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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 07:05AM
Crossing the border an ongoing Report

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
joewildlife 10/25/2021 09:36PM
I thought I would chime in about my early September border crossing experience. I decided to go to Wabakimi because by then, Quetico and WCPP were closed. I called Bruce at Wabakimi Canoe Outfitters about 10 days out from my trip date and he hooked us up with lodging, fly-in, paddle out, truck shuttle plan.


I listed his lodge address as my quarantine plan.
He strongly suggested NOT using Walgreens for testing so we used CVS and got the results in 24-36 hours. Which was nice because my hosts and friends at Duluth were kind of leery about untested folks staying in their house.


Note my passport card was expired but that didn't bother the border guards much.


We crossed at Pigeon River. We handed our phones to the guard with the texted negative test results from CVS. He told us to print it out next time!! Yes, Sir!


We were selected for random testing. We went to a strip mall in Thunder Bay and stumbled through that process, doing a video chat with a nurse watching while we shoved what amounted to a little plastic toilet brush up our noses! The thing worked on my daughter's phone, but not mine. There was a drop box at the strip mall for the overnight mail service. Because we were going to be in the wilderness , he did not make us get the followup 8 day test.


Canada actually doesn't require a passport to enter. A birth certificate and ID will do it, that's why I was willing to risk an expired passport.
The US guard never said a thing about the expired passport.


Wabakimi was awesome and we will surely go back.


Joe




toothmiester 09/16/2021 08:44PM
Your welcome TZ. I never imagined this report would take off like it did and I am happy that everyone benefited from it.
TrailZen 09/13/2021 11:25AM
Our 10-day Algonquin trip was great (trip report to come), and our thanks to everyone who offered advice on crossing the border, getting around Toronto, and paddling in the park. Our only issue with ArriveCAN was that even though the website says fully vaccinated/tested travelers can ignore the daily reporting and day-8 testing notifications, the traveler CANNOT complete ArriveCAN without listing a Canadian address for contact. Fortunately, friends own a cabin in Ontario and let us use that address to complete our ArriveCAN app.


A big shout-out to toothmiester for initiating this thread, and to billconner, yellowcanoe, Argo, and others who improved our trip with their advice and comments. Algonquin isn't Quetico, but it was a nice place to paddle during the closures of the BWCA and Quetico. Thanks again!


TZ
billconner 08/24/2021 06:23PM
Argo: "billconner: "The 400 has saved me over an hour several times. " Don't you mean the 407, Bill?"


Yes, my mistake. 407 from where it branches off in Burlington (?) to the 418. Just worth it to me. Most often was traveling home from Chicago or Wisconsin.
Argo 08/24/2021 09:40AM
billconner: "The 400 has saved me over an hour several times. " Don't you mean the 407, Bill?
billconner 08/21/2021 06:31PM
The 400 has saved me over an hour several times.
TrailZen 08/21/2021 02:06PM
Thanks for the traffic info, Argo!


TZ
Argo 08/21/2021 10:38AM
TrailZen: "Argo, yellowcanoe--
Our thanks to each of you for some Kiosk history and for the positive comments about our change of plans. While we've been playing in Quetico for over 40 years, we've never been to Algonquin. Outfitters in the area advised that the northwest corner of the park would probably have better permit possibilities, thus the Kiosk EP. We watched a couple videos of Algonquin trips and were surprised to see that campsites and portages are clearly marked. Friends who have paddled both parks also told us the Algonquin portages were typically longer, but usually easier than Quetico's portages. Getting excited--hit the road in a few days.



TZ
"



Not sure of your travel dates so here's a bit of road advice - Hwy 400 out of Toronto is typically very busy Friday afternoons and Sundays southbound into the city as folks retreat to summer cottages and return. Labour Day Monday is usually the worst traffic day southbound on the 400 in the year. Avoid peak times if you can. Also try to avoid the eastbound QEW during weekday morning rush hour into Toronto. You can bypass it by using the 407 from Burlington to the 400 but it is a toll route and will cost you about $35. Google Maps can always advise you on how much time you will save.


