Ice bridge between Michigan's U.P., Canada open to snowmobilers
There is a more exciting, temporary way to travel between Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Canada each winter season — although, modes of transportation are limited and you still have to check in with customs.
An ice bridge forms between Drummond Island in Chippewa County and St. Joseph Island in Ontario, Canada during the winter months each year. Once the ice has frozen to a safe depth, locals are able to enjoy winter activities on the trails.
The Drummond Island ice bridge in the eastern U.P. officially opened for the season on Friday, Feb. 10, and will remain open until the ice starts to melt around springtime, making travel dangerous.
What can people ride on the ice bridge?
Those looking to have some winter fun can snowmobile, dog sled, cross-country ski, aero sleigh, or bike on the ice bridge connecting the two islands. Cars and trucks are not permitted.
More: Michigan overdose deaths down, new data suggests
The trails are wide, free from congestion, and marked with evergreen trees across the ice to prevent snowmobilers from getting lost while riding in the dark or during inclement weather, according to the Drummond Island Tourism Association.
In 2022, Drummond Island was voted by Pure Michigan as the No.1 Place to Snowmobile. If you choose to snowmobile in the area, proof of insurance and trail permit stickers should be with you.
Visitors can stay updated on trail conditions through the Drummond Island Snow and Groomer Report Facebook page.
Riders in both directions must check in with customs
Checking in with customs is required of both U.S. and Canadian riders if they think they might enter the other country while on the ice bridge.
"It is recommended that U.S. citizens travel with a valid passport to facilitate their border crossing because it is a reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel," said Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Spokesperson Maria Ladouceur. "However, a U.S. enhanced driver’s license, on its own, may be accepted at a land port of entry, along with additional documents that support the traveler’s identity and proof of citizenship."
U.S. residents entering Canada
"All travelers entering Canada, including snowmobile riders, must report to a CBSA port of entry (POE) for inspection. Snowmobile riders can use any POE to seek entry into Canada as long as they follow applicable federal and provincial laws," according to CBSA. "Admissibility of all travelers is decided based on the information made available at the time of entry."
Travelers must provide details and documentation for the reason for their travel.
If arriving on St. Joseph Island by snowmobile, travelers must report to the CBSA through the Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC). The three designated sites for CBSA reporting on the island are:
Richards Landing: 1140 Richards St., Richards Landing, Ontario
Hilton Beach: 3130 Marks St. Hilton Beach, Ontario
Whiskey Bay: 6127 Fifth Side Rd., Hilton Beach, Ontario
"Travellers are required to proceed directly to a designated site and call the TRC to report their arrival, report the reason for the trip, provide information about all persons on board including any restricted and prohibited goods and/or items entering Canada," Ladouceur said.
Snowmobilers may contact border information services (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) or call 1-800-461-9999 for more information.
Upon returning to the eastern Upper Peninsula after visiting Canada, U.S. residents must also report their arrival through the Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (ROAM) application, said U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Specialist, Youssef Fawaz. The same application must be submitted by Canadian residents visiting the UP.
Canadian residents entering the U.S.
Canadian riders must report their arrival to the U.S. through the ROAM application on their phone, or at Drummond Island Yacht Haven, according to a news release from CBP. Once trip details are submitted and reviewed, travelers will receive a notification and email with their admissibility decision.
"A CBP officer may initiate a video chat if more information is needed," stated the release. In-person inspections may also be requested if determined by an officer.
More: 50 mph wind gusts cause power outages in metro Detroit
Offsite arrival applications into Drummond Island may be submitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week through ROAM, allowing U.S. CBP to expand travel days and hours across the ice bridge.
Application exceptions include, but are not limited to:
Travelers who require an I-94 entry document
Travelers who must pay duties on imported goods
Travelers who wish to obtain a cruising license
More information can be found here: CBP (ROAM).
What happens if travelers enter without checking in?
Entering without reporting offsite arrival is prohibited and violators could face both civil and criminal penalties, along with fines — depending on the circumstance, Fawaz said.
Violators can also be refused re-entry into the United States or Canada. Undeclared restricted and prohibited goods found on board will be seized and the traveler could face criminal charges.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, "the minimum fine for failing to report to the CBSA upon entry to Canada is CAN$1,000."
Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Drummond Island ice bridge takes you from Michigan's U.P. to Canada
