The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has provided pointers for people wanting to cross the border as the summer travel season begins.
The border with the U.S. will see increased traffic this weekend and next weekend, for the Canadian Victoria Day holiday and the U.S. Memorial Day weekend. Both weekends are considered the unofficial start of summer in their respective countries.
The Ambassador Bridge and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel are expected to see heavier traffic volumes than usual, but the CBSA has given tips to make the trip less stressful.
The CBSA suggests checking ahead for wait times and looking at more than one point of entry for options. Your best bet may be to travel during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night. The largest number of travelers tend to cross at the beginning and end of holiday weekends.
Have all the proper travel documents with you and have them ready when you approach the inspection booth.
Parents or guardians who are not travelling together should bring a letter authorizing the person to bring children over the border. CBSA agents are trained to watch for missing children.
With boating season underway, those traveling back and forth by boat are also required to report to the CBSA. Boaters are urged to review reporting procedures before setting sail.
Although recreational cannabis is legal in both Canada and the state of Michigan, you are not allowed to have any with you or bring it over the border. This includes any oils or products with or without the ingredient THC. A valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada is required. A prescription from a doctor will not be accepted. Those caught smuggling cannabis over the border may face serious fines and criminal penalties, including a potential travel ban.
Be ready to declare any items you purchased outside of Canada and have any receipts ready. There are current restrictions on bringing fowl, poultry, or live birds over the border.
Complete information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.
