An email from the Canada Border Services Agency landed in the inboxes of many outfitters, lodge owners, and individuals on Feb. 18, bringing with it a temporary sigh of relief.

After nearly five months of uncertainty and limited information on the pause in processing new and renewal applications and the validity of existing Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permits, the Canada Border Services Agency has issued an update.

The RABC program facilitates the border clearance process for individuals crossing the border into Canada in remote areas, such as Quetico Provincial Park, the Canadian side of Saganaga Lake or Gunflint Lake, and numerous other places.

In late September 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency paused the processing of new and renewal applications for RABC permits as it worked to review and update the procedures. The pause created uncertainty for outfitters, fishing guides, and canoeists navigating the Canadian side of Saganaga and Gunflint Lakes, disrupted backcountry travel plans, and challenged accessing cabins or property.

With many individuals and businesses facing the impending expiration of their RABC permits before summer, the uncertainty around renewal made it difficult to plan for guiding or traveling to a cabin.

Then, in January, the Canada Border Services Agency announced the validity dates for existing RABC permits were extended to Dec. 31, 2025. However, only days later, the agency reversed its decision. The confusion led Representative for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District Pete Stauber to write a letter to the Minister of Public Safety David J. McGuinty to clarify the confusion and request additional information.

“Our shared border requires cooperation from both of our nations to ensure our citizens’ safety, fair trade, and access,” the Stauber wrote in the letter. “Citizens from both the United States and Canada rely on RABC permits, and it is in the best interest of both nations that you work expediently to resume the processing of RABC applications and clarify the confusion surrounding the program.”

Clarification was received on Feb. 18, with an email by the Canada Border Services Agency to existing RABC permit holders, slightly relieving the nerves as the extended expiration date had been reinstated.

Luke Reimer, a spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency, wrote in an email to WTIP, “The Canada Border Services Agency has extended the validity of existing RABC permits while it works to complete the RABC program review process.”

Effective Feb. 18, 2025, all permits issued after Sept. 1, 2023, will be valid until Dec. 31, 2025, Reimer said.

While new RABC permits are not being processed at this time, the Canada Border Services Agency is still accepting applications, and the applications will be processed once the program has been reviewed.

Reimer said the Canada Border Services Agency regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends while ensuring Canada’s safety, security, and prosperity. “More information will be shared when available,” Reimer said.

Kalli Hawkins February 18, 2025

The Star Tribune also posted an article

Email I just got tonight. Not sure how this will help people that don’t have a current RABC and need a new one though.


Hello,

On September 25, 2024 the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) temporarily paused application processing for the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program. The CBSA is continuing to review the RABC program against service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada in order to ensure the program reflects member needs.

In response to the temporary suspension, the CBSA has extended the validity of all permits issued after September 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, at no charge to members. No action is required on the part of the permit holder, the existing permit will be accepted as valid until December 31, 2025.

For more details on the program, please consult the CBSA RABC webpage.

Thank you for your patience and your interest in the RABC program.

Sincerely,

Canada Border Services Agency

Gaidin53: "Email I just got tonight. Not sure how this will help people that don’t have a current RABC and need a new one though.



Hello,

On September 25, 2024 the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) temporarily paused application processing for the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program. The CBSA is continuing to review the RABC program against service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada in order to ensure the program reflects member needs.

In response to the temporary suspension, the CBSA has extended the validity of all permits issued after September 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, at no charge to members. No action is required on the part of the permit holder, the existing permit will be accepted as valid until December 31, 2025.

For more details on the program, please consult the CBSA RABC webpage.

Thank you for your patience and your interest in the RABC program.

Sincerely,

Canada Border Services Agency"

Correct, if you don’t have a RABC from last year you will have to wait until they determine how these permits will be handled in the future. You can still apply for a new one now, they just won’t process the permit until they decide to open the permits back up for new requests. When I heard there might not be a RABC this year, I applied for a passport to enter from the north side of the park. If you want to go to Quetico and don’t have a RABC, go get a passport.

