Read it and weep. For how long, nobody knows today.

Canada Hits Pause on RABC Permits for Boundary Waters Region

Crap. I always feared this could happen. We can only hope this is a pause and not a permanent end.

Posted this in the general discussion as well.

That’s concerning. I’m hoping this is the case:

“Martel said the pause in processing permits is so that the agency can ‘work on reviewing and updating our procedures.’ When asked to clarify what that statement means, Martel did not respond as of the time this article was published.”

I’ll be the first to say that their system of procedures for processing and communication decisions is horribly inefficient. So if this is about taking a breather to fix that, it could be a positive move.

At risk of politicizing this, am I the only one that suspects this is partly a response to proposed border tightening?

billconner: "At risk of politicizing this, am I the only one that suspects this is partly a response to proposed border tightening?"

I think this is more likely related to a general tightening on the part of Canada. They have made some moves this year with respect to immigration that could fairly be characterized as a policy shift.

Trudeau announces sharp cuts to Canada's immigration targets

gravelroad: "

billconner: "At risk of politicizing this, am I the only one that suspects this is partly a response to proposed border tightening?"

I think this is more likely related to a general tightening on the part of Canada. They have made some moves this year with respect to immigration that could fairly be characterized as a policy shift.

Trudeau announces sharp cuts to Canada's immigration targets "

Crossing the border for the purpose of recreation or to reach property you own has nothing to do with immigration?

thegildedgopher: "

gravelroad: "

billconner: "At risk of politicizing this, am I the only one that suspects this is partly a response to proposed border tightening?"

I think this is more likely related to a general tightening on the part of Canada. They have made some moves this year with respect to immigration that could fairly be characterized as a policy shift.

Trudeau announces sharp cuts to Canada's immigration targets "

Crossing the border for the purpose of recreation or to reach property you own has nothing to do with immigration?"

You have misread what we wrote respectively. Take another look.

gravelroad: "

billconner: "At risk of politicizing this, am I the only one that suspects this is partly a response to proposed border tightening?"

I think this is more likely related to a general tightening on the part of Canada. They have made some moves this year with respect to immigration that could fairly be characterized as a policy shift.

Trudeau announces sharp cuts to Canada's immigration targets "

Canada is bracing for a surge of immigrants currently in US quite possibly heading to Canada before January 20. I'm sure they're not pleased with that possibility.

gravelroad: "

thegildedgopher: "

gravelroad: "

billconner: "At risk of politicizing this, am I the only one that suspects this is partly a response to proposed border tightening?"

I think this is more likely related to a general tightening on the part of Canada. They have made some moves this year with respect to immigration that could fairly be characterized as a policy shift.

Trudeau announces sharp cuts to Canada's immigration targets "

Crossing the border for the purpose of recreation or to reach property you own has nothing to do with immigration?"

You have misread what we wrote respectively. Take another look."

No, I didn’t. It was implied this was related to Trudeau’s announcement about decreased immigration targets and I don’t believe it is.

But after considering further I do see a connection to potential asylum seekers from the US flooding the Canadian borders. If they make remote border crossing illegal then they don’t have to wonder if people observed (probably via drone or aircraft) crossing in remote areas are doing so illegally. Makes allocation of resources and decision making much more efficient.

I only said it was about tightening the border, and removing options for crossing it is a logical action.

Please note that in 2025 both the EU and the UK will initiate entry permit requirements (see UK's ETA and EU's ETIA ). Perhaps Canada simply wants to review those systems and tweak the RABC process. The fact that existing RABC permit holders can continue to use them calls BS on the idea that people observed (by aircraft or drone) crossing at remote spots would automatically assumed to be crossing illegally.

TZ

This looks a whole lot like immigration. I wouldn't count on it being fixed anytime soon. I suppose they will need some time to determine if the fears of many come to fruition. Judging by the cabinet picks so far, I would think that their fears are justified. They can't cherry pick geographic areas for policy.

Oh great. At my age, I don't have many years left for Quetico trips. Was planning one for the end of June. They could open the RABC process again before that, but outfitter reservations at the last minute would be tough.

For some reason, I've felt for the last 20 years that trips into Quetico were tentative, and believed that heavy limitations or closures for environmental reasons or other reasons were always possible. It's not the end of the world, just frustrating and sad. Hopefully this won't last long.

Terry

24kGold: "Oh great. At my age, I don't have many years left for Quetico trips. Was planning one for the end of June. They could open the RABC process again before that, but outfitter reservations at the last minute would be tough.

