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• Non-Resident Firearms Declaration Form Canada Firearms Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What documents/identification do I need to cross the border into Canada?
2. What sort of identification do my kids need?
3. What amount of alcohol and cigarettes can I bring with me into Canada?
4. I’m taking prescription drugs, is this problem at the border?
5. I’ve paid Canadian taxes on things I’ve bought, but I’m a U.S. citizen, how do I get that money back?
6. What’s the weather like in Dryden?
7. What is the speed limit in Canada?
8. I have a previous impaired driving charge (DUI) can I still get into Canada?
9. Can I bring my hunting rifle into Canada?
10. Can I bring my handgun into Canada?
11. What do I need to get my game back to the US?
12. What does Ontario North supply?
13. Where do I get detailed information about fishing regulations for my fly-in fishing trip?
14. What kind of outdoor gear, food and clothing should I bring on my fishing or hunting trip?
15. This is my first fly-in vacation, and I’m a little concerned about being in the middle of the bush. What does L&M Flying Service do to assure my safety?
16. I need to buy groceries for my trip, where can I go in Dryden?
17. Where can I stay in the Dryden area?
18. What sort of clothes should I bring with me?
19. If I am flying commercially into International Falls or Winnipeg, what time should I book my return flight for?
20. I’ve booked one of your deluxe outpost cabins for a fishing trip, what do I need to bring?
21. Do I need a fishing license?
22. What is the price of a fishing license?
23. What happens if I land a trophy fish?
24. How do I release a fish?
25. What happens if my fish is unconscious?
26. What should I do when photographing my fish?
27. Why is it recommend to release my fish?

1. What documents/identification do I need to cross the border into Canada?

U.S. visitors – Citizens of the United States are required to provide proof of citizenship upon entry into Canada:

2. What sort of identification do my kids need?

You’ll need a valid Passport. If you are traveling with minor childern you need a parent permission letter

Visitors from the U.S. who were not born in the United States should carry their Certificate of Naturalization; permanent residents of the U.S. must also bring their “Green Card”.

Temporary residents must carry a passport and may require a visa depending on their country of citizenship. These must be original documents. Canada Customs is under no obligation to accept photocopies, or any other pieces of documentation not specifically mentioned.

3. What amount of alcohol and cigarettes can I bring with me into Canada?

U.S. visitors – Identification for each child establishing citizenship is required such as an original birth certificate or a certified copy of proof of birth location from a town hall plus one photo ID card. A passport is not required but is ideal identification. A letter of permission is required from the parents of any children accompanying travelers who do not have legal custody of the children.

How long is it going to take me to get across the border?

Wait times vary, but you can that is updated every ten minutes that shows the estimated waiting time for border crossings across Canada, including the one close to us, the Fort Frances Bridge.

U.S. visitors – Alcohol – Those meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry (19 in most provinces; 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec) may bring either 40 oz. of liquor or wine or 24, 12 oz. containers of beer or ale.

U.S. visitors – Tobacco – Visitors meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry may bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 7 oz. loose tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks. 

4. I’m taking prescription drugs, is this problem at the border?

If you are importing prescription drugs, make sure they are clearly identified. The drugs should be in the original packaging, with a label that specifies what they are and that they are being used under prescription. If this is not possible, carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.

Information is listed on the web site.

5. I’ve paid Canadian taxes on things I’ve bought, but I’m a U.S. citizen, how do I get that money back?

Non-resident visitors to Canada can claim refunds for some of the taxes they paid on short-term accommodation, the federal Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), as well as provincial sales tax in the province of Quebec (TVQ). Non-resident visitors can also claim a refund for tax paid on most goods they take home. Check out the (Canada Revenue Agency Web site).

6. What’s the weather like in Dryden?

The Weather Network has short and long-term forecasts for Dryden area today!

7. What is the speed limit in Canada? / 8. I have a previous impaired driving charge (DUI) can I still get into Canada?

Speed limits are usually posted in metric in Canada, and highway speed is generally 90 km/h or 55 miles per hour. In cities and towns, it is often 50 km/h or 30 miles per hour. Seat belts are mandatory in Canada. Because of a previous impaired driving (DUI) charge, you may be considered “inadmissible” – or prohibited from entering Canada. However, there are exceptions. To get the complete information, check out the of Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Web site for information.

9. Can I bring my hunting rifle into Canada?

Visitors to Canada can bring non-restricted firearms, such as a hunting rifle or shotgun into Canada, but it must be declared. Any undeclared firearms will be confiscated. The Firearms Act requires every firearm owner in Canada to have a license or valid Firearms Acquisition Certificate. Visitors who do not have a Canadian Firearms Acquisition Certificate will need to report their firearms to customs at the border, complete a non-resident firearms declaration form in triplicate, have it confirmed by a customs officer and pay a $50 (Canadian) fee.

Copies are available by calling 1-800-731-4000, or at the border, or at the site in the Visitors/Non-Residents section. The short answer is no. Although, with every rule there are exceptions. Visitors can import a restricted firearm only to attend an approved shooting competition. Examples of restricted firearms are target pistols and short-barreled, centre-fire, semi-automatic rifles or shotguns. 

10. Can I bring my handgun into Canada?

To be able to import a restricted firearm, you must obtain in advance an ATT (Authorization To Transport) from the chief firearms officer of the province or territory where you will be entering Canada and show a paper copy to the customs officer when you arrive.

ATTs are granted at the discretion of the for an approved purpose, such as to take part in an organized target-shooting event or gun show.

