Need a passport/I68 to travel the Welland Canal?

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ChefJunk

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Hello,

I am in the process of purchasing a boat that is in Alex Bay (NY) and need to get it back to the western end of Lake Erie.

I have two captains who would like to do the trip with me and I would love to do it to learn from their experience.

My question is, do I need to have a passport and/or I68 to do this? I don't think I could get them in time as this would be a few weeks away.

Thanks,

Jim
 
I can't answer for the Welland canal, but I know when I went to Montreal on the St Lawrence River by boat we did not need a passport...We left Canadian waters and landed in Canadian waters, but did go through a set of American locks...I would guess that the authorities do not concider that as Landing in another country...
Best to check with the Welland Canal Authorities to be sure of their regulations...
 
IMO Yes. The Wellland is in Canada and you should check in at the first place you tie up (call an 800 #). You will also have to check back into the US customs when you arrive at the first US port. After you come through (long day) you will probably stay at Port Colborne, which is still Ca. A good next stop would be Erie harbor and you can check in with US Customs there. If you are making the “big” run then the next place is Ashtabula for customs.

Take lots of cash…I have head the Wellland is 300+ (Ca) now.
Good luck
Niles
 
It's actually an 888 number: 888-CAN-PASS This number is posted near a phone in nearly every Canadian port. The agents will ask you basic information about your boat and crew, (reg numbers, names and dates of birth etc) and then will provide you with a number which you should display on the boat while in port. They keep a database, so if the seller has called in with the same registration, you may have to explain your recent purchase.

Make sure BOTH of your captains accompany you through the canal: the minimum crew for upbound (south) traffic is 3.

The last time I transited, the fee was $200 Candadian - no exchange is offered.

I wish I could give you more certain advice, but the rules to re-enter the U.S. have been changing. The last I knew, non I-68/Nexus holders needed a passport OR a state-issued picture ID and a birth certificate.

The Welland is an amazing experience. Good luck!
 
Short answer is YES, you do need a passport to re-enter the US. You will also need to check in at a designated video phone location.

Skip the Welland and go to Oswego and take the Erie canal. It will take you a few days longer, but all protected water and you will stay in the US. Also alot cheaper, the Welland is $25 per lock, the Erie is less than $50 for a week pass with free tie-ups galore.
 
I concur with "ronlord". If you go thru Canada your biggest issue is returning to the US.
If you do the I68 the other two guys will also need I68s.
Otherwise you need a passport. We have enhanced licenses in NY for returning from Canada but I don't know what is available in Ohio. Check with your customs there.
Ray
 
I have a renewed faith in the US Government. I received my passport renewal, door to door, in 4 hours less than a week!

I think I am all set!

Thanks,

Jim
 
Nice to hear!

Now you need to start working on fender strategy. Do you know if the boat is equipped? If they're nice fenders, they won't nice when you get to Port Colborne. I like covering them with these woven bags. They did a good job at protecting, and all I had to do was throw them away.

Lock7-4.jpg
 
Jim,

You might consider taking the NY State canal system instead of the Welland. Catch the Oswego canal and the Erie canal to get back to the Niagara river. You would not have to go through the "return to the US" hassle with passports. However the NY canals are limited in speed to 10 mph - so it would take you a few more days to travel through the Oswago and Erie canals.

We did both canal systems two summers ago and very much enjoyed the trip. However, the Welland was a 24 hour experience that we did not enjoy very much (they cater to commercial vessels and we were tied to the side for much of the time waiting for the big boys to pass). The NY canal locks were great and the many communities along the canals appreciate the business boat travelers provide. We did overnight at Phoenix, NY and two or three other communities. I could suggest additional places if you decide to take the NY canals (by the way - a 1 week pass was much cheaper on the NY canals, ?? $35 ??, can't remember exact amount)

Any way enjoy your return trip with your new boat. I would do it again in a heart beat.

Norm M.
Port Clinton, OH
 
Thanks for your input. We are flying out on Thursday morning and are finalizing travel plans tomorrow night. I believe we are now taking the erie canal back since we have some time.

Thanks,

Jim
Sandusky, OH
 
With the need for two captains aboard I wonder about the size of your new boat. Make sure that you have enough bridge clearance to do the Erie canal.
 
Larry,

Good point on the bridge clearances. Our boat was an express and could squeeze under a 10' bridge. Didn't see any close calls, but I believe the minimum height on the canals is 15.5 feet. Antennas may be an issue but they can be lowered.

We overnighted at Oswego, Phoenix, Brockport and Lockport and would highly recommend all for fine facilities and helpful people. The kids at Phoenix were great and obtained both pizza and breakfast for us. (they know the town). I would recommend stopping for lunch at any place that looks interesting, we did not have any issues with the canals and the lock/bridge keepers were helpful as well - offering advice as where to tie up overnight and where to dine. Often they had the next lock or bridge open as we approached, knowing we were traveling at max speed (10 mph). Don't know if they call ahead or use the radio.

Your trip should be colorful as the upstate NY area may be showing some signs of autumn already.

Best of luck in your travels.

Norm . . . (erie_guy)
Port Clinton, OH

PS: We were at the Cedar Point boat show last weekend and were a bit disappointed. The admiral noted the lack of boating booths (stuff) to shop for and the number of boats seemed smaller. Also the $10 parking is a rip - for just a couple of hours of boat shopping.

Let us know how your trip goes !!!
 
Will do. I skipped the CP show all together because that is what I expected. I wanted to go to Annapolis, but it wasn't in the cards this year. That is one hell of a show. I am hopeful that the IX show will be decent this year, but again, don't have high hopes based on the chatter out there among boaters, brokers, dealers, etc.

Thanks,

Jim
 
quote:
The kids at Phoenix were great and obtained both pizza and breakfast for us. (they know the town).

Your trip should be colorful as the upstate NY area may be showing some signs of autumn already.

Click to expand...


Norm/Jim

The brats are back in school now, so you will have to fetch your own pizza in Phoenix..still a great stop. One thing to be aware of is that the locks and bridges all close now at 5pm.

And no, the leaves have not changed color yet, peak around here is 2nd-3rd week in October.

Have a great trip.

-Ron
 
Well, we took the Erie Canal and made it back safely a week ago today. It was a great trip and I am thankful for the advice. The Erie Canal was very scenic and I would love to do the trip again someday.

Here are some (my 1/3) photo's from the trip:

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/gg1/legochef/

Thanks,

Jim
 
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