Officials with the Canada Border Services Agency are offering some helpful border crossing tips for Albertans heading stateside this Labour Day weekend.
The last long weekend of the summer, which occurs within days of the start of the school year, sees throngs of vacationers returning to Alberta from the U.S. as their trips conclude. An estimated 4,000 to 7,000 travelers are expected to cross into Alberta and southeast B.C. on September 1 and 2, 2013.
The following measures will ensure your return to Canada is as time efficient as possible:
Follow the Canada Border Services Agency on Twitter
- The CBSA Twitter account (@CBSA_CTS) provides updated border wait times
Be aware of the locations of different border crossings
During the Holiday Monday of the 2012 Labour Day long weekend, Albertans returned to Canada via four major crossings
- Coutts, Alberta – 3,500 travelers
- Carway, Alberta – 2,450 travelers
- Roosville, B.C. – 3,500 travelers
- Kingsgate, B.C. – 3,000 tavelers
Cross at non-peak times to avoid the border rush
- Plan to return to Canada in the A.M. as border lineups typically begin in the afternoon and carry on through the evening
Have the passports of all passengers at hand and ready for an officer to scan
Be aware of the total amount of your U.S. purchases and the location of your receipts
Be aware of any food or organic items you’re transporting to Canada
Be open and honest with border agents
- If you have questions on what you can declare, ask the agent
For more information on travel between Canada and the United States visit the Canada Border Services Agency website
