I regularly go through Canada to get to New York - in fact, I'll be doing it this afternoon to go to Hamlin Beach near Rochester.

Going the long way around will add over 120 miles to the route, so even longer than normal border crossings will be acceptable

Documents for you and any passengers:
* Passports (much preferred) or
* Proof of Citizenship (birth certificate) AND photo ID
* Have them ready for the customs agent - don't screw around trying to find them.

DO NOT PISS OFF THE CUSTOMS AGENT. They can and will make your life miserable.

Documents for the Boat / Trailer:
* Title and/or Bill of Sale from when you bought the boat. If it's not in your name, get a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission to transport through Canada.
* State registration on the boat and trailer.

When you approach the customs booth, roll down the front and rear windows on the side facing the booth. They'll want to see in the car.

Typical Canadian border questions:
Citizenship? "US"
Where are you headed? "Straight through to Port Huron / Buffalo - we're headed to a regatta in Caseville Michigan / home to ________."
What do you have with you? "Just sailing and camping gear for the week."
Any alcohol? "No sir / ma'am." (buy it when you get to MI)
Any weapons? "No sir / ma'am." (leave the guns at home - they consider long knives and pepper spray weapons, too)
Thank-you, enjoy your visit.

The US Border is tougher.
How long have you been in Cananda? "About three hours - we drove straight through from Buffalo / Port Huron"
What are you bringing in to the US? "Only what we brought across from Buffalo / Port Huron - we made no stops in Canada."

Both countries are looking to make sure you don't sell / or pay duty of stuff you buy there. So don't stop in Canada. Gas is evil expensive there - top off your tank before you get to the border in the US.

Be cool, tell the truth and don't look like a terrorist and they'll let you go after 30 seconds. Be a smart-butt and you'll end up having a full body cavity search. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Avoid the borders during peak times - Friday and Sunday evenings are the worst. I've seen a 5 mile long backup trying to get into the states on Sunday that took us 3 hours to clear.

We tow Hobie Tigers (8'6" beam) all across Canada and have never been questioned about the width. They're looking for bigger fish to fry.

Radar detectors are prohibited in Canada and the OPP have detectors of their own. If they find yours, it will be confiscated.