Canada announced that the border will open to American Citizens on August 8th for fully vaccinated people. However, the US land border is still closed for non-essential travel until August 21st. This leaves an open question as to if crossing into Canada and returning during this time period is still possible.

July 19, 2021 | Ottawa | Public Health Agency of Canada

Starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.

Subject to limited exceptions, all travelers must use ArriveCAN (app or web portal) to submit their travel information. If they are eligible to enter Canada and meet specific criteria, fully vaccinated travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/07/government-of-canada-announces-easing-of-border-measures-for-fully-vaccinated-travellers.html

I've interpreted as we can't enter Canada until the two governments agree on a re-opening. I suppose you could at least hypothetically leave the US, say at International Falls but you might have a devil-of-a-time getting back in! (or at least a couple of weeks to wait it out).

According to information posted on the US Embassy in Mexico’s web site, US residents returning to the States is considered essential travel.


Travel Restrictions Fact Sheet

So, hypothetically speaking, someone could enter Canada from the US side on August 9th, go canoeing for two weeks, and reenter US on the 21st?

Canadian here. I assume your rules are basically the same: if you are a citizen of the country you are entering, and can prove it, your own government can’t stop you from entering your own country.
They can make it a pain (e.g. you need to pay for a test, you need to pay to quarantine, yadda yadda) but they can’t actually stop you from entering (re-entering).

Minnesotian: "
So, hypothetically speaking, someone could enter Canada from the US side on August 9th, go canoeing for two weeks, and reenter US on the 21st?"

The way I interpret the fact sheet, you would not have to wait until the 21st.

I have not seen anything indicating US residents would need a Covid test when re-entering the States.

UPDATE: The Covid testing requirement for air passengers entering the US does not apply to land border crossings.

CDC guidance for entrance to the US.

I have read nothing that makes me think I will have trouble returning to the US. I think the US border still being closed means no foreigners may cross the border into the US. I am planning a trip now under that understanding.

I just called Grand Portage CBP and spoke to an officer. I'm happy to say that I'm wrong on this one! We can indeed enter Canada, by road (and vehicle of course) only on or after Aug 9th. Not by water. As long as one follows that Canadian regs using the ArrivCAN app, vaccination proof, negative COVID test within the specified timeframe, etc., then a Quetico trip is on. There will be no delay when you as a US citizen re-enters at any time. Happy paddling!

I just called Int'l Falls CBP and got the same information. As long as you qualify to cross into Canada by virtue of Canada's restrictions, you will have no problems leaving or entering the United States.