Trailering to Canada

[Favunclerich]

We just trailered Roam to Canada via the Bluewater Bridge in Sarnia, Ontario. The plan was to launch the boat in Tobermory for a one month cruise on Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The customs officer at the bridge scanned our passports, asked a few questions and cleared us to go. I asked for a clearance for the boat, but she said that I didn't need one unless we were planning to leave the boat in Canada.

A week later at a marina in Parry Sound we were boarded by two uniformed, armed customs officers who wanted to see our form E-99. I explained the situation and they took all of our information back to their office and returned an hour later with an E-99 form filled out for us. He instructed us to post it in our dockside window. Apparently, the Customs Officer at the bridge was not familiar with the process, and I should have insisted upon having an E-99 form before going cruising. Lesson learned.

 

[Irish Mist]

I have the same situation when I head south... Others that have cruised across by water speak of forms and reporting every move they make marinia to marinia.. We clear customs by land and launch the boat . So far no issues, but I suspect I should be asking for paperwork.

 

[Scuffy]

We trailered into Canada near the thousand Islands area just east of Kingston three weeks ago. The officer asked more about our boat because he seemed to like it a lot and we don't even have a 21'. He did ask us about alcohol and if we were carrying more than 10 g's in cash and I told him no on the $ and that we just had some wine for our own consumption. He asked how much , I said three 3 liter boxes of wine. No issues Mike. After about 20 minutes of questions about our boat spec's he waved us through. It was actually a fun stop. We have been approached in New Brunswick when we were in St. John on the St. John river in a marina. I guess the swat team thought we came by boat and asked us a bunch of questions. We explained we trailered in and that was that. So I think if the they suspect you came by boat they might get involved. Last year we ran up from the Statue Of Liberty in NYC up the Hudson and Champlain canal across Lake Champlain to the Richelieu river at Rouces Point into Canada. We checked in by water and they just asked questions no paperwork required no form needed. I think they might just feel sorry for us. 🙂
D.D.

 

[Dorman]

I have trailered to Canada for several years and have never been asked to fill out any forms. Customs officers have always asked about fresh fruit, vegetables and alcohol but that and ID have been the only requests.

 

[knotflying]

It is probably a mixed bag. We were stopped and searched, had to report back before leaving Canada to show that we did not leave the boat there. On another trip you would have thought we were long lost brothers and welcomed in with open arms. It all depends on how the inspector feels that day.