Pigeon River Border Crossing
Thunder Bay – Travel – Heading to the USA for Canada Day or 4th of July Independence Day?
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travellers crossing the border over the Canada Day and US Independence Day holidays what to expect.
Protecting Canadians and ensuring smooth border crossings
The CBSA works every day to protect Canadians, support our economy and ensure the efficient movement of people and goods. In 2023, we welcomed more than 86 million travellers and seized more than 72,200 kg of prohibited substances, a 30% increase over 2022.
Get ready for peak travel season
To minimize wait times at the border during peak periods, such as long weekends and summer months, CBSA will monitor traveler numbers and strategically plan operations.
Travel tips for smooth border crossings
Plan ahead
Check border wait times: To avoid delays, early morning hours are the best time to cross the border. Mondays after long weekends tend to be the busiest. Consider alternative ports of entry with shorter wait times and check the CBSA Office and Services Directory for opening hours. Use a navigation app: If you use a GPS application (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze), explore different routes to find the best travel option. Prepare your travel documents: Having all your travel documents easily accessible will reduce processing time. Traveling with children: If you are traveling with a child who is not your own, carry a letter of consent from the child's parent or legal guardian. Advance declaration: Entering Canada by plane? Use advance declaration to make a customs and immigration declaration at least 72 hours before arriving at a participating airport. Entering by ship: Personal seafarers must report to the CBSA without delay. Check reporting requirements before traveling.
At the border
Declare everything: If you're arriving by land or water, declare all items you're carrying, including those in your vehicle or boat. Specific items: Food, plant and animal products: Check the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) guidelines. Poultry products: Be aware of current U.S. regulations. Fireworks: Make sure you comply with regulations regarding the import of fireworks. Medicines: Understand your responsibilities when traveling with medicines. Firewood: Firewood from outside Canada is prohibited. Buy and burn locally. Goods purchased abroad: Check your personal duty-free allowance and use the CBSA's duty and tax estimator.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Firearms: Leave them at home unless you've checked the import regulations. Weapons: Items such as pepper spray, switchblades and butterfly knives are prohibited. Drugs: Possession of illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin can lead to arrest and prosecution. Marijuana: While legal in Canada, it is a crime to bring it across the border without the proper permit.
Need help?
If you are unsure of what to declare, please contact a CBSA officer. For more information, please visit the CBSA website or call 1-800-461-9999.