And a historical FYI along your route - just before you make your right turn on the Trans Canada towards Mattawa, you'll pass through the town of Corbeil - birthplace of the famous Dionne Quintuplets.
TrailZen 08/20/2021 11:45AM
Argo, yellowcanoe--
Our thanks to each of you for some Kiosk history and for the positive comments about our change of plans. While we've been playing in Quetico for over 40 years, we've never been to Algonquin. Outfitters in the area advised that the northwest corner of the park would probably have better permit possibilities, thus the Kiosk EP. We watched a couple videos of Algonquin trips and were surprised to see that campsites and portages are clearly marked. Friends who have paddled both parks also told us the Algonquin portages were typically longer, but usually easier than Quetico's portages. Getting excited--hit the road in a few days.


TZ
yellowcanoe 08/20/2021 08:12AM
Trail Zen I live a whole lot closer to Algonquin than to Quetico and your resupplying is wise
Maple Creek can be a bear in low water and advisable anyway south to north


There are some lovely beach campsites. The frequent little ports can get to you in the heat so jump in when needed. Manitou has so many beaches.


Kiosk is the name of the former town. The paper mill burned years ago and the Park took over the town finally and razed it. You will see driveways to nowhere. Look for relics as you drive down the access road, Used to be a grocery store and a post office till the late 80s.


Part of the fun is looking for Algonquin history and you will find it around every bend. It used to be heavily peopled in the days of lumber camps and rusticators.


There are gravesites around.


A is kind of disappointing in that all portages are signed. Some of them are quite long and yes milder than Quetico. However you probably don't have the Dixon Bonfield 1000 meter port on your route.. Watch for bear and moose.. We usually see both.


some pix
Argo 08/19/2021 03:01PM
TrailZen: "Argo: "TrailZen: "toothmiester: "Hello everyone, I thought I would follow up. We had a wonderful trip to the Q. We saw one other canoe the entire 9 days we were in the park. Basically it was total solitude. We were on the way out when we heard the park was closed. We did not have to cut our trip short!!! The fishing was awesome, saw tons of wild life. The forest fires were really rolling but fortunately for us the the prevailing wind was to the east and we went in at Beaverhouse. I can answer any questions if you have any. The return to the U.S. was easy and quick at the border. "





Super happy to hear that your trip wasn't cut short--was thinking of your group when we learned that the entire park was closing. We've cancelled our Q permit and pulled a permit for Algonquin. We'll hit our local Walgreen next week for testing. Thanks again for your very detailed posts regarding the process of crossing the border.





TZ"







What entry point in Algonquin?"




We're entering at Kiosk and doing a 10-day "bow tie" shaped route. At 70, we're still single-walking portages, and this route will let us carry lighter loads, then resupply on day 5 for the second half of the route.



TZ"



I was there in about 1973. Kiosk was a small CNR railway village. When I returned in 1997, it was an abandoned ghost town returning to nature. I believe the rail line is now a hiking route. It's beautiful country. The portages are longer but generally a lot more friendly than a typical Quetico portage. Have a great trip!
TrailZen 08/19/2021 02:11PM
Argo: "TrailZen: "toothmiester: "Hello everyone, I thought I would follow up. We had a wonderful trip to the Q. We saw one other canoe the entire 9 days we were in the park. Basically it was total solitude. We were on the way out when we heard the park was closed. We did not have to cut our trip short!!! The fishing was awesome, saw tons of wild life. The forest fires were really rolling but fortunately for us the the prevailing wind was to the east and we went in at Beaverhouse. I can answer any questions if you have any. The return to the U.S. was easy and quick at the border. "




Super happy to hear that your trip wasn't cut short--was thinking of your group when we learned that the entire park was closing. We've cancelled our Q permit and pulled a permit for Algonquin. We'll hit our local Walgreen next week for testing. Thanks again for your very detailed posts regarding the process of crossing the border.




TZ"






What entry point in Algonquin?"



