USA to Canada - Border Crossing Tips

Here are a few things to consider and some tips for crossing the USA / Canada border if you're heading North for a Canadian fishing trip. If you have questions as to what can be brought across the border, you will find the answers in the link below from the Canadian Border Services Agency. Also, if you have a DUI in your past, it is in your best interest to consult the Canada Border Services Agency as to how you should proceed.
Canada Border Services Agency
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng....
Get a US Passport
travel.state.gov/content/trav...
Colegroves Eagle Lake Lodge
www.eaglelakelodge.ca/
Help us Grow Angling Anarchy by shopping on Amazon through the link below! Any purchase you make will help us out! Bookmark for ease of use!
amzn.to/2pfTAmG
The Rods and Lures We Use:
chaostackle.com/
Reels:
Shimano Tranx 400HG amzn.to/2IMPCsN
Shimano Tranx 500HG amzn.to/2oszTbt
Cameras:
Chest Cam: GoPro Hero 4 Silver amzn.to/35wGAJU
Pole Cams: GoPro Hero 3+ Black (x2)
Gunnel Cams: GoPro Hero 4 Silver (x2) amzn.to/35wGAJU
Slow Motion Cam: GoPro Hero 7 Black amzn.to/31afa9x
Main Camera: Canon M50 amzn.to/2UIqfxq
Drone: DJI Phantom 3 Standard amzn.to/35xGVvZ
Camera Accessories:
Chest Mount: Velocity Clip amzn.to/2IKw744
Camera Tripod: 60" Lightweight Tripod amzn.to/33OO7nd
Main Camera Mic: Rode VideoMicro amzn.to/2MxDsoC
GoPro Skeleton Cases: amzn.to/35tkt7l
Poalrized Lenses: B+W Circular Polarizer amzn.to/33Q8mRr
Switronix GoPro Power Cables: amzn.to/2oAOz8c
Anker USB C Cord: amzn.to/33Q8mRr
Anker Portable Charger: amzn.to/35x7dhR
Milwaukee 18V USB: amzn.to/3bydVqk
Milwaukee 12V USB: amzn.to/2R6UBsz
Lighting:
Light Umbrella Kit: amzn.to/2vZGwpq
Main Camera Light: amzn.to/33VC7jF
Editing Program:
Cyberlink Power Director amzn.to/2IMT5HF
Editing Computer:
HP Envy Laptop amzn.to/2MFgBrr
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting Angling Anarchy so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!

[@ctbt1832]

Went into Canada for the very first time this year and I must admit it was a really good trip. I was quite surprised and would love to go again. There are some things that are different like the portions to their food are smaller and their gas is very expensive

[@derekolsen9621]

Great quick tips. We’re at Witch Bay Camp LOTW for 8 days end of August. Appreciate the reminders.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Derek Olsen Good luck up there! We'll be back on Eagle in the middle of August!

[@fellowtraveler2495]

I gave you a like, this was gold thank you.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Fellow Traveler Thank you!

[@Supremmo]

The times I went to Canada before 9/11 the custom agents were mad friendly. They were so friendly they didn’t check for our IDs or asked how long we planned on staying.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Supremmo I remember those days! A lot has changed since then unfortunately. Quite honestly, I still don't think it's too bad crossing as long as you are prepared!

[@quietcorner293]

I crossed the border between North Dakota & Manitoba. I can't remember if it was pre or post 9/11 but the Canadian Agent was very friendly. He just asked if we were all Americans. The American Agent was a bit of a dick. He didn't even leave his shack and asked in an aggressive tone if we bought stuff in Canada.

[@robertlyon4804]

@@AnglingAnarchy Why was my post taken down?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@@robertlyon4804 I'm not sure, I never saw the post.

[@robertlyon4804]

@@AnglingAnarchy Here it is again. To go to Canada you have to get an app on your cell phone. ArriveCan. get an account using your email but not using your email password. After that they ask drive or fly. Then a COVID test the one that takes 2 days or more for the results. Now this test is only good for 72 hours. The hours begin when you get the test not the hour you get the results. Then you need to upload photos of your passport your vaccine card and your test results. The app sends you a pass code. Maybe you have to drive 400 miles then maybe the border gives you a random 15 min. test and you get a false positive. This to me is insane. I bet the elite do not have to do this. Maybe you can do this but i am a stupid old man.

[@mitchellgenz1373]

Nice tips Brian. Over the years crossing the border just being polite and respectful works. Heading to LOTW in 4 weeks.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Mitchell Genz Good luck sir!