This is good news for those that had an RABC last year, but it doesn't help most people. I truly feel for the outfitters that rely on RABC clients for Cache and Prairie Portage. This will be a difficult season for those outfitters.

I’ll most likely enter in the north of Quetico anyways if I do a Quetico trip this year. Debating on Woodland Caribou Atikaki, or Northern Saskatchewan main trip this year. Up in the air since my son will be entering the adult world of work this year making it harder to plan for.

Nice to have the option from the south though, and I use the RABC on Lake of the woods.

Ryan

HangLoose: "This is good news for those that had an RABC last year, but it doesn't help most people. I truly feel for the outfitters that rely on RABC clients for Cache and Prairie Portage. This will be a difficult season for those outfitters. "

I would assume if coming from the south they would pivot to BWCA and still utilize the outfitters, maybe not all but a lot. Andersons might see an uptick as well.

QueticoMike: "Effective Feb. 18, 2025, all permits issued after Sept. 1, 2023, will be valid until Dec. 31, 2025, Reimer said.

I wonder why they picked the date September 1, 2023? Any RABC permits received after that date - say September 15th, for example - would expire by September 15, 2024. Just seems like an odd start time to me. It's not like it would normally expire sometime in 2025.

Any updates? right now I would be making plans to go to the north end,I see no reason why it will be reinstated for now.

If you go to the RABC permit website, it still says that the issuing of RABC permits is on "pause" and that the only RABC permits allowed are the ones issued after September 1, 2023.

It's my guess (and it's only a guess) that there will be no RABC permits issued at all in 2025 and that in 2026, they will either restart the issuing of RABC permits or there will be a completely new system in place. Time will tell. It's possible that they may go away permanently, but I hope not.

In the meantime, entering Quetico at one of the northern entry points is pretty awesome, too. Beaverhouse, Lerome, Nym, Stanton Bay or Dawson Trail all have great routes, fishing, solitude and plenty of campsites, regardless of where you go from there. And Lac La Croix is a good option, too. Just takes a bit more to get to the ranger station.

For those planning a "north" entry to Quetico, be advised that none of motels in Atikokan are taking reservations until three weeks out this season. So for a June 15 entry, you are scrambling to find a motel on May 23. I like to have my accommodations completely squared away six months out so this is not acceptable to me.

When I pressed the motels for a reason for this new change, they said something about road construction crews needing the rooms and that they'd open up any availability to the general public starting three weeks out this season. Both motels in the Atikokan area said the same thing.

That leaves you a few options. Camping the night before entry is one option. Driving up and entering Quetico on the same day is another option. Staying in a bunkhouse if you can find one is another option, or staying in Thunder Bay or Fort Frances, which is what I plan to do.

HangLoose: "For those planning a "North " entry to Quetico, be advised that none of motels in Atikokan are taking reservations until 3 weeks out this season. So for a June 15 entry you are scrambling to find a motel on May 23."

Good to know. Thanks. I'm the same as you insofar as booking the motel far in advance. Fortunately this year we've decided to enter the park a day early after our long drive from Wawa - our second leg after leaving Toronto. It will be an afternoon entry. Likely just get into Beaverhouse and set up. There's no reason to hang in Atikokan if you can arrive early enough in the afternoon.

I'm with all of you on having night-before accommodations set up well in advance. I had thought about staying in Atikokan, but will have 2 dogs with me so decided to camp instead. I have a site reserved at Dawson Trail campground for the night before my Nym/Batchewaung entry.

There's also Camp Quetico and Quetico North nearest to the Stanton Bay entrance as well as a municipal campground in Atikokan.

HangLoose:

When I pressed the motels for a reason for this new change, they said something about road construction crews needing the rooms and that they'd open up any availability to the general public starting three weeks out this season. Both motels in the Atikokan area said the same thing.

Last year, I entered my room at the White Otter after a 10 day solo to find someone's clothes and shoes. After talking to the office guy, he said it must have been left by accident.

