Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-06-2016, 02:22 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
2020 27' Globetrotter
1999 25' Safari
Somewhere , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 860
Border Crossing US/Canada

This will be our first time for crossing the border from US into Canada and back, besides our passports, is there anything else we should be aware of needing or things we should do to prepare so we'll have an easier/quicker crossover? Also, we want to take our standard-size Goldendoodle along to Canada with us, so other than his immunization record, is there anything else we will need for him or would be handy for us to have or not have when border crossing?

Oh, how about fresh veggies -- seems I read some time ago that we can't take fresh produce from one country to the other, is that correct?

Thanks.

Deb
Air Cruiser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 02:50 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
1986 31' Sovereign
Miami , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
Blog Entries: 13
Theoretically, your dog should have a health certificate and a record of rabies vaccination. We have never been asked for them but...

Guns are a problem but I don't know the details.

Mike
__________________
Sorta new (usually dirty) Nissan Titan XD (hardly paid for)
Middle-aged Safari SE
Young, lovely bride
Dismissive cat
n2916s is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 03:20 PM   #3
4 Rivet Member
 
crisen's Avatar
 
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Fairbanks , Alaska
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 268
Images: 5
Most long guns can be taken w permit, handguns, mace pepper spray for use against people are big no no's. Canada requires proof of Rabies vac US requires Veterinary Cert of health, they are only good for 30 days. In something more than a dozen round trips haven't been asked for them but we always have them, can't afford to be turned back.

Never had issue w foods into CA but into US is a problem. It is USDA regulation, as one inspector told me- never, never, never any citrus. Processed juice ok. Some veggys issue but all regs available on line.
__________________
Rick
"When you find yourself in a hole - quit digging!"

2012 1/2 Eddie Bauer, 2016 Ram Laramie 3500 SWB 4x4 6.7L Cummins 68RFE
crisen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 03:21 PM   #4
4 Rivet Member
 
crisen's Avatar
 
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Fairbanks , Alaska
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 268
Images: 5
Also limits on alcohol and tobacco, and no more than $10k in cash.
__________________
Rick
"When you find yourself in a hole - quit digging!"

2012 1/2 Eddie Bauer, 2016 Ram Laramie 3500 SWB 4x4 6.7L Cummins 68RFE
crisen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 03:42 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
SteveH's Avatar
 
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
The Canadian Customs are also concerned you will bring something into the country for someone else, or sell something there, preventing them from collecting some taxes. So if they ask you if you are bringing anything into the country to leave there, tell them no unless you want to pay taxes on it.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
SteveH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 03:50 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
RangerJay's Avatar
 
2002 19' Bambi
Northwestern Ontario , - on the backside of the map and just above the big green spot
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 819
Images: 44
We have crossed with our trailer dozens of times over the past couple of decades (and more). Our habit now has become:
- have your pets up to date vaccination record handy if asked - the big deal is rabies - we have been asked if the paperwork was available but never had to produce it.
- be prepared for the questions "anything you will be leaving" - "where are you going" - "how long will you be visiting" - "where were you born" .....
- don't cross with perishables - the rules change a lot - but ironically - there are grocery stores on the other side of the border - stock up after you cross - this is the most rigid rule we have for ourselves .....
- don't sweat it if you are asked to pull over and someone goes through the trailer - it has happened to us not lots but not uncommon either - always a cursory search - often as much interested in the trailer over anything else - has happened less in recent years than the years immediately following 9/11.
- you will likely be fine if you are bringing in modest amounts of anything for yourself (alcohol, tobacco) - but declare whatever you are asked.

For Americans crossing into Canada there are three really big deals:
- do not have a past criminal record that is not cleared - a youthful DUI can prevent you from entering.
- guns laws are a lot more rigid than you may be used to - best to leave them at home.
- make sure you have a passport - you will need that to get home ....

Thinks that is about it - crossing the border is not a big deal - they are after bad guys - and if you aren't one of them you will be fine.


