For decades, a unique pathway into Canada existed – a quiet agreement allowing travelers to cross the border in five incredibly remote locations without a traditional customs checkpoint. This privilege, known as the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program, is quietly coming to an end.
Come September 13, 2026, just before midnight, the program will cease to exist. The permits currently held by approximately 11,000 annual users – overwhelmingly American citizens – will expire the following day, fundamentally altering access to some of Canada’s most isolated landscapes.
The five areas affected are strikingly beautiful, yet profoundly distant. They include the stretch of water between Minnesota and Ontario from Pigeon River to Lake of the Woods, the Canadian shores of Lake Superior, the historic upper locks of the Soo Locks, the secluded Cockburn Island on Lake Huron, and the Northwest Angle – a unique enclave on the northern shore of Lake of the Woods.
For years, the RABC program offered a streamlined entry for those venturing into these regions. Travelers were still required to declare goods, but avoided the often lengthy detour to a staffed border station. This convenience was particularly valued by outdoor enthusiasts, fishing guides, and property owners who frequently crossed the border.
The change signals a shift towards a more standardized border control process. The CBSA intends to replace the RABC program with a telephone reporting system, mirroring procedures already in place elsewhere across the country. Details of this new system, including the location of designated reporting sites, are still being finalized.
These reporting sites will not be established in a vacuum. The CBSA plans to consult with law enforcement, local businesses, and crucially, Indigenous communities, before determining their locations in early 2026. The goal is to balance security with the needs of those who rely on these remote border crossings.
While the RABC program allowed access, it wasn’t without limitations. Those entering under the program were restricted from traveling beyond the immediate area without reporting to a customs checkpoint. Hunters, too, faced specific regulations regarding the importation of firearms, requiring in-person declarations.
The end of the RABC program represents a significant change for those who have long enjoyed the convenience of this unique border crossing. It underscores a broader trend towards heightened security measures and a more consistent approach to border management across Canada.
