If you’re heading to Northern Ontario, Canada, from the United States, you’ll need to be mindful about what you’re bringing along. Some items are only allowed in limited quantities (alcohol and tobacco), some require paperwork (firearms), and others just aren't allowed (illegal drugs). Some prohibited items may seem obvious, but did you know you can't bring firewood across the border? It's true! So read on and ensure you're prepared for your Northern Ontario adventure. And rest assured that whatever essential items you don't bring bring from home, you can pick up when your'e here (that includes firewood). From fresh fruit to firearms, here is what you can and can’t bring into Canada.
Visitors are required to declare any plant, animal, and food items brought into Canada. To avoid getting flagged and potentially paying a $1,300 fine or even facing prosecution, you’ll want to be careful both about what you’re bringing in and how much of it. Canada’s Food Inspection Agency offers a fairly comprehensive list of what food products are allowed and how much of them. If you have a question about a specific item, consult the CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System. But the general points you can keep in mind are:
Note that milk and milk products are prohibited for anyone entering Canada from any country besides the U.S.
Note that any fresh produce must be free of soil, leaves, branches, or “plant debris.” So be sure you’ve cleaned up those veggies before you loaded them in the car.
Note that any packaged meats must have identifying marks that indicate what the product is and proof of country of origin is required.
You’re significantly more limited in how much alcohol and tobacco you are allowed to bring across the border. Full details can be found here, but the main takeaways are:
The regulations around health products and prescriptions can vary between Canada and other countries. Over-the-counter medications from the U.S. may require a prescription over the border. A 90-day supply of one’s prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medication is permitted, as long as it’s packaged in the original retail or pharmacy packaging. Check out this guidance from Health Canada for more specific questions. Generally, if you’re brining medications, keep them in their original prescriptions bottles and boxes so border officers can easily identify them.
While cannabis is legal for adults throughout Canada, it is illegal in the U.S., and also illegal to transport it across the border. This includes cannabis in any amount, as well as products containing CBD, and even if you are traveling from an area where it is legal or decriminalized. So, if you’re looking to enjoy some weed while you’re in Northern Ontario, wait until you get to Canada to purchase it. For more details, see the Government of Canada’s “Cannabis in Canada” fact page.
This one should be obvious, but, no, you can’t bring illegal drugs across the border.
You must declare any animal that you’re bringing into the country. The CFIA offers specific rules for each type of pet or animal, including:
All plant products must be declared, and that includes bouquets of flowers, houseplants, or medicinal/homeopathic plants you might otherwise think would not create an issue. But even these seemingly benign items can potentially carry pests or diseases that could threaten Canada’s environment. If you have a question about a specific plant or flower species, check the CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System to be sure it’s acceptable.
If you’re heading to Northern Ontario, there’s a good chance you’re going to be doing some camping. But you'll need to leave the firewood at home, since these hunks of wood can house invasive insects and diseases that can decimate Canada’s ecosystem. Instead, wait and buy firewood locally, near the camp site. Check out this helpful explainer about the dangers of moving firewood and instructions for how to safely acquire it, from the CFIA for more details.
Like firewood, soil can hide all kinds of microbes, bugs, and other dangers to local ecosystems. Transporting soil across the border can subject you to fines or being turned away at the border. This includes vehicles, equipment, and even footwear that is arriving to the border contaminated with soil. More details from the CBSA can be found here.
All weapons and firearms must be declared or they may be seized. Many weapons and firearm devices are completely forbidden from entering the country, including switchblade or butterfly knives, brass knuckles, firearm silencers, and more. Some firearms are permitted, as long as they serve a valid purpose (such as for hunting, reenactments, or protection from wildlife), and as long as the traveler has the approved documentation. For specifics on what is and is not acceptable, see CBSA’s page on “Import and Export a Firearm or Weapon into Canada.”
If (for some reason) you're bringing a used or second-hand mattresses across, you better be sure you have documentation that it’s been cleaned or fumigated. Details on what that involves can be found here.
Whatever adventures you have planned in Northern Ontario, we hope you have a smooth border crossing and enjoy your stay in our beautiful region.
For more expert advice and information, reach out to the tourism folks at Northern Ontario’s Sunset Country, Algoma Country, Superior Country, and Northeastern Ontario, who’d be happy to help, or call or email your lodge, resort, or campground and ask for advice!
