I am planning a group trip from Utah to the Q. In my planning, I learned that DUIs make one inadmissible into Canada. I also read that you can get a trp for one time entrance as a temporary fix but it's not guaranteed but possible for one time offenders who served no jail time.

A member in my group fits that criteria, but coming from Utah, I don't want to risk it. Can anyone provide me with actual experiences from the last four years since Canada's Tourism Facilitation Action Plan was put in place? All information is so vague regarding this law.

We would most likely be crossing at Fort Frances. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi uteah,

Use the search feature on the site. I remember this topic being discussed at some length at one time. If my memory serves me correctly however, I'm afraid you might be disappointed at what you discover.

Another option is enter from the US by using an RABC permit. You could have the person apply right now and then you would know for certain if your group could get in. If he gets the RABC the rest of you could apply immediately and then enter not by road but by water via Prairie Portage and you would eliminate any risk at Ft Francis upon entry. This would mean you would not have to worry about a last minute snafu at the border and still be in full compliance.

Two issues correct? Will he be allowed entry, a decision that seems to be up to the officer on duty when you show up; and the separate issue of the waiver of the $200 fee per the CTFAP.

I have no personal experience with crossing but my son had trouble getting an RABC because of an arrest and charges that were dismissed. He had to get a letter from the arresting police department saying the charges were dismissed. Therefore I think the RABC process is more strict than showing up.

One year I had an RABC and in fall went through IF/FF and the agent did not want to see the RABC. It's his/her job to decide and not to delegate.

I have a DUI from March 2010. Doesn't show up on my MVR, but does appear in a criminal background check. I've driven into Canada a handful of times since and haven't had a problem. Applying for an RABC, where apparently they do the full cavity search, has repeatedly been unsuccessful - as recently as last winter.

For a Q trip, I've thought lately I may plan to drive across and enter from the north, but take all my BW maps with me in case I'm turned away and I need to adjust to a BW trip. I only go in the shoulder seasons so I'm not too worried about BW permit availability in such an event.

Thank you for all the information. Coming from a far distance, I am not going to risk crossing the border and potentially getting turned away. I am disappointed as it seems that solitude is easier to get to on the Q side, but BWCA is a big wilderness and I'm sure we can find our own small slice of it. We just might have to paddle a little more to get there now.

Thanks everyone for the information.

Two part question:

How far into the Q can you go in international waters without clearing customs and not get in too much trouble (I am sorry warden, I lost my way and didn't realize I had crossed the border) and then return to BWCA for the evening?

Is it possible for a portion of the group to get an RABC and the other part to stay within the BWCA during a given day?

I'm worried this might be my only trip and want to make the most of it.

Once you stray off a border lake, or international shared portage, you had better have your RABC and Q permit and they don't buy the lost stories......so, not far.

It is possible for a "split" group, but the hassles of getting the day permit for the Q have been discussed in here and the logistics usually squash the idea and you'd probably need two BWCA permits if the group splits, plus another for "re-entry from Canada". You'll find out the hassles if you research it further.

Enjoy your BW trip.....

quote cowdoc: "Once you stray off a border lake, or international shared portage, you had better have your RABC and Q permit and they don't buy the lost stories......so, not far.

It is possible for a "split" group, but the hassles of getting the day permit for the Q have been discussed in here and the logistics usually squash the idea and you'd probably need two BWCA permits if the group splits, plus another for "re-entry from Canada". You'll find out the hassles if you research it further.

Enjoy your BW trip....."

I agree.

If you decide to just do the BWCA and not worry about the Q, you will have just as good a trip. Once you make the choice to not go to the Q, drop it and don't bring it up again. No reason to ruin one guys trip by constantly reminding him that he's the reason you can't go.

Thanks for the advice. If only it were one guy. :)

Looks like I'll just plan a different trip with a different group another time.

Check here to learn how to overcome the DUI problem of Canada entry.

Info on entering Canada with a DUI and how to be assured of entry