Traveling into Canada from US

[Capebuild]

We're planning on traveling into Canada from the US. Thought I'd check with the group and ask if there's any issues we should be aware of as far as crossing the border and travelling in Canada while towing our teardrop.
Thanks.

John

[RJ Howell]

Back to pre-Covid status. I've been back a few times since reopening the border.

If you've never been, then do check the regulations. Food, alcohol, tobacco are limited and firearms by special permit. Don't forget your passport!

Where you headed? Maritimes? Were headed to NF by way of Labrador in late July (if the windows for my camper are here..)

[Woodbutcher]

We traveled up to Banff NP after leaving Glacier NP last July. At that time, they required you to pre register on an app called ArriveCan. I don't think we need to do that anymore, but it's worth checking into. The agent at the border, couldn't have been any nastier. But she asked us what we had in the cooler and what we had for alcohol . They never looked inside anything but they did have us roll down all the windows. Other then being a very poor Ambassador for Canada it was pretty simple. They never asked about medication. Have fun and bring lots of money, for food, Ice and gas as it will surprise you.

[swoody126]

We traveled up to Banff NP after leaving Glacier NP last July. At that time, they required you to pre register on an app called ArriveCan. I don't think we need to do that anymore, but it's worth checking into. The agent at the border, couldn't have been any nastier. But she asked us what we had in the cooler and what we had for alcohol . They never looked inside anything but they did have us roll down all the windows. Other then being a very poor Ambassador for Canada it was pretty simple. They never asked about medication. Have fun and bring lots of money, for food, Ice and gas as it will surprise you.

Woodbutcher, back when we were still traveling w/ another couple in a 4-door pick up we pulled a cargo trailer for our stuff as well as for the plunder we accumulated while traveling

kinda same scenario ...

we went in @ Detoilet and exited @ Niagra Falls

we were directed to a side area upon entry and told to SIT in a bench beside the truck n trailer

1 by 1 they separated us and asked many questions ... why guns why knives why how long why ...

after answering all their questions politely i even offered up my keys and gave them full permission to search as they saw fit(they refused the offer)

well over an hour later we were simply told we could go on

the open hostility we experienced will not soon be forgotten

re-entry to the US was a breeze

i wonder if the Texas plates on my pick up had anything to do with it ?

they took our money up there butt RARELY w/ a THANK YOU

on a subsequent trip driving a big rig i was greeted at the Detoilet point of entry by name

i asked if the agent wanted to see my pass port and she told me she already had it up on her screen(it was still in my pocket) and to have a safe trip

upon approaching the same point of entry to exit Canada i was simply waved thru

GO FIGG'R

sw

[gudmund]

just the opposite here - have never had any real problem heading into Canada (many-many-many times being I live so close) and yes 'security' has tightened up since 911 = in both directions....Canada has always been 'just the general question's being asked' with maybe a fruit check or I should say 'egg' check. = a few years back when we were having the chicken flu thing here in the states - I did have to give up the eggs I had 'just' bought at the W-M about 20 miles behind me .... my 'major' problems have always been when coming back home into the states = two in particular at the same crossing come to mind - 30years apart.. first time age 19 - 1973 - about a week before going in the military = I was directed to the side of the parking lot and my car was emptied during a search - after that, I did not cross again there for 30 years = till 2003, that time it was 'Mr.Hoefer we are going to be do a "random search" of your vehicle and was directed into a side building, than I was escorted from my vehicle into the 'locked' waiting room while they had a look see. The border officer escorting me had a good laugh over the whole ordeal after I told him it had been 30 years since my last crossing there to which he than asked "what do you for a living?' my answer really made him again start laughing even harder = answer - Prison Corrections Officer with the State of Washington. His come-back was "Oh well, since we already have you here, I guess we'll just finish what we started" I answered "No problem" The difference this time was they put everything back into the car when they were done 'nicer' than what it had been - in 1973 = I had to reload everything back into the car to include even re-installing the back seat.............

