Everything Americans Need to Know About Sledding in Ontario, Canada

Friendly and Familiar: American snowmobilers are very welcome in Ontario. Ontario has always been a great friend and trading partner to the U.S. In fact, getting to Ontario isn’t much different than going to a neighbouring state. We’re just as close and our major highways connect seamlessly to yours at numerous border crossings.

In Ontario, we speak your language (except we spell some words funny!), use many of the same products, have similar laws – and ride the same brands of snowmobiles as you do. Best of all, each American dollar often buys you more in Ontario than it does at home.

Most Americans who travel to Ontario say they are very comfortable visiting here and look forward to coming back. Just remember that we measure distance and speed in kilometres. (for conversion chart visit gorideontario.ca/snow).

Crossing the Border: If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you won’t need a passport to enter Canada.

However, To cross the border into Canada as quickly and smoothly as possible, you will need proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, citizenship certificate, passport or landing card, preferably with a current photo, ready to present when asked.

Note on Re-Entering the U.S.: As of June 1, 2009 all travellers, including US citizens 16 years of age or over, entering the United States from Canada by air, land or water will be required to have a passport or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Click here for the latest boarder crossing information.

As a visitor to Canada, you are allowed to temporarily import passenger and recreational vehicles for personal use. You should carry a copy of your vehicle, trailer and sled registration and proof of insurance. Be sure to check in with U.S. Customs before leaving the U.S. You must take the temporarily imported items back with you by the date you end your visit. For answers to customs inquiries or to locate your nearest customs district office, please call:

1-800-461-9999 (within Canada); or

1-204-983-3500; and

1-506-636-5064 (from outside Canada).

For more information visit: Canada Boarder Services Agency 
 

Border Crossings When Trailering

From Eastern New York State: Cornwall, ON (near Massena); Prescott, ON (Ogdensburg); Gananoque, ON (direct access from Highway 81)

From Western New York State: Niagara Falls, ON (Niagara Falls); Queenston, ON (Lewiston); Fort Erie, ON (Buffalo, N.Y.)

From Lower Michigan: Windsor, ON (Detroit); Sarnia, ON (Port Huron) From Upper Michigan: Sault Ste. Marie, ON (Sault Ste. Marie)

From Minnesota: Fort Frances, ON (International Falls); Rainy River, ON (Baudette), Pigeon River, ON (near Grand Portage).

Border Crossings By Snowmobile

From Upper Michigan: St. Joseph’s Island, Bruce Mines & Thessalon, ON (from DeTour Village and Drummond Island). Upon arrival, check in with Canada Customs using direct line phones provided at each crossing.

From Minnesota: Gunflint Lake, ON (from Grand Marais); from Crane Lake, MN; from Kettle Falls, MN; Fort Frances, ON(International Falls); Rainy River, ON (Baudette). Upon arrival, check in with Canada Customs. A Remote Area Border Crossing Permit (RABC) allows you to cross at an area that does not have a customs office. It should be noted that this permit is not reciprocal with the U.S., meaning that it is issued from the Canadian Government and provides for travel into Canada, but it does not allow Canadian or U.S. citizens the right to cross from Canada into the U.S. Information and applications for the CANPASS-RABC permit are available on the government website. For more info, click here.

Contributing partners for this Ontario snowmobiling site include: Intrepid Snowmobiler, Murphy Insurance, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Ontario Tourism, Snow Goer Media, Supertrax Media

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