Crossing into Canada

[Jlew127]

I was wondering if there was a check list of things to do before going into Canada. I know there are lots of members here in Canada (Coop). Some of you must have experience with this. So what to bring and what not to bring?

No firearms (gave up on that guess I'll just bring the industrial bear repellent)

Power cords etc. should all work the same (no funny connections I've heard of)

Liquor? Are they going to tax me on any bottles I bring with?

New movies (DVD's) or anything else that I might be surprised by.

Are they going to search the whole RV?

Am I going to have to throw out fresh produce, etc.?

I have my international driver's license, car and trailer insurance, set up my AT&T phone to work, have the passports, anything else?

Thanks, see you in 2 weeks in Calgary!

[Wanderer]

Basically no fresh fruits or vegetables. Meats are OK if in original packages though you should check out this website as it matters where the meat originated.

Government of Canada - Be Aware and Declare! - Home

Avoid, as you stated, firearms but also leave the bear spray at home. You cannot cross a border either way with it.

Power is the same as the US.

Liquor is 1.15 Liters per person.

As for searching. It's the same as when you go home. They might or might not. They may X-Ray the rig and or do a thorough search. We've been lucky in that we've never had to do more than answer the usual questions. This is going into the US and coming back home.

Answer honestly, don't try to hide anything and only speak if you're spoken to. Do not joke with the officers or try to engage a friendly banter with them. Follow their lead, some are friendlier than others. This goes for agents from both countries.

Unlock all doors, compartments, tailgates, truck boxes before you arrive at the border.

The first time is the worst, after that you will understand the procedure and it'll be no big deal. Just follow the rules and you'll be fine.

Welcome to Canada and I hope you have a really pleasant trip!

[Cooper]

The Wanderer hit it all....you may want to bring a passport...but most of all bring MONEY. Today the $ exchange rate is 4 cents ...meaning you get $ 1.04 US for a Canadian Loonie. $1.00

Travel safely and Welcome to Canada

send me a PM any time

Coops

[sithc]

Ditto, I'm heading to Vancouver, BC for the first time with my 30 ft. Kodiak 300BHSL this Friday. Crossing right after city of Blaine. Thinking of taking the truck route. Do we go in the normal car lane or go in the truck lanes?

[kevinmiles]

.... just one more thing, if you have a pet, make sure you have proof of the usual shots like rabies. Have a good time in Canada!

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by sithc

Ditto, I'm heading to Vancouver, BC for the first time with my 30 ft. Kodiak 300BHSL this Friday. Crossing right after city of Blaine. Thinking of taking the truck route. Do we go in the normal car lane or go in the truck lanes?

You go through the car lanes. Either crossing is good for RV's though the truck crossing is better northbound. Both are squiggly going southbound but not a real problem.

[Cooper]

Good point Kevinmiles....you folks should have no problems....

Welcome mad enjoy your trip...let us know what you think of BC

Coops

[arcabuddy]

Also, make sure to take your sunglasses off, very important, they want to see your eyes to tell if your lying or not!!!

[Cooper]

Sounds like the voice of experience eh arcabuddy?

Coops

[Jlew127]

Okay to wrap up this post, we're back in the USA. Here is a summary of my insights. We crossed at someplace north of Biggs Montana into Canada, I saw a sign that said "Piegan". Asked what I did, (police), did I have firearms?, "no", produce?, "no", firewood?, "yes","Dump it and you can go". EASY. Weather got a little funky in Calgary, wind, rain, moving fast and we stayed at a below average place right outside town, really crammed us all in.

But then we moved on to Canmore, and except for the mosquitos it was great. Rockies every morning right outside my rig. Weather even got good for visiting Banff and Lake Louise.

Then we moved to Revelstoke (Shuswap?) area to go to a zip line, ropes challenge park. That was awesome and wore the little ones out!, along with their Grandma.

We crossed back into the states at Aldergrove, long line, but someone tipped me off that RV's and trucks have a lane on the far right, so I took the shoulder and probably didn't do Californian's reputation any favors passing that way but I was pretty sure they were going to search me. Nope, again simple questions, didn't even ask about firearms this time, just produce, threw away a couple tomatoes and moved on.

Overall the people were all great!, friendly and helpful. Prices were crazy, I guess I'm spoiled but I was always told the Bay Area was pricy. I saw a guy spend $50 on a case of Budweiser in the can, I about fell over. Country was beautiful, driving on 1 through the park and BC was very cool.

Thanks Canada

[Wanderer]

Glad you had a good time! Gas and alcohol are pricey here in Canada.
Now that yiour first border crossings are over with no hasstles we look forwards to seeing you up here again!

[Cooper]

Wonderful that you folks had a good time and no issues at the border...going both ways.
Thanks for the update.

Coops

[grump010]

Very happy you enjoyed a couple of provinces in our little country.
Ya"ll come back soon now. (Envision a tip of the hat and a great big smile)

Cheers
Daryl B.