Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents will be ready to deal with a heavier traffic volume at the border crossings in Sarnia and Windsor for the August long weekend.
"The CBSA dedicates significant efforts to planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months," read a release from the CBSA. "We monitor traveller volumes and plan to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and at international airports, without compromising safety and security."
If you're traveling to and from the U.S. for the Civic Holiday weekend, the CBSA has tips to help speed up border crossings.
If you're traveling in an area with multiple border options, the CBSA suggests checking ahead for wait times and looking at more than one point of entry. Travel during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night, may also work. The Mondays of a long weekend tend to be the busiest at the border.
Have all the proper travel documents ready when you approach the inspection booth. If you're flying into Toronto's Pearson International Airport, you may also have the option of advance declaration via the ArriveCAN app.
For those who travel with children, parents or guardians not travelling together should bring a letter authorizing the person to travel with them. CBSA agents are trained to watch for missing children.
Despite recreational cannabis being legal in Canada and the state of Michigan, travelers are not to bring it over the border. This includes any oils or products with or without the ingredient THC. A valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada is required. CBSA agents will not accept a prescription from a doctor as proof.
If you are caught smuggling cannabis over the border, you could face serious fines and criminal penalties, including a potential ban on crossing the border.
Be ready to declare any items you purchased outside of Canada and have any receipts ready.
Complete information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.