Canada border!

[Bugga]

Good afternoon all,

I am truly a newbie to this forum but I have learned a ton from reading the posts. Enlight of what’s happening between America and Canada (please no politics) border policies, what can I expect crossing the border into Canada via Alaska? There is ONLY one checkpoint. I have nothing to hide and I will declare all valuables, food, etc. I am really nervous for my 82 year old mom and my daughter. They can do what they wish, I am just trying to get to the lower 48 and spend some money, at the same time, visiting Canada. I moved up here during Covid and it was HORRIBLE! I, we, did everything possible to meet Canadian requirements and I still felt like we did something wrong. Any and all insights are welcome. I have read and researched all of Canada’s government websites…. All documents are accounted for. please pass on the info for future RV’ers and I will share my experience as well. Thank you and God Bless!’

 

[UTTransplant]

Going into Canada isn’t a big deal most of the time. We had more trouble getting back into the US than going into Canada. Each time we entered the US we got the motorhome inspected. It was totally in their right, so no need to get upset. Just plan on a border crossing taking more time than if you just drove through the border control station. Just have your passports ready, make sure you have followed all the rules on fruits, vegetables, meat, and liquor, and just be nice. Oh, and that works for crossing back into the US too.

 

[DonTom]

Going into Canada isn’t a big deal most of the time. We had more trouble getting back into the US than going into Canada. Each time we entered the US we got the motorhome inspected.

Same here. I see nothing has changed much in ten years.

Going into Canada, expect them to ask the purpose of your visit (they want to hear you want to spend a lot of money in Canada) and a few questions about guns, such if you own any. I told them more than 200 which was true at the time, between us. Just a few more questions such as when the last time we had a gun in the RV.

They will ask if you have a passport, even back then. I told them mine was in the hidden safe in the rear, and I would need to go get it--he never wanted to see it and just let me through. But I really did have it. Not once was it searched on the way into Canada.

We never made it back into the USA from Canada without my vehicle being searched. I always assumed it has something to do with being two guys (Tom & me) which is a little out of the ordinary.

We always had to get out and as they bring to dogs in to do their drug search. Then they run us both on their computer. Then they see things such as our jobs and my security clearances and then they start to treat us a lot more friendly.

However, they found an orange in the motorhome that was not declared. It rolled out of a sack to under a seat so we had no idea it was there. They made a real big deal out of that, even though the orange was a Sunkist from the USA purchased on the way up. That made no difference.

BTW, we got home from out last trip from Canada on 10, September 2001. And woke up to the big shocking news.

And we originally planned to stay up in Canada for a few more days , but Tom decided it was time to head home after a couple of weeks up there.

I cannot remember how long we would have been stuck in Canada if we did stay a few more days up there.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[RayIN]

Have a safe trip! I wouldn't worry about border crossing if you adhere to the rules of both countries. The main thing is, answer all questions truthfully.

 

[TonyL]

Have a safe trip! I wouldn't worry about border crossing if you adhere to the rules of both countries. The main thing is, answer all questions truthfully.

And politely. At the end of the day, the border officers are ordinary human beings doing a very important duty.

 

[Oldgator73]

We might be crossing the border on our trip to the NW this summer. I have a current passport but since I obtained it I have grown a beard. Will the difference in appearance cause a problem at the border?

 

[Wasillaguy]

I moved up here during Covid and it was HORRIBLE! I, we, did everything possible to meet Canadian requirements and I still felt like we did something wrong.

I agree, the Canada border was **** during the pandemic. They wouldn't let travelers through to/from Alaska unless you were heading to your primary residence or a job. We had to find jobs last minute in the lower 48. Showed up at the border with a letter from the employer stating that we were traveling for employment, but the Canada border guard questioned the authenticity of the letter as the employer was my sister. She was also upset that we pulled up without masks on.
After taking our tazer, she let us through on the condition we not spend more than 6 days in their wonderful country (which was just fine by us), and that we stay in vehicle except for necessities like food and pumping gas.
I look forward to the day we can drive into Canada unimpeded.

 

[Oldgator73]

I look forward to the day we can drive into Canada unimpeded, like we do into any other state.

That’s funny! Did you come up with that all by yourself?

 

[SargeW]

My advice: don't try to joke with the border guard, answer all questions using as many words as necessary and as few as possible. Do not provide any information that they don't ask for. They don't want to be your friend, they are just doing their job.

My first time through with my motorhome at the time in 2012 the agent grilled me because I had crossed the same border the day before. He thought I was up to something nefarious and wanted to know exactly what I had did the day before. I honestly answered that I crossed to buy a Canadian air card for my internet usage, and to get some Canadian money (which was totally useless and unneeded).

His next question was "why not just do it when you cross the border now?" I looked directly at him with a straight face and replied "my RV and tow vehicle hooked up is nearly 60' long. I seriously doubt that I would have found a parking space anywhere in town to park the rig and go shopping". He had kind of a "Duh" look on his face and turned and walked off without saying a word.

 

[Wasillaguy]

Oh my, we can't be assigning identities based on an article of clothing, can we?

 

[Oldgator73]

View attachment 1315400View attachment 1315401View attachment 1315402
Oh my, we can't be assigning identities based on an article of clothing, can we?

You’re only making things worse. Quit while you are behind.

 

[Domo]

I'm tired of this thread can we find some other perfectly legal issue that may have inconvenienced someone to complain about?

 

[darsben]

Dear Bugga;
Their house, their rules.

 

[Oldgator73]

I'm tired of this thread can we find some other perfectly legal issue that may have inconvenienced someone to complain about?

I’m offended I am required to to stop at stop signs.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

and just be nice. Oh, and that works for crossing back into the US too.

Living in WNY, traveling to Canada via the Peace Bridge used to be like going to the next town.
To us living in the area, 9/11 has caused whatever issues someone may incur at the border, certainly not Covid, which was 5 years ago, who cares. In all my years of crossing into Canada, and then back to the U.S., I have found that addressing the border agents as Sir and Ma'am, Yes Sir, Yes Ma'am to their questions is the best way to pass through customs without delay. Always take off sunglasses if you're wearing them, along with any hat that might change your looks from what's on your identification.

If you are bringing any alcohol into either country, tell them. This is especially true, seeing that there Duty duty-free shops at most border crossings. If you do stop to buy some things, leave the purchases out in the open, like on a sofa or chair, easily visible if an agent wants to do a quick check of your camper.

The numerous times I've crossed into Canada and back in our RV, we've never experienced any extra scrutiny.

 

[Firstime RVer]

While returning from a business trip from Toronto to Detroit there were 4 of us in the car. While waiting in line we realized that our passports were in our briefcases in the trunk. So we all got out to retrieve them and then got back in the car.

When we got to the US border agent, he asked us the purpose of our visit and then to open the trunk. We all laughed when we pulled our our passports when he asked us what the deal was in all four of us digging in the trunk while waiting. He said that it looked awfully suspicious.

Convinced we weren't carrying drugs or guns, and that we were returning from a business trip he let us pass

That was the only Canadian border crossing (either way) where I ever spent more than a a few minutes to show my passport and answer a few questions.

Safe travels and all the best.