The Canada Border Services Agency is reminding travellers to prepare ahead of the busy Victoria Day long weekend to help ensure smoother border crossings into Canada.
The CBSA says having travel documents ready, checking border wait times, and knowing what items must be declared can help reduce delays and improve processing times. Officials note that Mondays during long weekends are typically the busiest travel days, while early mornings often have shorter wait times.
Travellers are also reminded that all goods purchased abroad must be declared upon re-entry into Canada. The agency warns that cannabis cannot legally cross the border without proper authorization from Health Canada, even with a medical prescription. Firearms, fireworks, and certain food products also have strict import regulations.
The CBSA is encouraging travellers arriving by air to use Advance Declaration services where available and reminding boaters they must report to the agency immediately upon entering Canada.
In 2025, the CBSA says it welcomed more than 82 million travellers while intercepting illegal drugs and weapons at the border.
Ask a CBSA officer. The best way to save time is to be open and honest with the border services officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, you can call us at 1-800-461-9999.
(By: Tim Baltz)
