Crossing Border Canada - Fishing Trip

Fly-in Outposts - Remote, Private, Exclusive. Less Driving To Better Fishing.Drive  Four and a Half  Hours From Toronto - Three Hours From Sault Ste. Marie!

Canadian Custom Clearing Tips

PASSPORTS MAKE YOUR ENTRY INTO CANADA SO EASY,MANDATORY NOW, ALSO YOUR RETURN TO YOUR STATE, NO BORDER HASSELS ARE REPORTED BY OUR GUESTS.

With the increased security procedures since 911 it is important that everyone has A a PASSPORT NOW. If you are traveling with children other than you own be sure you obtain a written note from the parents stating their permission to be in your care and guardianship. The border crossing into Canada is flowing well .  You can bring additional alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, but make sure to claim the actual amount. You will be charged duty and taxes, but it will still remain less expensive than if you purchased them in Canada. Whatever you do, don't try to smuggle the additional amount across the border. It is not worth it. Have your PASSPORT open at he picture page, turn the radio off, and look the customs office in the eye. When clearing customs for entry into Canada, remember to answer the questions politely and precisely. Don't try to be funny, cute or clever. They don't appreciate improper attitudes that often lead to delays, when they decide to check you out in response to the answer to their questions. Always be honest to their questions.

Customs Information

Customs is usually no problem once you answer their questions. They have a job to do and if asked to pull over and they check you, don't feel like you are being singled out for some reason. They do periodic checks, and you never know when it could be you. Be cooperative and it should go smoothly and quickly.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: LIQUOR - Each person of legal drinking age is allowed to bring across one case of beer or one 40 oz. bottle of hard liquor without paying duty.

CIGARETTES - Each adult over the age of 16 may bring across one carton of cigarettes (200).

GROCERIES - Each person a allowed to bring a reasonable amount of groceries for their stay.

PETS - Cats and dogs may enter with a written rabies vaccine certificate dated within the last 6 months.

HANDGUNS - Handguns are prohibited. Radar Detection equipment is illegal in Canada. Hunters are allowed guns, long rifles, but ask to fill out a NON-RESIDENT FIREARM DECLARATION form, $30.00 fee, available at each border.

AMMUNITION - Visitors to Canada may import 200 rounds of ammunition for hunting purposes free of duty and taxes. 

DUTY FREE SHOPS - Duty free shops are tax free stores in our area that waive federal and state tax. These may be used if you have not purchased the cigarettes or liquor that is allowed over the border.

OTHER INFORMATION - Seat belts must he worn at all times.

CREDIT CARDS - Most American credit cards and principal bank cards are honored in Canada, (VISA is most widely accepted in Canada).

HEALTH INSURANCE - It's recommended that visitors to Canada obtain traveler health insurance before leaving the U.S.- health plan's often do not extend coverage for services received outside the country of residence - Visitors may find they have either no health insurance or inadequate coverage when in Canada.

Re-entering the U.S.

• 48 HOURS OR LESS - If you were is Canada for 48 hours or less, you may bring back $25.00 or less back to the U.S. duty free.
• OVER 48 HOURS - If you can document your stay in Canada exceeded 48 hours, you may bring back $400,00 in purchases tax free.
• TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL- - If you are eligible for the $400.00 exemption, you may bring back one carton of cigarettes or 200 cigars regardless of your age. If you are 21 years of age or older, you may bring back 1 litre (33.8 oz.) of alcoholic beverage, if it is for your own use or a gift.
• WILDLIFE AND FISH - Fish may be imported according to the possession limits shown on your Canadian an fishing license. A patch of skin must be left on all fillets. Fish must be packaged flat (2 fillets per puck. age). Fish may not be transported by other than the licensee, even if the transporter has the fish and license of another.
• All big game must he accompanied by a Canadian Export Permit.
• Important Note: The information on this page will increase as time permits. Lot's more to come.

Canadian Firearm Centre

US Visitors/Hunters Firearm Registration form - This legislation requires non-resident hunters to register their firearms when entering with a firearm. It requires filling out a form in triplicate prior to arrival at the border and paying the $30.00 fee. - do not sign the forms until the inspection officer requires the signature. Each border has the forms for your convenience too.

The Form - Canadian Firearms JUS 909E

Information - Visitors to Canada

More Crossing the Border Info

The Canada / US border is reputed to be the friendliest border in the world. Here are some tips to help make your crossing quick and easy:

Identification

• Children: Canada Customs and Immigration officers are members of Child Find International. Anyone travelling with children not their own may be required to show written permission from the child's parent(s) and proper identification (birth certificate).
• Other Countries: Visitors from countries other than the US require a valid passport and in some cases a visitor's visa. Visas are issued by Canadian Immigration offices, embassies and consulates.

• Gifts up to $60 (Canadian funds) each in value are duty free provided they do not contain alcohol, tobacco or advertising material.
• As long as you meet the age requirement set by the province where you enter Canada (19 in Ontario), you may import 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor OR 24 x 355 ml cans or bottles of beer or ale. Those over 18 years of age may bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks.

• Dogs and cats accompanying their owners from the U.S. must have current (within 36 months) rabies vaccination certificates. Owners from other countries who wish to bring their pets should contact the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy.

Boaters

• Pleasure craft may enter Canada by trailer or under their own power and stay for a period of up to 12 months. The required Entry Permit is obtainable from Customs at port-of-entry. All boats powered by motors 10 HP or over must be licensed and the license number clearly indicated on the bow of the vessel. Boat licenses from outside Ontario are acceptable.

Criminal records

• Individuals with criminal records wishing to enter Canada can apply for a waiver. This should be done 3 - 4 weeks in advance of the intended visit. It should be noted that Driving Under the Influence convictions are considered a criminal offense in Canada. Individuals with criminal records without waivers can be refused entry. Contact the nearest port of entry Canada Immigration office for more information.

YOUR DOLLAR GOES FURTHER

• US dollars and several foreign currencies enjoy a premium rate of exchange in Canada.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

• As a visitor to Canada you can claim a refund of 6% on every dollar spent while in the country on accommodation and most goods you take home.

Bringing a Firearm into Canada

• You must be at least 18 years of age to bring firearms into Canada.
• You must either have a Canadian Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or you have to register your firearms at the Canadian border. You are able to complete pre-registration forms before you cross the border which will make it easier and less time consuming. The permit fee is $50.00 (Cdn) per person for a temporary registration permit and the permit is valid for 12 months. Call toll-free 1-800-731-4000 to get a Firearms Declaration Form.
• Easiest way to obtain a Canadian PAL (possession and Acquisition License) prior to importing guns into Canada. If you have a PAL, you do not have to fill out registration forms and there is only a one time fee.
• You cannot import prohibited firearms. Fully automatic weapons, all hand guns and guns of less than 66 cm (26 inches) in length are prohibited by law.
• Restricted firearms such as pistols or revolvers may be temporarily imported if you have an Authorization to Transport (ATT) in advance from a Canadian Chief Firearms Officer.
• Seasonal residents may import restricted firearms, but must have a Possession and Acquisition License or a valid Firearms Acquisition Certificate in addition to an ATT.

For more info on importing firearms into Canada:
Canadian Firearms Centre, 284 Wellington Centre. Ottawa, ON K1A 0H8.
Ph: 1-800-731-4000. canadian.firearms@justice.gc.ca

Guide Services

Many outfitters in the Patricia Region area of Northwestern Ontario offer guide services as an add-on option to your vacation package. Others have detailed lake maps available for purchase. You can also hire a guide on your own.