Visit our Popular Forums

Jeff7176 · 07-09-2022, 09:07 PM

We crossed into Canada at Carway on June 11. The Canadian Border Agent asked us if we had any alcohol or tobacco (we did not) and then asked three times if we had any weapons. We said we had no weapons three times and she asked how we planned to defend ourselves. I said I had bear spray for the bears. She chuckled and sent us through with no other questions.

We crossed the US Border on Jun 29 on the Alaska Highway. The US Customs Agent asked if we had eggs (we did not) then we chatted for a minute or so about our travels and he waived us through.

No inspections, no hassles, both very pleasant, friendly encounters.

kscherzi · 07-09-2022, 09:37 PM

I crossed the Canadian border yesterday and they took all our eggs and all of my cooked, frozen, and vacuum sealed roticery chicken. This was even though their website says cooked poultry is okay, they just didn't care. Also our eggs amd chicken were from a state they don't ban, but again the customs agent didn't care.

Also, they had a verbal list of fruits they ban. Fortunately we finished our apples the prior day.

Just be prepared to lose any and everything poultry related regardless of whether it's cooked, processed, or raw.

No guns of course. The agent asked me if I had any guns with us, after saying no she asked if we had any handguns with us which seemed redundant to the first question. Then she asked if we had any guns at our home in the states. Which to me seemed to go beyond necessary bounds, but I fessed up to my pellet gun. Seems questioning has gotten much more intense post covid.

uncle_bob · 07-09-2022, 09:56 PM

Hi

One item not previously brought up:

In addition to national rules about what you can have, there are also Provincial / State rules as well. Cross into BC and it's different rules than AB. Cross into WA and it's not the same as MT. On top of that they claim there are local rules as well. While we have run into the Provincial / State stuff over the years, I don't think we have hit any local rules.

Crossing either way is a bit random. Indeed, most times, crossing into Canada is less crazy than passing into the US. However, you never know what you will run into. As soon as you *assume* things will go this way or that .... you are likely to be proven wrong. Most of the time / in most cases the whole process is not a big deal.

Bob

mccreainmd · 07-10-2022, 05:37 AM

Many thanks for the numerous replies. I hadn't thought of the alcohol restrictions. Good to know - now I will drink any I have over the limit. And I'll just make hard boiled eggs if I have any raw eggs. Your information has been very helpful. So I'll just plan to have enough food to get to the border and restock in Canada. Repeat it to re-enter the US.

We are planning a circle tour: NY finger lakes, Ottawa, Quebec, Nova Scotia, PEI, Acadia NP and returning to MD. We haven't been to the Canadian side and any tour tips would be welcomed. All of our campsites are reserved, we are packing up to leave 7/12 and praying for good weather.

Thanks again,
Penelope Pitstop

Tschupp · 07-10-2022, 09:14 AM

We crossed over at Kings Gate 3 days ago. You need to download ArriveCAN and upload required info. On arrival they wanted passport only and asked where we were going, if we had any firearms and Alcohol. No mention of foodstuff at all. We were across the border in under five minutes.

DavidsonOverlander · 07-10-2022, 09:41 AM

As Canadian residents we bring pretty much anything we want into Canada and have never had anything confiscated, but you should check the restrictions just in case. We declare that we have groceries and they never ask what kind. They only seem interested in alcohol and tobacco, and occasionally they'll ask about weapons. Generally restrictions on food are only a problem going into the US. That said, they might check non-citizens more carefully and if you're in doubt it's better to be upfont about what kind of food you have than to have them find something in a search.

DavidsonOverlander · 07-10-2022, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kscherzi

No guns of course. The agent asked me if I had any guns with us, after saying no she asked if we had any handguns with us which seemed redundant to the first question. Then she asked if we had any guns at our home in the states. Which to me seemed to go beyond necessary bounds, but I fessed up to my pellet gun. Seems questioning has gotten much more intense post covid.

There have been some high-profile gun smuggling cases recently, and an increase in the public's awareness of the number of guns used in crimes in Canada that orignated in the US. They'll be looking for any sign at all that they need to search your vehicle.

kscherzi · 07-10-2022, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidsonOverlander

As Canadian residents we bring pretty much anything we want into Canada and have never had anything confiscated, but you should check the restrictions just in case. We declare that we have groceries and they never ask what kind. They only seem interested in alcohol and tobacco, and occasionally they'll ask about weapons. Generally restrictions on food are only a problem going into the US. That said, they might check non-citizens more carefully and if you're in doubt it's better to be upfont about what kind of food you have than to have them find something in a search.

I've travelled into Canada three times towing my Airstream. Each time something has come up requiring some delay. Twice searched the trailer, once for guns, even though I stated no guns, and once for eggs. The guys looking for guns were almost apologetic, just doing their duty. My wife was a bit miffed about the mess they made.

In contrast, returning to the US has always been a breeze. At most some quick questions about fruits, and maybe firewood, then a cheerful "Welcome Home". You're probably right that non citizens for both countries get tougher scrutiny.

MaineStreamer · 07-10-2022, 10:38 AM

I suggest not to carry food, alcohol, or any other restricted items across the border going either way. Just shop local after you enter the second country.

switz · 07-10-2022, 10:44 AM

Friends had a NRA (National Rife Assn) sticker on their back window from the prior owner of the trailer. After seeing the sticker, the trailer was nearly disassembled during the inspection.

DavidsonOverlander · 07-10-2022, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaineStreamer

I suggest not to carry food, alcohol, or any other restricted items across the border going either way. Just shop local after you enter the second country.

Good point! I've crossed the border regularly for more than 35 years (wife is American, kids dual citizens) and we used to just take it for granted that almost everything was cheaper in the US. That's no longer the case. If you do some research you could probably save a bit by buying certain things in one country or the other, but the savings are going to be small compared to the possibility of having stuff confiscated at the border.

uncle_bob · 07-10-2022, 01:04 PM

Hi

Stocking up after you cross the boarder depends a *lot* on just where you are crossing. Some of the places you could be are pretty remote. No, that is not the same as "no stores within 600 miles". It does mean that a Costco may be a couple days drive. In either country, you do save a bit stocking this or that up at one of the warehouse stores.

Bob

Bkeller · 07-10-2022, 02:43 PM

About 25 Airstreams crossed at various Canadian border points to start the Viking Caravan, about the third week in June. We all came with lots of food and no one had anything confiscated. We were asked at the border what food we had and we said only food for our own consumption. I would not risk anything that I didn’t want to lose, but no one heading to the caravan lost any food. We were stock with some of everything.

AlbertF · 07-10-2022, 09:40 PM

Technically, you are only allowed $20 worth of dairy products per person when entering Canada. This is because of Canadian supply management, to “protect” Canadian dairy farmers. Cheese is more expensive in Canada; we like to bring our limit in Tillamook products.

uncle_bob · 07-11-2022, 12:17 PM

Hi

Crossing over back in May, we got asked about various items. Raw chicken and eggs came up. We didn't have any of the food items asked about. The other items discussed all had proper paperwork or also were not along with us.

Bob

tommyglen · 07-12-2022, 04:12 PM

We just came from Michigan into Canada via the Port Huron crossing Sunday.

Passport / COVID docs / ArriveCAN (website) prior to entering (within 72 hours) all that was needed. Officer asked about guns, drugs, and such. Responded that we had a fridge full of food. Passed us thru. Went directly to Niagara Falls to re-enter the USA, no problem.

Enjoy your visit!