[Woodbutcher]

We traveled up to Banff NP after leaving Glacier NP last July. At that time, they required you to pre register on an app called ArriveCan. I don't think we need to do that anymore, but it's worth checking into. The agent at the border, couldn't have been any nastier. But she asked us what we had in the cooler and what we had for alcohol . They never looked inside anything but they did have us roll down all the windows. Other then being a very poor Ambassador for Canada it was pretty simple. They never asked about medication. Have fun and bring lots of money, for food, Ice and gas as it will surprise you.

Woodbutcher, back when we were still traveling w/ another couple in a 4-door pick up we pulled a cargo trailer for our stuff as well as for the plunder we accumulated while traveling

kinda same scenario ...

we went in @ Detoilet and exited @ Niagra Falls

we were directed to a side area upon entry and told to SIT in a bench beside the truck n trailer

1 by 1 they separated us and asked many questions ... why guns why knives why how long why ...

after answering all their questions politely i even offered up my keys and gave them full permission to search as they saw fit(they refused the offer)

well over an hour later we were simply told we could go on

the open hostility we experienced will not soon be forgotten

re-entry to the US was a breeze

i wonder if the Texas plates on my pick up had anything to do with it ?

they took our money up there butt RARELY w/ a THANK YOU

on a subsequent trip driving a big rig i was greeted at the Detoilet point of entry by name

i asked if the agent wanted to see my pass port and she told me she already had it up on her screen(it was still in my pocket) and to have a safe trip

upon approaching the same point of entry to exit Canada i was simply waved thru

GO FIGG'R

sw

A few years ago we crossed into Canada from near Grand Marais MN. That is where we left our trailers and day tripped up to Kakabecca Falls. Worth the trip. We were in 2 vehicles. My Jeep had 4 passengers only and 2 of our buddies were in a pickup with TEXAS plates behind me. We we all over 65 with the 2 guys in the truck in their 70's. Not a very sinister group. They asked me the usual question, and asked where we were coming and going to. When I replied, the Lady border agent challenged me because I pronounced Kakabecca Falls correctly but not Grand Marais. She let us go. The two Texan were detained for 45 minutes while they investigated them. The funny part was those two Texans both had FBI security clearances on them because of their jobs years before . You never know what will trigger the Canadians.

[Greg M]

My last job, we did a bunch of camera work for CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) and I got to know a number of border agents. The complaint they all had in common was the number of Americans who don’t respect our gun laws and try to bring their guns across the border. From young guys to little old ladies, there’s a constant flow of people trying to slip their weapons in because it’s “their right” and the agents simply don’t trust anyone not to lie to them. It’s tough for them to remain polite and/or friendly in those circumstances.

[QueticoBill]

living a few miles from border and frequently crossing into Canada, I've never have been searched or even questioned much besides asking if we had guns, alcohol, etc. Always found Canadian border agents very pleasant.

[Tom&Shelly]

living a few miles from border and frequently crossing into Canada, I've never have been searched or even questioned much besides asking if we had guns, alcohol, etc. Always found Canadian border agents very pleasant.

That's been our experience too. We went to Canada twice last year, once from Lubec Maine to Campobello NB, and then later from near Clayton NY to Ontario. Both times the Canadian border agents were very professional.

I've related this elsewhere on the forum, but when we crossed to Ontario, the agent, who saw our teardrop, of course, asked our destination (Alqonquin Provincial Park), and asked about firearms.

"None."

She then asked, "What about bear spray?"

"Never use it," Shelly quickly replied. I explained that, while Algonquin is a remote area, we planned to be at a large campsite on the 60 corridor and (with a smile) that we figured as long as we could run faster than anyone else, we'd be safe. The border agent laughed and let us on our way.

A few miles...er, kilometers down the road, Shelly turned and asked me "Why did she ask about hair spray?"

I don't recall our meeting with the US border agent coming back (near Ogdensburg NY) so it must have been uneventful. When we crossed back into Lubec earlier in the Summer, I was fumbling with our COVID vaccination cards and the US agent said to never mind. He worked at Logan airport in Boston and "those *&%# cards were all over the floors there". He didn't seem to be a big fan of the rules of the past few years.