Jay
__________________
Bambi - 2002 (The Toaster)
Pathfinder - 2009 (The Buggy)

"I'm not young enough to know everything ....."
(Oscar Wilde)
RangerJay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 04:58 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
richinny's Avatar
 
2011 34' Classic
Westchester Cty.NY , / Miami FL
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,122
you might need special auto insurance id cards in canada.
__________________
Ricky
2012 F150 Super Crew 5-1/2' bed Ecoboost 4x4 3.73 elec. lock diff. Propride hitch
give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid-my unofficial '"World's Oldest Streamer" 1909-2008 R.I.P.
richinny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 05:04 PM   #8
Dazed and Confused
 
Isuzusweet's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
As pp's have stated, documents for the dog and buy your dog food in Canada.

Absolutely no hand guns, period. Long guns are fine, but not for personal defence; also have the paper work for the gun, which you can download from the CBSA website, BEFORE you get to the border.

Buy your groceries AFTER you cross the border as the exchange rate will give you a bonus and you'll have no hassles at the border. Great Canadian Superstore, Zehrs, Sobeys and Fortino's are top line grocery stores, followed by Metro, Fresh co, No Frills, ValueMart and Foodland which are still very clean and have great selection.

Above all, just remember to bring a sunny disposition, relax and leave your troubles at home.

On behalf of all Canadians, enjoy your stay.

Cheers
Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.

“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
Isuzusweet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 05:39 PM   #9
3 Rivet Member
 
2016 27' International
Montreal , Quebec
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 195
When it comes to border crossing get your information from the most reliable source. The Canadian border services agency.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/noncan-eng.html

And even if it seems obvious never lie to a border patrol agent, coming in Canada or returning home.
Papa smurf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 06:16 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Mrjkq's Avatar
 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Venice , Florida
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,024
"Leave you guns at home Son, don't take your guns to town Son". Canada is NOT firearm friendly like the US. Your Second Amendment rights end at the border.
__________________
Joe
Venice, FL
2016 FC 25RTB
TAC FL-47
2018 Nissan Titan XD Cummins Diesel
Mrjkq is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 07:57 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
gandttimes's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach , British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,096
You can have bare arms here, just don't have a gun in your hand. Lol
( meant to have the above quote)
gandttimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 08:06 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
cameront120's Avatar
 
1972 25' Tradewind
North Vancouver , British Columbia
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,421
Images: 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrjkq View Post
"Leave you guns at home Son, don't take your guns to town Son". Canada is NOT firearm friendly like the US. Your Second Amendment rights end at the border.
Misinformation isn't helpful. As mentioned earlier, long guns can be brought in with the proper paperwork, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you research the requirements. Go to the CBSA website that papa surf linked to in an earlier post for all the latest information on the do's and don'ts of crossing the border into Canada.

Enjoy your trip.
__________________
Cameron & the Labradors, Kai & Samm
North Vancouver, BC
Live! Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death! - Mame Dennis
cameront120 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 08:14 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
McDave's Avatar
 
2014 23' Flying Cloud
Fair Oaks , California
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 717
We had to leave our eggs, frozen chicken, and pepper spray tubes at the border. All the border guards both ways were very friendly. Canada is a wonderful place to visit and worth any minor inconveniences you may encounter.
McDave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 08:28 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
Southwestern , Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,671
Quote:
Originally Posted by Air Cruiser View Post
This will be our first time for crossing the border from US into Canada and back, besides our passports, is there anything else we should be aware of needing or things we should do to prepare so we'll have an easier/quicker crossover? Also, we want to take our standard-size Goldendoodle along to Canada with us, so other than his immunization record, is there anything else we will need for him or would be handy for us to have or not have when border crossing?

Oh, how about fresh veggies -- seems I read some time ago that we can't take fresh produce from one country to the other, is that correct?
To amplify on some of the above replies and add our own experience on several trips to Canada with our Airstream,

For yourselves you will need current passports. I believe the full book-style passport is necessary, the card-style passport is only for air travel.

For your dog you will need rabies vaccination certificate and what is called a "Certificate of Veterinary Inspection" which you can get from your vet.

(Traveling with our three small dogs, we have always rolled up to Canadian Customs with a thick sheaf of papers ready to hand to the agent and have always gotten, "Welcome to Canada!' If you didn't have the thick sheaf of papers they would probably ask to see them. )

In theory you are supposed to have a certificate stating that your car insurance is valid in Canada. You can get that from your insurance agent. We have always gotten one, never needed it.