For some reason, I've felt for the last 20 years that trips into Quetico were tentative, and believed that heavy limitations or closures for environmental reasons or other reasons were always possible. It's not the end of the world, just frustrating and sad. Hopefully this won't last long.

Terry "

Terry - just enter from Canada. Not all that different, less expensive, and seems less crowded to me. I think you'd find the differences delightful.

Hopefully there is something in place by May, whether it’s something completely new or just a revision of the current program. Amy Klobuchar and Pete Stauber are working the issue. There are some very wealthy and influential people that use this program.

I'm sure the planned 25% tariff will help the Canadians get the RABC back on track.

billconner: "I'm sure the planned 25% tariff will help the Canadians get the RABC back on track."

Yup. Brilliant idea to screw your biggest trading partner and closest ally.

arctic: "

billconner: "I'm sure the planned 25% tariff will help the Canadians get the RABC back on track."

Yup. Brilliant idea to screw your biggest trading partner and closest ally."

It's never that simple...Canada has technically circumvented NAFTA...the last 2 administrations (Republican and Democrat) have negotiated with them to change...China has been using them as a "back door" to get cheap products into the US. Canada has already taken some actions...so most likely nothing will happen. It's all talk... I realize I am highly simplifying a complex issue...I don't endorse the tariff talk either, just saying there is a lot more to it than some are saying...

I highly doubt Canada is holding back on RABCs to "punish" Americans due to tariffs :) It only hurts them, less tourism dollars into Canada and helps the US as it drives that money spent in Canada back to the US. That would be one of the dumbest things their Government could do...

T

On the tourist dollars, seems like it depends on how many people who would usually use US outfitters and enter the Q from US will instead drive into Canada and use a Canadian outfitter. Could be more tourist dollars and let's face it, how many people using a RABC spend much while in Canada?

I don't really think the RABC is used for much other than the Q.

And I was certainly not being serious.

Were there ever other staffed customs stations on Basswood or Sag? Just thinking about all the possibilities - no RABCs would impact two or three trips in '25 for me...

arctic: "

billconner: "I'm sure the planned 25% tariff will help the Canadians get the RABC back on track."

Yup. Brilliant idea to screw your biggest trading partner and closest ally."

Agree, we're so lucky to have Quetico and the privilege to use it. No RABC pass would mean more going to the north end for them or like Beaverhouse.

sns: "Were there ever other staffed customs stations on Basswood or Sag? Just thinking about all the possibilities - no RABCs would impact two or three trips in '25 for me..."

Yes, on Sag there was Customs, been closed for a long time. Kinda sucked going to it.

This year our trip is quite complicated, and I am struggling to sort through the flow chart without the RABCs. Two of our team from Canada, two from MN...we've met up in the park before but we were planning a southern entry to get to a lake we have had circled for several years. Now my MN buddy may need to come in 2 days late, the Canadians want to go through Thunder Bay and fly in, and I need to split from the group when they exit to paddle solo to meet a second group of friends...a northern entry would leave me paddling 35-40 miles to meet that second group.

There, that rant left me feeling a little better.

sns: "Were there ever other staffed customs stations on Basswood or Sag? Just thinking about all the possibilities - no RABCs would impact two or three trips in '25 for me..."

There was also a staffed Customs station at Prairie Portage.

I forget the guy's name who ran the PP Customs office for a number of years. He would basically wave us through trip after trip. He even helped us portage a few times when we returned because he was bored and saw us coming in down the bay. But he sure had a dislike of the Boy Scouts.

The weeping will continue for the time being:

Economic Concerns Mount as Canadian Government Stays Silent on Future of RABC Program

gravelroad: "The weeping will continue for the time being:


Economic Concerns Mount as Canadian Government Stays Silent on Future of RABC Program "

Thanks for posting the update--we tried just last night to find more current info on official sites--nothing.

TZ

I wonder if there is any possibility of developing an entry permit just for Prairie Portage? It could even be date specific. I can't imagine that there is much concern that people will be canoeing through Quetico in order to enter Canada. The existing or rather the previous RABC program covered a large geographic area with the potential for many more issue relative to just a Quetico entry. Not suggesting throwing everyone else who needs a RABC under the bus but it would be a great move for Quetico users. I guess manning a border entry station at Prairie Portage would accomplish the same result.

Given the the political insults being directed at Trudeau and Canada in general, not only will RABC permits be discontinued, Americans may have to apply for a visa in order to cross the border.

