I'm tagging along with some friends on a trip planned for June 18th. They have passes and I do not. Just sent in for it on May 26th not sure if I'll get it in time. Is there a way to rush the process or another alternative?

I'd be shocked if you don't get it back in time. I have only had a it take longer when the Canadian mail carriers are on strike.

T

Agree with Timatkn. No worries you'll be fine get to packin'.

If it doesn't get there in time, you can drive to the Fort Frances, ON customs office at the border with International Falls. They will process your RABC permit right on the spot. You'll have some driving to do, but it's an option...

quote Jackfish: "If it doesn't get there in time, you can drive to the Fort Frances, ON customs office at the border with International Falls. They will process your RABC permit right on the spot. You'll have some driving to do, but it's an option..."

I wondered about that but when I read the canpass page - and the administrative responsibility did change a few years ago - it seemed to suggest you could only apply, but that it would still take 3 weeks or so to process.

Not clear that they process it on the spot still but maybe. It was my first thought. Worth a call. And if mailed, you might have to pay again. (I had mine faxed once and had it sent to outfitter another time to. Brinkmanship.) From the .gov page:

"In Person

Applications can be made in person at any of the following ports of entry:

Fort Frances
Rainy River
Pigeon River
Sault Ste. Marie
Emerson West Lynne
Applications can also be made at the Thunder Bay CBSA office, located at 201 North May Street.

By Mail

To avoid processing delays at the border, it is recommended to apply by mail three to four weeks before your trip.

Mail your completed application and photocopies of supporting documents to the following address:

Canada Border Services Agency
201 North May Street
Thunder Bay ON P7C 3P4
Telephone: 807-624-2162
Toll Free: 1-877-854-RABC

You must fully complete and sign the application.
You must ensure that you have provided your credit card information.
You must submit photocopies of all of the required identification.
You will receive a mailed response, unless an interview is deemed necessary.
Application Processing

The application processing time is three to four weeks."

Bill, things can always change but my buddy and I got our RABC permits right at the Fort Frances customs office back in 2007. I guess it could have been some other type of paperwork since we were there in person, but we went through the customs process while we were there and entered Quetico in the backcountry around Rebecca Falls the next day. (It was off-season.)

quote Jackfish: "Bill, things can always change but my buddy and I got our RABC permits right at the Fort Frances customs office back in 2007. "

And it still may be so. Sure doesn't say so clearly though and security and travel continues to change a lot and frequently. I suggest calling before depending on it.

We did it at Fort Frances two years ago. Yes, they processed it on the spot. This is what they recommend if you don't have time for mail.

quote Ho Ho: "We did it at Fort Frances two years ago. Yes, they processed it on the spot. This is what they recommend if you don't have time for mail. "

Thanks for confirming, Bill.

I had the same issue about 4 years ago. I mailed in the needed paperwork and then called Ft Francis a week or so later and they faxed me my RABC. The guy I spoke with also offered to e-mail me a copy. This may not be common practice but it worked for me.

We had one of our team neglect to send his request in until Monday of this week and we are entering on the 21st. He fedEx'd his application to them and put a note with his phone number asking very nicely that they expedite. They called him back Wednesday and faxed his RABC permit today.

That was extremely nice and incredible service.

quote jbnorthga: "We had one of our team neglect to send his request in until Monday of this week and we are entering on the 21st. He fedEx'd his application to them and put a note with his phone number asking very nicely that they expedite. They called him back Wednesday and faxed his RABC permit today.

That was extremely nice and incredible service."

They have been that way lately. Had a small question on my application a few years ago so they called so we could speed up the application. Very friendly. Just wish you could get it for three years at a time.

quote jbnorthga: "We had one of our team neglect to send his request in until Monday of this week and we are entering on the 21st. He fedEx'd his application to them and put a note with his phone number asking very nicely that they expedite. They called him back Wednesday and faxed his RABC permit today.


That was extremely nice and incredible service."

This was basically my experience when I lived in D.C. and needed it fast. They were really nice! When I was in Ely and called them under the same circumstances, they suggested doing it in person at Fort Francis. Still nice - but it was even better the other way. Either way, I got it fast. Go Canada!