Canada - Clearance
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:
- Radio Aids to Marine Navigation 2024
- Full details of arriving by yacht can be found at Reporting Requirements for Private Boaters.
Last updated: June 2024
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).
Next Section: Formalities: Clearance Agents
Related to following destinations: Canada
Country Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
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.comMain Ports - Canada
Courtesy Flag Discounts
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.comFormalities
Courtesy Flag Discounts
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
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/
Link to Waterways guide / Lakes loop is not working
This should do it.. https://www.waterwayguide.com/knowledge-center/news-post/3895/Choosing-your-Great-Loop-route-Atlantic-to-Great-Lakes,
As of early June, Canada Border Services has placed a temporary hold on Shelburne, Nova Scotia as a port of entry
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.
Quebec City marina
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.
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?
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).