I hope you are all doing well! You may have heard that the US / Canadian border has reopened back to vehicle traffic. I have quite a few packages that have been stuck over the border for over a year now that I have not been able to retrieve. I thought this would be a good time to head on over the border to pick them up, as well as make a stop at Costco and Fred Meyer to see what is new over there!
I looked for items that were not available in the stores in Canada, but I skipped the majority of the Clothing, Over the Counter Medicine and Personal Care sections. I have to split the page up into 3 different parts as there are so many items to post. This first part are all the photos of the perishable foods. The next section is the non-perishable foods and after that will be the non-food items.
In case you are wondering, my shopping list was big after no going down there for a long time. I picked up: Grillo’s Pickles, lots of Tillamook Cheese, Mexican Coca Cola, Kerry Gold Butter, Kevin’s Turkey Gravy (which is in the freezer for Christmas Dinner), Kirkland Signature Cranberry Walnut Bread, Ahi Tuna Poke, Honolulu Cookie Company Cookies, Heavy Whipped Cream, Costco Dog Toys and the Costco Puzzle. I also picked up some of my wife’s favourite items from Trader Joe’s and some Juanita’s Tortilla chips and Tillamook Yogurt from Fred Meyer. Unfortunately, since this was only a day trip, I did not have an allowance for alcohol, but I did bring back a 4 pack from Rogue Brewing (yes, I declared it and was waved through even comping back with $850 USD of food and kids clothes)
I will say that everyone including the border guards were extremely nice during this process. I even had one person come up to me and tell me how nice it was to see Canadian license plates in the parking lot again.
Costco Membership
Your Costco Membership is valid at any Costco warehouse in the world. For payment you can use your Canadian Capital One Costco Branded Mastercard, Interac or any VISA card.
Pre-Departure Testing Process (FlyClear by LifeLabs)
I’m going to assume that anyone heading over the border for a short trip is fully vaccinated, otherwise you will be required to quarantine in Canada for 14 days and submit another test on day 8 of your quarantine.
For those of you who are fully vaccinated and want to do the short trip over the border, the process is not exactly easy. You are not able to just stop by any LifeLabs location to take a test. You can’t even make a normal reservation at a LifeLabs location to get a test done. The process is a little complicated so I thought I would explain the process here:
Step 1: Get a COVID-19 Test Requisition from LifeLabs
To order the test requisition, you are required to pre-pay for the test online. The cost of the test is $150 plus tax ($157.50 in BC) You will first need to determine your testing window. You will choose your Covid Testing Window (72 Hours) your relative time (relative to arrival) and enter in your estimated departure and return times. This will give a time range where you can take your test.
The test will be valid for 72 hours from the time your sample is taken.
Results are guaranteed to be delivered within 48 hours of sample collection for FlyClear™ and LifeLabs Locations within Ontario and British Columbia. The vast majority (~90%+) of PCR/NAAT FlyClear™ results are delivered within 24 hours
Since I did not want to cross into the US border before I received a negative COVID-19 test for fear of getting stuck south of the border, I know I would want to take my test exactly 50 hours before my departure time. With my results guaranteed to return within 48 hours, I would be guaranteed to have my results back before I left. This would give me 22 hours in the US before I had to return to Canada.
This tight timeline is definitely something to consider if you want to head down for a hockey / football / basketball game.
You are required to enter in all your personal information as well as your passport information to order your requisition. It is also compulsory to enter your flight information into the form. When I called the Customer Service number, I was instructed to enter “Other” for any fields that did not apply and to enter AA000 as the flight number.
You are also required to enter in a Passcode with a minimum of 10 characters, a special character and a number. Don’t lost this passcode – like I did! You will need this passcode to download your lab requisition from your E-mail and you will need this requisition for Step 2. (You can request a passcode by E-mail, but it just adds another step.) You will also need this password to download your test results!
Step 2: Book an Appointment for a COVID-19 Test at Shoppers Drug Mart
Once you have received your COVID-19 test requisition from LifeLabs, you will need to book an appointment for a test. There are only 11 testing sites in the Lower Mainland where you can take your test and they are all at Shoppers Drug Mart.
First you are asked some screening questions (which seem unnecessary if you are doing this well in advance). You are required to download your requisition (using your passcode) to retrieve your order number. Then you will enter in some personal information as well as your flight information, in which I entered the time I expected to arrive at the US border at the start of my trip.
The final statement on the request form is:
Please Note: The Pharmacy will not accept requests for appointments less than 30 hours from flight departure time, since results cannot be made available in time. You must budget sufficient time for testing and to receive results before your departure.
Once you have completed this form, you are informed that you must wait for someone at the pharmacy to contact you to make an appointment:
Thank you for submitting your request for the International Outbound Travel COVID-19 test at SHOPPERS DRUG MART.
Pharmacies are currently receiving a high volume of COVID-19 testing appointment requests. A member of the Pharmacy Team will contact you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. If your flight is more than 7 days away, it may take a few days for the Pharmacy Team to call you.
