Through the years we have received various questions from our guests. In finding the answers for them we wanted to save you time and provide the answers for you as well. Below is some information we thought would help you in preparing for your travels.
If you have questions that we have not addressed below call us at 1-800-930-2003 or send an email at bigpinelakecamp@hotmail.com.
~ Non-Resident Outdoors Card
Effective January 1, 2009 a non-resident outdoors card is required to purchase Ontario hunting tags and fishing licences. The Outdoors card is a plactic, wallet sized identification card issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to accompany your Ontario non-resident hunting licence tag(s). The hunting version Non-Resident Outdoors Card and the Non-resident Temporary Hunting Outdoors Card prove your eligibility to purchase hunting licence tags. You must carry your Outdoors Card or your Non-resident tempory hunting outdoors card with you whenever you hunt or fish in Ontario.
You can purchase an Outdoors Card for $9.00 Canadian at either of the Bait and Tackle Stores in Nestor Falls. All you need is a previous Ontario non-resident's hunting licence or if you have never hunted in Ontario you can bring proof of a hunting licence issued by your state from a previous year. If you have an older card that is currently not in use, bring that as the Ministry may require physical proof and your card may be sent to the Ministry then mailed back to you with your Non-Resident Outdoors card.
Once you are issued a Non-resident Outdoors Card you are still required to purchase your fishing licence in which no previous proof is necessary.
Please call us if you need clarification 1-800-930-2003.
~ Passports
As of June 1, 2009 all US bound travellers will be required to produce a valid passport in order to enter the United States. You can purchase the traditional passport book or a passport card; both are equally accepted at land border crossings.
To find out more check out this website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
~ Boating Safety
As of September 15, 2009 all operaters (resident and non-resident) are required to show proof of compentency if operating a Canadian Registered motorized watercraft.
Proof of competency can include one of the following:
a) Successfull completion of a boating safety course in Canada such as the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
b) A National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved boater card. Check to see if your card is acceptable at www.nasbla.org.
c) Completion of a Rental Boating Saftey Checklist provided by Big Pine Lake Camp at the time of your arrival.
~ Criminal Record Information
Visitors to Canada who have been convicted of any crime including impaired driving may be denied entry into Canada. Depending on the nature of the offrence, the time elapsed and your behaviour since it was committed or since you were sentenced, you may no longer be considered inadmissible to Canada. You may be permitted to come to Canada if:
- you are able to satisfy an immigration officer that you meet the legal requirements to be deemed rehabilitated; or
- you have applied for rehabilitation and your application has been approved; or
- you have obtained a pardon; or
- you have obtained a temporary resident permit.
Check out the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for more information on overcoming criminal inadmissibility.
If you need assistance you may contact, Lucy Perillo at:
Canada Border Crossing Services
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Toll Free: 1-800-438-7020
email: bordercrossing@mts.net
~ Before you enter Canada check out the Border Wait Times at Canadian Customs.
~ For a Non-Resident to bring firearms across the border you are required to fill out a "Non-Resident Firearm Declaration". You can fill this form out when you arrive at Customs or have it completed before you come to save time. To print the forms visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/information/visit/index-eng.htm
Neil Olson & Krista Smith
P.O. Box 100
Nestor Falls, ON.
Canada POX1KO
1-800-930-2003
1-807-484-2460