CBSA makes changes to border crossings in NWO

Crossing the border to the United States in northwestern Ontario is going to change in the new year.

Northwest Angle and Pigeon River through Lake of the Woods are two of five locations that will be affected by the change.

The Remote Area Border Crossing Program is being discontinued on September 15th, 2026.

Instead, the telephone reporting system, which is already in place in other areas of Canada will be used here.

The Canada Border and Security Agency says this process provides a consistent level of security and expectations of compliance.

It adds that it’s a measure that will more closely align with how travelers report to US customs when entering in remote areas.

To ensure a smooth transition, active Remote Area Border Crossing permits have been extended and will remain valid until 11:59 p.m. on September 13, 2026.

The location of the new telephone reporting sites will be decided in the coming months in consultation with Indigenous communities, local businesses and law enforcement partners.