• Canadians visiting the US for 48-hours or more can return to Canada with a whopping $ 800.00 per person DUTY FREE!  This makes the short drive into Washington State for shopping a no-brainer.
• Fantastic Selection
• Excellent Prices
• Friendly Service With A Smile. Washington State Retailers Welcome Canadians With Open Arms--Many Local Stores And Businesses Employ Canadian Citizens Who Understand Canadian Shoppers And Speak the Language.
• Recent parity of the Canadian and US Dollars it has also become a bustling and lively hot spot for Canadian shoppers. With Christmas just around the corner be sure come early on weekends if you want to beat the crowds and get the best parking spaces.

PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS - NEW DUTY RATES

Children, Babies, Teens, All Are Entitled To A Personal Exemption when returning from a trip outside of Canada. The catch is that the declaration by their guardian or parent must state that the goods declared on the child's behalf must be for the child's use, therefore you may have some explaining to do if your child brings back a bottle of whiskey and some cigars. 

Is it unpatriotic for Canadians to shop in the USA? No, in fact exercising your freedom of choice is the most patriotic thing you can do, and keep in mind that Americans can shop in Canada and bring back just as much on their trip north of the border. And there are over 300 million Americans while just about 35 million Canadians. 

When you exercise your rights and freedom of choice by shopping in the USA you can help put pressure on the outrageous prices back home, and thereby help all of your friends and family back in Canada. Also, with all the money you save you can afford to give your family the best of everything they need.

Restricted And Prohibited Items At The Border

To use the Peace Arch Border Crossing you must have a passport or another form of document that proves your citizenship. Here is a list of some of the items that are currently restricted or prohibited. Haitian Animal Hide drums have been linked to cases of anthrax, Dog & Cat fur is prohibited, and Gold from the Sudan is a No-Go. The basic rule of thumb is, if it dangerous, expensive, or smells funny don't bring it. Declare everything and play by the rules and your border crossing should be smooth and pleasurable and always be respectful and courteous to the Border Crossing Guards--They don't have to let you through. 

Duty Free Shops

Shop the Duty Free Shops on either the American or Canadian side of the border and save on fun and vice items like Liquor, Wine, Beer, Cigarettes, Gifts, Watches, Chocolates, Cosmetics, and Souvenir Items. As of June 1st, 2012 Canada's duty free allowances have been liberalized. Allowances are $800 over 48 hours and $200 over 24 hours in the U.S.  Canadians staying in the U.S. more than 48 hours are allowed 200 cigarettes, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco, 1.5 Litres of wine or 1.75 Litres of liquor or 24 355 ml cans/bottles of beer or ale. Check U.S. or Canadian customs websites for more information and current allowances.