Sailing to Canada

You must clear Canadian customs at one of the following locations: Bedwell Harbour (May-September), Sidney, Victoria, Nanaimo, White Rock or Vancouver before anchoring, landing any vessel, or touching a dock (other than the customs dock), a mooring buoy or another boat.

It is required for all crew and passengers to remain on board while the skipper takes all passports to the customs officer. No crew or passengers may be permitted to step off the vessel (except in the case of securing mooring lines) until the skipper has cleared all persons through customs. In some cases a border control agent will board the vessel, whereas at other ports the customs booth may be unmanned. Follow all instructions at the local customs dock. Be sure to record the Canadian clearance number. We will use this number for entering US customs. Everyone aboard must have the proper documentation with an adequate period of validity to clear customs.

Canadian Customs will not allow apples, blueberries, quince, peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries (or bring the cores/pits in a plastic bag), potatoes, corn on the cob, firewood, uncooked poultry, or avian by-products (eggs). No more than 1.5 liter of wine, or 1.14 liter spirits, or 24 cans of beer per adult. No more than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 2 kilograms of tobacco per adult. For further information call 250-363-3618.