Crossing the Canadian Border
As of October 1, 2022, proof of vaccination or a COVID test is no longer required to enter Ontario, Canada.
You do not have to quarantine when you enter Ontario unless you have symptoms of COVID-19.
What you are allowed to bring into Canada:
Whether you are doing an Ontario fly-in fishing trip or traveling to a drive-to lodge, there are some restrictions on what you can bring when crossing the border.
You are allowed, per person, 40 ounces of alcohol or 1 case of 24 beer, 1 carton of cigarettes, up to 4 days supply of food, along with personal clothing and fishing equipment.
What you are not allowed to bring into Canada:
You cannot bring live bait into the country, especially not into the water. You also cannot bring worms packed in earth, hand guns, or unregistered firearms.
DUI Charges and Other Issues Crossing Canada Border:
Our Canadian Immigration and Visitor regulations restrict persons with convictions that would be considered criminal charges in Canada from entering Canada. If you have had a DUI (driving under the influence) charge against you, any time in the near or far past, and if it shows up on your records in the US (which can be accessed by our Customs & Immigration officers through cooperative agreements between the US and Canada) then you may be denied entry to Canada. Random checks are common.
A one-time application can be made at the Canadian border for approximately $200 Cdn., taking up to 4 hours to complete, or a permanent application for visitor entry can be made through the Canadian Embassies in the US for a lesser amount ($35 Cdn.); however, this process can take up to 16 months. Some visitors with such convictions have been successful by pre-arranging their border-crossing application and carrying letters from their home police force, clergy, etc. indicating their compliance with the rules over the past few years (at least 5 years). We suggest you communicate with a Canadian Immigration office prior to your planned trip if you have such a past charge.
Border Crossing Times:
Slow time at the Pigeon River Crossing (Minnesota/Ontario) is 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The slow time at the Sault Ste. Marie Crossing (Michigan/Ontario) is 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Waits during the slow period are usually less than 30 minutes.
Distances:
- Thunder Bay - 180 miles (290km)
- Minneapolis/St. Paul - 500 miles (805 km)
- Detroit - 855 miles (1375km)
- Toronto - 795 miles (1280km)
