Crossing the border by snowmobile?

[Walleyehooker]

Heading up to the Angle in March and wondering what you need to cross the border into Canada to fish.

Looks like they have a 1 and 8 day licence option.

Bait? I believe you can only bring dead minnows?

Do you need a Canadian trail sticker and if so how much are they?

Do you need a passport,canpass etc ?

I believe you have to call in on the way in and out?

[LightningBG]

Quote:

The CANPASS RABC program facilitates the border clearance process for individuals wishing to cross the border into Canada in the following remote areas:

from Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods

the Canadian shore of Lake Superior

Cockburn Island

Sault Ste. Marie (upper lock system)

More information here.

Canada Border Services Agency

[Walleyehooker]

I did look up Canpass etc. but I know things are different when crossing on a sled and not touching land VS a vehicle. Unfortunatly I cant find anything that explains this very well and want to know exactly what is or isnt required before I get there.

[Josh_Flem]

From everything I have been able to gather over the last couple years here is what I have found to be the most often used method of crossing.

1)have a U.S. passport

2)have an RABC permit

3)have a canadian fishing license (obviously)

4)call into the rainy river border crossing in the morning before you depart and they will ask you when you plan on crossing and when you plan to return

5)don't bring live bait

I have talked to guides up there about this and there still seems to be grey area in the winter on what is all required but at least if you take all of these steps you should be covered. Hope this helps.

[Backwoodsjoe]

The RABC permit is the way to go. As long as you don't have anything to declare (Weapons, Guns, Alcohol) you can cross into Canada at will. Best $25 investment you can make.

[MN Mike]

Heading up to the Angle in March and wondering what you need to cross the border into Canada to fish.

Looks like they have a 1 and 8 day licence option.

Bait? I believe you can only bring dead minnows?

Do you need a Canadian trail sticker and if so how much are they?

Do you need a passport,canpass etc ?

I believe you have to call in on the way in and out?

Dad and I went into Ontario fishing this past March, I drove to Youngs Bay with the pickup and trailered off there with the sleds.

Checked in and out at Youngs Bay ( You'll get a number so be prepared to write it down ), no need for a RABC if you do it this way.

Didn't carry any bait but frozen is all that is allowed.

No trail sticker needed if you are fishing.

We bought a one day pass since we were fishing only one day.

If you have a Passport, make sure you have it on you.

Mike

[Walleyehooker]

One day pass you mean fishing licence?

I dont have a passport but what I have heard is you dont need any of that stuff as long as you arent on land. Trouble is this stuff isnt in writeing anywhere and everyone has a different version.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

We have been dealing with the discrepensies between the two countries on this stuff for years. Unfortunatly the majority of the information you will find on crossing into Canada pertains to open water. We used to have our Canadian license and RABC and never really had any issue on the Canadian side. If you are looking for the no b.s. nothing but the truth answer to your question. Contact Dan at Flag Island resort. He crosses over there and guides people more than just about anyone in the Angle and he will be able to tell you exactly what you need to accomodate your trip however you choose to do it.

[MN Mike]

Yes, correct a fishing license..... sorry.

The only reason for a passport is to get back into the States, I wasn't asked for it when I checked back in but you never know. Canada does not require a passport to enter but you will want to check in at the phone booth ( you are on land then ), if you get caught without that number in Canada, it's not going to be good.

I don't know if the RABC permit trumps a Passport, I would call a Border Patrol office, I'm sure they will tell you it depends on who you get on the other side when you check back in. They can't deny you entry back into the States but they can make it miserable, could be a 2 minute stop or a 2 hour stop.

Mike

[Ballyhoo]

RABC - Canadian document, only good for entering Canada. You don't need to call if you have one of these.

Passport - Needed at US customs when re-entering the US.

Call in stations - If you call Canada when leaving Youngs Bay and call the US when getting back for the day, you are good.

Nexus - You can call from a cell phone, don't need to be at a booth, just give them the number off your card. Does the same thing as call in stations but they already have all your information and gives you a little more freedom.

[magnum mike]

I think you DO need to call with the RABC pass. I know it WAS a requirement a few years ago. I would check. IN fact why don't you call the customs offices and get all the info you need.

Baudette U.S. CBP - 218-634-2803

Ft. Frances Canadian CBP - 807-274-3815

[Walleyehooker]

Ya I am going to call Thanks