Ontario residents will likely try to squeeze in a quick trip this Labour Day weekend before the kids head back to school.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will handle an increased number of travellers at the border over the long weekend at the Ambassador Bridge, Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, and the Blue Water Bridge. Labour Day is observed on the same day in Canada and the U.S. and is the unofficial end of the summer travel season.
The CBSA suggests checking ahead for wait times and looking at more than one point of entry for options. Your best bet may be to travel during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night. The end of a long weekend, such as Labour Day itself, will likely see the longest wait times.
Travellers should have the proper documentation ready to show the border agent, such as passports and permanent residency cards. Parents or guardians who are not travelling together should bring a letter authorizing the person to bring children over the border. CBSA agents are trained to watch for missing children.
Many people will be out on the water for the long weekend, and there are reporting rules for boaters. They are urged to review reporting procedures before setting sail.
Recreational cannabis may be legal in both Canada and the state of Michigan, but it is against the law to bring it over the border unless you have a valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada. A prescription or note from a doctor will not be accepted.
Cannabis products include any oils or items with or without the ingredient THC. Those caught smuggling cannabis over the border may face serious fines and criminal penalties, including a potential travel ban.
Be ready to declare any items you did not have when you began your trip, and refer to the CBSA website for information on exemptions.
The CBSA said it handled one million travellers at the border over the Canada Day-U.S. Independence Day weekend.
