U.S. boaters soon allowed into Canadian waters

PLATTSBURGH | Following more than a year of pandemic closure and controversial policies involving international waters, Canada will soon allow U.S. recreational boaters into northern waters without needing documentation processing or COVID-19 testing. Lawmakers across the region have denounced the current policy that banned boaters from traveling freely across international waters for strictly recreational purposes. After staunch advocacy and more than a year of restriction, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik applauded the revised policy that will take effect Aug. 9 when Canada opens its border to fully vaccinated and properly documented U.S. residents. On Aug. 6, the Canada Border Service Agency revised its policy for U.S. citizens and permanent residents-allowing those who do not plan to land, anchor or make contact with other boats to cross into Canadian waters without restriction. Boaters who do not plan to make any stops will not have to submit to a pre-arrival COVID-19 test or show mandatory information for entering Canada via the ArriveCAN app when they move through Canadian waters. Stefanik, who actively pushed for loosened boating rules, applauded the decision made in the height of the summer recreation season. "Recreational boating along the St. Lawrence is a staple for many North Country families and critical for our seasonal industries," Stefanik said. "Canada has restricted access to Canadian waters since the border closure has been in place, even for U.S. boaters with no intentions of docking in Canada. I've worked closely with Ambassador Hillman on this issue since it first arose last summer and I'm proud to deliver these results for the North Country and secure this important fix."

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U.S. boaters soon allowed into Canadian waters

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