After a shower, I laid down for a nap only to be woken by the owner of the clothes. We had a brief conversation about how somebody messed up and proceeded to go talk to office guy. He insisted that the other fella only booked for one night and, after a brief argument, calls to the cops were threatened and the other guy stormed off.

I felt bad for the guy and was willing to accept whatever the office staff decided, even if I had to start my 25 hour drive home that day. The fella was an out of town electrician working locally for the week. I've spent my share of nights in a hotel working out of town as a pipefitter and felt the dude's pain.

It seems the bulk of the tenants are working at the mines and logging operations. Canoer's money is not the bulk of the economy in Atikokan. It's not even a close second.

We will be lucky to have any outfitters up that way in the future. The couple of outfitters I've dealt with only still do canoe outfitting as a courtesy, Not much profit for them. American plans at fishing lodges is their money maker.

EmmaMorgan: "I'm with all of you on having night-before accommodations set up well in advance. I had thought about staying in Atikokan, but will have 2 dogs with me so decided to camp instead. I have a site reserved at Dawson Trail campground for the night before my Nym/Batchewaung entry. "

Beautiful dog, Emma. What is its breed?

Guest poster: "

HangLoose:

When I pressed the motels for a reason for this new change, they said something about road construction crews needing the rooms and that they'd open up any availability to the general public starting three weeks out this season. Both motels in the Atikokan area said the same thing.

Last year, I entered my room at the White Otter after a 10 day solo to find someone's clothes and shoes. After talking to the office guy, he said it must have been left by accident.

After a shower, I laid down for a nap only to be woken by the owner of the clothes. We had a brief conversation about how somebody messed up and proceeded to go talk to office guy. He insisted that the other fella only booked for one night and, after a brief argument, calls to the cops were threatened and the other guy stormed off.

I felt bad for the guy and was willing to accept whatever the office staff decided, even if I had to start my 25 hour drive home that day. The fella was an out of town electrician working locally for the week. I've spent my share of nights in a hotel working out of town as a pipefitter and felt the dude's pain.

It seems the bulk of the tenants are working at the mines and logging operations. Canoer's money is not the bulk of the economy in Atikokan. It's not even a close second.

We will be lucky to have any outfitters up that way in the future. The couple of outfitters I've dealt with only still do canoe outfitting as a courtesy, Not much profit for them. American plans at fishing lodges is their money maker."

The funny thing is that there should be an expectation of a spike in business on the north end of Quetico because of the RABC situation. I've spoken with my outfitter and they have confirmed this.

This same outfitter also does the bulk of its business in their fly-in cabins.

The concept of seasonal construction crews occupying these two Atikokan motels is also not new. But what with the ephemeral nature of these projects and the lack of visibility on the Canadian government's RABC decision, its going to be difficult for the tourist market to adjust to this environment.

It never ends with the drama - one year it's a massive fire, another it's covid, then it's the RABC debacle. What's next?

Argo: "

EmmaMorgan: "I'm with all of you on having night-before accommodations set up well in advance. I had thought about staying in Atikokan, but will have 2 dogs with me so decided to camp instead. I have a site reserved at Dawson Trail campground for the night before my Nym/Batchewaung entry. "

Beautiful dog, Emma. What is its breed?"

Thank you! He is a border collie.

I asked in another thread, but what about the "agreement" we can use each other's land portages? Example, the Basswoods Falls portage is on the Canadian side (if I am remembering right, might be another close by). If you are heading up the Horse River, then over to Sunday Bay for example, staying on the American side for camping, you need to use the Canadian side for a portage.
Now, I don't see them parking a ranger on the portage checking paperwork of every party using that portage, but is it even still legal to use it?

Inquiring minds want to know! (And so do I!)

Legal, just portage and move on, never required an RABC, i think that's what you're asking.

Question about filling out the RABC. I've never done this before, and am looking for guidance.

The PDF form seems to be editable, so I can fill in all my information.

However, how do you handle the signature part? Do you just type your name in?

Do you use your mouse to some how scribble it in?

Do you print it out, sign it, and then take a screenshot to send it back?

