Great Lakes boaters who have made the crossing to Canada, what was your experience?

[bracketracer]

Obviously, this is over the last couple of weeks. Looking to get an idea of what to expect. We typically head over to Toronto to have a good time, but looking at various restrictions (25% capacity being the biggest one), I'm wondering if the jaunt is worth it. Already know about the testing requirements, the ArriveCAN app and so on. Just trying to figure if going "walkabout" as we normally do is going to be severely hampered.

 

[Blueone]

I just wrote it off for this year…. We had plans to go a week ago but then there were issues calling in when back in the US…. It just made us think why????? …Wait until next year is what we concluded.

call both sides before you do consider doing it… they both are very nice in telling you they are a little confused

 

[TimW]

Nothing there worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[my3sons]

Obviously, this is over the last couple of weeks. Looking to get an idea of what to expect. We typically head over to Toronto to have a good time, but looking at various restrictions (25% capacity being the biggest one), I'm wondering if the jaunt is worth it. Already know about the testing requirements, the ArriveCAN app and so on. Just trying to figure if going "walkabout" as we normally do is going to be severely hampered.

It seems to be a mess of uncertainty right now. There are US loopers who went into Canada when it opened on the 9th and were refused entry back into the US at Drummond Island in Michigan 2 days ago. This caught everyone off guard including the AGLCA, who had been briefed that there would be no problems. Those particular boaters are now waiting for tomorrow (the 21st) to see if the US again extends the non essential crossing ban. Apparently this only affects water crossings as land crossings are not a problem.
On the other hand, we have friends on our dock that belong to the Buffalo Yacht Club and went to the club's facilities at Pt Abino Ontario this past weekend and had no problems going or returning using the ArriveCan app and Roam to return.
Apparently the rules may be interpreted differently depending on the ports of entry.
If you are determined to go, I'd at least make a call to CBP to ask if they will let you in on Lake Ontario, and then hope they really do. I'd give it a little time, hopefully the problems that some are experiencing will force the powers to be to get their act together across the board.

 

[Pirate Lady]

As a former Clevelander who has been to Canada hundred times when younger, i am curious about this.
You take boat to Toronto, come back, how cops know you went to Toronto and not just go float on the lake for the day?
Getting into Canada i can understand might be tough cause boat has US state stickers, but getting back to your US marina? Makes no sense.

 

[Island Time Buffalo]

As a former Clevelander who has been to Canada hundred times when younger, i am curious about this.
You take boat to Toronto, come back, how cops know you went to Toronto and not just go float on the lake for the day?
Getting into Canada i can understand might be tough cause boat has US state stickers, but getting back to your US marina? Makes no sense.

I believe the US and Canada are now comparing notes (at least pre-COVID). I don't know how thorough they are, but I wouldn't take chances. Not like the 'old days' when most American boaters were 'lost at sea'

 

[bracketracer]

Ok, mostly helpful replies (other than TimW). I think we're going to wait until next year to head back. Until then, heading to Rochester for the weekend.

 

[my3sons]

The dock neighbors that I mentioned earlier in this thread that went to Canada went back this past weekend again and told me that this time it was smoother on the phone than the first time so apparently it just needed a little time to work the bugs out. He used the Canpass number as the nexus number told him to use canpass. then roam coming back. I also have read that the loopers are having better luck now also.

 

[Strecker25]

Ok, mostly helpful replies (other than TimW). I think we're going to wait until next year to head back. Until then, heading to Rochester for the weekend.

hanging on the wall again? I’ve been here all week, lots of transients in and out. Couple of those weird looking wind powered boats over there right now

 

[bracketracer]

hanging on the wall again? I’ve been here all week, lots of transients in and out. Couple of those weird looking wind powered boats over there right now

Yeah, me and that Tiara again. We'll probably pop over and get some recommendations of stuff to do on Irondequoit Saturday. Haven't spent a lot of time there so some local knowledge would be great

 

[Strecker25]

Yeah, me and that Tiara again. We'll probably pop over and get some recommendations of stuff to do on Irondequoit Saturday. Haven't spent a lot of time there so some local knowledge would be great

for sure. We’re gonna head home for the first night this week today but I’ll be back tomorrow or first thing Saturday. Lake looks sporty tomorrow

 

[bracketracer]

I'll keep an eye out for you tomorrow, since we're likely staying put. Group decision to go to Sodus instead Saturday though. Definitely familiar with that place

 

[Strecker25]

I'll keep an eye out for you tomorrow, since we're likely staying put. Group decision to go to Sodus instead Saturday though. Definitely familiar with that place

If you have the desire to stop at a great little spot on your way, about 20 minutes east of the mouth of the genesee river and just outside the braddocks bay inlet is a place we all call Rosies Marsh. It’s inaccessible by land and has fantastic sandy shallow bottoms. We dinghy in, but you could anchor and swim into knee deep water.

it’s about 43.32, -77.72. On a good day you’ll see a few boats anchored there. Completely open and unprotected from the lake though so if it’s shitty you’ll want to avoid it.

these were both taken there, a year apart though