Can we land at any Canadian airport or airstrip when returning from the USA?
It depends. Canadian airports have varying levels of customs and entry clearance, classified into four categories:
AOE/125:
Open to all classes of scheduled and unscheduled aircraft. There are 43 airports in Canada with this service.
Examples: Vancouver Intl., Kelowna, Victoria, Nanaimo, Penticton, Kamloops.
Learn more: CBSA - AOE/125AOE/15:
For unscheduled private (or company) flights with up to 15 persons onboard (passengers + crew). For AeroShares passengers returning to their home base at Pitt Meadows, this service has been available since October 2024.
Examples: Pitt Meadows, Boundary Bay, Abbotsford.
Learn more: CBSA - AOE/15AOE/CAN:
Restricted to only CANPASS members for customs clearance. If you regularly need to use these airports as a destination from the USA, becoming a CANPASS member is highly recommended. The application is straightforward, and membership is valid for five years.
Examples: Langley, Courtenay Airpark, Duncan, Grand Forks, Castlegar, Creston, Trail.
Learn more: CBSA - AOE/CANNon-Entry Points:
Airports or airstrips not listed in the above categories, such as backyard grass strips, cannot be used for direct entry into Canada. A stop at the nearest authorized port of entry is required first. Nearby options include smaller, efficient airports like Pitt Meadows, Kelowna, or Cranbrook.