Helpful Info When Driving up to the NW Angle
Traveling to Minnesota’s NW Angle has become easier. For those driving up, you are traveling through a foreign country (Canada) and there are some requirements in order to enter. We thought it might be helpful to provide a checklist and some basic info that will answer some frequently asked questions.
Thankfully, for those who prefer not to pass through Canada and avoid customs, there are some good options to travel up. Some have big boats and the expertise to boat across Big Traverse Bay which keeps you in Minnesota. This is a good option but it sure helps to have flexibility in your schedule for those windy days.
The Lake of the Woods Passenger Service is a charter boat shuttle service that will boat you across to the Angle to your favorite resort.
Lake Country Air is a flying service that services the NW Angle. Their float planes provide fast, worry free travel up to your NW Angle destination.
For those driving, it has become easier.
Canada / USA Border Update
Fully vaccinated foreign nationals (Americans) are allowed to enter Canada for discretionary travel as long as they meet the requirements. Foreign nationals who don’t qualify as fully vaccinated will only be allowed to enter in specific circumstances: Find out if you can enter Canada
Travelers entering Canada by land, air or water, regardless of citizenship, must follow testing and quarantine requirements to keep everyone safe. Canadians must meet and follow all of the same entry requirements.
As of April 1, 2022, pre-entry tests are no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada by land, air or water.
Travelers must still use the ArriveCAN app within 72 hours before arrival into Canada. Pre-entry testing is still required for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children 5 years of age or older, even if they are accompanying a fully vaccinated adult. Children who are less than 5 years old are not required to test, regardless of their vaccination status.
Randomized, mandatory COVID-19 testing is still in place, regardless of vaccination status, however, those who are randomly selected for testing will not have to isolate while they wait for their results.
Entry into Canada
When you enter Canada on your way to the NW Angle, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport or other acceptable form of travel document. If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver’s License (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are traveling by air and landing in Canada, such as Winnipeg on your way to the Angle, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.
To enter or return to Canada as a fully vaccinated traveler, you must follow all of these requirements.
Whether you’re driving or flying, have the following items with you for assessment by a government official at the border (land border crossings do not provide WiFi for travelers):
Inadmissibility: You may be deemed inadmissible to Canada (not allowed to enter the country) by the Border Services Officer for a number of reasons. Reasons for inadmissibility include involvement in criminal activity (which may include impaired driving convictions), human rights violations, organized crime, etc.
For further information about documentation required and border procedures please visit the Canada Border Services Agency’s website.
Minors age 15 and under must have proper identification, such as a birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, permanent resident card or Certificate of Aboriginal Status. While passports are recommended, they are not required for American minors age 15 or younger crossing the border by land – a birth certificate will suffice.
If a minor is travelling alone or with an adult that is not their parent or guardian, they should carry a letter from their parents/ guardians. This letter should authorize the person meeting them or travelling with them to take responsibility for the minor while visiting Canada. The letter should also include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.
Divorced or separated parents should carry custody or legal separation documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent to facilitate their entry into Canada.
If you are travelling with a group of vehicles, make sure you arrive at the border in the same vehicle as your children, to avoid any confusion.
Entering the NW Angle
As you have just driven through Canada on your way up to the Angle, upon entering the NW Angle, you are re-entering the U.S. This means you need to check in with U.S. Customs. This is a very easy process. You can stop at one of the three U.S. Customs and Border Protection kiosks located at Jim’s Corner, the NW Angle school or at Young’s Bay Resort.
An even easier option is to use an iPad at Jerry’s Bar and Restaurant or most of the resorts up at the Angle, depending upon which resort you are staying with. A few questions and you are set!
Boating into Canada Water from the NW Angle
If you are staying at the NW Angle and plan on boating into Canadian waters, the first thing you need to decide is if you are going to touch land. If you are just boating and not touching land, touching a dock, exchanging goods and services or anchoring up, you are welcome to boat across the line without checking in with Canada Customs.
If you plan on touching land in Canada, you need to contact CBSA prior to boating into Canada by calling the 1-800-CAN-PASS number.
Know the rules if you plan on fishing in Ontario. You must have the proper Ontario fishing license and fishing or Outdoors Card. No bait can be transported into Canada from the U.S., alive, dead, or frozen. This is a newer regulation that went into effect in October, 2020. Thankfully, there are some great plastics to use on jigs and when pulling spinners and the walleyes have responded favorably.
Returning to the United States
Travelers departing the NW Angle need to check in with Canada Border Services Agency prior to driving back through Canada to the U.S. There is a phone at Jim’s Corner otherwise travelers can call 888-CAN-PASS. After a few questions assuming you are granted entry into Canada, you will receive a number you write down. This verifies you checked into Canada Customs before entering Canada should you be checked.
As time goes on, driving up to the NW Angle is getting easier and easier. The 40 mile drive is beautiful with lots of beautiful scenery and wildlife. Some will tell you, one of the many things that make the Angle so special is that it isn’t easy to get to. See for yourself!
Lake of the Woods Area Lodging
