USA TO CANADA BORDER CROSSING!! - Tips and Tricks to Get Across Smoothly

After decades of crossing the Canadian border from the USA, multiple times a year for fishing trips, I have some tips and tricks for crossing the border that will hopefully help you have a smooth experience. I also talk about Game and Fish checkpoints that you might encounter when coming back from a hunting or fishing trip.
Canada Border Services Agency: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng....
Canada Border Wait Times: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/m...
Here's a video from 54 or Bust that goes into planning a Canadian fishing trip!
• PLAN YOUR PERFECT CANA...
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[@petewitcosky1821]

Thanks for the tips. My family and myself just went through the border at Saulte St. Marie, MI. We followed all your tips and no issues. One thing the border agent asked me was for my license plate number which I didn’t know off my head. No issues just had to get my registration out of the glove box. Thanks again!

[@scotanderson7689]

You are spot on. Thanks for the very good information.

[@jaytee7715]

For agricultural products (food, plants, soil etc) you can use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to find out if you can import the product to Canada. It’s not the most intuitive system but it helps and it’s the same system the border agents use if they’re unsure.

[@steweydewey2793]

Always useful info to be reminded of

[@57kwest]

Thank you for the info. We plan on crossing the Rainbow Bridge and RV the Great Lakes. I'm working on the route now. We're planning on coming back thru Michigan

[@daltonskrobiak1774]

Great video, I have been asked all of these questions on my trips across the border. Last year we got grilled pretty hard about what time and how long we waited in line. We defiantly didn't keep track of the time, as we were quite excited. Something to keep in mind next crossing! thanks for the video

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@daltonskrobiak1774 Thank you! I don't think I've ever been asked about how long we were in line! That's a new one to keep in mind!

[@nathanhook4421]

Oh I could stand on a soap box for this one. Well done. I love the kokanee drop.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@nathanhook4421 I bet you could! Thank you sir!

[@davefleming1117]

Excellent stuff... well said

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@davefleming1117 Thanks very much!

[@edwardsedlak4303]

Great video on both border crossings. We've always gone across at 0 dark thirty into International Falls and there is never a line. Wildlife however is a challenge when coming back from Eagle. Two years ago I woke up all my passengers right before I hit a bear. I would also suggest a vehicle and trailer check to make sure all lights are working before hitting the road. I trailer my boat from NC and always get asked about my license plate so I know they're looking at my boat and trailer. Great tip on the boat plug also.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@edwardsedlak4303 Good tip on the trailer check! Thank you so much for watching!

[@joecalhounschasintailguide6703]

My experience is whoever vehicle your in should be driving. We pulled up once when I was with my dad's buddies and I let him drive my truck across the border because he'd been to Canada 50 times before thinking it would go smoothly but the exact opposite. They immediately asked why I wasn't driving my own truck. We had to pull over and get searched .

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@joecalhounschasintailguide6703 That's wild! I've never had them do that, and I'd say at least 50% of my crossings, I've been the driver of someone else's vehicle. Must've gotten a grumpy Border Agent!

[@MMAGA2024-1]

Really solid advice, especially the no phones and pay attention. Perhaps have a printed reservation invoice of your camp or guide service. If your truck has 2A AR Glock stickers all over, make really sure nothing is under the seats. Enjoy your stay here.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@MMAGA2024-1 Thanks very much! That's a good tip about having a reservation printed off for reference!

[@shaundekker3414]

Now I wanna go back to Canada! Musky Fever is here

[@edwardsanders-tf9my]

Great video. I always learn something new, or remember something I forgot. A couple of other items that visitors to Canada should be aware of: 1) Crossing the border at night is best, but if you continue to drive to your resort destination during the night, be aware of moose! Route 502 between Ft Frances and Dryden is the worst I have seen for moose at night, I won't do that trip at night anymore. 2) Spend money at the stores while in Canada. A lot of these shops are mom and pop businesses that depend on tourism. The last thing you want is to visit a small town that no longer has basic services or retail because all the American anglers brought everything they would need for the week from the states to save a few bucks.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@edwardsanders-tf9my Thanks very much. And these are some great tips! I've definitely seen more than my fair share of moose a little too up close and personal on 502 over the years!

