes at 4PM, not 8PM!!!

I was informed by a Canadian border (Nelway) agent in the booth, that they were to going search my vehicle. After parking my vehicle at their prescribed location, I then proceeded to the designated area where there is foyer and a front counter. There, I was met by a second border agent. He instructed me to have a seat. I nodded and sat down and proceeded to send a message on my cell phone to my client that I would be late to pick him up in Nelson due to the search process. Immediately the border agent screamed at me: "Put that phone down and listen to me!" My vehicle has been searched in the past and I was aware of the routine so I didn't believe at that point that he would further interrogate me. Honestly, I think, that by looking down at my phone as he was telling me it would be a few minutes as they searched my vehicle, instantaneously angered him. I immediately put my phone down and gave him my full attention. He went on to lecture (still shouting) me on how he needed my full attention. He then instructed me to stand up, then to remove my coat. I calmly removed my coat and put it on the counter as he instructed me. At this point the other border agent (the one in the booth) walked up behind the angered border agent. The malevolent border agent raised his voice another octave when the second agent appeared and began to lecture me on how he needed my full cooperation as if I was not cooperating with him which is completely untrue as I was completely acquiescent to every "order" that he gave me. It was as if he was trying to relay to the booth agent that I was being uncooperative and thus justified his uncivil treatment of me. He began to bark orders at me to move certain portions of my clothing around: "I said the left pant leg!" he shouted at one point. He then went into a dizzying diatribe in which, at some point, he asked me if I was a foreign national or citizen of the Canadian government. "No," I replied dazed by the nature of his question. "Then you realize that it is a privilege to come into this country!" This ogre cried. "Right...right," I replied. He then mimicked my reply: "Right! Right.!" I know that I had a astonished look on my face when he had mimicked me. The last time someone mimicked my speech I believe I was on the playground. It was at this point that I realized that this agent's behavior toward me was of a "personal" nature. After berating me for several more moments about not knowing the exact contents of my vehicle, i.e., sharp objects, he disappeared to search my car. The second agent then proceeded to ask me more about my personal history. This agent, however, was completely calm, professional and even tempered. At one point I asked him in bewilderment why the other agent's temper had escalated to the level that it did. The other agent responded, "I wasn't here to see everything." I replied, "I did everything he asked without hesitation." I went on to explain to him that the whole experience had been "mind-blowing". This humiliating and belittling experience has left a scar in my psyche and it will never be forgotten for the rest of my days. Additionally, I will forever be apprehensive of future retaliation from this particular agent on future transgressions to this border. After a couple of days of weighing my possible actions and its consequences, I decided to file a complaint with Canada Border Services Agency. I have been in the transportation business for 28 years and I have taken countless passengers to and from all BC borders. I have many times heard horrific stories from passengers (Canadian and American) of incidents they’ve had with Canadian border agents. Upon crossing back over the border on that same day I relayed this incident to the American border agents of the occurrence...they informed me that they receive horror stories like this "all the time" from people that come back over the border, revealing accounts that they felt was inappropriate behavior from Canadian border agents. Don't be surprised if you get the Gestapo treatment!

Update your damn website! Planned the trip and checked your hours online - you lie!! Closed at 8pm not midnight as indicated on website. All physical signs on the road say 8pm - but you won't see those until you arrive! Hope other travelers check Google comments and not your website. Google make the change 8pm is correct!!

Border Agent Ileam (sp) was the most professional individual I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Very knowledgeable and in command of our border crossing. His concern for Canada and individual travelers needs was on full display. His quick decision making ensured the safest crossing. Customer service skill are Top notch, I'm sure his skills have been honed by the diverse set of border crossers he sees everyday. It was a pleasure watching someone do their job so well. I would like to Thank the station and Agent Ilean for such high professionalism.

This border is only open 8am until 4pm. Both ways. Website and google maps say 8pm. Sign out front says 8pm. Called the Canadian border and they said midnight. Honestly at any time of year just plan for 4pm. We got stuck for the night. Thankfully 1 hotel had 1 room left about 30km south. Long way to drive for a big big let down. Use 4pm as your guide. And Canadian border service if you see this, update your hours online and your signage????? People travelling…honestly just hit the Rossland 24hr and save the worry.