Checking Into Canada

If you are in Detour it is an interesting trip to go up the seaway and then check into Canada at Richard's Landing.  There is a liquor store and grocery there as well.

Arriving from Detour, The CBSA TRS/M (telephone Reporting Site / Marine) locations most commonly used are Meldrum Bay (37nm from Harbor Island), Blind River (41nm) and Thessalon (17nm).  Thessalon and Blind River are best if you're headed to the north shore anchorages and Meldrum is best if you're headed to the south shore, Gore Bay or Little Current (both of which are also TRS/M locations if you have a fast boat and don't want to stop elsewhere.)

Here is a map of the TRS/M locations.  You will see Whiskey Bay is very close to Drummond Island and Harbour Island but it is not suitable for cruising boats.  It is used to check local small fishing boats into Canada.  It is not legal to anchor off Whiskey Bay and dinghy in to check into Canada.  

Addressing the original question, we Canadians are looking forward to welcoming our American friends to the North Channel this year but I suspect CBSA will be taking a slightly more rigorous approach to checking vessels into Canada.  As of now, no laws have changed (legislation is being proposed) but regulations that have long been in effect but loosely enforced might be tightened up.  The most obvious element affecting cruising boaters would be limits on importing alcohol.  American wine, liquor and beer is no longer available in Ontario and other provinces.  I suspect American alcohol for personal use may be subject to the strict letter of the regulations.  (my opinion only... I have no official insight into this situation)

Coming from that area, our home cruising grounds, we normally check-in at Thessalon. It lines us up with the anchorages we intend to enjoy. 

The closest place to check into Canadian waters from Detour is Meldrum Bay.  The attached link provides the requirements and check-in locations for private boaters.

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pb-pp-exceptions-eng.html

We'll be arriving from Mackinac via Detour to the North Channel. What is the closest port available for check in? The app isn't quite clear. 

Thanks

Amy 

S/V Inspiration

Julie Thorndycraft from s/v Gaviidae recently posted that they entered the US from The Bahamas about 6 or 8 weeks ago using the ROAM app and it was smooth and painless. 

A very timely question.  Here's a companion question --- Has anyone entered the US or returned to the US using the ROAM app and noticed any different approach by the US Customs and Border Patrol?