In my younger days, while at our Air Force cadet summer field training in Plattsburgh NY, a bunch of us spent a weekend in Montreal. We bought a case of Brador beer (6.2%), and on our return had about half of it in our trunk. Most of us were at least half asleep when the driver pulled up to US customs. The agent asked if we were bringing anything back into the US, at which point the driver said "just souvenirs".

After we drove on, the guy riding shotgun said, "you didn't mention the Brador," at which point the rest of us chimed in "souvenirs!"

Anyway, no serious problems crossing from the US to Canada or back. Not at all like the time I came back to the US from Great Britain carrying more than $10,000 in cash. But that's a different story entirely!

Tom

[RJ Howell]

Is there anything different crossing in a teardrop? Not that I see or experiences said. Back to pre-covid status and loving going back.

Now with that said.. Baja and how often I was pulled side to 'search' the truck camper.. That ended up being the surprise of something so different they just wanted to see it! After the third time, I just got out and proceeded with the tour. I've only crossed twice now with the F150 build and yet to be pulled a side.. guess they've seen more unique rigs than Baja has. LOL

Safe travels!

[TimC]

When I was a kid we frequently crossed at Port Huron/Sarnia and back in at Niagara Falls and vice versa on the way back home. On one trip my dad forgot the dog's vaccination paperwork. We were on the Port Huron side and the border agents we were dealing with wouldn't let the dog through. To make matters worse the dog was not allowed back into Port Huron to seek a Vet to give the pooch his shots. We had a dog without a country for a few hours. The result was a very expensive "border call" for a local vet. My dad never forgot the dog's papers again.

Otherwise I've experienced friendly but professional interactions with all border agents. I've crossed quite a few times through the Soo with my non-registered teardrop and the only questions concerning the camper were about whether I built it or not. Wisconsin doesn't require registration and I've never been questioned by the authorities about it while in IL, MN, MI, IN or Ontario.

[mtbikernate]

I'm planning my own trip to Fundy National Park the first week of September. I've traveled internationally a decent bit (did a fun Europe trip last summer and crossed international borders by plane, train, and bicycle), but have never driven to Canada. Which is funny because I'm a dual citizen. That will add an interesting wrinkle to my border crossings, as I have to bring both of my passports (I'm required to use my US one on the US side and my Canada one on the Canada side).

Being that I'm driving up from NC and stopping a couple places on the way, I'm going to be planning my food so that most of it is eaten before I cross the border, and then stop to stock up again on the Canada side. Likewise when returning home, crossing the border with minimal food (and only processed things like breads/pastries and such at that).

I've been spending time reading the restrictions on food and have just decided it's simpler to just not attempt crossing the border with any fresh fruit/veg, meat, or eggs in my fridge because it gets complicated fast about what's acceptable and what's not and I'd rather not invite extra scrutiny on that stuff.

I probably won't bring any alcohol TO canada, but there's a brewery in Alma, NB and I think I will probably bring something home. US rules aren't a real problem. Duty free quantities aren't very high, but it seems like the taxes and duties won't be a huge problem.

I'm going to have a folder in the pickup truck with the most likely required paperwork in it: vaccine records for the dog, passports, vehicle registrations & insurance (I have verified with my vehicle insurance company that my plan covers me in Canada). I'm also going to have a paper copy of the dog's general vet records on hand as well as his "papers" showing his microchip id, proof that he's always been ours, etc in case of some wild emergency, but those aren't for the border agents.

I was looking up the rules on bear spray, and according to the official Canadian gov't websites I looked at, it is now acceptable to have AS LONG AS it's clearly labeled as being only for bears and not for self defense against people. My own bear spray is expired because I never use it, so it's getting relegated for "practice" use. And it seems like bears are less[i][/i] of an issue where we're going in Canada than where we live now, so I don't think we need to acquire fresh cans of bear spray before we go.

I don't travel with guns, so thankfully that won't be an issue. However it does sound like prejudice and prior experience with Americans attempting to bring guns might color the crossing. This is one instance where having a Canadian passport might be really handy. I just might get the "Canadian returning home" response instead, whatever that is. But then again, having a US address and US vehicle registration and whatnot might generate its own set of questions.

