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Baldface \ Travel \ Borders & Customs

Directions

Nelson is a 3 ½ hour drive north of Spokane, Washington USA. Baldface Lodge is directly across Kootenay Lake from Nelson, BC Canada, between the Kokanee and Valhalla Provincial Parks.

Typically, our guests arrive at Baldface by one of four options:

  • Fly to Castlegar, BC (YCG) and take a cab into Nelson
  • Fly to Spokane, WA (GEG) and take the shuttle or rent a car
  • Drive to Nelson
  • Private Charter Flights provided by Northern Thunderbird Air

Lost?

Try to give us a call at (250) 352-0006, but cell coverage is spotty in the mountains so we really recommend having a good map.

Road Report

You can find updated road reports for Southern British Columbia on the Ministry of Transportation website.

Borders & Customs

If you are coming from the United States, it is very important to understand the process of entering Canada. When you cross the border into Canada, you will need your passport. The immigration officers will inquire about your personal history, the purpose of your visit, and what you are bringing across the border with you. Among other things, alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs and cash are all subject to import limitations and excess quantities may be taxed. You are not allowed to import fresh fruits and meats, firearms, or mace. They may search your vehicle, so please pack carefully.

Contacting Border Information Service

Nelway Crossing - Located between Metaline Falls, WA and Salmo, BC.

Hours: US and Canadian customs open 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. (midnight), daily

Patterson Crossing - Located between Northport, WA and Rossland, BC.

Hours: Canadian and US customs open 24 hours a day, daily.

Canadian Immigration regulations restrict anyone from entering the country who has a conviction that would be considered a criminal charge in Canada.

People with DUI charges or drug convictions (anytime in recent or ancient history) have a very high probability of being denied entry into Canada. Your records in the US can be accessed by Canadian Customs & Immigration officers through co-operative agreements between the US and Canada.

For those who have a record, it is recommended you pre-determine your entry status prior to arriving at the border. Baldface Lodge is not responsible, or liable to make any refunds, for guests who are denied access at the border. A one-time visitor application can typically be made at the Canadian border for approximately $200 CDN, taking up to 4 hours to complete. A permanent application for visitor entry can be made through the Canadian Embassies in the US for a lesser amount ($35 CDN) however, this process can take up to 16 months. Some visitors with such convictions have successfully gained entry by pre-arranging their border crossing application and carrying letters from their home police force, clergy, etc. indicating their compliance with the rules over the past five years or more.

We suggest you communicate with a Canadian Immigration office prior to your planned trip if you have past charges. Random checks into this background information do not happen to everyone, but they are common.

Currency

Canadian bank machines will accept most ATM cards and spit out colorful Canadian bills in return. If you are concerned, check with your bank about its exchange rates before leaving home. Downtown Nelson has plenty of ATM machines and is home to the Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Royal Bank, Scotia Bank, and a Credit Union.

Once you arrive at Baldface, there is no need for cash. All expenses at the lodge will be added to your account and charged to your credit card on file. If you decide to tip, many guests prefer to tip in cash - either Canadian or US currency is fine. You may also use your credit card to tip.