Canadian authorities have temporarily paused new and renewal applications for Remote Border Crossing Permits (RABC). This will impact visitors traveling between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Quetico Provincial Park.
November 19 update via Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA):
As of September 25, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) paused processing new and renewal applications while reviewing and updating its procedures. Although the Remote Area Border Crossing Program (RABC) is not suspended, existing permit holders can continue using their permits to cross the Canada-U.S. border in the following remote areas:
- Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods
- Canadian shore of Lake Superior
- Cockburn Island
- Sault Ste. Marie (upper lock system)
- Northwest Angle Area
Officials have communicated that the agency regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada. As a result, there is no timeline for when the new and renewal application services will resume.
Anyone planning to enter Canada without a valid RABC permit must pass through an open port of entry. Visitors can check the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services to find information on the nearest ports of entry.
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November 14 update
Canadian authorities have temporarily paused new and renewal applications for Remote Border Crossing Permits (RABC). This will impact visitors traveling between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Quetico Provincial Park.
Impact to visitors
Throughout the year, travelers head north, crossing from the BWCAW into Quetico, also a million-acre wilderness area. The park draws canoeists, anglers, campers, and winter enthusiasts into a region known for its dense boreal forests and rugged landscape. Located in northwestern Ontario, it has over 2,200 unimproved campsites that are spread across 2,000 lakes.
Authorities recently paused certain RABC permits, which allow visitors to travel between the two wilderness areas. According to Paddle & Portage, the pause affects only those seeking a new permit or renewing an existing one. “The Remote Border Area Crossing Program is not suspended, and existing permit holders may continue to use their permits to cross the Canada-U.S. border,” said Karine Martel, a communications advisor for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Though the reasons are not specific, officials have cited the need to update procedures as the explanation for the pause.
The article also stated that the information had not been shared with U.S. officials yet. In addition, local outfitters and businesses expressed their concerns should the pause continue into the paddling season. Quetico sees a high influx of visitors from the U.S. each year. Many rely on local businesses to help them plan and arrange their trips. On average, 83% of visitors are from the states, with 60% of interior visitors entering through the southern boundary of the park.
Trevor Gibb, Quetico Provincial Park’s Superintendent, said that while he was aware of the pause, he didn’t have any further updates. Their office hopes to provide more info later this week. He also mentioned that the only other time something similar had happened was during Covid restrictions.
Crossing into Canada
Canada Parks provides guidelines for visitors from outside of the country. All visitors must clear customs when entering Quetico Provincial Park.
Travelers heading to Lac La Croix by water or aircraft can stop at the seasonal customs station at Sand Point Lake (north of Crane Lake, MN), located 29 miles (47 km) from the Lac La Croix Ranger Station.
Visitors entering Canada at locations without customs services, such as Cache Bay and Prairie Portage, must apply for an RABC permit before their trip. The permit is valid for one year.
U.S. Border Services requires all individuals entering the United States from Canada to have a valid passport, including those re-entering from Prairie Portage or Cache Bay.
More info:
- Canada Hits Pause on RABC Permits for Boundary Waters Region – Paddle & Portage
- Remote Area Border Crossing Program – Canada Border Services Agency
Wilderness guide and outdoorswoman Pam Wright has been exploring wild places since her youth. Remaining curious, she has navigated remote lakes in Canada by canoe, backpacked some of the highest mountains in the Sierra Nevada, and completed a thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail. Her professional roles include working as a wilderness guide in northern Minnesota and providing online education for outdoor enthusiasts.