[@Charigun]

It's a simple chat, usually a minute or two. Not complex at all.

[@MTheChequeGuy]

I got my passport card a few years ago for ~$40, but I’m sure the cost might have gone up a little since then, but the card is the size of your drivers license. It’s handy for crossing by land. 🙃

[@AnglingAnarchy]

MTheChequeGuy The passport card is absolutely a great option if you dont think you'd ever use the full book passport 😀

[@ouel1]

I passed into Canada at the Thousand Islands about 5 years ago. I had a suitcase in the trunk and I could not remember if the bb gun (recently purchased at Walmart) was in it. I told the Customs guy there MIGHT be a bb gun in the suitcase. They had my wife and I get out and they went through the car for over one hour. They found the bb gun and it was ok to bring into Canada. They were very nice, professional, but didn't smile much.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

ouel1 Better to tell the truth like that and be inconvenienced for a bit than the alternative. For the most part the agents are pretty friendly, but there's not a lot of smiling going on, thats for sure 😊

[@jlo5793]

Thanks for the border crossing tips I'm heading up to Eagle in a couple of weeks. I have my new assault sticks, white Poseidon and mini Medusa all ready to go. What is the gas situation in Dryden do they have premium ethanol-free gas available? I want to tow my boat empty of gas and fill up before going to the lodge. Subbed and looking forward to the new Eagle lake fishing videos from your trip.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

J Lo Thanks for watching! I honestly don't know the gas situation in Dryden. I typically tow the boat up as empty as I can and fill it up in Northern MN right before you cross the border. Gas in Canada is quite a bit more expensive, so we also fill up 6 five gallon gas cans and take them across the border. Haven't bought gas in Canada in years!

[@jlo5793]

Thanks for the heads up about the gas prices in Canada I'll fill up the boat in International Falls before crossing over the border. Our lodge has gas on the dock when I need to top off the tank, not sure I want to deal with using gas cans on this trip. Be safe and sharp hooks

[@brianmatyas4114]

enhanced licenses, if your state issues them, work at the border as well. They are cheaper than a passport, but only work if you're going by land or sea.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Brian Matyas Good to know!

[@RodknockRhett]

Without a passport?

[@michaelhanson911]

Take my passport... I'm sticking with Twisted Sister

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

This keeps appearing in my youtube feed the last week or so. Which is ironic considering the border is closed.

[@edwilson2025]

I would like to add Please turn off your wipers if it is raining

[@subreniajohnson4509]

Got it..no Twisted Sisters!

[@NurseNick420]

Wow, I didn't know they basically give you an entire interview as you cross to the border. I thought they'd only ask you for your passport and the reason you're visiting.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

OutNProud500 They usually are pretty thorough with their questioning!

[@NurseNick420]

@@AnglingAnarchy What do they do if someone was to drive up to the border checkpoint without a passport?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@@NurseNick420 from what I understand you can get into Canada with a driver's license and a birth certificate, it's getting back into the states without the passport that becomes the problem. Always best to just have a passport 😀

[@NurseNick420]

@@AnglingAnarchy Lol true. My boyfriend and I are considering vacationing there in the near future so I like that your video was thorough on the steps. What province were you in? Beautiful backdrop in there!

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@OutNProud500 we were in Northwest Ontario musky fishing on Eagle Lake. Beautiful country up there!

[@magdalenojuan]

I am going to pull up with Twister Sister song now 🤣

[@AnglingAnarchy]

"We're not gonna take it!" 😂🤣

[@GrimmyStone]

Is there a requirement for how long you should have your passport before entering into Canada? I plan on going, but need to renew my passport, so just thought I'd ask!

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Dalton Lewis I don't think there are any hard and fast rules about that, but I'd say you'd want to have it a good month or so before you go.

[@GrimmyStone]

@@AnglingAnarchy alrighty, thank you!

[@brelynngrammer1835]

This may sound so stupid but if I'm 18 and my cousin is 16 would we have trouble getting across the border if we had every document and everything?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Brelynn Grammer Not a stupid question at all! I'm going to have to refer you to the Canadian Border agency website on this one, but I'm thinking at the very least your cousin will have to have some sort of documentation from both parents giving permission to cross.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Brelynn Grammer Just did some quick research and it looks like you need parental consent for anyone under the age of 16. 16 and older should be good with a passport. Hope that helps!