We're entering at Kiosk and doing a 10-day "bow tie" shaped route. At 70, we're still single-walking portages, and this route will let us carry lighter loads, then resupply on day 5 for the second half of the route.


TZ
Argo 08/19/2021 12:21PM
TrailZen: "toothmiester: "Hello everyone, I thought I would follow up. We had a wonderful trip to the Q. We saw one other canoe the entire 9 days we were in the park. Basically it was total solitude. We were on the way out when we heard the park was closed. We did not have to cut our trip short!!! The fishing was awesome, saw tons of wild life. The forest fires were really rolling but fortunately for us the the prevailing wind was to the east and we went in at Beaverhouse. I can answer any questions if you have any. The return to the U.S. was easy and quick at the border. "



Super happy to hear that your trip wasn't cut short--was thinking of your group when we learned that the entire park was closing. We've cancelled our Q permit and pulled a permit for Algonquin. We'll hit our local Walgreen next week for testing. Thanks again for your very detailed posts regarding the process of crossing the border.



TZ"



What entry point in Algonquin?
TrailZen 08/19/2021 11:52AM
toothmiester: "Hello everyone, I thought I would follow up. We had a wonderful trip to the Q. We saw one other canoe the entire 9 days we were in the park. Basically it was total solitude. We were on the way out when we heard the park was closed. We did not have to cut our trip short!!! The fishing was awesome, saw tons of wild life. The forest fires were really rolling but fortunately for us the the prevailing wind was to the east and we went in at Beaverhouse. I can answer any questions if you have any. The return to the U.S. was easy and quick at the border. "


Super happy to hear that your trip wasn't cut short--was thinking of your group when we learned that the entire park was closing. We've cancelled our Q permit and pulled a permit for Algonquin. We'll hit our local Walgreen next week for testing. Thanks again for your very detailed posts regarding the process of crossing the border.


TZ
Argo 08/19/2021 10:58AM
toothmiester: "Hello everyone, I thought I would follow up. We had a wonderful trip to the Q. We saw one other canoe the entire 9 days we were in the park. Basically it was total solitude. We were on the way out when we heard the park was closed. We did not have to cut our trip short!!! The fishing was awesome, saw tons of wild life. The forest fires were really rolling but fortunately for us the the prevailing wind was to the east and we went in at Beaverhouse. I can answer any questions if you have any. The return to the U.S. was easy and quick at the border. "


Nice. What was your route?
toothmiester 08/19/2021 10:22AM
Hello everyone, I thought I would follow up. We had a wonderful trip to the Q. We saw one other canoe the entire 9 days we were in the park. Basically it was total solitude. We were on the way out when we heard the park was closed. We did not have to cut our trip short!!! The fishing was awesome, saw tons of wild life. The forest fires were really rolling but fortunately for us the the prevailing wind was to the east and we went in at Beaverhouse. I can answer any questions if you have any. The return to the U.S. was easy and quick at the border.
billconner 08/14/2021 06:50AM
Not a surprise, but no.


I did get rest of my new kitchen though, the reason for the trip. Got most of it 2-3 days before border closed, so installing drawer fronts this weekend.
timatkn 08/13/2021 08:22PM
billconner: "Made it. Crossed border at Thousand Island bridge for a day trip/errand to Ottawa. Not bad. Tested Wednesday noon, results in email this morning, filled out ArriveCAN on line. Not super user friendly but not bad for a government site done quickly. 45 minute wait going north. Just eight cars ahead of us. Easy return.

Was slightly surprised to see everyone wearing masks in stores and such. Forgot they never stopped.

Not bad. "

Nice, thanks for posting. Did you get your bet winnings :)

T
billconner 08/13/2021 06:36PM
Made it. Crossed border at Thousand Island bridge for a day trip/errand to Ottawa. Not bad. Tested Wednesday noon, results in email this morning, filled out ArriveCAN on line. Not super user friendly but not bad for a government site done quickly. 45 minute wait going north. Just eight cars ahead of us. Easy return.

Was slightly surprised to see everyone wearing masks in stores and such. Forgot they never stopped.

