With students off now for March Break, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is expecting extra activity this coming week at border crossings.
As many people are planning trips this week, border agents will handle increased traffic at the Ambassador Bridge, the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, and the Blue Water Bridge. The CBSA does have some suggestions to relieve some of the stress of crossing.
The CBSA says planning goes a long way. Take a look at multiple crossing options and travel during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night. The weekends at the beginning and end of March Break tend to see the longer lines at checkpoints.
Have all the proper travel documents ready when you approach the inspection booth. If you're flying into Toronto's Pearson International Airport or Billy Bishop Airport, you may also have the option of advance declaration, which can cut wait times.
With more children expecting to travel during March Break, parents or guardians 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.
Despite cannabis use for recreational purposes being legal across Canada and the state of Michigan, it is against the law to bring pot over the border, including all products with or without the ingredient THC, which produces the "high". If you have a medical need for cannabis, you must have a valid permit or exemption from Health Canada. A doctor's prescription will not be accepted.
Penalties for those caught smuggling cannabis over the border are steep, with hefty fines and criminal penalties, which may include a ban on crossing the border.
Be ready to declare any items you purchased outside of Canada and have any receipts ready. Travellers are expected to know everything in their vehicle and are responsible for the contents, whether they belong to you or not.
Travelling with a firearm is strongly discouraged. If you must bring a weapon, make sure you know the procedures for importing one and what items may not be brought into Canada, such as pepper spray.
Complete information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.