Cross border shopping: Vancouver, Bellingham , Tulalip, Seattle outlets

As of June 1, 2009 Canadians need a passport, nexus card or enhanced driver's licence plus birth certificate to cross the border into the U.S.

Vancouver area shoppers can save big on certain items by shopping at Bellis Fair in Bellingham or the Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip. Outlet stores in Tulalip (just north of Everett, WA) include Adidas, Aeropostale, Banana Republic, BCBG, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer, Fossil, GAP, Guess, Jockey, Lucky Brand, NIKE, PacSun, Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware and Tommy Hilfiger.

---

To book your stay online at the luxurious Tulalip Resort Casino Hotel, visit

for the best rates.

---

Canadian residents who have been out of Canada for 24-47 hours can claim $50 in purchases at Canada Customs without duty or taxes; more than 48 hours but less than 7 days, $400 ; and 7 days or more, $750 . If the value of the declaration exceeds the personal exemption, you must pay duty on the remaining value.

If you're looking for a hotel in the area, check out the deals in Everett, Lynnwood or Seattle or use Priceline.com to bid on a hotel room in the general area. You can also find some great hotel deals in the area using the now discounted Entertainment 2009 Vancouver or Seattle Coupon Book. Get more info at Seattle-Deals.blogspot.com

If you prefer to avoid border lineups, online stores that ship to Canada include JC Penney, Lands End, Altrec and Bare Necessities. You can access their websites from here or here.