Fort William Historical Park,
and
The Canadian Corps of Voyageurs

PRESENT THE

Raid on Fort William
July 29th and 30th, 2006

Above photo courtesy of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada.

What to expect when you cross the US/Canadian Border
 

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Crossing the US/Canadian, not a hard painful procedure, as long as you remember a few things.

Coming into Canada

US citizens and legal residents can enter Canada at any Canadian Customs border crossing.  Most members travelling to our event will use the Pigeon River crossing, and some will cross at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.  The Pigeon River crossing (not pictured above,) is located at the junction of Mn. Highway 61 and Ontario Highway 61, 2-1/2 hours drive north of Superior, Wi., and Duluth, Mn.

You should have as a minimum to enter Canada, two forms of ID, one of which is a photo.  Your birth certificate and drivers license will do in most cases.  A social insurance certificate can also be used, in lieu of a birth certificate.  Ideally, a valid US passport will stand on it's own, at any time.

Canadian currency is currently exchanging at about $0.86 US to $1.00 Can, or $1.17 Can to $1.00 US.  The international exchange rate is always fluctuating, and the values change on a daily basis.  Banks will give you a better rate, Credit Unions (Financial Co-Ops,) will give you the best rate.  Commercial establishments (retailers, etc.,) will tend to give you the worst rate.

Some other things to remember on currency are:

• We have NO one or two dollar bills.  Those denominations are both coins.  The $1 is called a "Loonie," probably because of the Loon on the tail side.  The $2 is call a "Toonie," but not because of the Polar Bear on the tail side.
• Bills change colour with denomination, $5 is blue, $10 is purple, $20 is green, etc.
• Other Canadian and American coins are the same denomination, 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, but Canadian coins will not work in most US vending machines.  This is because of a weight difference.
• If you have a US State license plate, you will have to pay your bridge tolls at Mackinac and Sault Ste. Marie in US currency.

If you are carrying any prescription drugs, please make sure you have them in proper pharmacy labelled containers.  It would also be a good idea to have a copy of the prescription with you, as well.  Please remember, if it is an illegal drug in the US, it is also illegal in Canada.  For more insight, you may wish to watch the film, "Midnight Express."

For a complete list of rules and regulations, you can visit the Canada Customs web site at Canada Customs and Revenue.

So, how to you get back into the US?  You should prepare to return to the US before you leave home.

Again, your two forms of ID, or your US Passport will allow you back into the United States.

Now, about that musket!  If you are not sure, about crossing the border with your musket, stop at the US Customs office before you go.  Or you can go the the US Customs web site, and download a CF 4455 - Certificate of Registration .

This form will allow you to list your serial numbered items as having originated in the US, and therefore exempt from duty upon return.  It is a good idea to include any cameras, video equipment, laptop computers, etc., on the form as well.

For a complete list of rules and regulations, you can visit the US Customs web site.

Gasoline prices in Canada fluctuate, similar to the way they do in the US.  As of December 1st, 2005, the price of regular unleaded gasoline in Thunder Bay, Ontario, varies between $0.80 per litre and $0.90 per litre, in Canadian Dollars.  Prices are higher during the middle and end of the month, and on weekends, and lower during the off period.  (That is, on pay day, you pay more!)

Diesel Fuel is available at several filling stations on Arthur Street, the first major intersection you approach in town, coming north on Highway 61, after leaving Fort William Historical Park.  Ask for directions, if you are in doubt.

Here is a sample scale.  Please remember daily exchange rates fluctuate, and most financial institutions charge a fee for exchanging currency:

In a nut shell, if you are crossing at Grand Portage/Pigeon River, FILL YOUR FUEL TANK, before you leave the US.  There are "24 hr pay by card" in Grand Marais, Mn., as well as one at Grand Portage Casino, and one just 1/2 mile south of the US/Canadian border.

If you are crossing at Sault Ste. Marie, there is 24 hr gasoline available at the last two exits before the US/Canadian border.

For more information of current gasoline prices check out the following web sites.  The AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report gives you a listing of all US States. Ontario Gas Prices is a commercial site that survives on cookies and advertising.  It lists the high and the low prices for gas in Ontario.  Thunder Bay is the highest.