USA and Canada border reporting
Here is where you can find info on crossing both borders.
Also check out the Horner border ferry in the Lake Ontario section.
USA info
Marinas that have tablets to use to video link to US Customs.
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/pleasure-boat-locations/nrthn-ny
1-800-827-2851
Phone numbers to call when crossing into the USA.
Rochester, NY - (585) 263-6293
Lewiston, NY - (716) 285-1676
Niagara Falls, NY - (716) 282-3141
Buffalo, NY - (716) 881-4447
Erie, PA - (814) 833-1355
You can leave the USA waters and venture into Canada without reporting to customs, as long as you do not make contact with a ''hovering vessel'' or recieved merchandise outside the USA. No rafting with other boats floating.
Also ''without a call at a foriegn port'', meaning do not touch any land if you go into Canada. It is ok if you go up into their waterways, just DON'T touch land. If you do touch, you have to then report to both countries.
And this is allowed...''fishing vessels, cruises to nowhere, or any vessel leaving the USA and returns without calling a foriegn port or place, doesn't need to report.''
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/pleasure-boat-overview
New rules about bringing dogs back into USA Aug 1, 2024.
CDC Import Form is needed for all dogs entering USA.
Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old.
Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.
Canada info
Boating into Canada
Call 1-888-226-7277
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/fv-be/menu-eng.html
Do NOT get caught going into Canada if you have had a DWI in your past. You need to ask for a ''ETA'' Electronic Travel Authorization from the border agent. If you don't, you could be staying in a Canada jail for a bit and be banned after that.
https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-402?language=en_US
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/inadmissibility-interdiction-eng.html
Boating and drinking -
Having alcohol on your boat in Canada is illegal unless your boat is equipped with a pernament toilet; cooking facilities and sleeping facilities, then boat passengers may consume alcohol. However the boat must be also anchored or docked.
Canada Pleasure Craft info -
Sign up here for email alerts on Welland Canal issues.
https://greatlakes-seaway.com/en/recreational-boating/pleasure-craft-bulletins/
*Also toilets must be pernament fixtures on the boat, not portable toilet systems.
Pirates-Chest.com
Our location and how to contact us...
On the Erie Canal
Gasport, NY
Call or text: email for phone number
*best way to catch me...
Email:
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pirates.chest
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014350205814
*worst way to find me. Still don't know how to tweet...
Twitter: twitter.com/PiratesChest1
*
*Watch
your wake!!!
Slow Please!
10mph
and less in some places.
The western Erie Canal does have speed limits.
The Canal Corp staff at the locks and the lift bridges, actually keep track of your times passing thru. They contact the staff at your next stop, to let them know traffic is coming and to expect your arrival time. Some staff even operate two separate lift bridges.
Slow down.
Also bank erosion.
Even though the banks of the canal is covered in large rocks, your wake is undermining it.
This is why we have these ''Guard Gates'' that you pass under every few miles. If the canals embankment has a blowout, these drop to prevent mass water exiting. It has happened.
Watch your wake.
*Please put contact info on your outdoor gear like kayaks; canoe; dingy; life jackets / preservers; throw rings; bumpers / fenders. Anything that can come off your boat.
The reason is, say if your kayak slipped off without you knowing and is found out by itself. Now local fire depts and the Coast Guard will be out looking for a potential water rescue victim(s).
These rescue teams can contact you without doing a massive search for a non-existing emergency.
We all want to find those in need of help, but wayward items just puts undue stress on resources.
Thank you.
Hungry??
If you are out on the Great Lakes or other waterways around them and looking to eat.
'Dock and Dine' lists eateries that you can easily access by boat. In most cases you can dock right there or it is a very short walk.
Check them out or send them a link to your favorite place for them to list.
https://www.dockanddineloop.com/
Hey, do you live on the Erie Canal or close by and want to be a local host?
Hosts help people on the canal like the walkers; cyclists; kayakers; boaters and others. All these groups are so different, yet use the same space here on the canal. Local people that live on the canal, see all the people and some want to help.
Mixed in the listing on the webpages here will be a few Erie Canal Hosts. They might have a private dock; a place to pitch a tent or RV spot; a parking spot for your car or trailer for an extended stay; a local onsite person to help with issues or as a guide.
Does that sound like something you want to assist with? Send me a message and I will try to explain the details better.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NYSCanalwayWaterTrail/permalink/1015667725630626/
Do you need your boats AC unit serviced?
Located in Tonawanda NY, western end of the Erie Canal. Call Tim (716) 831-0333
Fellow big boat owner and good guy.
Need a Ford Bronco rental in Buffalo NY?
Here is an Airbnb for your stay..
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34679306?source_impression_id=p3_1659269464_Ss1rTD4ZUZcagkM1
How about do you need a campsite on the western Erie Canal?
You are in luck...
https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/new-york/tomtuga-on-the-erie-canal/on-the-erie-canal-gvt-railroad
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