[@brelynngrammer1835]

@@AnglingAnarchy Thank you so much!!!!!

[@BluePiggy97]

No potatoes!!! Last time I went through, 2008, we had to throw our potatoes in a dumpster that was literally full of potatoes.... weird

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Mark Ehlke depends on the type of potatoes oddly enough. If they are free of dirt, they are ok to bring across the border. Baby reds are usually a safe bet!

[@jala6083]

I really want a passport but my dad won’t get it for me is there anyway I can get one for free

[@mubeenshahsahil4737]

Can I green card holder go Canada with any problem?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Mcbeenshah Sahil I don't know too much about that. You'd have to contact a border agent or do a little bit more in depth research on their webpage to find that out.

[@extendyourlove8643]

Mubeenshah Sahil If you need a visa to USA or Canada, contact Mr Joseph on [e-mail] He will lead you to a good and trusted immigration Lawyer.

[@proteus404]

I am not saying lie or omit details when answering their questions, but I wouldn't recommend giving long answers with details that are irrelevant or giving a life story. Answer the questions honestly and keep it simple and to the point.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Chamber999 I would agree! Don't offer up any info that isn't asked for, just straight and to the point!

[@BobBob-fp5fn]

They once asked us if we were leaving our boat trailer in Canada... not the boat, just the trailer.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Bob Bob Good one! I actually did leave my boat and trailer up there for 6 days in between trips. There's a little paperwork involved, but pretty painless!

[@BobBob-fp5fn]

@@AnglingAnarchy The last time we went up, the lady asked us all kinds of weird questions that we have never heard from prior trips. Next time if they ask my occupation, I might tell them that I'm a male stripper just so I can see their reaction.

[@Shane-cd2es]

How long does it take to get through ?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Shane 2306 It all depends on the time of day, day of the week, etc. I find that crossing Friday vs Saturday makes quite a difference. Friday morning may take 5-10 mins. Saturday at the same time could take 30-60 mins.

[@ashley6617]

What age do you have to be to cross the Canadian border from us

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Ashley Here is what I could find. "Children under the age of 16 traveling between the U.S. and Canada without both of their parents or a legal guardian are considered "unaccompanied minors" and require special permissions at the borders of both countries to prevent abductions and runaways."

[@assassin1148]

Can you get in with a passport to Canada if you’re a u.s citizen with a 10 yr old receiving stolen property if not what should I do

[@PianoMoverSmith1]

If you have a record you can not go no matter if you have a passport.

[@assassin1148]

@@PianoMoverSmith1 a lot of people get through with a felony

[@kendrajones7374]

I was reading somewhere that you don’t “need” a passport to go from us to Canada? That you can use ,if you have them all but your ID, brith certificate and social security card? Is that not true?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Kendra Jones From everything I've heard the problem isn't so much going into Canada without a passport, it's getting back into the states where it becomes more of a headache. I would definitely reccomend either a book passport or the passport card for crossing between the US and Canada 😀

[@kendrajones7374]

Angling Anarchy much appreciated 🙏🏾

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Kendra Jones You are quite welcome!

[@ivetteramirez5848]

Angling Anarchy So I have my US Passport book, my concern is do I need to have another identification on me like an California ID ? Because I don’t have an ID I only have my Passport Book. Will there be any problem when I land to Canada? I will flight out there.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@@ivetteramirez5848 You shouldn't need another form of identification. I've crossed into Canada for years with just a passport book. You should be just fine 😀

[@chillchopapa3275]

My car doesn’t have catalytic converters is that a problem

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Chill Cho Papa Hmmmm. Never been asked about that before. Not sure what to tell you on that one other than check the Canadian border agencies website and see if you can find something.

[@chillchopapa3275]

Angling Anarchy do they check under your car?

[@chillchopapa3275]

Angling Anarchy I have a lowered mustang gt

[@carboncomplex]

as long as your insurance and registration are valid you should be good

[@stevebenson3024]

Know your licence plate number. Driver can't get out. It's usually a piece of cake unless you start blubbering around.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Steve Benson I haven't been asked that in recent memory, but that's a good one to know as well!

[@canamsledder]

@@AnglingAnarchy I'm normally only asked that in the winter if snow is blocking my plate. If the plate reader can't read the plate, they'll ask. I have my plate number on a little piece of masking tape stuck to the top corner of my windshield.