Your unique confirmation code is XXXXXXXX. You will be contacted by a pharmacist or a service provider of the pharmacy to complete your screening, and if eligible, book an appointment for your International Outbound Travel COVID-19 test.Step 2: Book an Appointment for a COVID-19 Test at Shoppers Drug Mart
Step 3: Get your COVID-19 Test at Shoppers Drug Mart
I booked my test for Monday Morning at 9:00AM and when I got there, there was already a line about 5 deep. It took about 15 minutes to get to the front of the line. You have to bring your passport, your LifeLabs Requisition and your Shoppers Confirmation Code you received when you booked your test.
Once you have checked in, it was another 5 minute wait and I was seen for my test. I was in and out of the testing office in one minute. The test was nothing like the fist Covid-19 test I received previously where they tickle your brain with a swab through your nose. In this test, they use the swab on the outside of your gums then in each nostril, but not very far up. That was about it.
Step 4: Wait for Test Results
I had the test done on Monday morning at 9:00AM and I was sent an E-mail notifying me that my test results were available for download at 1:30AM on Tuesday. Unfortunately, you will need the password that you created during your LifeLabs requisition to retrieve your results.
Step 5: Print out your Vaccine Certificate
Depending on your province of residence, you can download it here:
You need to sign up with ArriveCAN before re-entering Canada. Download the App and enter in your port of entry information. It will give you a QR code you can use to return to Canada. You can Find more information here:
Once I was ready to leave, I made sure I had all my documents ready and printed:
Canadian Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate
LifeLabs Lab Test Certificate
LifeLabs Test Results
ArriveCAN Confirmation E-mail
Canadian Passport
Nexus Card
To enter the US, all you need is your Canadian Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate and your Passport or Nexus Card.
To re-enter Canada, you will to present all items 1-5 (or 6) to prevent any problems.
That is pretty much it. I like to be prepared, but I was still happy I didn’t have any problems at the border. I also read on a CBC article that you can pre-book an NAAT test (which you can use to return to Canada) at least one day ahead and you can get your results in a couple hours! Unfortunately, the only Walgreens that offers the test was in Seattle, but it might be a good option for you!
That is it for now. Enjoy these photos and I’ll be working on the rest of the photos over the weekend!
Happy Shopping!
47035 TIRAMISU BAR CAKE $16.9917744 BLACK SEEDLESS GRAPES 4 LBS $9.991142830 ORGANIC MEDITERRANEAN SALAD KIT 23.92 OZ $7.991361597 ORGANIC AVOCADO RNCH SALAD KIT 22.60 OZ $7.9957931 SHIITTAKE MUSHROOMS 12 OZ $7.9924311 MIX & MATCH MUFFINS 1 DOZEN PICK 2-6PK ANY FLAVOR $7.991343114 10″ CHOCOLATE CAKE FILLED WITH CHOCOLATE MOUSSE $12.991609332 MINI SNICKERDOODLE CAKES ICED W/ CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE ICING $7.9929598 VEGETABLE PLATTER RANCH DRESSING DIP EACH $11.991448382 10″ WHITE CAKE FILLED WITH VANILLA CHEESECAKE MOUSSE $12.9937839 CHEESECAKE $14.99
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1357244 CRANBERRY WALNUT ROUND $8.991394091 COUNTRY FRENCH 2 PACK $5.9915827 PECAN PIE 70 OZ $14.9930719 PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE $15.991408373 APPLE PIE MADE W/ORGANIC APPLES $12.9912234 BEEF RIBEYE STEAK BONELESS USDA PRIME $28.9934289 BEEF LOIN TENDERLOIN STEAK USDA PRIME $28.991331732 MINI CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 60 COUNT $8.9934316 BEEF LOIN NEW YORK STEAK USDA PRIME $19.9915390 FRESH ORGANIC BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST PER LB $5.9915323 FRESH YOUNG CHICKEN PER LB $2.4911418 BEEF CHUCK POT ROAST BONELESS USDA PRIME $7.99
