https://paddleandportage.com/2025/01/20/canada-extends-most-rabc-permits-until-final-day-of-2025/

RABC Update Link

TZ

So now……..
I typically toss my permit every year at the end of the season. Likely most others do as well. Will all of us have to call to get a copy? And when do new applications begin?

GraniteCliffs: "So now……..
I typically toss my permit every year at the end of the season. Likely most others do as well. Will all of us have to call to get a copy? And when do new applications begin?"

I wouldn't think most people toss their RABC permit as soon as their trip is done, especially if there is a slim possibility that it could be used next year. However, there's only one way to find out if you can get a copy... contact the RABC permit office. If you have information to share after you call or email, please let us know.

As for your question, "When do new applications begin?".... no one knows that answer.

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

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

I think so much political now and announcements today on upcoming tariffs and borders. Not trying to get politics involved here, but it may be affecting the outcome?

What a poop show. Not holding my breath. Feeling so bad for Donny, Marco, and others who live and/or work on the Canadian side of Sag.

Sure makes it difficult to plan trips. BW permits will have added pressure.
The good news: my son reminded his ancient father that the RABC pass was done electronically last year. I looked in my email Quetico file and found it. So if the Canadians figure this out and extend through 25 I will be good. Big if.

I just want to make quetico trips great again.

tumblehome: "I just want to make quetico trips great again."

+1

tumblehome: "I just want to make quetico trips great again."

We've been doing Quetico trips for 45+ years, and they've ALWAYS been great! I'd like them to be SIMPLE again, like with the RABC or some rough equivalent, but we'll go in via the north side if we have to...

TZ

tumblehome: "I just want to make quetico trips great again."

Good one.

This message has had HTML content edited out of it.
No change yet-just received; Jan.31
Do Not Reply / Ne Pas Repondre (CBSA/ASFC)
?
You
?
Hello,

This is in response to your message regarding the processing of Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permits.

On September 25, 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) suspended the processing of applications for the RABC permit program until further notice. Applications were still being accepted by the CBSA, and existing permit holders may continue to use their valid permits.

The CBSA 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. The CBSA is committed to notifying the public ahead of any significant adjustments to our programs and services.

Until such time as a decision is taken all travellers wishing to enter Canada who do not hold a valid RABC permit must present themselves at an open port of entry. At select locations and within the guidelines of marine reporting programs such as NEXUS, they may also take advantage of telephone reporting by calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre: 1-888-226-7277 or 905-679-2073. Please consult the
Directory of CBSA Offices and Services for information on the nearest ports of entry.



Thank you,



Canada Border Services Agency / Agence des services frontaliers du Canada
Ottawa, Ontario

Canada

Alright help me out here. Am I reading that you can call into to report to Customs?

Until such time as a decision is taken all travellers wishing to enter Canada who do not hold a valid RABC permit must present themselves at an open port of entry. At select locations and within the guidelines of marine reporting programs such as NEXUS, they may also take advantage of telephone reporting by calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre: 1-888-226-7277 or 905-679-2073.

If so then that’s easier than the RABC.
Tom

tumblehome: "Alright help me out here. Am I reading that you can call into to report to Customs?


Until such time as a decision is taken all travellers wishing to enter Canada who do not hold a valid RABC permit must present themselves at an open port of entry. At select locations and within the guidelines of marine reporting programs such as NEXUS, they may also take advantage of telephone reporting by calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre: 1-888-226-7277 or 905-679-2073.


If so then that’s easier than the RABC.
Tom"

Sounds to easy-were missing something? I think?

It says "at select locations within the guidelines or marine reporting programs" I would imagine that Quetico is not "a select location". Be great if it is but I don't think of it as a location for common marine traffic. Maybe somebody can unravel what "select locations" refers to.

Found a map and list of marine locations.
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/do-rb/services/nexusmarine-nexusmaritime-eng.html

Looks like they are all marinas, yacht clubs and government docks. None of them are near Quetico. At least that is my conclusion.

tumblehome: "Alright help me out here. Am I reading that you can call into to report to Customs?


Until such time as a decision is taken all travellers wishing to enter Canada who do not hold a valid RABC permit must present themselves at an open port of entry. At select locations and within the guidelines of marine reporting programs such as NEXUS, they may also take advantage of telephone reporting by calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre: 1-888-226-7277 or 905-679-2073.


