Yes. All U.S. citizens entering Canada by land need a valid U.S. passport or a NEXUS card. A driver's license alone is not enough. If your passport has expired, renew it well in advance of your trip — processing times can be lengthy. You can find current guidance from the U.S. Department of State and check what documents work at land border crossings at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

💡 Tip: Check your passport expiry date at least 6 months before your trip.

There are two popular routes from the U.S., depending on where you're driving from.

If you're coming from the west or midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas), most guests cross at International Falls, Minnesota into Fort Frances, Ontario, then drive east on Highway 11/17 to Ignace — about 2.5 hours from the border.

If you're coming from the east or southeast (Michigan, Illinois, Ohio), a great option is to cross at the Pigeon River / Grand Portage border crossing near Duluth into Thunder Bay, Ontario, then head west on Highway 17 to Ignace — about 2 hours from Thunder Bay.

Either way, once you reach Ignace, head north 4 miles on Highway 599 and watch for our sign. You can check live border wait times for both crossings before you leave home so you can plan your drive.

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will ask where you are going, how long you plan to stay, and what you are bringing with you. Be honest and straightforward — fishing trips like ours are very common and officers are used to welcoming American anglers. You can review what to expect on the Canada Border Services Agency website before you arrive so there are no surprises.

Absolutely! Personal fishing gear — rods, reels, lures, tackle boxes — is welcome across the border for personal use. There are no special permits required for your fishing equipment. If you have questions about specific items, the CBSA has a helpful guide on what you can bring into Canada.

Yes, you are allowed to bring a personal amount of alcohol into Canada duty-free. The current allowance is up to 1.5 litres of wine, 1.14 litres of spirits, or 8.5 litres of beer. You must be of legal drinking age (19 in Ontario) and must declare it at customs. For the latest allowances, check the CBSA alcohol and tobacco rules. The town of Ignace has an LCBO (Ontario liquor store) if you want to stock up when you arrive.

Yes. Adults (19+) can bring up to 200 cigarettes (one carton), 50 cigars, and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco duty-free. Anything over those limits will be taxed. You must declare your tobacco at the border. For full details, visit the CBSA restricted and prohibited goods page.

Most everyday food items travel just fine across the border. However, there are restrictions on certain fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products to prevent the spread of plant and animal diseases. Our best advice: stock up on non-perishables and packaged foods before you cross, then pick up fresh groceries in Ignace. There are well-stocked grocery stores right in town, just minutes from camp. Review the full list of restricted and prohibited goods on the CBSA website to be sure.

Yes! Because Rousseau's Landing is a drive-to destination, you can bring your own boat and trailer — no gear weight limits like fly-in trips. Just declare your boat at the border and make sure you have your registration paperwork with you. If you don't want to bring your own, we have boat rentals available at camp.

Yes. Certain items are prohibited or restricted, including some firearms (handguns are restricted; long guns like hunting rifles require a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form and a fee), certain knives, and some agricultural products. Read the full details on the CBSA restricted and prohibited goods page before you pack. When in doubt, declare it and let the officer decide — it's always better to be upfront.

Yes — as long as your fish are within Ontario's possession limits and properly prepared for transport. Fish must be kept in a form that allows species identification (cleaned fish must retain a patch of skin, or be kept whole). When you re-enter the U.S., declare your fish with U.S. Customs. Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidelines for returning travelers before your trip. Our fish cleaning staff can help prepare your catch properly for the drive home.

Yes. When you return to the U.S., declare everything you are bringing back — your catch, any goods or gifts purchased in Canada, and any alcohol or tobacco. U.S. citizens typically have a duty-free exemption of $800 per person for goods purchased abroad. For full details on what to declare, visit CanadaWelcomesYou.net and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection re-entry page.