Not bad.
billconner 08/11/2021 06:29PM
We just got tested and hope to cross border Fri or Sat. (errand, not canoe or camp related. I should stop by Passthepitonpete's for my winnings. Opened before Sept 1!
TrailZen 08/11/2021 10:07AM
Nan: "schucanoe: "Very helpful information. Thanks! Curious if a group from the States enters the Park at the Beaverhouse entry for example and doesn't use an outfitter what/who do you put down as a quarantine plan/contact. I assume toothmiester put down Canoe Canada in ArriveCAN as they used them for some outfitting services."



I would like to know too. Thanks "



This says that persons who qualify for the testing/quarantine exemptions may simply ignore the notifications. (Then why ask for a contact if I'm fully vaccinated and have presented a negative COVID test prior to entry?)


Because we're carrying an inReach on our upcoming Quetico trip and our daughter is our emergency contact, I plan to use her number as our quarantine plan contact. She can text us as needed, although I also plan to let her know the messages can be ignored per the ArriveCAN site linked above.


TZ
Nan 08/11/2021 09:53AM
schucanoe: "Very helpful information. Thanks! Curious if a group from the States enters the Park at the Beaverhouse entry for example and doesn't use an outfitter what/who do you put down as a quarantine plan/contact. I assume toothmiester put down Canoe Canada in ArriveCAN as they used them for some outfitting services."


I would like to know too. Thanks
schucanoe 08/11/2021 08:40AM
Very helpful information. Thanks! Curious if a group from the States enters the Park at the Beaverhouse entry for example and doesn't use an outfitter what/who do you put down as a quarantine plan/contact. I assume toothmiester put down Canoe Canada in ArriveCAN as they used them for some outfitting services.
Minnesotian 08/10/2021 07:27AM
toothmiester: "We made it across the border at 11:30 no problems they asked us about the Covid cards because some of the writing was in felt pen. On to Quetico! Took us 7.5 hrs. In line. "


Thanks much for all the updates. Have a great trip!
sns 08/10/2021 06:37AM
As of both last night and right now, the Border crossing wait time website shows no delay at Ft. Francis/International Falls for those heading north...
tumblehome 08/09/2021 09:23PM
I’m sure all the Canadian resorts and hospitality workers are happy to see the lines of Americans coming back. We see lines of cars. They see $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


Good for both sides!
Tom
Argo 08/09/2021 08:11PM
Big news.
pcallies 08/09/2021 04:56PM
Waze seems like a possible indicator of border wait times. Google Maps doesn’t seem to be taking border wait time into account.


When I check Waze for drive time from Duluth to Atikokan, it suggests the Pigeon River route at 5 hours, 45 minutes. The second suggestion is going through Baudette at 7 hours. The third best option is a variation that goes through Baudette. Going through Falls/Fort Frances doesn’t even show up as an option. That makes sense given the current wait time of 6 hours to cross the border.
dschult2 08/09/2021 04:18PM
tourismatikokan: "I'm not sure about Pigeon River but the Rainy River border crossing wait is only about 2 hours as of the last update.



https://twitter.com/CBSANOR



gymcoachdon: "I am curious about the crossing at Pigeon River. I started using it to go to French Lake/Pickerel entry because the lines were always so long at International Falls on Saturday mornings.
Is it open?"
"

I'm actually shocked at the wait times everywhere but International Falls. I thought they would all be like that. Very encouraging!
tourismatikokan 08/09/2021 12:54PM
I'm not sure about Pigeon River but the Rainy River border crossing wait is only about 2 hours as of the last update.


https://twitter.com/CBSANOR


gymcoachdon: "I am curious about the crossing at Pigeon River. I started using it to go to French Lake/Pickerel entry because the lines were always so long at International Falls on Saturday mornings.
Is it open?"
golanibutch 08/09/2021 12:51PM
Great thread. Very appreciative. Beta indeed!