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15411 FRESH ORGANIC CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS PER LB ae pu A == LER OT $1.991448017 GHIRARDELLI VARIETY 23.8 OZ $11.9929827 FRESH WILD AHI TUNA $15.9916382 CHICKEN POT PIE READY TO BAKE PER LB $3.9916783 WHOLE FARMED WHITE SHRIMP 9/14 CT PER LB $6.9916965 FRESH ORGANIC CHICKEN THIGHS PER LB $5.491592213 SEATTLE CHOCOLATE CO. TRUFFLES GIFT BOX 16 OZ $12.49999551 GHIRARDELLI PEPPERMINT BARK 20.99 OZ $12.591553649 HONOLULU COOKIE CO PEPPERMINT MINI BITES 16 OZ $8.991172471 KERRYGOLD SALTED IRISH BUTTER 4/8 OZ $11.991562352 HERSHEY’S REESE’S TREES 39.8 OZ $9.991560850 VACAVILLE FRUIT CO FRUIT AND NUT TRAY 36 OUNCES $19.99
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1192148 LINDT NORTH POLE FRIENDS 15.4 OZ $13.491092438 GALIL ORGANIC ROASTED CHESTNUTS 6CT (3.5 OZ) $6.991469840 DARIGOLD EGG NOG ULTRA PASTEURIZED CLASSIC 2-1/2GAL $7.9941114 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE BUTTER QUARTERS 4/1 LB $8.499738 DARIGOLD HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM 1/2 GAL $8.391536097 CHOBANI FLIP GREEK YOGURT VARIETY 16/4.5 OZ $11.991070683 LAND O’ LAKES WHIPPED HEAVY CREAM 3/14 OZ $8.994489 DARIGOLD UNSALTED WHIPPD BUTTER 5LB $11.991520621 MINI BABYBEL WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE 36/.75 OZ $11.9941400 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE UNSALTED BUTTER QUARTERS 4/1 LB $8.491582710 MRS. FIELDS BIG COOKIE VARIETY 4/12CT $8.791222508 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE CHEESE, FRUIT & NUT PACKS 16/1.5 OZ $9.89
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214321 PILLSBURY CRESCENT ROLLS 5/8 OZ (40 CT) ($3.80 INSTANT SAVINGS EXPIRES ON 2021-11-21) $4.79583 RASKAS CREAM CHEESE 36/1 OUNCE CUPS $6.99237686 YOPLAIT GOGURT 32/2.25 OZ $7.69603613 TILLAMOOK SHREDDED MED CHEDDAR 2/2.5 LB $16.7920384 TILLAMOOK MEDIUM CHEDDAR 5 LB $16.491127099 V&V SUPREMO SHREDDED QUESO 2.5 LB $10.891127213 TILLAMOOK SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR SHREDS 2/1.5 LB $10.99189354 TILLAMOOK MEDIUM CHEDDAR SNACKS 52/0.75 OZ $12.996017 EL CAMINO REAL BAKERY PETITE CINNAMON ROLL 35 OZ $8.291325747 TALENTI LAYERS GELATO VARIETY 4/160OZ PINTS $13.991194226 SUJA ORGANIC UBER GREENS 6/10.5 OZ $11.791529345 STETE ALMOND FLOUR TORTILLA 20 CT 17.50 OZ $11.89
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1565269 HUMM ORG LESS SUGAR MANGO/PASSION FRUIT 6/14 OZ $12.991570744 HEMPLER’S UNCURED ZERO SUGAR BACON 2/1.5 LB $15.691195780 CLOVERDALE UNCURED BEEF SMOKIES 2/1.25 LB PACKS $10.991496130 THOMAS SWIRL CINNAMON RAISIN BRD 2/16 O7 $4.599862 GREGG’S RANCH DRESSING 64 OZ $6.991408784 JIMMY DEAN TURKEY SAUSAGE LINKS 48 CT $9.991227001 HARMLESS HARVEST ORGANTIG COCONUT WATER 6/14 OZ $13.991005641 CHOBANI NON-FAT GREEK YOGURT 20/5.3 OZ $13.99689917 KING’S HAWAIIAN HAWAIIAN SWEET ROLLS 32 CT $5.89669527 TORTILLALAND 8″ UNCOOKED TORTILLAS 2/25 CT $6.9916559 BOBOLI PIZZA CRUST PARTY PACK 8 CT/54 OZ $9.39619315 LITEHOUSE BLUE CHEESE DRESSING 2/32 OZ $9.99
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1474609 HAAGEN DAZS PEPPERMINT SQUARES 10/3 OZ $10.69688231 KAURINA’S KULFI BARS PIST ALMND MANGO MALAI 12/1.6 OZ $9.99948400 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE SUPER PREMIUM VANILLA ICE CREAM 2/HALF GAL $11.991508784 PURA VIDA FIRE ROASTED VEGGIE MELANGE 4 LB $15.491555595 PURA VIDA FIRE ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS 4/10OZ $12.591038948 NEPTUNE FOODS PUB STYLE HALIBUT 2 LB $20.99422672 MORNINGSTAR FARMS VEGGIE SAUSAGE PATTIES 32/1.34 OZ ($3.50 INSTANT SAVINGS EXPIRES ON 2021-11-14) $10.491331682 JIMMY DEAN MEAT LOVER BOWLS 8/7 OZ $15.59777891 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE RAW SEA SCALLOPS 2 LB $38.991312303 JIMMY DEAN CROISSANT SANDWICHES CAGE FREE 12/4.5 OZ $12.99717437 HERSHEY’S PEANUTBUTTER KISS COOKIES MIX 3/21.6 OZ 9/24/21 $7.791441831 RED’S TURKEY SAUSAGE EGGWICH 8/3.9 OUNCE (1.95 LB) $12.89
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208429 MISSION 10″ FLOUR TORTILLA 2/20 CT 94 OZ $6.491056197 RAYBERN’S PHILLY CHEESESTEAK 6/6.1 OZ $11.994102 MISSION 8″ FLOUR TORTILLAS 2/20 CT 70 OZ $5.691006641 SANDWICH BROTHERS CHICKEN PITA MELT 15/2.5 OZ $10.89689121 PHILLIPS CRAB CAKE MINIS 36 CT (18 OZ) $24.89652562 SUNSHINE FROZEN CONCENTRATE ORANGE JUICE 6/16 OZ $11.2921272 SMUCKER’S UNCRUSTABLES PEANUT BUTTER & GRAPE 18/2.8 OZ $12.991146370 GUERRERO TWIN PACK WHITE CORN TORTILLA 110 CT 101 OZ $3.9988739 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE 91% LEAN GROUND BEER 5/1 LB $21.791407686 MISSION CARB BALANCE TORTILLAS 2/8 CT 24 OZ $6.791476430 REALGOOD BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN MOZZ PARM FONTINA CHEESE 6/6 OZ $12.891212080 FOSTER FARMS NAE CHICKEN PATTIES 20/4 OZ $14.79
