US Visitors Guide
Everything you need to know for a smooth trip from the USA to Campbell River, BC.
3-4 Hours
Seattle to Campbell River
Passport Required
Or NEXUS Card
CAD Currency
Cards Widely Accepted
20 lb Fish Limit
Bring Your Catch Home
Border Crossing Tips
Most US visitors drive up via the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway crossings near Blaine, WA. Here's how to make the crossing smooth:
Best Crossing Times
Cross early morning (before 8 AM) or evening (after 7 PM) to avoid peak waits. Weekdays are faster than weekends. Summer long weekends can have 2+ hour waits.
Peace Arch vs Pacific Highway
Peace Arch (I-5): More lanes, but busier. Pacific Highway (SR-543): Often faster, especially on busy days. Check border wait times at cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
NEXUS Card Recommended
If you fish in BC regularly, get a NEXUS card. $50 for 5 years, includes dedicated lanes at land crossings and TSA PreCheck. Apply at ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
Documents You'll Need
- Valid US Passport
Or Passport Card, NEXUS, SENTRI, or Enhanced Driver's License (only WA, MI, MN, NY, VT)
- Vehicle Registration
Keep proof of ownership/rental agreement accessible
- Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservation or address where you're staying
- Charter Confirmation
Shows purpose of visit is recreational fishing
Border Officer Tips
- โข Be polite and answer questions directly
- โข Know your destination and accommodation details
- โข Declare everything - even fishing gear
- โข Turn off cell phones and remove sunglasses
What to Declare at the Border
Knowing what you can and can't bring makes the crossing faster for everyone.
OK to Bring
- Fishing gear - rods, reels, tackle, lures
- Coolers - for bringing fish home
- Camera gear - for trophy photos
- Rain gear & clothing
- Up to $10,000 CAD/USD - no declaration needed
Restricted Items
- Food items - must be commercially packaged, sealed. No home-prepared food.
- Alcohol - 1.5L wine or 1.14L spirits or 8.5L beer per person, duty-free
- Tobacco - 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars duty-free
- Pets - require rabies vaccination certificate
Do NOT Bring
- Firearms - strict regulations, leave at home
- Pepper spray / bear spray - prohibited at border
- Live bait - no worms, minnows, etc.
- Fresh fruits & vegetables - most are prohibited
- Fresh meat & dairy - commercially packaged only
Bringing Your Catch Home to the USA
Yes, you can bring your fresh-caught salmon home! Here's exactly how to do it right.
20 lb Limit Per Person
US Customs allows up to 20 lbs (9kg) of fish per person. That's typically 2-3 whole salmon or more when filleted.
Keep Your Fishing License
Carry your BC fishing license with you. Border agents may ask to see proof the fish were legally caught.
Vacuum Sealing Recommended
We'll clean and fillet your catch. For the best preservation during transport, vacuum sealing services are available nearby.
Declare at the Border
Always declare your fish when crossing back into the US. It's legal, expected, and makes the process smooth.
Packing Your Fish for Travel
We Clean & Fillet
Your catch is professionally cleaned dockside after your charter.
Vacuum Seal (Recommended)
Keeps fish fresh for 3-5 days on ice. Local processors offer this service.
Ice Your Cooler
Pack fish in a good cooler with plenty of ice. Drain water periodically.
Label with Species & Weight
Write species (Chinook, Coho, etc.) and approximate weight on packages.
Pro Tip: Bring a quality cooler from home. 48-72 quart size handles a full day's catch for 2-4 people. Get ice the morning you leave Campbell River.
Currency & Money
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Here's what to know about money on your trip.
Credit Cards
Visa/Mastercard accepted everywhere. Usually best exchange rates. No foreign transaction fee cards recommended.
Cash / ATMs
ATMs in Campbell River dispense CAD. Your US bank may charge $3-5 per withdrawal. Bring some CAD cash for tips.
Exchange Rate
CAD is typically worth $0.70-0.80 USD. Check current rates before your trip. Your dollar goes further!
Tipping
Same as US: 15-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for fishing guides. Cash tips in CAD or USD accepted.
Cell Phone Tips
Stay connected without surprise charges on your bill.
Check Your Plan
- T-Mobile
Most plans include Canada at no extra cost
- AT&T
International Day Pass: ~$10/day for unlimited talk/text/data
- Verizon
TravelPass: ~$10/day, some plans include Canada
On Our Boats
Starlink WiFi Available
Our 27' Boston Whaler Conquest has Starlink satellite internet. Stay connected even miles offshore - perfect for sharing your catch photos in real-time!
Note: Our 17' Montauk boats do not have WiFi, but cell service is available in most fishing areas.
Driving in British Columbia
The drive from Seattle to Campbell River is scenic and straightforward. Here's what you need to know.
Speed Limits in km/h
Canada uses kilometers. Highway speeds are 100-120 km/h (60-75 mph). Your car's speedometer likely has both. Watch for speed cameras!
BC Ferries Reservation
If your route includes a ferry (Tsawwassen-Nanaimo or Horseshoe Bay-Nanaimo), book in advance at bcferries.com. Summer sailings fill up, especially weekends.
Gas Prices
Gas is sold in liters (3.78L = 1 gallon) and is more expensive than the US. Fill up before crossing if you can.
Your Insurance
US auto insurance typically covers Canada. Check your policy. Rental cars from the US are usually allowed in Canada - verify with the rental company.
Route Options from Seattle
Option 1: I-5 to Ferry (Recommended)
Seattle โ I-5 North โ Border โ Highway 99 โ Tsawwassen Ferry โ Nanaimo โ Highway 19 North โ Campbell River
~5-6 hours including ferry. Most scenic route.
Option 2: All Driving
Seattle โ I-5 North โ Border โ Highway 1 โ Horseshoe Bay Ferry โ Nanaimo โ Highway 19 North โ Campbell River
~6-7 hours. More driving, different ferry route.
Option 3: Fly
Seattle (SEA) โ Vancouver (YVR) โ Campbell River (YBL) or rent car in Vancouver
Fastest but most expensive. Good for short trips.
Pro Tip: Book the earliest morning ferry to avoid traffic and waits. Arrive 30-60 minutes before sailing time.
US Visitor FAQs
Quick answers to common questions from American anglers.
Do I need a passport to fish in Campbell River?
Yes, all US citizens need a valid passport or NEXUS card to enter Canada. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. Make sure to check entry requirements at travel.gc.ca before your trip.
Can I bring my fishing gear across the border?
Yes, personal fishing equipment is welcome. Declare your rods, reels, and tackle at the border. However, live bait cannot be imported into Canada. We provide all tackle and bait for our charters, so you don't need to bring any.
How much fish can I bring back to the USA?
US residents can bring back up to 20 lbs (9kg) of fish or fish products per person. The fish must be properly packaged, labeled with species and weight, and accompanied by your Canadian fishing license. We provide vacuum sealing services to help prepare your catch for transport.
Is it better to pay in Canadian or US dollars?
Canadian dollars (CAD) are best for local purchases. Credit cards typically offer the best exchange rates. Most businesses accept US dollars but give change in Canadian currency. ATMs are readily available in Campbell River for CAD withdrawals.
Will my US cell phone work in Canada?
Most US carriers charge international roaming fees in Canada. Check with your provider - T-Mobile includes Canada in most plans, while AT&T and Verizon may require an international day pass. Alternatively, our boats have Starlink WiFi for staying connected on the water.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Book your Campbell River fishing charter and start planning your cross-border adventure!
