Leaving for Canada Thursday night, the guys were talking about crossing at Baudette MN instead of International Falls on the return trip. Last time we sat in line 3 hours to get back to the USA. Just wondering which would be quicker or see less traffic.
I was up 2 weeks ago and went through International Falls. Im not sure if we got lucky, but we were able to get through coming and going in about 5 minutes a time. Very little traffic, and they were very easy to deal with.
I have had problems there in the past, but this trip was great. Good luck, let us know how you did when you return.
I had the same experience as Farm Boy through International Falls.
On the way up, got to the boarder at 5:30 am, through in 5 minutes.
On the way home, got to the line heading out at 11:30 am, and got through in 15 minutes. 
I have been crossing at Baudette for the past 15 years or so. I can count on one hand the number of times we had to wait more than 10 minutes. We have been asked a couple of times on the way up, to pull over so they could do a quick look through our stuff, but they did not tear everything apart. We simply had to show them our liquor. It was a quick 5 minute deal, and we were then on our way. On they way back in, you do have to pull over so they can look under your boat cover (if you have one), but then you are on your way. Like I said, I have rarely had to wait more than 10 minutes to get back into USA. I have experienced the hour + wait at I-Falls and have heard the horror stories of people waiting 3 hours to cross. I have also heard the horror stories of the people at I-Fall tearing your car apart and then you having to put it back together. I will not go to I-falls if I can help it. Like I said, I have always had good luck at Baudette. It may be a few miles further, but well worth it in my opinion.
Good luck!
We also just returned from lake Minaki two weeks ago. Going into Canada was a breeze at 6:oo in the morning. But coming back through Baudette was a different story. We were pulled over and searched. Covers off boats compartments in boat were all searched and truck was completelly gone through. We must of had the lucky number for the day. One other thing; if you like to finish the day with a few cold ones you are better off paying the tax for extra cases going into Canada. We were not able to due to the early morning hours and ended up paying $39 dollars for a case of beer at the store by paradise Cove! Oh yea leeches were also $45 a pound. Bring Cralers and cranks. The exchange rate is just terriable now. 
But the fishing was worth it! 
As long as you don’t try to cross into Canada at baudette between 11am & 2 pm on a saturday you should breeze thru. That is the heaviest crossing time. Never had much of line coming back into US and we usually cross between 10 am & Noon.
If you plan on coming back on the weekend (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) then go thur Baudette, otherwise IFalls is fine during the week.
Hey Adam, welcome aboard !!! I also made the mistake of buying my beer in Canada. $38.00 for a case of Coors Light !!! It’s good, but not THAT good !!!
big g 
what about DUI’s?? i’ve heard they won’t let you cross if you have one. is there any truth to this myth. 
I was up a couple of week ago. Went thru International Falls, and it only took about 15 minutes. From what I have heard about the DUI’s, is that if it is under 10 years old, don’t bother going.
I heard you need to call the crossing station and get some kind of permit if you have any DUI’s.
I don’t think my last reply went through, so I’ll try again. DUI’s are a very serious thing in Canada. I went with a guy about 5 years ago who had gotten a DUI the year prior to that. They made a big deal about it. We had to go into the office and they did not want to let him cross. Good thing one of the other guys with us was his attorney. To make a long story short, he had to apply for a permit to enter Canada. That is not the proper name for the paperwork, but that is essentially what it is. It costs about $200 at the time and he had to renew it each year for 3 years I think. Every time after that when we crossed the border, went into the office, showed them the paperwork and they let us through. We never had a problem. It was inconvenient to stop, but we played it safe. So… with all of this said, I am not sure if one could go as far as saying they will not let anyone cross who has had a DUI. I think it is still possible, but there is a lot of paperwork one has to do and it takes months for all of it to be completed. Like I said, this guy’s permit was valid for 3 years. Since then, for about the last 2-3 years, he has not done any paperwork and we have not had any issues at the border. I hope this helps.
I went with a group of 7 guys a couple of weeks ago. One of the guys has a DUI from about 4-5 years ago. We got through with no problem. He’s crossed 3-4 times in the last couple of years and not had any issues. He’s never had to purchase the permit. The permit your talking about is basically a temporary citizen visa, and they can sell it to you if they want. If they don’t want to, you go home. It’s basically their discretion. Be nice, polite, and hopefully you’ll have no problems.
We crossed at about 8:00 pm on a Thursday, and pulled right up. Got across in about 10 minutes. We were chatting with a Border Patrol guy in International Falls while gassing up, and he said that Friday – Sunday, especially in the morning on Friday and Saturday are crazy busy. Sunday coming back into the States is busy too.
the trick is, if they don’t ask you about it, you don’t tell about it. i’ve been there 3 times, and they’ve never asked the question. i would be careful about calling ahead. a guy i work with, is in canada right now, minus one son, because they called and inquired about him getting in, and then they said no way and flagged his name. they would have been better off taking him with and having a backup plan about somebody picking him up, if he didn’t get in. i don’t think they can pull your driving record up from the u.s. just by getting your drivers license. as stated above, have somebody articulate and polite driving when you hit the border. i always get stuck with it…. hmmmmmmm…. a good bs’er maybe !!!
big g 
Well, you are related to a couple cars salesmen! Must be rubbing off? 
I go to Canadian side of LOTW every year. A few years ago, one guy got sent back because he had an old DWI, and he did not tell them when they asked if anyone had ever been arrested. Since that time we have never been asked that question again and never had a problem. I agree with everyone else, be nice, have your paperwork ready to give if asked, and expect to be fully searched every 3 or 4 years.
PS. I think they ARE able to pull up driving history of the owner of the vehicle you are driving. If I had a DWI and wanted to go to Canada, I would not use my vehicle, keep my mouth shut, and have a backup plan just in case.
Dave
was in Sioux Lookout mid-May no problems into or out of US…though next year you’ll need a Passport to get back into the States from Canada from what I hear…anyone got any different news regarding that?
Kyle, last I heard, you will need a passport after January 1, 2007.
big g
Hey Owen, I told them you were on the way up and they said they were about to go to some new programs that entailed cavity searches.
Hey Tom, Got any of your favorite drink left over? If they are doing cavity searches I sure want to be ready! What was the best flavor Orange or Cherry?
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