Butch
pcallies 08/09/2021 12:33PM
Thanks for the updates. Have a safe and fun trip!
sns 08/09/2021 12:26PM
Fantastic. Have fun!
toothmiester 08/09/2021 12:17PM
Thank you!!!
AdamXChicago 08/09/2021 12:09PM
toothmiester: "We made it across the border at 11:30 no problems they asked us about the Covid cards because some of the writing was in felt pen. On to Quetico! Took us 7.5 hrs. In line. "
Thanks for being the beta and for your ardent updates. Hopefully, this will smoothen out as the rest of us prepare for our own crossings soon. Enjoy Quetico
AdamX
toothmiester 08/09/2021 12:08PM
No they did not ask us about an isolation plan and there were a couple of areas for the toilets
yellowcanoe 08/09/2021 12:00PM
toothmiester: "We made it across the border at 11:30 no problems they asked us about the Covid cards because some of the writing was in felt pen. On to Quetico! Took us 7.5 hrs. In line. "


Congrats! If you are still online did you have to have an isolation plan?
eek 7,5 hours in line. I would have to pee..more than once.
toothmiester 08/09/2021 11:51AM
We made it across the border at 11:30 no problems they asked us about the Covid cards because some of the writing was in felt pen. On to Quetico! Took us 7.5 hrs. In line.
gymcoachdon 08/09/2021 11:30AM
I am curious about the crossing at Pigeon River. I started using it to go to French Lake/Pickerel entry because the lines were always so long at International Falls on Saturday mornings.
Is it open?
pcallies 08/09/2021 11:13AM
tumblehome: "Waiting to here what happens with baited breath and I don’t even know what baited breath means. Halitosis perhaps?"


:-)


https://grammarist.com/idiom/bated-breath-vs-baited-breath/
tumblehome 08/09/2021 10:57AM
Waiting to here what happens with baited breath and I don’t even know what baited breath means. Halitosis perhaps?
Argo 08/09/2021 10:11AM
toothmiester: "Just got to the toll booth if anyone wants to know"


Nice.
But crazy wait.
toothmiester 08/09/2021 10:04AM
Just got to the toll booth if anyone wants to know
toothmiester 08/09/2021 09:51AM
I have been in line 6 hours and I am almost to the toll both.!!!!
sns 08/09/2021 08:11AM
Using this: US to Canada crossing times


Looks like Ft Francis is the longest wait for a land crossing by a wide margin...currently 7 hours.


It does not show the Hwy 61 crossing at the Pigeon River...perhaps that is not open.
sns 08/09/2021 07:59AM
Good luck - how long was/is the line? I've been backed up past the lumber processing plant on Hwy 11 / 4th St, and that wait was maybe an hour in 2019.
toothmiester 08/09/2021 07:04AM
You bet TZ
TrailZen 08/09/2021 07:00AM
Hope it's a wonderful trip, toothmiester! Thanks for detailing your group's efforts and strategies. We'll be copying them later this month.


TZ
toothmiester 08/09/2021 06:51AM
Toothmiester checking in. We got in line at 4:00 am and estimated time to cross the border is 6 hours. We are cutting it close for 72 hours. Fingers crossed. Good news is I haven’t seen anyone getting turned away.
Minnesotian 08/08/2021 08:22PM
toothmiester: "Also we checked and people are already in line for the midnight opening.!!"


Early bird gets the record setting lake trout I guess.
toothmiester 08/08/2021 06:12PM
Also we checked and people are already in line for the midnight opening.!!
toothmiester 08/08/2021 06:11PM
pcallies: "@tooth, what did you specify for a quarantine plan in your ArriveCAN portal submission?"


We listed Canoe Canada as our Quarantine contact per there instruction.
pcallies 08/08/2021 05:49PM
@tooth, what did you specify for a quarantine plan in your ArriveCAN portal submission?
toothmiester 08/07/2021 10:40PM
Here is some information on the portal. I breezed thru it fairly well but its takes time and some of my fellow travelers had a lot of difficulty getting thru it. Here are my suggestions and info.


