Become a Noonsite Member

As a free member or guest you are restricted to 3 formalities per month. You have viewed 1 formalities this month. Please login, register or upgrade your membership to view more.

Note: you can still view formalities you have already viewed this month without counting towards your monthly limit.

Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool
Canada - Clearance

Select your download option below


Canada Arrival Procedures for Yachts

The latest reporting requirements for private boaters can be found on the Canada Border Services Agency website (CBSA) at https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pb-pp-eng.html.

General Procedure:

Skippers of private boats entering Canadian waters should report to the Customs and Border Agency (CBSA) either by telephone or directly in-person at one of the marine reporting site locations (ports of entry). See the “Explore Canada” drop down menu and the anchor icon to view the ports of entry in each region of Canada.

See the CBSA website for full details, or contact the Border Information Service (BIS) at 1-800-461-9999.

Customs will want to know:

  • Vessel’s name
  • Registration number
  • Last port of call
  • List of ports intending to visit
  • Crew List
  • All personal goods being imported (see Customs for details)

After reporting, you will either be cleared to enter or required to remain for further examination. It’s quite possible the CBSA will come to the boat for an interview.

Once Customs have cleared you, you will receive a Cruising License. This is a piece of paper with a number that needs to be displayed in a visible position. Ideally, keep the original safe and write the number on a smaller piece of paper that can be taped onto a window or elsewhere visible.

For frequent cross-border boaters, there is NEXUS program which is available to low risk, pre-screened Canadian and US citizens that simplifies the clearance procedures for them. For details of the NEXUS program, see the Canada Border Services/NEXUS program website.

Domestic Cruising in Canada

Once cleared into Canada, there is no requirement to report domestic movements to CBSA.

Recommendations are that skippers should maintain a continuous listening watch on 2182 kHz for safe navigation, especially during bad weather conditions, and VHF Ch16 (156.800 MHz) when possible.

Fundy Traffic can be contacted on VHF Channels 12, 14, and 71 on the way to St John, and will help when visibility is bad.

Halifax Traffic on VHF Channels 12 and 14 offers similar assistance to yachtsmen.

The Canadian Coast Guard monitors VHF Channel 16.

Canada Departure Procedures for Yachts

There is no requirement to report your departure from Canada to the CBSA.

Useful links:

Last updated:  June 2024

Read Related Comments

If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).


Select your download option below


Canada was last updated 5 months ago.

Related to following destinations:


YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.

YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.

Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.

Buy Now On YachtFlags.com

YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.

YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.

Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.

Buy Now On YachtFlags.com

YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.

YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.

Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.

Buy Now On YachtFlags.com

You must Login or Register to submit comments.

  1. June 27, 2023 at 7:32 PM
    MaryanneWebb says:

    Note – CANADA has some very specific and different VHF channels and you will need to be sure your VHF radio can access them.

    Example: Channel 21B, and 83B provide Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service (in English)

    Most VHFs can switch between USA/International and Canada (check your manual). For more specific details check out this helpful site: https://www.boat-ed.com/canada/studyGuide/VHF-Marine-Radio-Channels/101199_116029/

  2. May 26, 2023 at 10:10 PM
    MaryanneWebb says:
  3. June 11, 2020 at 5:44 PM
    gillespiet says:

    As of early June, Canada Border Services has placed a temporary hold on Shelburne, Nova Scotia as a port of entry

    1. June 15, 2020 at 6:33 AM
      profile photo
      sue-richards says:

      The latest information we have (as of 9 June, 2020) is that Newfoundland has closed its borders indefinitely including for citizens of Canada. See https://www.noonsite.com/place/canada/formalities#biosecurity-section for updates.

  4. May 13, 2019 at 2:36 AM
    Mahayana says:

    Quebec City marina

  5. January 22, 2017 at 9:45 AM
    Data Entry1 says:

    The best advice is to contact the Canadian Reporting station and ensure that your passports are properly stamped on departure and to have all your official boat papers (including insurance) in order. The USA Customs & Border Protection (CBP) service does not normally issue a zarpe for boats leaving their shores and, conversely, does not appear to expect one on those arriving either.

  6. January 11, 2017 at 11:58 PM
    Data Entry1 says:

    I have a British-flagged vessel and will be leaving Canada for the US in May. I can find no reference anywhere on Transport Canada, or elsewhere, of ‘outbound clearance’ requirements. I am familiar with the entry requirements for the US… Is there a zarpe or equivalent, in order to leave Canada?

  7. April 7, 2016 at 12:34 AM
    Data Entry1 says:

    Regarding pepper spray: bear spray is fine. There is a size limitation and it to be designed for use with bears (it’s all in the labelling).