Visiting Canada

Here is a summary of what you as a US citizen private boat owner need to do when visiting Canada by boat in the Great Lakes. Links to the complete details at the Canadian Border Services Agency and NEXUS are included.

This webpage gives you all the details. You should read it and understand it before you go to Canada. CBSA Reporting requirements for private boat operators.

When do you need to contact Canadian Customs ie. CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency)?

If at any point during the transit you come to port, anchor, moor or make contact with another vessel, you must report to the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) immediately.

How to report to the CBSA, three ways.

- Call the TRC (telephone reporting site) using a cell phone from your location in Canadian waters.
  Toll free: 1-888-226-7277
- Report directly in-person at one of the open designated marine reporting site locations staffed by the CBSA.
- NEXUS – all people on the boat need to have a valid NEXUS card.

NEXUS Marine: Contact the Telephone Reporting Centre
The boat operator (the person in charge of the boat) is responsible for calling the Telephone Reporting Centre (the centre) at 1-866-99-NEXUS (1-866-996-3987). The operator must call the centre between 30 minutes and 4 hours before arriving in Canada. The operator will tell the centre officer:

- - the registration number and/or the name of the boat
  - the name and location of the landing site of arrival
  - the estimated time of arrival

No cannabis of any kind, format, oil, vape, seeds, powder, lotion, gummies at all are allowed in Canada unless you have a permit. Your boat could be seized or worse. Know and obey the rules for a fun visit.

RETURNING TO THE US

Here’s what you as a US citizen private boat owner need to do when returning from a visit to Canada by boat in the Great Lakes.

US Customs and Border Protection Pleasure Boat webpage

Please read the details at the link above before you travel.

You can use the CBP ROAM (Customs and Border Protection Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile) app downloadable from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to report your return from Canada.

CBP Phone-In Reporting in Michigan

Detroit Area (Monroe to South of Selfridge AFB)
(313) 393-3949

Port Huron Area (North of Selfridge AFB to East Tawas)
(810) 985-9972

Sault St. Marie Area (Alpena the rest of the way north)
(906) 632-7221 or (906) 632-2631

This page also has the CBP Michigan ports with contact information listed at the bottom of the page.

CBP Phone-In Reporting in the US listing other states.

For all the states use the above link.