[@robrobski9445]

before 911 people used to cross with license driver now you need passport and questions and this and that

[@menglee6]

Does Anyone know if it's possible to cross with this covid thing going around?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Eina As far as I know, unless you have a pretty good reason to cross like for work or something, it ain't happening. Trudeau has said that the border won't go back to normal until 75% of the Canadian population is vaccinated. That could be awhile yet.

[@blakeforeman5144]

We still can’t freely travel everywhere within Canada yet so I’d say it’ll be awhile still.

[@menglee6]

@@AnglingAnarchy I am trying to cross to go to school down Texas. I am planing to go around April with my honda civic. It will be my first time so can I make it with my vehicle? Or it will require a truck?

[@robertlyon4804]

You will need the test but not the 15 min. test. You will need ArriveCan app on your cell phone get an account after you get an account then you have to upload photos of your passport your vaccine and photo of your Covid test results. Remember this test is only good for 72 hours to go to the border over all of that they might do a random 15 min. test. What if that test comes back with a false positive. Problems. Maybe you are good with computers and all this. I hope so. This is insanity.

[@RodknockRhett]

@@menglee6 any legal motor vehicle can drive across the border, like any road… Why would you need a truck?

[@granderondeproductions3286]

Do they not ask about criminal background?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Northern Sailor I've never been asked, but I believe that is information that will pop up on the Border Agent's computer screen as soon as they scan your passport.

[@Jay-vr9ir]

If you have ever been charged ,you will not be allowed in either country .

[@robertlyon4804]

Why was my post taken down?

[@AnglingAnarchy]

@Robert Lyon Got me, I never saw the original post.

[@zillsburyy1]

twisted sister LOL!

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Tommy Sands lol I found it appropriate and a bit of a throwback 😀

[@RicardoRoams]

I would suggest not trying to bring fresh fruit into Canada. I made the mistake of buying apples in Sandpoint, Idaho only to have to throw most away when I tried to cross into British Columbia a little while later. I stuffed myself eating as many as I could at the border. I would also suggest not trying to video record your exchange with the border guard. They don't like that. Here's another tip. If you have been denied entry at a border checkpoint, don't drive to different checkpoint and try again. Their computers are linked and they will know. Don't lie, about anything. They'll know that too. In 1993, my parents and I were traveling through New England and decided to go to Quebec. We lived in California but were back east on vacation. We crossed into Quebec from Maine in our rental car. At the border, we were asked to exit the vehicle and go inside the building while the border guards searched our car. They separated me from my parents and I was taken to a room with two border agents. I learned later that my parents were asked the usual questions and then they were done. For me, it was another story. I was interrogated, seriously for at least 45 minutes. I don't remember all the questions except for the multiple times being asked if I'd ever been arrested. I've never been arrested. I finally told them you have my Passport, why don't you run it and verify what I said? They also repeatedly asked me if I owned any firearms. Not if I HAD any firearms but if I OWNED any. I did not. It was finally over and my parents later asked me what took so long? When on a tour of Quebec city, I told the tour guide what happened. I asked her why the interrogation? I'd been in Canada many times over the years and never went through anything like that. She said it was my hair! I had very long hair pulled back in a ponytail. She went on to say they were suspicious that I was smuggling drugs or guns into Canada. I laughed. I said they must be watching too much American TV.

[@jamesathendune9026]

Watch out if you have a DUI conviction, American or Canadian ! Canadian and American computers are linked. If you do you will be asked to post an outrageously expensive bond. Most people decide to turn back rather than post it. The fact that you have already dealt with it DOES NOT MATTER to the border people!

[@robertlyon4804]

James you are correct they are nasty people working at the border.

[@jamessmeyer]

Sounds like you are being interrogated the serious crime of crossing a border. Lol

[@robertlyon4804]

Yes it is.

[@SgtSlime365]

Worst thing about my 2020? No angling anarchy eagle lake videos 😡😡😡

[@AnglingAnarchy]

SWMN Fishing I know, right?! Hopefully we can make it happen this year, even if it's a late fall trip or something!

[@SgtSlime365]

@@AnglingAnarchy yea dude. Give the people what they want! Eagle lake content lol. I wanna make it up there. I’ve Never been to Canada

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

canada people prefer that usa people not come in canada.

[@MadisonAngling]

USA people prefer to come in your mom.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

You are out of breath, please see a doctor. I am not a doctor but have experience and you need to be checked.

[@AnglingAnarchy]

Mickey I ran up a pretty good hill to film this and wanted to get back to fishing, so yes, I was out of breath 😊