1) First make sure you have a current device with UPDATED SOFTWARE or you may not be able to complete the application!!
2) Be aware it asks for the passport, covid card info, test status for ALL members of your group that you are traveling with; so there is a lot to fill out.
3) I would suggest you print paper copies of the receipt and covid test and have your vaccination card and passport handy. Trying to pull everything up digitally at the border would be a feat!!!!
4) I was surprised that it asked for the Covid test results for you group but it DOES NOT ask you to upload a copy of the lab report!!!!!!!
toothmiester 08/07/2021 05:04PM
Yes they did settle the border strike so that’s great news the fourth member of our group tested negative for Covid also so we’re great there and we are going to fill out the Canada portals this evening and I’ll let you know how that goes
pcallies 08/07/2021 03:51PM
We’re planning to cross at International Falls/Fort Frances on Tuesday. Looking forward to hearing how it goes on Monday.
goblu79 08/07/2021 01:15PM
Woooootttttt!!!!!!!!
EddyTurn 08/07/2021 11:17AM
HighnDry: "I heard a blip on the radio this morning that the Canadian government had, at least temporarily, settled the border patrol agent union strike. I'm trying to track that down in print though..."
Here's straight from the horse's mouth
HighnDry 08/07/2021 09:33AM
Here's one mention of it.
HighnDry 08/07/2021 09:28AM
I heard a blip on the radio this morning that the Canadian government had, at least temporarily, settled the border patrol agent union strike. I'm trying to track that down in print though...
Argo 08/07/2021 07:37AM
toothmiester: "Thank you.I suspect we will need it!!!!!!
"



Who knows ..it may turn into an all-hat-and-no-cattle event. Let's hope so.


Perhaps you can chime in on Monday before you lose cell contact and let us know? So much lead up and the suspense is building. With binge-watching the norm now, the consuming public can't "stay tuned for next week's episode" anymore!
toothmiester 08/07/2021 12:06AM
Thank you.I suspect we will need it!!!!!!
sns 08/06/2021 10:48PM
toothmiester: "I still plan on crossing the border Monday very early. Three of us took our Covid test today and we all tested negative. We got the results from Walgreens in 2-3 hours! Filling out the Arriv Can portal together tomorrow!"


Will be following closely - thanks for keeping us all in the loop!


Good luck.
toothmiester 08/06/2021 10:02PM
I still plan on crossing the border Monday very early. Three of us took our Covid test today and we all tested negative. We got the results from Walgreens in 2-3 hours! Filling out the Arriv Can portal together tomorrow!
gymcoachdon 08/05/2021 08:41PM
I am heading up later in the month...hope the Border Agents strike is worked out before I go. Waiting for details from your crossing experience.
mjmkjun 08/04/2021 02:25PM
And if that wasn't complicated enough...... mixed vaccinations
Argo 08/04/2021 01:01PM
Minnesotian: "Argo: The upside is that the drive around Lake Superior is absolutely stunning! You'd think we were doing a coastal trip on the west coast. We saw two bears, foxes and a bobcat on the highway. "
Off topic, but I just had to chime in to say I completely agree with how stunning that drive is. I took it on a motorcycle back in 2019 and was just amazed."

Unfortunately, one of the bears was hit by a van just outside of Marathon. We had pulled into a gas station that was adjacent to a motel around 11:30pm right at the turnoff to Marathon.

While cleaning our windshield, we heard a loud car crash on the highway right near the entrance to us about forty yards away. A van had come to a sudden stop and, after a few moments, limped into the gas station with its front-end done in and and the airbags deployed.

Before the driver emerged, my buddy said he thought he saw a bear walking towards the motel. The driver emerged from his car with his very adorable, but clearly traumatized, Australian Shepherd and said he though he hit a bear. And a moment later a man near the motel had the bear in his flashlight. It was enormous.

There was an OPP detachment about two minutes away. The first policeman to show up radioed for another unit that carried a shotgun with slugs for this very purpose. Unfortunately, this happens frequently with big game up there.

