Manitoulin Island has long been recognized as the "Jewel of the Great Lakes" and a vacationer's paradise. We that live here, do not take that beauty and recognition for granted. Many of us wake up each day to the wonders of mother nature just outside our bedroom windows. It sure beats waking up in a subdivision down south.

To you, our visitors from far away, we welcome you and hope the information here may be of use to you during your stay with us.

Border Information

Canada has one of the most advanced customs organizations in the world, and our borders and the processes we have in place to manage them are absolutely critical to our ability to provide Canadians and visitors to Canada with the security and economic growth and opportunity they expect.

Visitors entering Canada must clear Canada Customs border security upon entry. For visitors travelling by road, Manitoulin's nearest Canada-U.S. border crossings are at Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Windsor, and Sault St. Marie.

Entry into Canada - what's required?

• U.S.-born citizens should carry a passport or a birth certificate plus photo I.D.
• Naturalized citizens require naturalization certificates with photo I.D.
• Permanent residents (who are not citizens) require an alien-registration card

In general, passports are required however visitors from countries other than the U.S. should call for further information: 1-800-992-7037 (outside Canada) or 1-888-242-2100 (within Canada)

Anything to declare?

           Returning to the United States

Every 30 days, returning U.S. citizens are allowed to bring back $400 (retail value) in merchandise duty-free, provided they have been out of the U.S. for 48 hours.This amount can include:

• one carton of cigarettes
• 100 cigars (not Cuban)
• two kilograms of smoking tobacco
• one litre of liquor, provided the buyer is 21 years of age

If the length of the stay is less than 48 hours, $200 in merchandise may be taken back to the U.S. duty-free (including up to five ounces of alcohol and 50 cigarettes). The following items are not permitted into the U.S.:

• Cuban or Iranian products
• fruits and vegetables
• uncooked grains

Goods bought in Canada but manufactured in the U.S. are duty-free and not included in the basic exemption. Original handmade crafts and works of art are also exempt; however, a receipt of purchase may be required.

For further information on U.S. customs regulations, visit the US Customs website.

           Returning to other countries

Before leaving home, visitors from other countries should check the customs regulations of their country by contacting the appropriate government department.

Click on Embassy.Org where foreign nationals can find their own particular country's website if they need help.

Canadian Taxes
(and how you can get some money back)

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a 7% tax that is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. As well, purchases made in the Province of Ontario are subject to the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

Tax Rebates

The good news is, foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the GST that is paid on accommodation (up to 30 nights per visit), and on goods purchased in Canada and exported within 60 days of the purchase. Be sure to keep your receipts - you'll need to have them validated by Canada Customs at the airport or border crossing when you leave.

For more information about the visitors' tax refund and to obtain an application form, call 1-800-668-4748 (within Canada) or 1-902-432-5608 (from outside Canada).