No, you still can't take your boat from the U.S. to Canada: Border services

Border services is reminding boaters ahead of the weekend that travel restrictions are in place and apply to those on the water.

That means you still aren't permitted to cross from U.S. to Canadian waters in your boat, even if you do own a cottage or camp on the Canadian side.

In a statement issued to media, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is warning foreign national boaters and anglers that, unless exempt, it is not permitted to enter Canadian for any non-essential reason.

Non-essential reasons include crossing via boat to a cottage or summer home in Canada, pleasure and competitive fishing, fishing tours, and sightseeing.

Boaters are permitted to navigate through Canadian waters while in transit directly from one place outside Canada to another place outside Canada if the travel is direct and uninterrupted, and, according to CBSA, transitioning throug the locks or canal would be considered an interruption and is prohibited under current border measures.

Foreign national boaters are warned that, if found on Canadian waters, they may face severe penalties including maximum penalties up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months.

Restrictions apply regardless of the vaccination status of boaters, CBSA says.