The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has said it is expecting an increase in travellers heading to the U.S. this weekend.
Although it is not a holiday in Canada, American Thanksgiving on Thursday was the first of what some consider a four-day weekend, including "Black Friday", one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
The CBSA is expecting border crossing points to be busier than usual. In southwestern Ontario, that includes the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, as well as the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.
"Every year, CBSA officers welcome millions of travellers into Canada and work hard to protect our communities and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the border," read a media release from the CBSA.
To help minimize your wait at the border, the CBSA recommends travelling during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night. Checkpoints into Canada from the U.S. tend to be busiest on Sunday afternoon and evening.
Windsor-Essex and Sarnia-Lambton residents also have the luxury of multiple crossing options. The CBSA has a real-time webpage showing wait times.
Have your travel documents and paperwork ready before you approach the window, including passports and permanent residency cards.
While shopping locally is always encouraged, if you're going to the States for holiday shopping, have all receipts ready when you are returning and be ready to declare any items you purchased outside of Canada. If you are not sure what's allowed and what's not, ask.
The CBSA also urges shoppers to be aware of exemptions.
If you are tempted to bring turkey or other items for holiday meals, the CBSA says frozen turkeys marked "Product of the U.S.A" can be brought over. Do not bring restaurant leftovers or any homemade food with poultry in it.
Prohibited weapons or firearms are not permitted at the border. The same goes for cannabis products with or without the THC ingredient.
If you must have cannabis for medical purposes, a valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada is required. The CBSA will not accept a prescription from a doctor. Penalties for bringing cannabis over the border, despite its legality in Canada and the state of Michigan, are steep.
Information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.