I'm not too worried about the camper itself. I'm doing a bunch of inspecting/maintenance on my tires, suspension, and brakes since this is a long trip and I've had this trailer for several years now, so certain maintenance jobs are due anyway. I also keep the camper itself relatively organized (at least, my stuff has bins/containers so it's not just sliding around in there), so if they want to get inside and look at stuff, it's not like it'll be too difficult to put back in order.

Biggest thing I have seen recommended is to make sure when you roll up to the crossing that you roll all your windows down and have removed any sunglasses. They want to see your eyes. They also want to make sure your dog (if you have one with you) appears healthy and is being transported safely and isn't climbing all over the driver.

[RJ Howell]

[quote="mtbikernate"]I'm planning my own trip to Fundy National Park the first week of September.

Be sure to check out the Fundy Trail Parkway! Just opened up! I hope to see it on our return.

I probably won't bring any alcohol TO canada,

With costs as they are.. I'd rethink that.. I always bring a bottle of rum and a case of beer..

You seem well researched! Enjoy the run into NB!

[gudmund]

as far as having a teardrop in tow - I have found it best to have the whole trailer "unlocked" before even getting in-line for the border-cross check = they always want you to stay in the vehicle when they are doing a 'look see' -so- if your rear hatch has some different way of 'opening/closing' = let them know ahead of time (I have had some issues with trying to explain how mine closes after being opened)
and than 'if or when' one of them ever asks that "one last ?question?" before you leave ....like "why are carrying so much stuff in the back?" = the answer I used seemed to work just fine.... = ""cause I've been camping!"" his comeback to that, -'laughing'- was = 'get out of here' ..............more times than not - they never even take 'a look-see'......

[mtbikernate]

Be sure to check out the Fundy Trail Parkway! Just opened up! I hope to see it on our return.

It's on my list. Probably going to check it out on our way back to Fundy from St. Andrews after our whale watching tour.

With costs as they are.. I'd rethink that.. I always bring a bottle of rum and a case of beer..

You seem well researched! Enjoy the run into NB!

I'm don't drink all that much, and for me the novelty of drinking local beer is more important than the price of it. And I'm absolutely bringing some home for sharing. That's nonnegotiable. I almost exclusively buy craft beer and am no stranger to spending $10 on a single bottle at my local bottle shop. I really like big, complex, and aged beers that just cost more to make, hence the higher cost to buy. Plus, I live in a city that has the highest number of breweries per capita in the US (and where most of them are concentrated in a very small part of town). New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, and Oskar Blues all have their east coast brewing operations here (and those are just the biggest ones). So new stuff that I can't get at home carries a high value to me.

I do try to make sure that I'm at least aware of the possibilities/options/contingencies, even if I can't actively plan for/address all of them beforehand. At least so I'm not surprised. Last summer's Europe trip had a very real potential to be an absolute cluster. My wife and I signed up for an organized tour group because a couple of our friends did and wanted us to go with them (we had been saving for some kind of trip for years, so we could afford to just sign up like that). 3 months prior to the trip, the organized group cancelled it. Our friends had never been to Europe before and were not very experienced with going outside the US, so they were super intimidated by planning it all themselves (which is why they wanted to do an organized tour). But after it all fell apart, my wife and I jumped in and planned out a rough 2 week 3 country trip in a couple of hours. It took us longer to work out details, but that trip ended up being a huge success. Good mix of planned out activities and making decisions on the fly. The only real hiccup happened when the French border control agent at the train station in London didn't stamp my Canadian passport, which I was honestly just using at the time because I could and I wanted a stamp in it. So when we were trying to leave Amsterdam, I got held up by Dutch agents inquiring about how TF I got into the EU (so I had to show my tickets showing how I got into the EU). And then when I mentioned flying from the US to the UK first, they wanted to know why I didn't have those stamps, so I had to show my US passport that showed my entry to the UK, and then I got questioned about why I have 2 passports. The Dutch agent was actually really nice (and kinda hot) and was honestly giving me a good-humored hard time by the time the dual citizenship thing came up.

Navigating the train station in Brussels when it was time for our next destination (which was in French and organized VERY differently than the train stations in London) was hard, though. But knowing how it's organized now, I wouldn't have any trouble with it in spite of not knowing French.