1294446 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE CHICKEN WINGS 10 LB $32.991294442 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE BL/SL CHICKEN BREAST INDV. WRAPPED 6.5 LB $18.991440704 MOTOR CITY PIZZA CO DOUBLE PEPPERONI PIZZA 2/28.5 OZ $11.491339035 FOSTER FARMS CRISPY CHIPOTLE BBQ WINGS 4 L $18.991179403 MINH MINI CHICKEN EGG ROLLS 50/0.92 OZ $9.99337754 ROYAL ASIA VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS 50/1.05 OZ $9.99959901 HOT POCKETS PEPPERONI PIZZA 17/4.5 OZ $12.991572627 BIBIGO CHICKEN POTSTICKERS 4.2 LB $10.99724733 LILLY B’S ORGANIC BEAN RICE & CHEESE BURRITOS 8/6 OZ $9.99170077 PAPPALO’S PEPPERONI PIZZA SNACKS 120/0.49 OZ $9.59222464 PETITE CUISINE MOZZARELLA STICKS 5 LB $14.9932919 BIRDS EYE GARLIC CHICKEN MEAL 8 OZ $8.89
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849395 BEECHER’S WORLD’S BEST MAC & CHEESE 46 OZ ($2.80 INSTANT SAVINGS EXPIRES ON 2021-11-14) $10.891241722 GRILLO’S PICKLES DILL SPEARS 52 OZ $7.291238935 THREE BRIDGES CHEESE/BACON EGG BITES 4/4.6 OZ $9.891360484 THREE BRIDGES SPIN/PEPP EGG WHITE 4/4.6 OZ $9.991437619 SABRA ORGANIC PINE NUT HUMMUS 34 OZ $6.99319714 FOSTER FARMS CHICKEN CORN DOGS 28/4 OZ $11.891516352 ITALIAN ROSE TOMATO BRUSCHETTA 2 PACK 24 OUNCES EACH $6.591280819 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE ORGANIC HUMMUS SINGLES 20/2.5 OZ $6.591482860 SALT AND SKY SHRIMP ALFREDO PENNE 2/17.5 OZ STEAM BAGS $13.591487438 STONEMILL KITCHENS CRANBERRY JALAPENO DIP 31 OZ ($2.00 INSTANT SAVINGS EXPIRES ON 2021-11-24) $5.991572234 BLUE MOOSE ORGANIC QUESO BLANCO CASHEW DIP 24 OZ ($3.70 INSTANT SAVINGS EXPIRES ON 2021-11-14) $5.991201906 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE CHICKEN BAKE 6/8 OZ $10.99
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1231917 STREET CORN DIP 32 OUNCES $7.991590457 MAYA KAIMAL CURRY CHICKEN SALAD 24 OZ $8.991238273 BITCHIN SAUCE ORGANIC CHIPOTLE DIP 24 OZ $8.591174728 SAN JUAN SALSA MEDIUM 32 OZ $6.391230827 GALBANI FRESH MARINATED MOZZARELLA 40 OZ ($3.50 INSTANT SAVINGS EXPIRES ON 2021-11-29) $7.9935366 BEECHER’S FLAGSHIP CHEESE PRICE PER POUND $10.591336068 WHOLLY ORGANIC SMASHED AVOCADO 16/2 OZ $12.7911632 APPEL FARMS JALAPENO GOUDA PRICE PER POUND $8.591278164 CELLO COPPER KETTLE ARGANTC PARM SHAVES 1LB $12.5912961 MELKBUS GOUDA WITH TRUFFLES PRICE PER POUND $15.4920366 TILLAMOOK EXTRA SHARP CHEDDAR 2 LBS $9.79596219 GARCIA BAQUERO SPANISH CHEESE TAPAS 14.1 OZ $9.89
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44256 BEECHERS SMOKED FLAGSHIP CHEESE PRICE PER POUND $13.7988886 TILLAMOOK X-SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR 2 LBS $10.9933818 CELLO ORGANIC PARMESAN WEDGE PRICE PER POUND $10.2946221 ORGANIC CHEDDAR IMPORTED FROM ENGLAND PRICE PER POUND $8.991326554 CASTELLO IMPORTED VINTAGE HAVARTI 14 OZ $6.991150157 FACE ROCK CREAMERY VAMPIRE SLAYER CURDS 1 LB $9.9934779 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE PECORINO ROMANO PRICE PER POUND $8.9920661 TILLAMOOK SLICED SWISS CHEESE 2 LBS $9.39351661 TILLAMOOK PEPPER JACK 2.5 LBS $8.29411897 TILLAMOOK COLBY JACK 2.5 LBS $8.29651195 TILLAMOOK COLBY & MONTEREY JACK SIICEDED 2 LBS $8.2925474 TILLAMOOK SLICED SHARP CHEDDAR 2 LBS $9.39
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301834 TILLAMOOK SHARP CHEDDAR 2.5 LBS $9.49301860 TILLAMOOK MEDIUM CHEDDAR 2.5 LBS $8.7921100 COLUMBUS ABF SLICED HERB TURKEY PRICE PER POUND $7.49662124 TILLAMOOK SLICED MEDIUM CHEDDAR 2.5 LBS $9.9947687 COLUMBUS SLICED PASTRAMI PRICE PER POUND $8.991461087 HERITAGE BEEF STROGANOFF 2/22 OZ $14.791357616 KEVIN’S LEMONGRASS CHICKEN 32 OZ ($3.80 INSTANT SAVINGS EXPIRES ON 2021-11-21) $9.991257184 COLUMBUS SALAME TRIO VARIETY 3/8 OZ $11.991231893 GREENRIDGE FARM BEEF SNACK STICKS 12/3 OZ $15.891239452 BUSSETO SALAMI & PROVOLONE 8/3 OZ $11.9924765 EAST WEST CUISINE ABF CHICKEN KATSU PER LB $5.791302599 SABATINO’S ORGANIC PALEO CHICKEN SAUSAGE 2.25 LBS $13.79