[@chapppy3782]

I go to Lake of the Woods every year, we prefer to cross in Baudette, so much quicker than International Falls, I always hit up the Duty Free for Beer, the duty for over 1 case isn't bad at all. The Agents in baudette are always super nice, and they actually strike up conversation, last year they even offered up the weather report for the week lol.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@chappy3782 I have crossed at Baudette a few times, and I definitely think it's usually not nearly as busy as International Falls.

[@droptinetackle]

Lots of great tips. Living on the north side of the border, we've heard a lot of stories. But be friendly, and dont give any attitude.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@droptinetackle Thanks very much! And yeah, 90% of a good crossing is being friendly and giving no attitude!

[@tonymosbach2868]

If you're using a Radar Detcetor that's attached to your windshield or visor remove it and put it away in the glove box or storage box. They are illegal to use in Canada so you're better off storing it before pulling up to the border agent.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@tonymosbach2868 I forgot about that! Excellent tip!

[@RBB52]

Correction: In Canada radar detectors are legal in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. They are illegal in all other provinces and territories.

[@jimjanik720]

Coming back into the states (baudette) from a late fall trip we were stopped by Canadian mnr. The person who went with put his fish in a ziplock bag with water and froze them. He had to break it all apart to show each individual fillet. They had a lab that was trained to smell fish. This same gentleman also had a leftover fish sandwich from night before in his cooler he didn't want to waste. The dog detected it immediately and he was over his limit for walleye. Thankfully they let us go after standing outside in the sleet for an hour. They were very friendly, I'm sure it could have been much worse. I've also had them open shampoo bottles and sniff for booze.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@jimjanik720 Yikes! That was a close one! I'm glad they were cool about it!

[@ESUSAMEX]

Many years ago, I went to a college in northern NYS. About once a month, we would drive over to the duty free shop in Canada to get some Canadian beer not sold in the US. On one trip over my friend and I were his pickup truck at about midnight in the dead of Winter. It was like -20 F. We crossed over into Canada without any problems and then drove to the shop. After buying two cases of beer, we returned to the border. All the car lanes were closed so we needed to go through the lanes for semi trucks. Well, the agent was really high up and he could see right into the bed of my friend's truck. He asked if we were Americans, but never asked for IDs. (Passports were not required back then-- just a driver's license.), and then he asked about the 2 cases of beer. We answered they were for the both of us. He said, "You should know that you must pay duties on the beer." We thought that we were allowed to bring in one case each. No! it was just a six pack each. He made us wait a few minutes. Then he said, "F it! You can go." Afterwards, my friend and I came to the conclusion that he did not believe we were over 21. Plus I am sure he did not like the fact it was minus 20 F outside. We had no other problems after that in normal car lanes.

[@KarenMcTavish]

The greatest question I’ve been asked at the Canada check point for a Muskie trip was: ”What’s your PB Muskie?” - for a single female Muskie angler / it verified I wasn’t a drug mule! 🤣

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@KarenMcTavish I love it! There's been a few times we've gotten a border guard that's talked a little musky fishing with us!

[@mitchellgenz1373]

Solid advice Brian. Great video as always.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@mitchellgenz1373 Thank you, sir!

[@adamcassidy4287]

1- Yes our beer is much better than US Beer(according to all my US friends) 2- CBSA are really nice to you if you're transparent and open with them. Need to have you come to Easter Ontario/West Quebec one year for musky. The Ottawa River is well known for it's musky!

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@adacassidy4287 I couldn't agree more with both of those points! I'd love to fish the Ottawa sometime!

[@adamcassidy4287]

@@AnglingAnarchy perhaps we can arrange something one summer!

[@alexanderperkins4929]

Would love a video of things you recommend bringing to Canada and money exchange if it is necessary or not.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@alexanderperkins4929 I'll attach a link for a video I made a few years back talking about some of the things I always have with me on a long trip. As for exchanging money, I never do. Your best bet is to pay with a credit card, as you'll get the going exchange rate for the day. Pretty much all the businesses up there will accept American currency, but you may not get the best exchange rate when doing that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJSbXpSnqrxmg6csi=DonPuH-QWnNfEJcX

[@alexanderperkins4929]

Awesome, I appreciate it! @@AnglingAnarchy

[@tombielecki160]

The quantities given here for booze and beer you may take in are only the duty free quantities. You may take more if you declare it and are willing to pay the duty and taxes. I have that one friend that will only drink American Budweiser. Usually one of the questions they ask is if you have anything to declare.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@tombielecki160 You are quite correct. I was just giving amounts that can be taken across the border without having to stop and pay any duty or taxes.

