Going to Canada, eh?

     If you are planning to paddle in Canada this year then you'll need to make sure you have all of the proper documents. 

Remote Area Border Crossing Permit


In order to enter into Canada you must have a Remote Area Border Crossing Permit. This permit is only for residents of Canada and the United States and can only be used in designated areas such as the wilderness border of the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park.

The permit is good for one year and takes 3-6 weeks to be processed. Please allow plenty of time for mailing. A $30.00 Non-Refundable Processing Fee payable by Visa, Mastercard or Discover is due at the time of application. Applications can be found at this website.

An entire family can be listed on the same permit as long as the applicant's spouse or partner has been living with the applicant for one or more years. Their dependent children under 22 years of age as well as any adopted children may be listed with legal proof of adoption.

Leaders of special groups may fill out a Group Manifest Form for the youth under age 18.

If you have been convicted of a felony such as driving while under the influence or if you are not a citizen of Canada or the United States then you will not be granted a RABCP. You may go to this website to find out more information about being granted a pardon.


Passport, Passport Card or One of the Following

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada will be required to present one of these travel documents: US Passport, US Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program Card. To find out more about Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program Cards visit this website.

Purchasing a Passport Card will allow you to travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and some of the Caribbean. It is less expensive than a Passport and takes approximately 3 weeks to process. It is good for 10 years for an adult and 5 years for a minor under the age of 16; just like a Passport. The cost for a minor to apply is $35.00 and the cost for a first-time adult applicant is $45.00. If you already have a passport and wish to purchase a Passport Card then the cost is only $20.00.
To save time and trouble at the issuing agency be sure to read over information from this website: Special documentation is needed to apply and when applying for your children they must be present with you.

If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen under the age of 16 then you will need to present the original or copy of your birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card in order to apply for a passport.

Groups of U.S. and Canadian children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship.

I-68

You can return to the United States from Canada via a watercraft with or without an I-68. An I-68 is valid for one year and costs $16.00 for an individual or $32.00 for a family. If you have an I-68 and are returning from Canada you can call to check in with a Customs Officer. If you do not have an I-68 then you must stop and check-in in person.

Customs is the I-68 issuing agency and the Border Patrol is the enforcement agency. Any and all questions concerning issuance of the I-68 should be directed to, Customs and Border Protection, Pigeon River Port of Entry (218) 475-2244 or 217-475-0060.

From May through October the Coast Guard Station in Grand Marais, MN will hold the Office of Field Operations. The office will be open from 9-5pm with 1-2 people on staff. People with an I-68 will call this office upon returning from Canada. This will also be where people can stop and apply for the I-68. As of June 1, 2009 a passport or passport card will be necessary to apply for an I-68.

You may also apply for an I-68 anywhere there is an International Port of Entry such as an International Airport.