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1308040 GREENRIDGE FARM ABF CHICKEN SNACK STICKS 36 OZ $14.99735087 AIDELLS ABF PINEAPPLE BACON CHICKEN SAUSAGE 3 LBS $14.591250599 AIDELLS ORGANIC CHICKEN APPLE SAUSAGE 2.5 LBS $15.99990894 AMYLU ORGANIC SUGARHOUSE MAPLE CHICKEN SAUSAGE 2LBS $14.991576269 BAVARIAN MEATS SEATTLE STYLE KRAKEN SAUSAGE 3.2 LBS ($3.50 INSTANT SAVINGS EXPIRES ON 2021-11-21) $12.4947073 KIOLBASSA PROVISION CO ORGANIC BEEF SAUSAGE PRICE PER POUND $8.991124028 TETON WATERS RANCH 100% GRASS FED BEEF POLISH SAUSAGE 2.25 LB $14.891358925 SABATINO’S SMOKED ABF CHICKEN MOZZARELLA SSG 3 LBS $12.991141000 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE BRATWURST 2/1.75 LBS $8.49578685 FIELD ROAST VEGETARIAN VARIETY PACK 39 OZ $12.99288564 OKAMI BBQ PORK BAO 12/2 OZ $9.69897453 FRA MANI ABF CHICKEN MARSALA 36 OZ $14.89
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1042644 OKAMI ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD 35.5 OZ $10.79739287 DEL REL PORK CARNITAS 2/20 OZ $18.4938511 YANGTZE CHINESE STYLE BARBEQUED PORK PRICE PER POUND $5.9941687 VENTERA ORGANICS CHICKEN PARMESAN PRICE PER POUND $7.59817974 DEL REAL STONE GROUND CORN MASA PORK TAMALE 15 CT $19.79866185 AIDELLS ABF CHICKEN TERIYAKI MEATBALLS 46 OZ $13.991057076 TRU GRILL CHICKEN STRIPS 32 OZ $10.691059563 FRANKLY FRESH ABF CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL 3/12 OZ $10.691027760 KIBUN FOODS HEALTHY NOODLE 6/8 OZ $13.991582140 SCOIATTOLO TRUFFLE RAVIOLI 2 /16 OZ $10.791538431 KEVIN’S NATURAL FOODS ROASTED GARLIC CHICKEN 32 OZ PACKAGE $13.791521820 DESSERT ITALIANO MILLIONAIRE CHEESECAKE 6 / 3 OZ $10.99
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21930 SPINACH AND CHEESE CANNELLONI $4.791378919 RANA MAINE LOBSTER RAVIOLI 2 PACK 13 OUNCES EACH $13.9930783 MEATLOAF WITH YUKON GOLD MASHED POTATO PER LB $3.491375428 ABF GRILLED CHICKEN SKEWERS 28OZ $10.9936946 BEEF BULGOGI (KOREAN BBQ) $6.9940506 MAC AND CHEESE $2.9981505 YAKISOBA STIR FRY W/SEASONED CHICKEN $4.9923086 CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP MADE WITH ROTISSERIE CHICKEN $2.9940249 CHICKEN ALFREDO $3.9941212 RAVIOLI LASAGNA WITH BEEF & PORK BOLOGNESE SAUCE $4.6931926 TACO SALAD W/DRESSING AND STRIPS $4.793578 SPINACH SALAD WITH POPPYSEED DRESSING $4.49
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13444 SHRIMP CEVICHE $9.9919927 CAESAR SALAD W/DRESSING CROUTONS LEMONS $3.9942323 ITALIAN SAUSAGE + PASTA IN GARLIC WINE SAUCE $4.7941398 CILANTRO LINE SHRIMP $9.9917193 AHI WASABI POKE $21.9919957 ASIAN WRAP W/ ROTISSERIE CHICKEN AND DRESSING $4.9940254 SALMON MILANO WITH BASIL PESTO BUTTER $11.9947500 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE ABF ROASTED TURKEY BREAST PRICE PER POUND $4.29914657 BISTRO 28 ORGANIC CRANBERRY SAUCE 36 OZ $7.991363775 VIN’S TURKEY GRAVY 2/290OZ $8.99577943 MAIN STREET BISTRO SCALLOPED POTATOES 40 OZ $6.9914479 VICKY’S KITCHEN ABF STUFFED TURKEY PRICE PER POUND $5.99
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43217 CUISINE SOLUTIONS SLICED GRASS FED BEER PRICE PER POUND $8.99901082 MAIN STREET BISTRO YUKON GOLD MASHED POTATOES 2/32 OZ $7.9947096 RUPRECHT BEEF CHATEAUBRIAND PRICE PER POUND $18.9936709 MORTON’S OF OMAHA BEEF POT ROAST W/GRAVY PRICE PER POUND $5.9919372 A LA CARTE SESAME SOY BEEF SHORT RIBS PER LB $11.5926728 VENTERA PORK SCHNITZEL PRICE PER POUND $5.691423137 MISSION HILL BISTRO SHAVED BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH BACON 2/120Z $12.8933313 KASIA‘’S POTATO CHEESE PIEROGI 3/14 OZ $9.991492765 JOHN HOWIE THAI CURRY SOUP 2/240Z $9.9915277 SHENSON’S USDA CHOICE CORNED BEEF KOUND PRICE PER POUND $4.791370078 MAYA KAIMAL CHICKPEA COCONUT KALE SOUP 2/24 OZ $9.9916677 MISSION HILL BISTRO BRISKET BURNT-ENDS W/SAUCE PRICE PER LB $11.99
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41889 MORTON’S OF OMAHA STEAKHOUSE TRI-TIP PRICE PER POUND $6.5917513 TAFFER’S TAVERN BEEF SHANK PRICE PER POUND $7.39993207 CEDARLANE ORGANIG VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP 2/32 OZ $8.9935398 BILL BAILEY’S CARNE ASADA PRICE PER POUND $10.49585581 HARRY’S ORGANIC TOMATO BASIL SOUP 2/30 OZ $9.99748273 IVAR’S CLAM CHOWDER 2/24 OZ $9.79922310 IVAR’S LOADED POTATO SOUP 2/24 OZ $7.99
I think I gained weight just reading this post — lots of calories coming out of Washington, 1/2 gallon 40% heavy whipped cream! Loved this post, thanks.
Your comment:
