Canada Border Crossings

[yellowcake]

I'm planning my trip from Chicago to Lisbon, NH and over to Arcadia and want to go through Canada on the way out and perhaps U.S. on the return trip.

I'm bringing by Cavalier King Charles, Sadie and understand I need her vaccination records (checked the CBSA website).

I have a passport, so no worries about my documents.

What I can't seem to find (not easily anyway) is whether there are restrictions on food that is brought in (or out of) Canada. I would hate to pack food for a long trip and have it taken at the Border.

Anyone have any experience with this?

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Every time we go over the boarder we get tripped up on food. That's been goin on for ....err ...60 years. You would *think* we would learn

Fresh fruit going either way is likely to be a no-go. Unpackaged meat ( = fresh meat in paper wrap) may be a no-go. I'm sure we will learn about yet another thing next time we take a trip .... In general if it's in a can or other sealed container, it's ok.

There are limits (duty wise) on how much booze you can "import". That's not so much a restriction as a "pay the tax" issue.

Bob

[GMFL]

Above post is dead on.

[knunut]

The Biggest problem we had was coming back in!! Have vet records and be careful about no fresh fruit etc.as mentioned above.

[romaa.13]

Originally Posted by yellowcake

I'm planning my trip from Chicago to Lisbon, NH and over to Arcadia and want to go through Canada on the way out and perhaps U.S. on the return trip.

I'm bringing by Cavalier King Charles, Sadie and understand I need her vaccination records (checked the CBSA website).

I have a passport, so no worries about my documents.

What I can't seem to find (not easily anyway) is whether there are restrictions on food that is brought in (or out of) Canada. I would hate to pack food for a long trip and have it taken at the Border.

Anyone have any experience with this?

I have crossed the border three times this year and always carry my dogs' papers and have never been asked once. To be safe, I take smaller food bags with me so my dogs can finish them so I don't have open bags (food has to be sealed). If you are going to be there for a short period you can take a smaller bag for that duration and have a bigger bag for the US but not opened. Fruits are not allowed but I had one with me and told them it was my lunch and they waved me through. That does not mean one will not find one who will ask for papers, have you throw away the fruit, or whatever.

[Overstreet]

My friend with the Canadian relatives reports that during his last crossing into Canada they asked if he had any guns. He said no. They asked if he had any at home. He said yes ,but left them there. They asked if he had any knives. He handed them his folder with that little thumb assist post on the blade. They directed him to park ,open up all compartments and searched his vehicle while he and she waited in the "waiting" room. They kept his pocket knife.

On the return trip the US confiscated his Canadian tomatoes.

[Isuzusweet]

I wouldn't admit to either border crossing, especially going back into the U.S about your username; as yellowcake is a form of unprocessed uranium. Try explaining that to an CBP officer, especially if you set off the radiation detector at the border.

Enjoy your trip to Canada, but leave the food in the US as it will be cheaper for you with the current exchange rate to buy in Canada anyway. Also make sure no guns or even gun related items are not in your possession, like ammunition, spent cartridges or ammo clips. If you have a "I support the NRA" bumper sticker on your vehicle; that will get you unwanted attention as well.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[InterBlog]

Never had any issues with food being taken into Canada. There are rules as stated above, but I've never been queried.

Returning to the U.S. is always a pain. I crossed back into the U.S. at Houlton ME less than a week ago. The big concern was citrus. Can't carry any citrus whatsoever, not even processed or packaged. I had a sealed package of Dole applesauce. They examined the package to confirm it did not contain citrus.

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-m...-united-states

[polarlyse]

And here I always thought only fresh citrus was on the target list. We had them take 2 whole tomatoes once then give us a list of prohibited foods and it said sliced tomatoes were OK. Go figure. I could have sliced them right there. At least they've always been nice about it.

[tvketchum]

Since we sport Texas plates, we are asked about guns every time. My answer is an honest, I don’t own any guns. They ask about alcohol, and that may be one we fudge on a little. Meat in the freezer is not often an issue, especially if in store packaging. Veggies, we have store purchased.

Surprisingly, even though the Texas plates are on the vehicle and trailer, we have yet to be asked to pull into the inspection area on our Canadian crossings. Usually, we are told to enjoy our visit.

[gator.bigfoot]

Coming into Canada you will likely never have an issue with food. Going into the US you will an issue. Don't bother with most fruits and vegetables and some meats. But this depends on what the flavor of the month is. I just try not to have any food period. If I do I follow the advice of of one of the border guards and simply state I don't know what I have on hand in food. That way the onus is on them. If you state you don't have it and they find it you're likely going to get fined and turned around at the border. Either way it's a hassle. As for weapons and ammo you are best to leave it at home. If you do bring it, declare it.

[cwf]

Boy aren’t you glad the food respects the border??!! Just kidding... sorta.

Returning you to your thread������

[yellowcake]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

I wouldn't admit to either border crossing, especially going back into the U.S about your username; as yellowcake is a form of unprocessed uranium. Try explaining that to an CBP officer, especially if you set off the radiation detector at the border.

Enjoy your trip to Canada, but leave the food in the US as it will be cheaper for you with the current exchange rate to buy in Canada anyway. Also make sure no guns or even gun related items are not in your possession, like ammunition, spent cartridges or ammo clips. If you have a "I support the NRA" bumper sticker on your vehicle; that will get you unwanted attention as well.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

too funny! Most people don't know what yellowcake is - they think I like to bake cakes! I rarely mention what I do for a living when I travel, but you're on the right track.......

And no guns or knives, so that won't be an issue.

[yellowcake]

Good to know about Citrus - -- I'll try to keep the food to a minimum on both crossings.

[azflycaster]

Been back and forth several times in the past 2 months. The focus is on weapons, tobacco and booze. Remember that if you cross into Canada, you will need to cross back into the US. More questions. Answer honestly but do not give more information than asked for.

[Countryboy59]

There must be literally hundreds of threads on here about this.

[BlueStreakSD]

Scott, we are going to Canada next year. My wife researched this and you have to virtually purge your trailer of non-canned food AND liquor. You make take a small about of liquor, please check online as to how much. Also, no fresh vegetables and no fresh or frozen meat products. I will try to relocate the website and get the web address for you. Several friends who have traveled to Canada have shared how strict theCanadians are about food. Also, please look into weapons of any kind. There are strict restrictions on guns, both rifles and handguns. Mike

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Snip... If you have a "I support the NRA" bumper sticker on your vehicle; that will get you unwanted attention as well.
.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Crossed several times with a guy who had such a sticker, with no questions. However, permits come up on your license. Still, never an issue.

[rowiebowie]

How strict is Canada on knives? I carry a box cutter & razor blade scraper in my tool box.

[romaa.13]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

How strict is Canada on knives? I carry a box cutter & razor blade scraper in my tool box.

Hmm, I better transfer into tool box as I have those in my glove compartment. I have only been asked about guns when entering Canada.