The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is preparing to deal with increased border traffic this week.
March Break is now underway, and border agents are preparing for what are expected to be additional travellers wanting to head out of town.
"The CBSA is dedicated to planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months," read a release from the CBSA. "We monitor traveller volumes and take measures to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and international airports, without compromising safety and security."
Tips are being provided to help make crossing the border as stress-free as possible.
The CBSA suggests checking ahead for wait times and looking at more than one entry point if possible. Southwestern Ontario is served by the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.
Travel during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night, may also cut wait times further. Border crossings are very busy on Sundays after long weekends or March Break.
Have all the proper travel documents ready when you approach the inspection booth, including passports, permanent residency cards, or other required papers.
If you have children, parents or guardians not travelling together should bring a letter authorizing the person to travel with them. CBSA agents are trained to watch for missing children.
Recreational cannabis may be legal across Canada and in the state of Michigan, but you may not carry it across the border. This includes any products with or without the ingredient THC. If you must have cannabis for medical purposes, a valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada is required. CBSA agents will not accept a prescription from a doctor.
If you are caught smuggling cannabis, you could face fines and criminal penalties, including a lengthy ban on crossing the border.
Be ready to declare any items you purchased outside of Canada and have any receipts ready.
If you are not sure about what may be brought into Canada and what may not, a CBSA officer can answer your questions.
Complete information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.