“I will say that everyone including the border guards were extremely nice during this process. I even had one person come up to me and tell me how nice it was to see Canadian license plates in the parking lot again.”
I have to say that it is nice that you had a great experience — I heard about so many negative interactions in Washington, pre-Covid that I really didn’t want to go there. Maybe the good folks of Washington realized how much money Canadians bring into their economy!
this was an unexpected but VERY welcome post – we are dying to go to Bellingham and Washington for various reasons which included filling our cheese coffers – appreciate all you do especially the details about the testing and border situation, i think we’ll wait until no testing required even if means a longer wait – thank you
Thank you for this excellent info about travelling to the States,much appreciated.
I was wondering if you just went for a day trip and if so are they not bothering with amounts you are brining back? We used to buy up to 200.00 in goods for day trip and not had problems. I also have a few hundred dollars of parcels sitting at Mailboxes Intl. Just wondering if they seem to be more lax about your duty free limits and allowing you to bring back more then in the past because of Covid? Unfortunately even though I am dying to go to Bellingham I will have to wait til the testing to return to Canada is not required hoping that is soon.
Thank you again for all your hard work really helps many of us!
Her brother works the borders and they’re sending people in to do the calculations even with lower amounts than before because the traffic is so light on the non-commercial side.
They’re concerned about their jobs too, so please be understanding.
I have been following your posts for 10+ years now going back to your days at RFD. For me this is definitely one of your best posts ever !! Thank you so much for all your time and effort!! It is definitely nice to see what is going on down at Bellingham Costco. Next week will mark exactly 2 years for me since my last trip there. A lot of the products I was buying at Bellingham Costco before the border closure are still there it seems (yay!) and there also seems to be a lot of new interesting products that have caught my eye for the future.
I am familiar with a lot of the products on this page and the prices for them have increased a bit since I was last down there 2 years ago. So overall the prices do look a bit higher than before just as they are higher here in Canada as well. Inflation is ever present on both sides of the border right now.
Bottom line is you have to know your prices. Some products (even with the exchange rate) are STILL cheaper than back in Canada but obviously there are many that are not. I always tend to make a trip down just to get products that are NOT available in Canada and that list in itself is always quite long.
So, thank you for this posting of all the items that are not available up here and look forward to parts 2 and 3 !!
Yes it is free…however with any test you take anywhere (even if you pay) their is NO guarantee your test results will come back before your 72 hour window is up.
Many friends and relatives have run into this time and time again. Very incredibly frustrating.
You get stuck in the states waiting for the stupid test results to get back. Do not dare plan a trip to the states or Canada on any holiday of any kind! They bookings are always filled up and if you are lucky enough to get a booking, take the stupid test, then wait for your results, and then they Do Not Come Back till after 72 hours.
hooray now you missed your flight, or have to figure out where to stay in the states till you can rebook another test. If you go on a off day(non holiday) you most likely will get your test results on time.
Also if their is a surge in covid cases in the town your visiting all the locals are getting tested as well and they get priority. Which puts you back further.
So moral of the story is DO NOT go visit during any U.S or Canadian holiday and make sure their is no outbreaks if you are going down.
They need to scrap this PCR test or give ppl kits at the border to take at home or something. Because the process is complicated and a real drag. Turns a day trip into a stress trip.
