Crossing Through Canada

NEW!
  • When checking back into the United States on your way to visit us, there are 3 ways to clear US Customs:
    • Stop at Jim's Corner and call in using the OARS phone
    • You can also download the ROAM app to your device
    • Or use the iPad provided at Sunset Lodge
PLEASE NOTE: It is YOUR responsibility to report back into the US using one of these 3 methods.

BE SURE TO BRING:
  • When crossing the U.S. / Canada border, the proper documents are recommended.  They include the US Passport, US Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID Card or NEXUS Card. Utilizing an approved travel document is highly recommended for travelers. Utilizing these documents will ease the inspection process and reduce wait times at the border because the information can be scanned and does not have to be entered manually. If you have a passport, please bring it with. 
  • Cell phone if you have one. We have a Verizon cell tower nearby. Please note: You will lose service while crossing through Canada shortly after clearing customs unless you have an international calling plan.

BE SURE NOT TO BRING:
  • Firewood
  • Guns or pepper spray
  • Live minnows or leeches

HELPFUL LINKS
Alcohol & Tobacco Limits
Import and Export a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
Food, Plant and Animal Inspections
Restrictions and Prohibited Goods
Bringing Goods Across the Border
Travel With Pets
Travel With Minors

Click here for more border crossing information.
Guests who visit the NW Angle multiple times per year may be interested in the following:

RABC (Remote Area Border Crossing RABC): The RABC program facilitates the border clearance process for individuals wishing to cross the border into Canada in remote areas.

WITHOUT an RABC:
  • Those NOT enrolled in the RABC program are required to report in at Jim's Corner when leaving the NW Angle. (You must still report in at Jim's Corner when arriving at the NW Angle as the RABC only applies to Canada.)
WITH an RABC:
  • Those enrolled in the RABC program are NOT required to report in at Jim's Corner when leaving the NW Angle. (You must still report in at Jim's Corner when arriving at the NW Angle as the RABC only applies to Canada.)
  • They are also not required to call into Canada when crossing over to FISH in Canadian waters. If they come in contact with another vessel, bring in goods, etc... they must report.
  • All individuals in the group need to have a valid RABC  in order to report in this manner.
  • You must still call in if you have goods to leave in Canada or a firearm or other weapon. This applies both in a vehicle and a vessel.  In addition to that, when fishing in Canada if you come in contact with another vessel or touch land (shore lunch), you are required to call.  

NEXUS: The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada.

WITHOUT a NEXUS card:
  • Those who are NOT enrolled in the NEXUS program must check in via OARS phone upon re-entry to the U.S. after ice fishing or touching land/coming in contact with another vessel in Ontario when open water fishing. (The closest OARS phone to Sunset Lodge is located at Young's Bay.) They must also check in via OARS phone at Jim's Corner when re-entering the U.S. at the NW Angle by vehicle.
WITH a NEXUS card:
  • Those who ARE enrolled in the NEXUS program are allowed to call into Canada when entering to ice fish or open water fish, versus stopping at Cyclone Island to report in.
  • Those who ARE enrolled in the NEXUS program are NOT required to check in via OARS phone upon re-entry to the U.S. after ice fishing or touching land/coming in contact with another vessel in Ontario when open water fishing. They are NOT required to check in via OARS phone at Jim's Corner when re-entering the U.S. at the NW Angle by vehicle. 
    1. All individuals in the group need to be enrolled in a Trusted Traveler Program (NEXUS or Global Entry) in order to report in this manner.  
    2. They are still required to report arrival but can use any phone and call 1-800-505-8381 to report their arrival upon return to the U.S.  All ice arrivals require reporting and NEXUS only covers snowmobile arrivals at the Northwest Angle. 
CANPASS
  • The boat owner/operator is in charge of the boat and he or she must report all passengers and goods on board the vessel to the CBSA. Boat owners/operators are responsible for reporting themselves, their crew and passengers to a telephone reporting centre (TRC) by calling 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277) at least 30 minutes before but no more than 4 hours prior to the boat's estimated time of arrival at a designated marine reporting site in Canada.
  • The only CANPASS reporting site at the NWA is Cyclone Island, Ontario. 
  • All passengers on board the vessel must be CANPASS participants.  
For more information, click here.