Sailing Canada and US

[pagansdad]

My wife is from Quebec, near Lac Memphramagog. (I hope I spelled that correctly. I am very slowly learning a bit of French but it is tough.) This lake goes from Canada down into the US and I would like to pull my little WW Potter 15 up there and putter about a bit amongst that beautiful country. What happens when you sail across the border? Do you have to check in somewhere? Get permits? Hope to hear from some of you folks who know the answers.
Thanks,
Charlie and Isa

[CapnHand]

The procedures change. Best to call Canada and US Customs and get the info directly from them before you go.

US 800-827-2851 Canada Service in English: 800 461-9999 Service in French: 800 959-2036

[HoffaLives]

you can enter us waters all you want, but if you put down a hook or pull up to a dock -even if your fishing hook hits bottom, you have to declare yourself to US customs. same with the canadian side. if it's a lake and doesn't have a customs dock, they'll probably tell you you have to head to the nearest port of entry, even if you have no means to get there. and you don't want to play silly buggers with this, they are not amused.