[@sgangling]

This is actually a very helpful video considering Ill be going through international falls later this year. I was planning on this joke: "Hey if the metric system tries to get over here dont let it in." Thoughts?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@sgangling 🤣🤣 You'll have to "read" the border agent for a sense of humor, I suppose!

[@eyre1720]

Good Gouge as always!

[@dshaun54]

Thank you for the information! Do they ask for vehicle insurance and registration?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@dshaun54 I've never been asked for that specifically. Thank you so much for watching!

[@Fowledcollective]

I’ve crossed twice going from Ontario into the states to duck hunt. Have your paperwork handy and make sure the cop in your group is driving! Yes our beer is better but the prices F’n suck!!!

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@Fowledcollective Canadian beer is worth every penny!

[@Fowledcollective]

@@AnglingAnarchy 100% it is lol

[@steveravely6708]

Another tip is, gas up and pee in International Falls. You don't need to be filling up in Canada with their fuel prices and if going up 502 there is no gas and if the border crossing has a long line your gut may be busting before you get through the crossing.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@steveravely6708 Another excellent tip!

[@user-tl1tn6jn3j]

What about Saturday after lunch?

[@Interestingfunfacz]

Do i need to fill any files before crossing? Or can i just drive up to border? Im planning to visit niagara this july but idk if i should do paper work on arrivecan before entering

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@justinymin There's nothing that I've ever encountered as far as paperwork is concerned that you'll have to fill out to visit as a tourist. Just a passport or a passport card, and you should be all set! Also, I didn't have to use Arrivecan at all last year.

[@donotfret]

I have a comedian skit I run through, works every time

[@AnglingAnarchy]

😅😅

[@davew4247]

Just curious....do you find that fish aren't as pressured up here in Canada as they are in the States? just a side note, I wish we had muskies out here in Alberta, but I guess a good consolation is we do have some big Pike!

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@davew4247 I would definitely say that most of the fish in Canada are less pressured than fish in the states, but muskies are good at being jerks regardless of pressure 😅

[@davew4247]

​@@AnglingAnarchy Yeah sounds like patience is a must when fishing for Muskies!

[@Chonburi6629]

My family will cross border at Buffalo, question do we need to fill arrivecan?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@Chronburi6629 You shouldn't have to fill that out. I didn't use it last year at all or this year.

[@logan-dy4cf]

No mention of Arrivecan so can i take it that its not an issue anymore it was a pain the last time i crossed.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@logan-dy4cf Yup, no more ArriveCan. I was so happy not to have to use it last year!

[@logan-dy4cf]

@@AnglingAnarchy thanks for letting me know much appreciated.

[@toniccurse2396]

Can i enter Canada if my vehicle isn't registered? Hard to find any information about this anywhere

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@toniccurse2396 Unfortunately, I don't know about that. Would be best to call the border patrol and ask.

[@lifeisfuneh]

When I''m going to see Brian on the Ottawa River? :)

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@lifeisfuneh Hopefully someday soon!

[@aaronyang9396]

Does everyone background check at the border before and after?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@aaronyang9396 Not so much a background check as just needing your passport and answering a fee simple questions 😊

[@bigfishbrau]

how long a wait for a september saturday morning crossing do you think?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@bigfishbrau It's hard to say. It's definitely not going to be as bad as crossing in the summer months, but other than that, I couldn't tell ya.

[@bigfishbrau]

@@AnglingAnarchy ok, i figured being later in the year might help. we came back through on a saturday i believe in late august and it wasnt bad. thanks

[@chada2050]

Is the amount of beer and LQ per adult or total?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@chada2050 That is per adult.

