The International Ice Bridges to Canada

Drummond is your "Gateway to Canada"

Drummond Island is the only place in the United States where snowmobiles can legally cross the ice directly to (and from) Ontario. Thousands of miles of trails await you in Ontario - some have referred to the trails in Ontario as "highways" - as wide as 18 feet with extensive signage.

Once the ice freezes to a safe thickness, snowmobile enthusiasts from Drummond Island and the neighboring Canadian communities of St. Joseph Island and Thessalon (Canadian mainland) get together to build a Christmas tree line across the frozen ice to connect the three communities. The trees are spaced one tenth of a mile apart, and marked with reflective tape for night riding. The Ice Bridge to St. Joseph Island is 11 miles, and 18 miles to Thessalon. The tree lines "construction" dates are based on weather conditions, but commonly occur in the second or third week of January.

When arriving at either community, snowmobilers must quickly check in with Customs. They must also be in possession of a Canadian (or U.S.) Trail Permit, available at Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center and many local businesses.

The quick trip over the Ice Bridges allow snowmobilers the opportunity to return each night to Drummond after a full day of riding, or stay in Ontario for longer, more extensive trips. Guided trips are available through Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center, and are highly recommended for those wanting to experience the best sites and trails Ontario has to offer.

The International Ice Bridges are normally in use until late March / early April.

For U.S. Citizens - Everyone snowmobiling over to Canada is required to purchase a Canadian Trail Permit before arriving in Canada. Several businesses on Drummond Island, including Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center, sell these permits. Information required for permits includes name, address, phone number and snowmobile registration number.

Snowmobilers are also required to give a drivers license number to Canadian Customs when registering in Canada.

2007 Canadian Trail Permits
Passes now available....$81U.S. for 3-day pass
This is the only pass available for purchase, day passes no longer available

Before riding to Canada, please read the following from the US Border Patrol for 2007
Notice for Travelers entering the U.S. from Canada who are arriving on Drummond Island, Mi., via the "Ice Bridge".

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2007:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented revised clearance procedures for travelers arriving on Drummond Island, Mi. via the "Ice Bridge" into the United States from foreign. These new reporting procedures are part of CBP's comprehensive efforts to improve security at our nation's borders while facilitating legitimate travel.

1. General Reporting Instructions:
" All U.S. Citizens and aliens seeking entry to the United States MUST REPORT their arrival.
" Travelers arriving Drummond Island, via the "Ice Bridge" are required to immediately report their arrival to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office upon entering from a foreign port or country.
" Travelers having had contact with any snowmobile or person/s having nexus with the Canadian border which has yet to be inspected by CBP, must also report their arrival.
" This legal obligation can be met by immediately reporting your arrival in the U.S. at the designated reporting station.
" For general information regarding reporting procedures please call CBP @ 906-632-2631.

2. Designated Reporting Station and regular hours of service.
" Reporting location-Drummond Island Township Dock, Drummond Island, MI
" Regular Service Hours-1:00pm-9:00pm 7 days a week.

3. Requests for service outside of the established regular hours for special events.
" Request must be made and approved in advance.
" Request should be directed to Port Director Devin Chamberlain, Assistant Port Director Leroy Frazier or Assistant Port Director Patrick Wilson telephonically by calling 906-632-7221, 906-632-7222 or 906-632-8822.

4. Information Required:
" Proof of Citizenship (Passport, Birth Certificate, Nexus Card, Merchant Marine Card, I551)
" Photo Identification
" Vehicle registration (Snowmobile/Air sled/ATV/Hovercraft)
" Value of any merchandise to be declared

5. Reporting Suspicious Activities:
" The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency is asking the community to report any suspicious activity and non-complaint travelers. Please report any suspicious activities observed to 1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378) or the after hours toll free number 1-800-562-5943.

6. Failure to Report:
" Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19, United States Code, Section 1436 to include a penalty of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture.
" Any alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated is in violation of Sec. 275 (a) (1) (8 U.S.C.1325). Any alien present in the United States without being admitted or paroled or who arrives in the United States at any time or place other than as designated is inadmissible under Sec. 212 (a)(6)(A)(i). Any alien who enters without inspection at any time or place not designated is in violation of 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1325 (a)(1) and upon conviction liable for a fine of $5,000 for first offense or imprisonment for up to 6 months. Second or subsequent offenses are Class E Felonies subject to up to a $250,000 fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
? Additional penalties may also apply.

For more information, or reservations, call Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center at 1-800-999-6343
Or email: info@drummondisland.com