Trailering boat int Canada/Customs

[trailertrawlerkismet]

When trailering a boat into Canada one has to clear Canadian Customs at the border. Does anyone know for sure if this clearance is all that is needed to then cruise in Canadian waters? or do we also need to clear customs the same we do when we come by water. I've looked online and can find no clear answer. I ask because when one trailers in we don't receive the special clearance number to display in the boat as we do when we check in via water. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Jim F

 

[knotflying]

Jim,

When I went through trailering to Canada last year they were very worried that I was going to either leave or sell the boat in Canada. They gave me a document to carry with me and I was required to stop back on the Canadian side to show them I still had the boat. We were also approached by customs at a marina we were at and I showed them the document and all was okay. I am not sure if that document is standard procedure or because my wife and I looked like Bonnie & Clyde we were treated differently. It seems to me each boarder crossing has a different set of rules. I guess the best thing to do would be to ask at the boarder what the protocol is if you are stopped after you launch in Canada.

See you in August!

Mike Rizzo

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Thanks Mike. When Lisa and I went to the North Channel 2 summers ago and came upon the border patrol at the International Bridge in Sault Ste Marie Ontario I did ask if I needed to do anything else regarding boating in Canada and he was not aware. This is why I asked the question and I agree with you that each area seems to have a different set of rules or understanding of the rules. Oh by the way, now that you say it, I do see the resemblance to Bonnie and Clyde! See you in the North Channel.

Jim

 

[pleeson]

Once you have entered Canada you are good to go up until you return to the States, either via trailer or on the water. However, you would be well advised to have a list with serial numbers of all major items and detachable valuables and get US Customs to sign off on it before leaving the US in case anyone wants to dispute whether you did some heavy duty shopping in Canada while you were away. The list also can ease things at the Canadian border and shows that you are trying to be prepared and righteous. Remember to wait and do the bulk of your grocery and liquor buying after you enter Canada.