11. What do I need to get my game back to the US?

A Canadian Export Permit must accompany all big game. We will help you make the arrangements. The department in charge of this is (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

12. What does Ontario North supply?

Your flight from Dryden and return, fully equipped/furnished cabin, boat/motor/gas, bedding, adult life jackets, landing nets, pre-cut firewood, minnow buckets, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, dish rags/towels (no bath towels), propane BBQ/grill

13. Where do I get detailed information about fishing regulations for my fly-in fishing trip?

Be sure to read our fishing regulations and exceptions page. You’ll get all the answers to your fishing-related questions.

14. What kind of outdoor gear, food and clothing should I bring on my fishing or hunting trip?

We’ve compiled an extensive packing checklist to make sure you have everything you need for your trip

15. This is my first fly-in vacation, and I’m a little concerned about being in the middle of the bush. What does L&M Flying Service do to assure my safety?

Wilderness Air takes the safety of our passengers and outpost guests very seriously – it’s priority #1 for us!

First of all, we make sure all of our aircraft are maintained to above industry standards.

Next we have “check flights” on a routine basis whenever guests stay at any one of our outpost cabins. This means that when we are in the area and/or at a previously decided time we will fly over your outpost and make sure everything looks fine. Lastly, for the convenience of our guests, we have radio telephones for direct communication with the air base or any other phone number.

That said, we want to assure you that in all the years we’ve been offering fly-in fishing trips, as long as you use common sense, these trips are perfectly safe. We pay careful attention to every detail and have over 15 years of experience and dedication to YOUR safety.

16. I need to buy groceries for my trip, where can I go in Dryden?

The town of Dryden has 3 major grocery stores.

17. Where can I stay in the Dryden area?

There are a few motels/hotels in the Dryden area, which offer good accommodations and restaurants and tackle shops. We recommend the Holiday Inn Express in Dryden but call direct 807-223-3000 and mention Ontario North Outpost. With this you’ll get a reduced rate and free breakfast, with soup and small appetizers on arrival. This is about 30 minutes from the air service. In the summer, be sure to bring your bathing suit, but also pack t-shirts, shorts, a good sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, bug spray, walking shoes and sandals, and a rain suit, not a poncho. As the temperatures have been known to sometimes get a little cooler at night, bring along a sweater and some pants just to be safe, but don’t over pack. The fashion police don’t visit the camps.

18. What sort of clothes should I bring with me?

If you are arriving in the spring or fall, there is more of a variance in temperature, and we would recommend you bring sweaters and pants, long sleeved shirts, a t-shirt or two, warm socks, a warm hat, a waterproof jacket and pants (if you have them) as well as hiking boots and comfortable shoes, always nice to have water proof shoes or boots. Download list.

19. If I am flying commercially into International Falls or Winnipeg, what time should I book my return flight for?

We recommend not booking any flights before 2:00 pm on your day of departure. It takes about 2 hours to get to International Falls and you don’t know how long of a wait you’ll have at the border, and it’s about 3 hours to Winnipeg

20. I’ve booked one of your deluxe outpost cabins for a fishing trip, what do I need to bring?

We supply so much that you really only need to bring your clothes and personal effects, fishing or hunting gear, fishing or hunting license, cooler (small for boat) and bath towels. We supply landing nets, anchors, garbage bags, dish towels/rags, cleaning supplies, and all of your kitchen needs, pots/pans/utensils etc. I find it nice to bring paper plates as no one usually wants to wash dishes…you can also burn the plates. You can bring your own food and beverages, or arrange for us to purchase your groceries for you and have them ready and waiting for your arrival. Don’t forget your camera!

21. Do I need a fishing license?

Any non-resident of Ontario over the age of 18 must have a fishing license. Anglers under the age of 18 may fish when accompanied by a licensed adult, however, any fish caught become part of the catch and possession limit of the adult. To prevent this, anglers under the age of 18 may also purchase a license.

22. What is the price of a fishing license?

An 8-day Ontario sport fishing license for non-residents is $49.02 (Canadian), and a license for the season is $76.49. Conservation licenses are slightly less, with a 8-day fishing license costing $28.27 and a season license being $47.13. If you do not have a sports card there will be a additional charge of $10.00 for a 5 year card. Carry your licenses with you whenever you are fishing, or transporting your fish. CHECK

23. What happens if I land a trophy fish?

All trophy fish should be released back to the water. A replica of your trophy is recommended. This will ensure quality sport fishing opportunities for the future. Measure the length and girth and then take a picture. Return the fish back to the water as soon as possible. Let that trophy fish be a thrill for the next sportsman or for you on a later trip!

24. How do I release a fish?

Time is essential. Quickly play and release fish. A fish played for too long will be too exhausted to recover. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Remove the hook as quickly as possible. Single barbless hooks can often be removed while the fish is still in the water. Gentle handling is essential. Avoid squeezing or putting your fingers in the gills or eye sockets.

25. What happens if my fish is unconscious?

To revive an unconscious fish hold it upright in the water. Wiggle the fish from side to side, if you move the fish forward and backward so that water runs through the gills, DON”T pull it backwards as this actually drowns the fish. This may take a few minutes. When it begins to struggle release it.

26. What should I do when photographing my fish?

When photographing a fish, hold it horizontally and do not squeeze the fish. Do not put your hands in its gills or hold it vertical by its gills. Oh – and don’t forget to smile!

27. Why is it recommend to release my fish?

It is the opinion of Ministry of Natural Resources fishery biologists that the voluntary adherence to these guidelines will enhance the opportunities for catching big fish while concurrently preserving the brood stock and fish numbers. The Ministry, as well as Ontario North, believes this strategy will ensure quality sport trophy fishing opportunities for the future.