The last time we returned from Canada we were stopped by US authorities, trailer searched, my wife and I separately questioned to make sure our stories matched, and several of our statements were challenged. Since we were returning from a WBCCI caravan we weren't too worried, because we could provide witnesses as to our whereabouts for most of the time we were in Canada. We were eventually allowed to proceed.

However, on the basis of that experience, we decided that would be the last time we took the Airstream to Canada. Your mileage may vary.
Nuvite-F is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 08:40 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
Fly at Night's Avatar
 
2010 27' FB Flying Cloud
Fraser Valley , British Columbia
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,966
Images: 10
Don't trust any internet forum when dealing with Canada Border Services Agency. Go right to the source. What you can and can't bring into Canada - it's all there on the website. Should you have further questions, you can phone them, but be prepared to hear everything in English, then French; yeah, it's frustrating.
__________________
easily distracted by shiny objects
Fly at Night is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 08:45 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
cameront120's Avatar
 
1972 25' Tradewind
North Vancouver , British Columbia
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,421
Images: 23
Before there was the internet, we just crossed the border several times a year without issue. The worst that ever happened was we got our fruit and veggies confiscated.
__________________
Cameron & the Labradors, Kai & Samm
North Vancouver, BC
Live! Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death! - Mame Dennis
cameront120 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 08:47 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
Mrjkq's Avatar
 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Venice , Florida
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,024
Quote:
Originally Posted by cameront120 View Post
Misinformation isn't helpful. As mentioned earlier, long guns can be brought in with the proper paperwork, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you research the requirements. Go to the CBSA website that papa surf linked to in an earlier post for all the latest information on the do's and don'ts of crossing the border into Canada.

Enjoy your trip.
I'm very well aware of Canadian firearm regulations, being from a border area Buffalo, NY. Yes a long gun is admissible BUT you must be able to prove that you're bringing it in for a reason like a Hunting trip or some other very significant reason and be able to prove it. Save the misinformation statement for someone who doesn't know the law!
__________________
Joe
Venice, FL
2016 FC 25RTB
TAC FL-47
2018 Nissan Titan XD Cummins Diesel
Mrjkq is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 08:59 PM   #18
3 Rivet Member
 
2016 27' International
Montreal , Quebec
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 195
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fly at Night View Post
Don't trust any internet forum when dealing with Canada Border Services Agency. Go right to the source. What you can and can't bring into Canada - it's all there on the website. Should you have further questions, you can phone them, but be prepared to hear everything in English, then French; yeah, it's frustrating.

Yes it's frustrating, if they could only do it in French it would save me some time
Papa smurf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 09:02 PM   #19
Rivet Master
 
gandttimes's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB International
2007 20' Safari SE
2005 19' Safari
Qualicum Beach , British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,096
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fly at Night View Post
Don't trust any internet forum when dealing with Canada Border Services Agency. Go right to the source. What you can and can't bring into Canada - it's all there on the website. Should you have further questions, you can phone them, but be prepared to hear everything in English, then French; yeah, it's frustrating.
If you phone the border crossing you are planning to go through, you will be given the choice of English or French, not both.


George
gandttimes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-06-2016, 09:09 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
cameront120's Avatar
 
1972 25' Tradewind
North Vancouver , British Columbia
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,421
Images: 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrjkq View Post
I'm very well aware of Canadian firearm regulations, being from a border area Buffalo, NY. Yes a long gun is admissible BUT you must be able to prove that you're bringing it in for a reason like a Hunting trip or some other very significant reason and be able to prove it. Save the misinformation statement for someone who doesn't know the law!
You said, "Canada is NOT firearm friendly like the US". That's editorializing and has nothing to do with our regulations. Like I said, misinformation.
__________________
Cameron & the Labradors, Kai & Samm
North Vancouver, BC
Live! Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death! - Mame Dennis
cameront120 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Canada border crossing and power tools Bo2020 On The Road... 21 05-26-2011 08:16 PM
Crossing Canadian Border trumpwer On The Road... 20 07-29-2004 08:34 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:50 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.