Hmm. The ArriveCanada app needs a lot of information. From their website we need to provide them the following quarantine plan:
For your quarantine plan, questions include:
whether you have accommodation where you can quarantine for 14 days or possibly longer
the address of your quarantine location (the place where you’ll quarantine for 14 days. If you’re fully vaccinated, this is the place you could go if you develop symptoms or test positive)
If you are arriving by marine vessel, include the address where the vessel will be moored.
whether you can avoid all contact with other people who didn’t travel with you while in your place of quarantine
whether you’ll have access to basic necessities of life, including water, food, medication and heat, without leaving quarantine
if there are people at increased risk from COVID-19 at that place who:
are 65 years or older (unless you are fully vaccinated)
have underlying medical conditions
have compromised immune systems
if there are any people at that place who work or assist in a facility, home or workplace that includes people at increased risk from COVID-19
whether it’s a group living environment or houses multiple families, such as:
group residence
care facilities
living with roommates you can’t avoid who didn’t travel with you
Most of the items you posted are very familiar. I believe the Schnitzel is also available in Canada too.
I have read reports of free covid accepted tests in Washington State but none of these claims have been verified (despite being reported by the media). Once the word gets out (it already has) you can expect results to take longer than a few hours. I also don’t expect them to be free (if they in fact are) given the demand.
I was told both Walgreens and CVS have their PCR tests sent to Seattle for processing and the current turnaround time is about 72 hours.
Bottom line, expect the worst if you aren’t pre-screened in with a negative covid result.
As far as the process is concerned, I think it would be helpful if you described in created detail how the Arrive Canada app works and how you enter the information.
Hi Erica, the closest free tests I could find were in Rexall in Kent, WA or Bellevue, WA, but you need to book these in advance. Bellevue only has appointment for next Friday. You can choose the NAAT test (called ID NOW at Rexall) which are accepted by Canada upon your return. These tests are free and funded by the US Government and when I tried to book, I did not have to misrepresent any of my answers to qualify for a test.
The ArriveCAN app asks you a series of questions about your travels and your preparation if you get sick upon your arrival. You can download the app and make a test entry as long as you choose a date within 72 hours. Once your entry is in the system you have the option to delete that entry immediately.
While I don’t mind making a post about the testing process, I’m reluctant to write a guide about the ArriveCAN app as these answers are personal and I don’t want anyone using this guide to misrepresent their answers to the Canada Border Services Agency.
I’ve done it before and wouldn’t recommend it for a same-day trip. It’s an extra 2 to 2.5 hours to get to Bellevue or Kent from Bellingham, so we’re talking about 4.5 to 5 hours extra round-trip. While I managed to receive the NAAT test result on the same day, I’ve read online postings that it sometimes takes over 24 hours for turnaround, so this could be a huge risk if you don’t plan for any overnight accommodation in WA.
Great post! My partner and I were there on Wednesday and it was so great to see the incredible variety of products. I was disappointed not to see the big bags of Mooncheese, however. Can’t wait until we are free to visit the US without the testing. Looking forward to your other two US posts.
Hmmm, prices didn’t look great considering it was U.S.$. I always get the Kirkland Pecorino Romano cheese there. Wish we had that here! Also, the BEECHER’S WORLD’S BEST MAC & CHEESE is yummy for sure. I sure wouldn’t do the trip you did with the testing, but glad you got your packages and thanks for the peak at the store there.
I think I gained weight just reading this post — lots of calories coming out of Washington, 1/2 gallon 40% heavy whipped cream! Loved this post, thanks.
Your comment:
“I will say that everyone including the border guards were extremely nice during this process. I even had one person come up to me and tell me how nice it was to see Canadian license plates in the parking lot again.”
I have to say that it is nice that you had a great experience — I heard about so many negative interactions in Washington, pre-Covid that I really didn’t want to go there. Maybe the good folks of Washington realized how much money Canadians bring into their economy!
this was an unexpected but VERY welcome post – we are dying to go to Bellingham and Washington for various reasons which included filling our cheese coffers – appreciate all you do especially the details about the testing and border situation, i think we’ll wait until no testing required even if means a longer wait – thank you
Thank you for this excellent info about travelling to the States,much appreciated.
I was wondering if you just went for a day trip and if so are they not bothering with amounts you are brining back? We used to buy up to 200.00 in goods for day trip and not had problems. I also have a few hundred dollars of parcels sitting at Mailboxes Intl. Just wondering if they seem to be more lax about your duty free limits and allowing you to bring back more then in the past because of Covid? Unfortunately even though I am dying to go to Bellingham I will have to wait til the testing to return to Canada is not required hoping that is soon.
Thank you again for all your hard work really helps many of us!
I asked my co-worker this exact same question.
Her brother works the borders and they’re sending people in to do the calculations even with lower amounts than before because the traffic is so light on the non-commercial side.
They’re concerned about their jobs too, so please be understanding.
I have been following your posts for 10+ years now going back to your days at RFD. For me this is definitely one of your best posts ever !! Thank you so much for all your time and effort!! It is definitely nice to see what is going on down at Bellingham Costco. Next week will mark exactly 2 years for me since my last trip there. A lot of the products I was buying at Bellingham Costco before the border closure are still there it seems (yay!) and there also seems to be a lot of new interesting products that have caught my eye for the future.
