How to avoid border wait times when driving into Canada over the long weekend

Border crossings between Canada and the U.S. are down, particularly so for those going north to south, according to Statistics Canada , but with the Victoria Day long weekend ahead, the Canada Border Services Agency is expecting more traffic at its checkpoints. To facilitate a smoother trip all around, particularly as it relates to entering Canada, the agency has advice for travellers. What do I need to know about driving into Canada this weekend? For those returning to or visiting Canada from the U.S., the agency’s first piece of advice is to cross early in the morning when it’s typically less busy, but if that’s not an option, travellers can check wait times at 28 of the busiest land border crossings online. As of Thursday afternoon, the Peace Bridge crossing between Fort Erie, Ont., and Buffalo, N.Y., — one of the busiest borders by volume of traffic — has the longest delay at 13 minutes. The vast majority show no delay for travellers. “If you encounter wait times at the border, it is likely because we are working behind the scenes to conduct examinations, seize drugs, firearms or stolen vehicles or prevent high-risk individuals from entering Canada,” CBSA advised. The information is also available on the CanBorder app, available for Apple and Android devices. If it looks like your preferred crossing is backed up this weekend, the agency says to “consider an alternative port of entry with shorter wait times or less traffic.” Travellers headed into the U.S. can also go online to gauge wait times at the CBP checkpoint at their preferred or alternate crossing. Both current and average wait times are listed. U.S. reportedly plans to photograph people leaving the country by vehicle at border crossings Why was there a slowdown at a border crossing in B.C.? Earlier this month, after it was reported that some B.C. residents returning from the U.S. were met with an additional screening before checking in with Canadian officials. The CBSA told National Post it was a routine inspection conducted as part of a national security agreement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Immigration lawyer Rosanna Berardi told National Post such checkpoints, where “CBP officers may ask about immigration status and refer travellers for secondary inspection if necessary,” are legal under U.S. federal regulations. The checkpoint was removed at the end of the weekend. How can I ensure a faster checkpoint stop in Canada? First and foremost, don’t pull up to the window and then start looking for your travel documents. Have your passport, NEXUS or applicable paperwork ready to go. Travellers should also “be prepared to declare” any goods they’ve purchased in the U.S. and be ready to pay regular duty and taxes on anything above the personal exemption limits , which only apply to visits that extend beyond 24 hours. “Make sure you know how much you are bringing back in Canadian dollars and have your receipts readily available for the officer,” reminds CBSA. It also doesn’t hurt to consult the list of prohibited and restricted goods , and it should go without saying that items such as firearms, weapons, narcotics and cannabis should not be in the vehicle. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here.