The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it is ready to handle potential increases in border traffic, starting this weekend.
Victoria Day in Canada and Memorial Day in the U.S. mark the unofficial start of the summer travel season. Border agents have asked travelers for patience.
"We monitor traveller volumes and prioritize efficient processing of travellers at land ports of entry and at international airports, without compromising safety and security," read a release from the CBSA. "If you encounter wait times at the border, it is likely because we are working behind the scenes to conduct examinations, seize drugs, firearms, stolen vehicles, or prevent high-risk individuals from entering Canada."
Tips are being provided to help make crossing the border as stress-free as possible.
Border wait times are available on both the CBSA website and from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Having the option of more than one entry point is beneficial in Southwestern Ontario, which is served by the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.
The CBSA recommends traveling during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night. Border crossings are very busy on Sundays after long weekends.
Have all the proper travel documents ready when you approach the inspection booth, including passports, permanent residency cards, or other required papers.
If you have children, parents or guardians who are not travelling together should bring a letter authorizing the person to travel with them. CBSA agents are trained to watch for missing children.
Recreational cannabis is legal across Canada and in Michigan, but you may not carry it across the border. This includes any products with or without the ingredient THC, which provides the "high". If you must have cannabis for medical purposes, a valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada is required. CBSA agents will not accept a doctor's prescription.
If you are caught smuggling cannabis, you could face fines and criminal penalties, including a lengthy ban on crossing the border.
Be ready to declare any items you purchased outside of Canada and have any receipts ready.
Information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.