I am familiar with a lot of the products on this page and the prices for them have increased a bit since I was last down there 2 years ago. So overall the prices do look a bit higher than before just as they are higher here in Canada as well. Inflation is ever present on both sides of the border right now.
Bottom line is you have to know your prices. Some products (even with the exchange rate) are STILL cheaper than back in Canada but obviously there are many that are not. I always tend to make a trip down just to get products that are NOT available in Canada and that list in itself is always quite long.
So, thank you for this posting of all the items that are not available up here and look forward to parts 2 and 3 !!
I really appreciate that you took the time and gave us a detailed explanation of your pre USA trip.
Thank you : )
Yes it is free…however with any test you take anywhere (even if you pay) their is NO guarantee your test results will come back before your 72 hour window is up.
Many friends and relatives have run into this time and time again. Very incredibly frustrating.
You get stuck in the states waiting for the stupid test results to get back. Do not dare plan a trip to the states or Canada on any holiday of any kind! They bookings are always filled up and if you are lucky enough to get a booking, take the stupid test, then wait for your results, and then they Do Not Come Back till after 72 hours.
hooray now you missed your flight, or have to figure out where to stay in the states till you can rebook another test. If you go on a off day(non holiday) you most likely will get your test results on time.
Also if their is a surge in covid cases in the town your visiting all the locals are getting tested as well and they get priority. Which puts you back further.
So moral of the story is DO NOT go visit during any U.S or Canadian holiday and make sure their is no outbreaks if you are going down.
They need to scrap this PCR test or give ppl kits at the border to take at home or something. Because the process is complicated and a real drag. Turns a day trip into a stress trip.
Hmm. The ArriveCanada app needs a lot of information. From their website we need to provide them the following quarantine plan:
For your quarantine plan, questions include:
whether you have accommodation where you can quarantine for 14 days or possibly longer
the address of your quarantine location (the place where you’ll quarantine for 14 days. If you’re fully vaccinated, this is the place you could go if you develop symptoms or test positive)
If you are arriving by marine vessel, include the address where the vessel will be moored.
whether you can avoid all contact with other people who didn’t travel with you while in your place of quarantine
whether you’ll have access to basic necessities of life, including water, food, medication and heat, without leaving quarantine
if there are people at increased risk from COVID-19 at that place who:
are 65 years or older (unless you are fully vaccinated)
have underlying medical conditions
have compromised immune systems
if there are any people at that place who work or assist in a facility, home or workplace that includes people at increased risk from COVID-19
whether it’s a group living environment or houses multiple families, such as:
group residence
care facilities
living with roommates you can’t avoid who didn’t travel with you
Most of the items you posted are very familiar. I believe the Schnitzel is also available in Canada too.
I have read reports of free covid accepted tests in Washington State but none of these claims have been verified (despite being reported by the media). Once the word gets out (it already has) you can expect results to take longer than a few hours. I also don’t expect them to be free (if they in fact are) given the demand.
I was told both Walgreens and CVS have their PCR tests sent to Seattle for processing and the current turnaround time is about 72 hours.
Bottom line, expect the worst if you aren’t pre-screened in with a negative covid result.
As far as the process is concerned, I think it would be helpful if you described in created detail how the Arrive Canada app works and how you enter the information.
Hi Erica, the closest free tests I could find were in Rexall in Kent, WA or Bellevue, WA, but you need to book these in advance. Bellevue only has appointment for next Friday. You can choose the NAAT test (called ID NOW at Rexall) which are accepted by Canada upon your return. These tests are free and funded by the US Government and when I tried to book, I did not have to misrepresent any of my answers to qualify for a test.
The ArriveCAN app asks you a series of questions about your travels and your preparation if you get sick upon your arrival. You can download the app and make a test entry as long as you choose a date within 72 hours. Once your entry is in the system you have the option to delete that entry immediately.
While I don’t mind making a post about the testing process, I’m reluctant to write a guide about the ArriveCAN app as these answers are personal and I don’t want anyone using this guide to misrepresent their answers to the Canada Border Services Agency.
I’ve done it before and wouldn’t recommend it for a same-day trip. It’s an extra 2 to 2.5 hours to get to Bellevue or Kent from Bellingham, so we’re talking about 4.5 to 5 hours extra round-trip. While I managed to receive the NAAT test result on the same day, I’ve read online postings that it sometimes takes over 24 hours for turnaround, so this could be a huge risk if you don’t plan for any overnight accommodation in WA.
Thanks so much for the thorough documentation on the testing and documents required to go down and back for a trip!
Lots of exciting products that we don’t get up here.
Glad you were able to liberate all your packages!
Curious if anyone has tried to get the free Covid test at Walgreens?
Also, agree with above comment that prices seem high.
Great post! My partner and I were there on Wednesday and it was so great to see the incredible variety of products. I was disappointed not to see the big bags of Mooncheese, however. Can’t wait until we are free to visit the US without the testing. Looking forward to your other two US posts.
Hmmm, prices didn’t look great considering it was U.S.$. I always get the Kirkland Pecorino Romano cheese there. Wish we had that here! Also, the BEECHER’S WORLD’S BEST MAC & CHEESE is yummy for sure. I sure wouldn’t do the trip you did with the testing, but glad you got your packages and thanks for the peak at the store there.