Vehicle Entry: The entry
of vehicles and trailers into Canada is a fairly quick and routine matter. If
you are driving a rented vehicle be sure to bring the rental contract which
stipulates you have permission to use the vehicle in Canada. Other motorists
should contact their insurance agents to be sure they have full and normal coverage
while driving in Canada. Since
9/11/01 your return to the states may be delayed to allow border guards time
to check the contents of your vehicle. It is advisable to open windows so the
inside of your vehicle can be clearly seen, if you are pulling a trailer don't
lock it, the same for pickups with campers on them leave them unlocked so a
guard can easily look into it. It is also advisable to have a birth certificate
or visa in your possession as proof of identity. The border patrol has a serious
job and they take it seriously, be courteous and answer any questions you are
asked with the correct information and you will have a shorter stop.Pets:Dogs and cats accompanying their
owners must have current (within 36 months) rabies vaccination certificates.Firearms:Pistols, fully automatic weapons
and firearms less than 26 inches in length are prohibited from entering Canada. Exceptions
are handguns used by participants in bona fide marksmanship competitions. Starting in 1998
Rifles will have to be registered at customs and there will be a $50.00 FEE!Liquor Outlets:Visitors to
Ontario looking to buy liquor or beer for consumption outside a licensed establishment
usually have to go to 2 separate stores. Liquor including wine, is available
through stores run by the liquor control board of Ontario(LCBO) or in smaller
centers by their authorized representatives. Beer may be purchased through 'The
Beer Store' or directly from brewery outlets. In some smaller communities the
LCBO outlets also handle beer. Ontario law prohibits open bottles of liquor
in a location accessible to the driver of a vehicle. Drinking is only allowed
in your residence or within a reasonable distance of you residence. A tent,
trailer or camper can be considered residence.Goods and services tax:Canada
currently levies a sales tax on most goods and services purchased. Visitors
get back a % on every dollar spent on accommodations and most goods you take
home. These rebates can be collected on the Canadian side of most entry points
at a duty free store.Driving North from Sault Ste. Marie:
If you are driving North from the Soo there are 2 main routes to the North.
If you are driving to Chapleau or Timmons area, the shortest route to take would
be Hwy 17 East to Thessalon. Out of Thessalon you would take Hwy 29 North to
Hwy 101 East. This will put you in Chapleau. Driving time is aprox. 4 - 41/2
Hrs. Driving reasonably close to the speed limits. From Chapleau to Foleyet
is another 1 Hr drive and Timmons about 1 1/2 hrs further.If you are traveling to the Northwest or the Wawa area you would take Hwy 17 North out of the Soo.
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