The bear hobbled off into the woods and the officer wouldn't pursue it anymore on foot in the dark. We left and and I'm not sure what happened after that. Fifteen minutes later we saw the bobcat standing in the middle of the highway. It never moved until we were up along side of it. Crazy. I wish I had a dashcam.
toothmiester 08/04/2021 10:33AM
Not sure about the scheduling part on weekends you will have to ask them.
toothmiester 08/04/2021 10:31AM
I have done that drive too and the views are stunning.
toothmiester 08/04/2021 10:30AM
No you don't need to wait. But despite the fact you took a 72 hour prearrival test you may be selected at random to also do an arrival test when you get to the border. Sorry that's the way it is!
Minnesotian 08/04/2021 09:21AM
Argo: The upside is that the drive around Lake Superior is absolutely stunning! You'd think we were doing a coastal trip on the west coast. We saw two bears, foxes and a bobcat on the highway. "
Off topic, but I just had to chime in to say I completely agree with how stunning that drive is. I took it on a motorcycle back in 2019 and was just amazed.
HighnDry 08/04/2021 08:10AM
tumblehome: "Recent picture from Argo's trip to Atikokan.
"

I think somebody got on the wrong plane.
AmarilloJim 08/04/2021 07:53AM
Why would you need a 72 hr pre-entry test and an arrival test? Do I need to wait around in Canada for 3 days before entering the wilderness?
billconner 08/04/2021 07:53AM
It seems some tests use overnight delivery services. Does that suggest scheduling so you are not dependent on a weekend shipment? I know the closest pharmacy to me ships swab samples to lab by overnight.
toothmiester 08/04/2021 06:43AM
I get a kick out of Argo's picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Here is an update on the random testing at the border. The station at Fort Francis doesn't have a testing service on site. If your are selected randomly to do a test for Covid you will receive a test kit that you take with you to your destination and then mail it it in. Theoretically!!!???? WE will see.
toothmiester 08/03/2021 07:01PM
OMG. Nightmare Argo!!!
tumblehome 08/03/2021 06:56PM
Recent picture from Argo's trip to Atikokan.
Argo 08/03/2021 05:30PM
toothmiester: "Any other pointers Argo?"
No not really.

We arrived at the airport on July 22 an hour and a half prior to our flight to Thunder Bay as advised. Air Canada and airport security were not equipped to handle the volumes. Three check-in clerks for a line up that went around the block. The security line up was about twenty minutes long. Security pulled my buddy aside questioning him for an extra fifteen minutes about a lighter and a battery pack. All in all, it was akin to a Soviet-era example of efficiency and service. We missed our flight and ended up driving eighteen hours straight from Toronto to Atikokan. The upside is that the drive around Lake Superior is absolutely stunning! You'd think we were doing a coastal trip on the west coast. We saw two bears, foxes and a bobcat on the highway.

Our new friends that we made at the Air Canada customer (lack of) service desk all agreed this was a third world experience as we waited over an hour and a half for someone from the airline to show up. If this is how a private company with a profit motive operates in the area of processing people and expediting travel as the Covid rules are relaxed, how well prepared do you think the folks in Canada Customs and Immigration are prepared for the onslaught? My guess is...see my original post.


toothmiester 08/03/2021 01:53PM
Any other pointers Argo?
toothmiester 08/03/2021 01:51PM
I totally agree!!!!!!!!!!
Argo 08/03/2021 01:08PM
All I would add is that the closer you have scheduled your trip to Aug 9, the more you should expect chaos, confusion, and a lack of coordination at the Canadian border. It's likely that the officials you are interacting with will not care much about you, your schedule nor your rental/shuttle commitments. Give yourself much more time for the process than you normally would. The lower your expectations about a smooth process, the greater your chances of been positively surprised.
toothmiester 08/03/2021 07:29AM
Hello everyone, I have an ongoing update. I just scheduled my appointment at Walgreens for 1:00 which should take me thru to August 9th and stay within the 72 hour window(we plan to reach the border very early in the morning). I am taking the ID Now test so I get the results within 24 hours. One of the guys going on the trip had a very bad case of Covid a few months ago and he just took the regular PCR(not the fast), just to see if he had a viral load. They told him the results would come in 3-5days!!!!
Well it actually took 48hours but the regular test cuts it close!. By the way you can only schedule Walgreens covid appointments 3 days in advance but they seem to have many appoints available.


