Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What has changed in the rules for crossing the border into Canada (and back into the US)?
A:
Passports for reentry to the US will be needed in 2008. See our Border Crossing Page for more information and links. The phone number for questions at Fort Frances Port of Entry (Canada) is 807-274-9780 and International Falls (US) is 218-283-2541.

Q. What happened to the GST rebate?
A:
GST (Goods and Services Tax) Rebate
GST Visitors’ Rebate Program
On September 25, 2006, the Government of Canada announced the elimination of the GST Visitors’ Rebate Program effective April 1, 2007 as part of a package of spending restraint measures. See http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/qa-e.html for more detail

Potatoes are not allowed into Canada. They are for sale at the lodge or can be purchased in Dryden or Sioux Lookout.
Live minnows, smelt and leeches are not allowed into the country. Nightcrawlers in an artificial bedding ARE allowed. We have all the bait for sale at the lodge.
Dog food is NOT allowed into Canada anymore. It can be purchased in Dryden or Sioux Lookout.

Q. When are you open?
A. We open on the 3rd Saturday of May every year and close in the Fall after moose hunting season

Q. Do you sell fishing licenses at the lodge?
A. Yes, all types of licenses are available at the lodge.

Q: Do you offer American Plan?
A: No, we only offer housekeeping cottages. All cabins are equipped with full kitchens--stove w/oven, fridge, dishes, cookware, utensils and outdoor propane gas grills.   

Q: Do we need to provide our own life jackets?
A: No - we provide life jackets at the main camp and at all the fly-in cabins

Q: Do have bait for sale at your lodge?
A: Yes, We have minnows, leeches, nightcrawlers and frozen herring

Q: How much liquor can we bring into Canada?
A: For short-term visitors to Canada, the following restrictions apply per person: 1.14 liters (40 oz.) of liquor or wine, or 24 x 355ml (12 oz.) bottles or cans of beer or ale (8.5 liters). You must be 19 years of age or older to import alcoholic beverages or tobacco products into Ontario. 

Q: How many cigarettes can we bring into Canada?
A: For short-term visitors to Canada, the following restrictions apply per person: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or cigarillos or 400 grams of manufactured tobacco or 400 tobacco sticks. You must be 19 years of age or older to import alcoholic beverages or tobacco products into Ontario.

Q: Where can we buy groceries once we get there?
A: You can stop at Dryden (45 miles before our camp) or go to Sioux Lookout (15 Miles north of us). We also sell many of the staple items (i.e. potatoes, bread, milk, eggs, soda) at our main lodge.

Q: Can I rent a fish locator?
A: No, we no longer rent fish locators.

Q: Can I rent a trolling motor?
A: No, we don't offer trolling motors but we do offer convenient charging locations.

Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Yes, pets are welcome. In order to enter Canada, you will need paperwork showing that your pet is up to date on rabies shots.

Q: Can I still get into Canada if I have a past DWI/DUI convicition or other offence on my record?
A: Yes, probably, but there will be paperwork and a fee. Please use the link below for more information.

Q. Will my cell phone work in Base Camp (or at a Fly-In Camp)?
A. Cell phones will work at Base Camp and the closest Fly-In Camps IF Superior Wireless has a roaming agreement with your cell carrier or an affiliate. Check their website superiorwireless.net or call them for more information. Phone: 807-628-1900, Toll Free: 877-530-6285 info@superiorwireless.net

Need to know something else? Just ask us!

LINKS

• http://www.lundboats.com/
  We use Lund boats at Pickerel Arm Camps
• http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/pubs/pubmenu.html
  hunting and fishing regulations plus others
• http://www.noto.net/
  The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association is one of the professional associations Pickerel Arm Camps belongs to
• http://www.ontariossunsetcountry.ca/
  Our part of Northern Ontario is Sunset Country - this is another professional association
• http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/affmb/Fire/Media/ms_West.htm
  current fire danger (only updated in season)
• http://affm.mnr.gov.on.ca/spectrasites/internet/affm/aviation.cfm
  The waterbombers are famous throughout North America.
• http://www.ontariotravel.net/
  The Province of Ontario's official website for travel
• http://www.ontarioslivinglegacy.com/
  Ontario’s Living Legacy (program) is the most comprehensive, long-term program of natural heritage protection in the province’s history.
• http://www.ofah.org/
  The Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters
  For more than six decades, the O.F.A.H. has worked to ensure present and future generations can enjoy the province's lakes, streams, forests and wildlife. This is a bandwidth hungry site but has lots of information.
• http://www.ecoed.org/
  OFAH adventure tour for children is bandwidth hungry (flash plugin required) but nice if you do have the bandwidth (DSL) grades 1-8 (state of the art animation and interactivity)
• http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/faq/menu-e.html
  Canada Customs (Canada Border Services Agency) general FAQ page. And there is a page for Border Wait Times updated daily or more often, if necessary. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html
• http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/
  Canadian Firearms Centre. Here you can find informtion about bringing your firearms into Canada. Non-Resident Firearm Declarations can be downloaded and filled out before you get to the border.
  
• Information for non-residents with minor criminal offences
  Examples of offences that fall within this area are DWI/DUI and theft under $5000. We have taken this information from the NWOTA (Northwestern Ontario Tourist Association) site. <http://www.nwota.com> While we believe it is correct please check with a Canadian Consulate or a Canadian Immigration Centre. The phone numbers for the Canada Immigration Centres at Fort Frances and Thunder Bay are given on the link.
  
  (Please report any broken links to our webmaster.)