Likely reading too much into this, I bet they are just changing the process in general, it's pretty sketchy solution at best, emailing credit card and other information is not secure. Hopefully they are just figuring out a better process.

AndySG: "Given the the recent political insults directed at Trudeau and Canada in general, not only will RABC permits be discontinued, Americans may have to apply for a visa in order to cross the border. "

+1 with a :)

+1

I have no knowledge of what the thought process is behind the RABC pause. But I believe Occam's razor should apply.

AndySG: "Given the the political insults being directed at Trudeau and Canada in general, not only will RABC permits be discontinued, Americans may have to apply for a visa in order to cross the border. "

Hopefully Poilievre and Trump will get along better!

I have a feeling they will reinstate the port of entry on eastern Sag like they had years ago, or we'll have to get a permit in person in Thunder Bay.

I just have a sense that the RABC program is a thing of the past. Sure hope I'm wrong.

Terry

24kGold: "I just have a sense that the RABC program is a thing of the past. Sure hope I'm wrong.

Terry "

I hope you're wrong, too. I'll point out that both the EU and the UK are instituting travel permits this year. The ETA for UK travel opened today and is required starting Wednesday; they were taking early applications several weeks ago. The EU ETIAS system will start 6 months after they initiate their EES (Entry/Exit System), which I haven't seen a date for. I feel that the suspension of the RABC was to prepare for changes to Canada's travel permits similar to the changes the UK and EU are implementing.

TZ

Argo: "+1


I have no knowledge of what the thought process is behind the RABC pause. But I believe Occam's razor should apply."

+1 Argo (and Campnfish).

I remain optimistic consistent with Occam’s razor: the simplest explanation is the most likely the explanation. The simplest explanation is in a quote below: Canada is “reviewing and updating procedures.” I don’t think this is about worries the RABC is or will be used for illegal entries to Canada. There are 5,500 miles of open border (the longest international border in the world). Wilderness paddling is not likely on the radar as a top border security concern given the crossing options, and, someone crossing illegally isn’t using the program anyway. I also don’t think this was a political decision. The pause was actually implemented on September 25, even though it was not publicized to the canoeing world until November. Since RABCs are good for a year, some people out there will continue to use them over essentially the whole 2025 paddling season.

The official statements available so far, by Karine Martel of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and taken from another paddling site, are: “The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program is not suspended and existing permit holders may continue to use their permits to cross the Canada-U.S. border.” The pause in processing permits is so “the agency can work on reviewing and updating our procedures.” And (consistent with what I saw today, 1/6/25, on the RABC website), “U.S. citizens can still apply for a new permit at this time.”

Finally, while I know Canada is not known for over communicating these things, it’s interesting that 2025 Quetico entry permits for RABC-only locations are still being issued by the park as of today without any statement about the pause that I can see. Maybe you get a warning if you complete the permit process; I didn’t as my hopeful entry date is still more than 5 months out.

All this could still end up in some major surprise change, but I’m going to keep believing the BWCA to Quetico border will reopen to paddlers (without going to Grand Portage or Ft. Frances). Let’s just hope it’s soon! It’s a real pain seeing Quetico permits released each day and not knowing, and I sure feel for the good people with affected businesses on both sides.

I wonder with relations conditions worsening between the incoming President and Canada I could see the RABC pass on hold for awhile. Quite the shame and sadness.

Too bad for those the like to enter Q from the US but really awful for the outfitters that service those points.

billconner: "Too bad for those the like to enter Q from the US but really awful for the outfitters that service those points."

In time I believe it will work out, but we have been so privileged in the past to enter another country so easy. I made a lot of Canadian friends.

Thanks Canada.

24kGold: "I have a feeling they will reinstate the port of entry on eastern Sag like they had years ago, or we'll have to get a permit in person in Thunder Bay.

I just have a sense that the RABC program is a thing of the past. Sure hope I'm wrong.

Terry "

I wonder how easy that would be. How long have they been gone from Gov island now? Been quite a while.

I’m just making myself get comfortable with the uncertainty for this year. Usually by now I have a bunch of plans and this hear will just be different. I’m in the Occam’s razor camp for now!

thegildedgopher: "

24kGold: "I have a feeling they will reinstate the port of entry on eastern Sag like they had years ago, or we'll have to get a permit in person in Thunder Bay.

I just have a sense that the RABC program is a thing of the past. Sure hope I'm wrong.

Terry "

I wonder how easy that would be. How long have they been gone from Gov island now? Been quite a while.