[@joekielbowich2660]

They ask the question about work they don't you working in Canada without a green card

[@kevinprevost3474]

the issue is never on the way to the states( as a canadian) its on the way back

[@tombielecki160]

As a US citizen it is more of a pain to get back into the US also.

[@carson2760]

I am heading up to Ear Falls in August. I am not bringing a boat because the camp I am staying at has boats but the owner said to bring a depth finder/gps. Would I be able to bring a 12volt battery with or not? I have tried looking and I haven’t found an answer.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@carson2760 I know of no rules that would prohibit you from bringing a battery. You should be just fine 🙂

[@carson2760]

@@AnglingAnarchy any tips for the trip

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@@carson2760 What will you be fishing for? Which lake?

[@carson2760]

@@AnglingAnarchy I will be fishing for walleye, pike, bass, and maybe muskies, and panfish. I will be in the Ear Falls location.

[@carson2760]

@@AnglingAnarchy also will my Wisconsin boaters certificate work in Canada.

[@aaronyang9396]

What about kids? Do they need passport too. Does birth certificate works?

[@Toocant]

Yes, they need passports

[@tombielecki160]

Children under 16 only need a Birth Certificate or proof of citizenship. Please go to the Canadian website and do some reading.

[@steveravely6708]

Don't try to be funny, tell jokes or try to strike up a conversation with agents, going up and coming back. Just talk when the ask you to.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@steveravely6708 Yup, you got it!

[@Digimonisbetterthanpokemon]

I'm a natural jokester and accidentally made a joke on the American side. The third question was if we brought anything back to declare and i instinctively said just memories and credit card debt. Dude seemed to enjoy it.

[@user-tl1tn6jn3j]

Sorry. Saturday after lunch crossing the border.:)

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@user-tl1tn6jn3j Saturday after lunch is still going to be a pretty long wait, most likely.

[@user-tl1tn6jn3j]

@@AnglingAnarchy OK. Thanks.

[@user-tl1tn6jn3j]

How long do you think it will take?​@@AnglingAnarchy

[@user-tl1tn6jn3j]

I have no clue. I haven't been to Canada since the late 90's. Staying near Vermillion Bay. Leaving the Minocqua, Wi. Area about 6 am Saturday. Memorial day weekend.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

​@@user-tl1tn6jn3jI have a feeling you'll be in for a 1-3 hour wait. It's really hard to say for sure

[@kallasusort2986]

Thank you, 1st I just got my USA Passport updated via Library paperwork, filled it out mailed it in - then returned and a week or two later my original passport back. It had CHANGED. My Old passport on the inside picture page: United State of America. My new passport in the inside picture page (now thick) "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" I do not live in "THE" only UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I called the passport and discussed it with them. The thought I was insane for asking that Question - I was concern I sent to a hacked address. They said no, it was fine. All was changed 2 years ago. Have you ever looked up The United State of America, INC. - a small little word can change everything. 2) Also threats of a strike in the Chicago area or maybe across the entire Country of Canada,

[@madtownangler]

If you cross the border by plane I highly suggest getting some kind of medical insurance through the plane company. My uncle had a stroke in Canada and was able to stay in a hospital in Canada and get shipped back to a United States hospital because of the insurance he got along with his flight. So instead of owing thousands of dollars in money and having to take a private plane that could transport him in a hospital bed he had everything paid for including a private flight

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@madtownangler That's an excellent tip!

[@fredgrems2167]

And remember that Medicare will not cover your medical expenses in Canada. Best to buy a short term health insurance plan for your trip.

[@madtownangler]

@@fredgrems2167 that's what my aunt and uncle get whenever they go anywhere. My uncle has had three strokes already.

[@illmuskyhunter3313]

God I wish I could tell you what happened to us at the border last Aug. Let's just say that it was hilarious and it took about an hour even tho there was 0 traffic 😂

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@illmuskyhunter3313 Oh man, sounds like a good story!

[@jeffmorand4796]

If u guys want a short cut going in either direction across the border. PULL up Yo I am illegal immanent, no ID, no name, no address, not sure where I'm off to or if I'm coming back, and oh ya bro where is the free benefits building , This seams to work from what I have been seeing on both borders ps if u have a problem, threaten to sue for discrimination lol kinda

[@AnglingAnarchy]

🤣🤣