Rouses Point, NY to Saint Jean, QC

Wednesday

Miles Traveled 24.2

Total Miles Traveled 4783

Day 279

We only had to travel a few miles before crossing the Canadian border, our first requirement was to report to the Canada Border Services Agency.  We have read reviews that this requirement can be a non-event, or take a considerable amount of time with a detailed inspection of the boat, goods, and documentation. 

After crossing the Canadian border, we raised the international code flag Q—Request Pratique (Pratique is the license given to a ship to enter port on assurance from the captain to convince the authorities that she is free from contagious disease).  Although Canada has dispensed with the flag Q requirement, we had already purchased the flag before starting our Great Loop adventure and decided we would follow the previously required procedure. 

After the clearance to enter has been granted the flag Q is lowered and the courtesy flag (Canada Flag) is raised as a sign of respect.  I almost made a Big mistake, when removing the Flag Q and attaching the Canadian Flag to our mast, I didn’t pay attention and had the flag upside down, which probably would not have set well with our neighbors to the north. We will continue to fly the national ensign from the stern of Moni Jean, showing our country of registration.

Two border patrol officers met us at the dock and requested our boat documentation and personal identification.  After a few questions the officers started a conversation with each other in French, which made me a little nervous.  They asked us to exit our boat and one of the officers boarded our boat for an inspection. We were told everything was in order and issued a Canada Customs Report Declaration Number.  I would say our experience reporting to customs was a non-event.

After cruising a few miles up the Richelieu River, we stopped at Fort Lennox for an hour and a half tour of the fort.

From the fort we continued north to Saint Jean, QC where we tied to a floating dock at the edge of town.  We arrived around 2 o’clock, and to continue on we have to enter the Chambly Canal by passing through a lock.  The lock only operates two times a day, 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. so we will go through a series of locks on the Chambly Canal starting at 9:30 tomorrow morning.

Swing Birdge

We walked across the street from the dock for dinner this evening.  The tables at the restaurant all have a beer tap in the middle of the table.  I’m not sure how they determine how many beers have been filled?  I was going to ask the waitress but she was French Canadian and between my poor hearing and her struggle with English I decided against it.  I can see this is going to be a very interesting part of our Great Loop Adventure.

When we arrived at Saint Jean, we noticed a Gold Looper “Harbour Reach” on the opposite side of the canal.  We met briefly and found we are both planning the lock through in the morning.