Thanks for the noob question.

Last year, I printed mine to sign it, then scanned it to a PDF to send it in. If you have a touch screen with a pen (like the Apple Pencil or similar) I think you could use that to sign, but I don’t think a mouse would work very well. Kind of a pain to print and then scan, but I didn’t want to risk having the application rejected for just typing in my name instead of signing, then needing to apply again and be at the end of the queue.

SammyN: "Question about filling out the RABC. I've never done this before, and am looking for guidance. "

Maybe you know this already, but RABC permit applications are not being accepted at this time. (Apologies for the poor photo quality.)

So Jackfish, that does not say that applications are not being accepted, only that processing them has been paused. I think that there is a general consensus that applications are being accepted. I have a 'valid' RABC so not worried about myself. Can anyone positively confirm that they have recently completed and submitted an application and gotten confirmation from CBSA that it was at least received?

pd

I sent in an application, just to get in line if they opened up, prior to the announcement of the 2023 permit extension. I did not receive the normal e-mail that it had been received so I'm not sure what the situation is.

Only a guess, but I think any applications received end up in the "dead application file". The likelihood of the RABC application switch getting turned "on" during 2025 is pretty slim, and in 2026, there will, most likely, be a new process altogether.

Doesn't hurt to submit the application, but I think it's a practice in futility for this year. They aren't issuing new RABC permits anyway. We can hope it changes, but just don't hold your breath. :)

Jackfish: "Only a guess, but I think any applications received end up in the "dead application file". The likelihood of the RABC application switch getting turned "on" during 2025 is pretty slim, and in 2026, there will, most likely, be a new process altogether.

Doesn't hurt to submit the application, but I think it's a practice in futility for this year. They aren't issuing new RABC permits anyway. We can hope it changes, but just don't hold your breath. :) "

My thought also.

campnfish: "Legal, just portage and move on, never required an RABC, i think that's what you're asking."

Correct. The 1842 Webster-Ashburton Treaty gives citizens of the US and Canada the right to use a border portage without being treated as having entered the other country. No permission required. An American using a Canada side portage technically is not leaving the US or entering Canada.

March 27th-Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Canada's old relationship with the United States, "based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation, is over".

Don't expect things will get better before they get worse going to Quetico. I wonder if the entry points will stay status quo? It’s not good.

I think RABC permits for newbies are gone for this year.

Pinetree: "March 27th-Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Canada's old relationship with the United States, "based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation, is over".

Don't expect things will get better before they get worse going to Quetico. I wonder if the entry points will stay status quo? It’s not good.

I think RABC permits for newbies are gone for this year."

First of all, that is not a policy statement. We are in the middle of a national election campaign and he is merely pandering to his audience. Call it the Canadian version of the "51st state“ nonsense. There is no better application of the term "Take it with a grain of salt" than a politician on the stump.

If you understand the British parliamentary system of government you'd know the limits of Carney's authority at the moment. His unconventional path to the office of Prime Minister affords him no real mandate which is why he needed to call an election.

He is not my choice, but he is an infinitely more serious man the the last guy. And I have no doubt that, despite the rhetoric playing out on both sides of the border for media clicks, the back-channels of each government are working overtime to remedy the problems.

None of this noise is healthy for the RABC. But I remind you the RABC pause was instituted well before current cross border dust-up. Which means it's likely the reason for the pause is as stated, a "program review" - interpret that nebulous statement as you will. The momentum for completing this review could easily have been derailed by the erosion of resources which may have been diverted to more pressing issues raised by the US government.

Passing along this information in case it helps someone.

Somehow, I misplaced my RABC from last year. So I called CBSA Border Information Services on the number listed on the RABC website. They were unable to send me a copy of my RABC, telling me that everyone in the department had been reassigned. And no one had access to the system anymore.

Thankfully, when I called the Pigeon River customs office, they were kind and more than willing to email me a copy of my RABC.

daverr: "everyone in the department had been reassigned"

Well that little tidbit is less-than-encouraging.