PS. I did see the story on vaccine and testing fraud. The Canadians are serious about this stuff!!!!!
timatkn 08/03/2021 03:24AM
Thanks for posting. Have a trip plannned for the last few days of August…I might switch to Quetico depending on how things go for you.


Goatroti…saw that too…$20,000 in fines for fake COVID vaccinations…glad to see they are being serious. I guess they could just not pay the fines since they aren’t Canadian citizens but that means a lifetime ban. Hopefully a good deterrent to others.
toothmiester 08/02/2021 10:22PM
I am not sure about this. I read somewhere that you don't have to wait but I don't know if that is true. If you test positive you have two choices. Leave back to America or quarantine.
goatroti 08/02/2021 04:24PM
Be careful...


Fake records and fines
HBB 08/02/2021 02:29PM
Thank you - so much confusing information out there.


Does anyone know what happens if you get chosen for a random border test? Do you need to wait for the results? If so, do you wait in the US or Canada?
toothmiester 07/31/2021 07:53PM
You are welcome. I thought people would appreciate this. There is a lot to do. We had to renew our outdoor card, buy our fishing License, we all downloaded the Arriv Can app, Have our vaccination cards, will schedule our Covid tests for Friday noon at Walgreens( ID Now ) and then hope none of us test positive!!! I understand they will be also doing random spot covid tests at the border too! Hope we don't have too.
Minnesotian 07/31/2021 06:23PM
toothmiester: "You bet. Stay tuned. I will continue to post the progress of our group."


Appreciate you doing this. I am also looking at getting to Quetico and these steps you are going through and reporting are invaluable.
toothmiester 07/30/2021 09:11PM
You bet. Stay tuned. I will continue to post the progress of our group.
goblu79 07/30/2021 08:44PM
Thank you!!
toothmiester 07/30/2021 03:49PM
Yes I am positive. And be sure that you do not do an Antigen test. It must be a PCR and not a rapid antigen test.
goblu79 07/30/2021 02:36PM
Hey Tooth,
Are you certain that Canada accepts the IDNow test? That's the 24 hour result one if I recall correctly. My group is contemplating the same thing in mid August, and I want to be sure that IDNow works for crossing the border.
toothmiester 07/30/2021 09:41AM
Great info mid you haven't explored the Link!
Mocha 07/30/2021 09:39AM
Link to arrivCAN


Read thru this, lots of info (not enough pictures) :)
toothmiester 07/30/2021 09:09AM
I agree. Arriv Can is the required form for Ontario. You upload your information and receive a receipt.
yellowcanoe 07/30/2021 07:53AM
Arrive Can is the required health form. From what I see provinces can have additional paperwork or not. Ontario does not seem to require any.


I am going to Newfoundland and every province I cross requires their own paperwork. Since there are three there is a lot of stuff to fill out. Atlantic Canada( New Brunswick, NL, and Nova Scotia combined) has been strict and has had a total of under 15,000 cases in the last year and a half. So they are not just throwing their doors open.
Mocha 07/30/2021 07:10AM
What about the Canadian health form and the provincial health form?
Those were outlined in a separate thread
toothmiester 07/30/2021 05:59AM
Three of my friends and I have a Quetico permit for August 9th and I thought everyone on here would like to get an ongoing report about our trip. So far we have downloaded the Arriv Can app onto our phones and we will be scheduling out Covid tests (ID Now) with Walgreens. In Wisconsin they only make appointments three days ahead and they send you the results within 24-48 hours. All of my group has been vaccinated and has a card. My understanding is that they may do random Covid tests at the border, too.

We have a hotel scheduled for August 8th and plan on getting up early to cross the border. Will there be long lines? Who knows, but most of the hotels are completely booked in International Falls so that gives you some idea! If you have any questions, fire away.