Travelers to Minnesota’s NW Angle must drive about 40 miles through a portion of Canada and then re-enter back into the U.S. back up at the Angle. This means following rules to enter Canada. One of the newer rules is using the ArriveCan App. Although it is quite easy to use, there are a couple of areas some travelers get confused. This is a step by step guide to assist.
The first step is to download the app to your smartphone. This is a free download from Apple on the App Store or on Google Play if you have a non-Apple phone such as an Android.
If you do not have a smartphone, simply have someone assist you on a computer with the online web form and print off the ArriveCan receipt that shows your number with a QR code and bring that with you to the border.
The one step that trips most travelers up is ArriveCan #6. It asks travelers who are traveling through Canada to the NW Angle for a Canadian address for a destination. Obviously this is a flaw in the software and you simply need to work around it by putting in the Canadian postal code for Sprague, MB which is R0A 1Z0.Â
If you are like me and have a hard time telling the difference between O’s and zeros, in this particular postal code, they are all zeros. That is R, zero, A, one, Z, zero.
Simply enter any address you can enter as sometimes they pop up. The CBSA agents at Sprague (adjacent Warroad) and South Junction (adjacent Roseau) understand where you are traveling and can decipher any questions they have when you pass through.
There are four exclaves across the U.S. / Canada border such as the NW Angle and early editions of the software simply don’t account for them, yet.
Border rules for foreign nationals driving to the Northwest Angle
You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to visit Canada. This applies to Americans driving through Canada to reach the Northwest Angle, MN. Unless you have a right of entry or meet a specific exemption, you cannot enter Canada if you are not vaccinated.
Before crossing the border
You must use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before entering Canada. ArriveCAN is free and available as an online web form or as a mobile app on the App Store and on Google Play. It allows you to submit mandatory information, including:
- proof of vaccination
- a suitable quarantine plan (if required)
Please note that ArriveCAN only accepts Canadian postal codes. You can list your resort address in the Northwest Angle, MN, as the quarantine location or destination. In this case, use the Canadian postal code: R0A 1Z0.
If using the mobile app, make sure to update to the latest app version.
At the border
ArriveCAN will create a receipt after you have submitted your information. You must bring this receipt and your proof of vaccination to the border. Take a screenshot or bring a printout in case cell service is unavailable. Remember to also wear a mask when crossing the border.
Please note, you may not be able to enter Canada if you didn’t use ArriveCAN or can’t prove your vaccination status.
At the end of your trip
You must also use ArriveCAN for your return travel through Canada at the end of your trip. When providing a quarantine location or destination, you can list your home address in the United States. Remember to use the Canadian postal code: R0A 1Z0.
The first time I filled out ArriveCan, it took a bit of maneuvering. The second time, especially with autofill, it took me about a minute.
The Angle is as beautiful as ever and the fish are biting. An extra hurdle or two based on the pass couple of years, nothing we can’t handle. The destination is well worth the effort.
