I am getting a TOW to bottle portage. Will the TOW stop for me to pick up my RABC on the way in? I will only be camping on the BWCA side, but plan on doing some border lake fishing and want to be in compliance with all rules and regulations. Thanks for the advice!

JP

I am thinking with the right $$ they will stop.

Well, if you've applied for the RABC, it should be mailed to you. I got mine way ahead of time; not sure what the process is for getting one last minute.

I'd ask the outfitter you're getting the tow from whether they'll stop or not, since it's their decision.

You'll only need the RABC if you fish or explore the Canadian side of the border lakes. You'll also need a Canadian fish license and a Quetico Park day (or season) pass.
If you are just paddling through the border lakes or using the shared International portages, you shouldn't need the RABC and if you are going to the Bottle Portage, I would suspect the tow will stop at Sand Point and check through customs.....thus avoiding the need for RABC. But, you will need your proper documents (ID, passport..) for that.
You'd better call the outfitter and get it all straight.

I think you are out of luck. I don't think you can get an RABC anywhere near where you will be. You could drive to Fort Frances to get it before you leave but that is a major time commitment as you never know how long it will take even once you get there. If you have several weeks before you go you can apply by mail, but everyone in your canoe will have to pony up the $30 to get one---assuming they qualify.
Thankfully, the fish are blind to the border. And you are right, be in full compliance these days.

I think you can apply by mail and normally get it back by mail. I believe I have read you could pick it up at their office, which is or was in Thunder Bay. I have some sense that if you applied by mail, there might be a possibility of getting it by fax if you call and make a good hardship case. The Canadian authorities seem to be very helpful and friendly.

You can apply and get a permit at a station, like Ft Frances or Pigeon River, but I don't think just pick up one applied for by mail. I have read that is from a half hour to quite a few hours, depending how busy they are.

I think you can apply by mail and normally get it back by mail. I believe I have read you could pick it up at their office, which is or was in Thunder Bay. I have some sense that if you applied by mail, there might be a possibility of getting it by fax if you call and make a good hardship case. The Canadian authorities seem to be very helpful and friendly.

You can apply and get a permit at a station, like Ft Frances or Pigeon River, but I don't think just pick up one applied for by mail. I have read that is from a half hour to quite a few hours, depending how busy they are.

I don't know why I thought you had to stop at ranger station to pick up rabc. I also have plenty of time to wait for it in the mail. All very helpful information, thank you!

"In Person

Applications can be made in person at any of the following ports of entry:

Fort Frances
Rainy River
Pigeon River
Sault Ste. Marie
Emerson West Lynne
Applications can also be made at the Thunder Bay CBSA office, located at 201 North May Street.

By Mail

To avoid processing delays at the border, it is recommended to apply by mail three to four weeks before your trip.

Mail your completed application and photocopies of supporting documents to the following address:

Canada Border Services Agency
201 North May Street
Thunder Bay ON P7C 3P4
Telephone: 807-624-2162
Toll Free: 1-877-854-RABC

You must fully complete and sign the application.
You must ensure that you have provided your credit card information.
You must submit photocopies of all of the required identification.
You will receive a mailed response, unless an interview is deemed necessary."

from CANPASS RABC

butthead

I think they are valid for a year from issue, too.