If so then that’s easier than the RABC.
Tom"

Unfortunately it doesn't look like that's the case. My read is you have to be at the TRS/M site that you call when you report by telephone. Look at the web page below and scroll down to #41 - the pertinent info starts there and goes to the end. The closest TRS/M sites are in Fort Francis and Thunder Bay.

Telephone reporting system/marine

Anyone that wants additional clarity should probably contact the CBSA directly. I don't have a dog in this fight, otherwise I would. My plans are to enter via Crane Lake/Sand Point.

It seems we need to go north. The losers will be the outfitters south and those of us who use the RABC system. If this isn’t political now, it will be.

mapsguy1955: "It seems we need to go north. The losers will be the outfitters south and those of us who use the RABC system. If this isn’t political now, it will be. "

It is and it is sad, we the canoe crowd and Quetico park people are caught in the middle. it didn't have to happen.

TRS/M at PP and Cache Bay ranger stations anyone?

billconner: "TRS/M at PP and Cache Bay ranger stations anyone?"

No

TRS/M locations

billconner: "TRS/M at PP and Cache Bay ranger stations anyone?"

Not a bad idea, however neither location has any hope of cellular coverage and no land lines. It would have to be sat phone or interwebs via satellite.

sns: "

billconner: "TRS/M at PP and Cache Bay ranger stations anyone?"

Not a bad idea, however neither location has any hope of cellular coverage and no land lines. It would have to be sat phone or interwebs via satellite."

Even with cellular coverage it doesn't appear to be doable. It seems you need to be at the location of the TRS/M site that you are calling, unfortunately. That said, I'm curious to know if there is any offical confirmation otherwise.

sns: "

billconner: "TRS/M at PP and Cache Bay ranger stations anyone?"

Not a bad idea, however neither location has any hope of cellular coverage and no land lines. It would have to be sat phone or interwebs via satellite."

They have Internet, at least at PP.

plander: "

billconner: "TRS/M at PP and Cache Bay ranger stations anyone?"

No

TRS/M locations "

Yeah, I know they don't now. It was a suggestion or wish.

billconner: "

sns: "

billconner: "TRS/M at PP and Cache Bay ranger stations anyone?"

Not a bad idea, however neither location has any hope of cellular coverage and no land lines. It would have to be sat phone or interwebs via satellite."

They have Internet, at least at PP."

And at Cache Bay - but it's by satellite. Tough to make that work consistently for calls with the latency.

sns: "

billconner: "

sns: "

billconner: "TRS/M at PP and Cache Bay ranger stations anyone?"

Not a bad idea, however neither location has any hope of cellular coverage and no land lines. It would have to be sat phone or interwebs via satellite."

They have Internet, at least at PP."

And at Cache Bay - but it's by satellite. Tough to make that work consistently for calls with the latency."

Depends what satellite. Starlink is very fast.

I just had a thought - even if Canada graciously decides to continue the RABC program….what about the reciprocal side? Right now, if you plan to return to the US by canoe through the BWCA, you use the CBP ROAM app to do so electronically.

What are the odds that the CBP shuts that down, given the current caterwauling?

It takes two to tango…

Because Canada won't allow Americans to cross remote, America won't allow Americans to return?

Debating whether or not to even post this as hopefully this is just an isolated incident by an over zealous border agent and nothing more. My buddy is good friends with 2 groups of guys that intended to cross the Manitoba border together near Pembina, MN yesterday on their way up to fish Lake Winnipeg. One truck was turned back as someone had a violation over 40yrs. ago for writing a bad check and someone in the other truck had a violation over 20 yrs. ago for riding an ATV without insurance. Seemed as though they were digging a bit deep to turn people away. Again, hopefully an isolated incident and nothing more but for someone who looks forward each year to crossing the border as their way into Quetico it's still concerning.

My guess is they are checking more in depth or more often?

Also remember any Felony no matter how long ago is usually going to get you denied entry. What is considered a Felony in the US is different than Canada. Both of those citations might be felony's in Canada. Usually the whole car isn't turned back, just the person with Felony. Many call it the "walk of Shame" as you walk back and take a bus. My guess your buddies are nicer than others and turned back together.

I am just going off of previous experience. I could be wrong.

T