In article , Ross Oliver wrote:

discussions on flying in Canada. However, I would appreciate any
tips on the actual USA - Canada transition with regard to ATC. Will
US ATC hand off VFR to Canada at the border, or will I need to
call up on my own? "Knock, knock, can I come in, eh?" Same question
for returning to the USA.

As you seem to realize, you do have to be on a flight plan (VFR or
IFR) _and_ talking to ATC while crossing the border (with a discrete
squawk code). Clearly, you've done your homework. :-)

If you're IFR, the handoff is automatic. If you're VFR, you call up
the U.S. controller and tell them you're going into Canada. The
handoff seems to be automatic. I've done this with both Whidbey, WA
and Burlington, VT approach controllers. The both probably get enough
cross-border traffic to know the procedures.

Any suggestions on routing? Is it advisable to fly over top of
Widbey Island NAS, or better to remain east and cross to the north?
What is the best route past Victoria heading up Vancouver Island's
east coast?

Going to San Juan Island/Victoria BC from Seattle, I usually go to
direct to Everet (PAE), then turn northwest. This keeps you closer
to land a little longer and there's a nice narrow peninsula tha
points directly to your destination.

HTH,

Morris