I’m just making myself get comfortable with the uncertainty for this year. Usually by now I have a bunch of plans and this hear will just be different. I’m in the Occam’s razor camp for now!"

I was taken to Gov island on my first trip in '97 and then my second in '99. When I went back in 2001, we used the RABC entry system, I believe.

If something doesn't change soon, I won't head into Quetico this year. And, yes, I know I can enter through the north side, but I don't have the extra driving days to do that. I've always gone in through Cache Bay and know Saganagons like the back of my hand where the fishing is incredible.

I have a contact who knows people in border services. He says he's pretty certain the RABC program won't be revived, but they are still being tight-lipped about an alternate way to enter from the south. I need to make reservations with our outfitter, but time is running out, and others in our group need to make other vacation plans soon. I'm sure a lot of us are in the same boat/canoe waiting with artificial, barbless bated breath.

The suspension of the RABC program is becoming a crisis.
At first it was a bit funny, then weird, now scary.

Many people start planning the quetico trips in the winter, and many outfitters rely on the RABC for their income. It’s going to be like COVID all over again getting into the Q.
Tom

Are the northern entry reservations filling up? Are people who go in June finding fewer available permits? I feel bad for the park since they depend on the income. I can't believe the Canadian border service will staff entries at PP and Sag.

billconner: "Are the northern entry reservations filling up? Are people who go in June finding fewer available permits? "

Bill, a quick check of the reservation system shows that 99% of the dates are available. Click on the calendar link.

I can't vouch for the veracity of this, but I hope it's true. It was just put out today on another website:
In a surprise announcement to some, Canada quietly extended most permits under the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program. In a statement sent to Paddle and Portage Friday afternoon and confirmed over the weekend by agents from Canada, “all existing permits” were extended until Dec. 31.

With nothing in the way of a public announcement, the Canadian government in late September “paused the processing of new and renewal applications” for the RABC program that allows travelers to cross into certain remote parts of the Boundary Waters region.

After more than two months of questioning from members of the press, Congressional staff, business owners, and people who felt as though they were being left in the dark, Canadian officials finally provided some indication about the future of the RABC program.

The statement from Canadian officials reads: “The Canada Border Service Agency regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada. This pause in processing applications was necessary to allow the CBSA to do an administrative review and update of internal procedures. No resumption date has been set at this time for application processing.

To minimize impact on permit holders, the validity dates of all existing permits was extended until December 31, 2025. New applications made after September 25, 2024 will also be valid until December 31, 2025.”

CBSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about when this decision was made. The agency also has not said if all new applications are valid, or only previously issued permits that were set to expire and are submitted for renewal.

Well that would be good news. So basically it seems like if you have one that is expiring from last year it’s now good through all of 2025. Hopefully that news gets confirmed!

Booking on the Quetico website can be a little finicky. You have to click in the right places to see permits available. My assumption right now is that plenty of permits should be remaining. Unless you are looking for falls chain on a weekend but with the RABC thing having been an unknown I’d assume most of those permits are still open.

Ryan

billconner: "Are the northern entry reservations filling up? Are people who go in June finding fewer available permits? I feel bad for the park since they depend on the income. I can't believe the Canadian border service will staff entries at PP and Sag. "

Bill, my memory is like a fading photograph so not sure on dates.
But I think the RABC program was created to save her Majesty the cost of staffing customs stations in the wilderness. I remember going through Customs at PP and I also went through customs on Sag as a kid. We had to pay a duty on the food we brought in to Canada.

Tom

unshavenman: "I can't vouch for the veracity of this, but I hope it's true. It was just put out today on another website:
In a surprise announcement to some, Canada quietly extended most permits under the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program. In a statement sent to Paddle and Portage Friday afternoon and confirmed over the weekend by agents from Canada, “all existing permits” were extended until Dec. 31.


With nothing in the way of a public announcement, the Canadian government in late September “paused the processing of new and renewal applications” for the RABC program that allows travelers to cross into certain remote parts of the Boundary Waters region.


After more than two months of questioning from members of the press, Congressional staff, business owners, and people who felt as though they were being left in the dark, Canadian officials finally provided some indication about the future of the RABC program.


The statement from Canadian officials reads: “The Canada Border Service Agency regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada. This pause in processing applications was necessary to allow the CBSA to do an administrative review and update of internal procedures. No resumption date has been set at this time for application processing.


To minimize impact on permit holders, the validity dates of all existing permits was extended until December 31, 2025. New applications made after September 25, 2024 will also be valid until December 31, 2025.”


CBSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about when this decision was made. The agency also has not said if all new applications are valid, or only previously issued permits that were set to expire and are submitted for renewal."

Source? Link?

plander: "Source? Link?"

Source and Link

From the P&P link: "The statement from Canadian officials reads: “The Canada Border Service Agency regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada. This pause in processing applications was necessary to allow the CBSA to do an administrative review and update of internal procedures. No resumption date has been set at this time for application processing.

To minimize impact on permit holders, the validity dates of all existing permits was extended until December 31, 2025. New applications made after September 25, 2024 will also be valid until December 31, 2025.”

I read this as meaning that my "current" RABC, which was set to expire January 28, 2025, is now good until December 31, 2025. Nice!

TZ

TrailZen: "

plander: "Source? Link?"

Source and Link

From the P&P link: "The statement from Canadian officials reads: “The Canada Border Service Agency regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada. This pause in processing applications was necessary to allow the CBSA to do an administrative review and update of internal procedures. No resumption date has been set at this time for application processing.

To minimize impact on permit holders, the validity dates of all existing permits was extended until December 31, 2025. New applications made after September 25, 2024 will also be valid until December 31, 2025.”

I read this as meaning that my "current" RABC, which was set to expire January 28, 2025, is now good until December 31, 2025. Nice!

TZ

"

Hopefully there is some additional confirmation coming soon. I don’t know that I’d rely on this alone.

Thanks for sharing. Joe Friedrichs Has some legit creds so hopefully this is true.

That is good news for four of my five paddlers entering in late May.

Ironically the one who might not be able to get an RABC is a citizen of Canada living in Toronto. Plan was to have him fly to MSP and ride up with us.

My son never got an RABC last year because we knew he couldn’t come on our trip. So while I’m glad that my dad and I will be OK, it sounds like the kid is up in the air. The language P&P report is also extremely confusing. “To minimize impact on permit holders, the validity dates of all existing permits was extended until December 31, 2025. New applications made after September 25, 2024 will also be valid until December 31, 2025.” I don’t understand that second sentence. If they’re not processing applications, they aren’t issuing RABC permits. So… how could they be valid until Dec 2025?

Agree, don't make sense, unless they did complete some applications that were sent in and processed after the 9/25 press release.

It looks like this has already been walked back. Ugh. 1/21 Update

Yep, it's quite the emotional rollercoaster. I'm going to stick with driving up and around and entering at Beaverhouse......

Update on how things are progressing at the Ministry.
Minister of Public Safety

unshavenman: "Yep, it's quite the emotional rollercoaster. I'm going to stick with driving up and around and entering at Beaverhouse......"

sounds like the best option. I doesn't sound good with all that is going on. I always fill fortunate as a guess Canada lets me enjoy their wealth of nature.

Regardless of the RABC permit outcome, as a canoeist from Canada, I’d advise US canoeists who meet Canadians in Quetico (or elsewhere) t stick to canoeing topics of discussion.

Canadians are absolutely seething with anger right now at the suggestion by your head of state that the US will use ‘economic coercion’ to make Canada ‘the 51st state’, that the US will institute tariffs ‘on national security grounds’ to make Canadian products more expensive for Americans to buy, and the demand to ‘buy’ our neighbours in Greenland / Denmark.

You can laugh it off, say nothing will come of it, it’s just talk, but most Canadians don’t see it that way.

Imagine Xi Jing Ping saying China will crush the US ‘by economic coercion’ and make the United States into ‘the 24th province of China.’ And now imagine if China were your neighbour, had 9 times the population, the world’s largest GDP economy, the world’s largest military forces, and a track record of invading other countries. That’s how it feels.

So, respectfully, please stick to canoe talk when you’re on the north side of the border. We can all agree that canoeing in the Quetico-Superior area is a wonderful thing that unites us as neighbours / neighbors.

I think we are sticking with canoe talk.
I can tell you, anyone on this forum doesn’t find the RABC thing funny nor are most of the people on this forum in agreement with the current situation.

Just because some guy in a far away place is playing political football does not mean we are all on board.

Rest assured, Canada is my favorite place as well a the citizens of that great country. I was married in Thunder Bay of all places even though my wife and I are US citizens.

And know that I’m sure we have far more in common with each other on this forum than differences. And as a cab driver told me when I was in Ireland. The 51st US state is Ireland. There are more Irish in the US than in Ireland. :)

Tom