It's officially the first long weekend of fall, and many people may be considering a trip over the border to shop, see attractions, or visit friends.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be ready for large traffic flows for the Canadian Thanksgiving and U.S. Columbus Day [Indigenous Peoples Day] weekend. Long waits are possible at the Blue Water Bridge, Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, and Ambassador Bridge.
Border agents suggest having more than one option for a crossing point if possible, and traveling during non-peak times such as early mornings or late evenings. The Monday of a long weekend tends to draw heavy border traffic.
To help keep processing smooth, the CBSA recommends having all proper documentation ready before you approach the booth, such as passports and permanent residency cards. If you made any purchases outside Canada, have your receipts ready and declare anything you did not have when you left Canada.
For those who may still be on the water this weekend, there are procedures boaters must follow when crossing the border.
Despite recreational marijuana use being legal in the state of Michigan and across Canada, bringing cannabis over the border is not allowed unless you have a valid exemption or permit issued by Health Canada. CBSA agents will not accept a prescription from a physician.
Products include those with or without the ingredient THC. If you are caught smuggling cannabis, you could face serious legal penalties and even a permanent travel ban.
The CBSA has also encouraged travellers to be open and honest if there are questions about what can be brought in or what to do. Agents are there to help.
