Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents are preparing for a particularly busy weekend at border crossings across the region.
Traffic at checkpoints will be heavier than usual as people observe Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. It is also a long weekend in the U.S., for Columbus Day on Monday.
The agency said that its people will be handling all aspects of border security.
"If you encounter wait times at the border, it is likely because we are working behind the scenes to conduct examinations, seize drugs, firearms or stolen vehicles, or prevent high-risk individuals from entering Canada," read a release from the CBSA.
Tips are being provided to help make crossing the border as stress-free as possible.
The CBSA suggests checking real-time wait times and considering more than one crossing option if possible. Southwestern Ontario in Sarnia by the Blue Water Bridge, and in Windsor by the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge.
Travel during non-peak times, such as early morning or late at night, is also suggested. On three-day weekends, checkpoints tend to be the busiest on Monday afternoons and evenings.
Have all the proper documentation ready before you approach the inspection window, including passports, permanent residency cards, or other required paperwork.
Be ready to declare any items you purchased outside of Canada and have any receipts ready. If you are not sure what's allowed and what's not, a CBSA officer can answer your questions.
If you are planning to bring a turkey over from the States to cook for Thanksgiving dinner, refer to the CBSA's guidelines on what types of poultry may be brought over. Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry, however, may not be brought over.
Do not attempt to bring over any prohibited weapons or firearms, or any cannabis products. If you must have cannabis for medical purposes, a valid permit or exemption issued by Health Canada is required. The CBSA will not accept a prescription from a doctor.
Complete information on what cross-border travellers must know can be found on the official CBSA website.
