Americans will have to download the ArriveCAN app. Canada Border Services Agency launched the ArriveCAN mobile app to make it easier for travelers to provide their contact information upon entering the country. Travelers must download the ArriveCAN mobile app, available on the Apple App and Google Play Stores, prior to your arrival to reduce wait times and limit points of contact.
Once the ArriveCAN app is downloaded, travelers from the U.S. into Canada will upload their COVID-19 vaccination card. Travelers must also have a COVID-19 PCR (molecular) test showing a negative test that is less than 72 hours from when the test was taken.
Where to get tested?  Depending upon where you are traveling from, it will typically work out best to get testing in your own community. This will, depending upon how large of a community you live in, will provide you with more testing options.
Rapid tests that are also a PCR test are the most convenient but not readily available. If you can find them through a drug store or your health care provider, great. Our resources tell us rapid tests that are a PCR test are really hard to find right now primarily due to supply and demand. It seems first on the list are people showing symptoms. Second are other groups with those who intent to use the test for travel reasons towards the bottom of the list.
Some have simply made a few calls to their local pharmacy or health care providers and have found convenient options.
Driving back from the Angle. Technically, when a traveler enters Canada, they need a qualifying negative COVID test. That technically means on the return trip from the Angle, through Canada, to the south shore. Canadian officials realize there are no health care or testing facilities within the NW Angle, so they have allowed travelers traveling back from the Angle to pass through without a new test.
There have been some long wait times calling into CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) and getting a call center agent, but other than the inconvenience, the process is working.
Yes, we knew there could be a couple of additional hoops to jump through to ensure safety but the bottom line is access to the Angle via vehicle will once again be available. And what’s waiting?
It’s the northernmost point of the Contiguous United States. It is where the 14,552 islands of the lake begin. It is surrounded on three sides by Canada. It is Minnesota’s Northwest Angle. This area is special all of the time, but fall up at the NW Angle is definitely one to add to your list, it’s spectacular. Fishing, after basically being closed for a couple of summers, has been excellent. So many great reports.
Avoiding Customs all together. Of course, the options of traveling up to the Angle and avoiding customs and Canada are still in place. The Lake of the Woods Passenger Service transports people to the Angle via the charter boat service. Comfortable and easy aboard large charter boats (and bombardiers across the frozen lake in the winter) can be a great way to travel north.
Some who have large enough boats can boat across the lake. It is about a 40 mile boat ride, depending upon where you depart and your destination. Good planning, flexibility and an experienced boat driver are all important if traveling across on your own. Some will work with the Passenger Service to follow the big boats across.
Whatever way you decide to come, the trip is worth it. The beauty, fishing and simply feel of the Angle is well worth it. There is a reason people keep coming back up. Make your plans for a fall or winter adventure now!
