The August long weekend is almost upon us, with many Canadians looking to get a bit of travelling in, including to the United States.

Plan ahead that is really the easiest way the Canada Border Services Agency says how you can ease your weekend travel woes.

Wait times at border crossings are posted online giving you options to shop around for where you want to cross.

Travellers are advised to cross at non peak times like early in the morning, as well avoid crossing Monday as best as you can as that day tends to be the busiest of the weekend.

Having your travel documents ready will also speed the process up, which includes a consent letter authorizing children to travel with you if they share custody or you are not the legal guardian.

Cannabis is a definite no-go, while some states may have legalized it to an extent, borders are federal jurisdiction, which it remains illegal.

Know your exemption limits and be prepared to declare anything you purchased during the trip or online and are picking up at a border store, the CBSA has a duty and taxes estimator that will help calculate what you will owe.

If you intend to travel by water, remember to review the requirements for private boaters before heading out on the water, all visitors and returning Canadians entering by boat must report to the CBSA without delay.

The best advice the agency has for travellers is to just ask them for assistance.