Just jumping off your post to say ... He's obviously not stupid, and with all the recent publicity surrounding border angst, I think it highly unlikely that he would attempt to cross at any legal crossing, and I'm inclined to think he's looking for an unmanned, remote route.
Regardless, Canadian border guards will be very aware of the case and the possibilities, and will be hypervigilant with their inspections.
JMO
I'm not sure what he thinks going into Canada would do for him. Does he think the authorities won't search for him there if he leaves the US? Assuming he's still alive, I wonder what his game plan is.