Alaska Trip ?

[okie mopar]

We are thinking about trying to go to Alaska next year, what papers do we need to take with us ? Best route from Okla.

[Webz]

Crossing the border into Canada will require a driver's license and passport. I am not aware of any other special paperwork. Answer any questions at the border with short simple answers. Leave your guns in the US. Convert US dollars for Canadian dollars in the US for better rates. Most banks in Canada require an account to exchange currency. If you don't have an account, you can use pay day loan places in Canada that do not offer the best rates.

As far as the route, depends on how much of Canada you want to see.
Have fun and be safe.

[goldwingerx2]

As above and get the Mile Post. Also allow plenty of time so much to see and do. Casinos also exchange at a good rate or at least they did when we were there. It seemed harder to get back into the US than it did to get into Canada. We went up thru Alberta and came back thru British Columbia both were good routes. Watch your fuel as stations are far apart at times, we never let ours get below half and never had a problem. One of the best trips we have ever made spent over 2 months up there. Edit: If taking a pet make sure you have current papers.

[Dutch Star Don]

"okie mopar"......I thought about that trip for years, taking a couple of months and seeing everything we could. My only issue......I worried about what it would do to my coach. I kind of figured I would take my six year old coach and then replace it in a few years after the trip.

Before all that happened, we did an 11 day Alaska Cruise, which included a three day land tour on the glass top train and all day in Denali National Park.

The reason I mention this….after doing this trip, I decided I had satisfied my need to see Alaska, without taking the RV there. We do intend to fly back for two weeks in the near future and see some areas via car.

I'm not trying to dissuade you and it sounds like a great trip, but it can be hard on a coach and toad.

If we had taken the coach, I thought about buying some sort of inexpensive night vision binoculars and a trail cam I could mount on the outside of the coach.

[TUCSONRAIL]

I am also planning a trip to Alaska next year in a new Dutchstar. If you stick to the main highways they are all paved and in decent shape. You will run into construction where your RV and toad will get very muddy. I think you could probably do more damage in the lower 48. Ever been through Indy on I-70? I also did a 14 day cruise to Alaska in June and had to decide if I wanted to become a cruiser of buy a new coach, because I couldn't afford both. I chose the latter. Look at a website called The Good, the Bad, and the RV. Lots of reviews with photos about attractions and RV parks and a complete itinerary.

[grindstone01]

Check with your credit card company and debit bank account for foreign transaction fee cost and conversion rate. I was in Canada 2 years ago and at Subway the sandwich was $10 for Can or US cash. The cashier suggested I use a debit card and the cost was $7.31. Also, crossing the border don't take any root vegetables (potatoes, carrots) or live plants.

[photraveller]

We just got back a few weeks ago from Indiana to Alaska round trip. We chose to cross into Canada south of Winnipeg then drove Hwy1 to almost Calgary.

One thing to check is you health insurance. We didn't have Canadian coverage so we had to buy a supplemental policy. Not too bad less than $200 for wife and myself for a month. (x2 coming & going)

In my case money well spent. I had to spend a week in Whitehorse in and out of the local hospital as I waited to pass a kidney stone. BTW, make sure you have Evac (Emergency evacuation) insurance. I came within a few hours of being Evaced back to Alaska since they don't have specialists except in the largest cities. IN my case that $400 saved me $4,500+

Other than that enjoy! It is a great drive.

Oh, I wish I had more hard drive storage space for dash video segments. Our dash cam recorded some great vistas and wildlife. But I had to pick and choose far too many to save.

Steve

[sdennislee]

I'll add a few points:
1) If you have pets you will need their records, shots etc..
2) Don't have to leave all guns at home, most long guns are fine. $25.00 permit gets you 2 months. Easier to download and complete before hitting Canadian customs, saves time anyway.
3) Check out the Canadian Customs website for prohibited and restricted items. Foods, cigarettes, dog food etc... Some prohibited some just restricted quantities.
4) Drive slow and really enjoy the scenery and wildlife. I lived in AK for 8 years this is what I miss the most.
5) Everything cost more in there than it does here. After all it took planes and barges to get it there.
6) Every wide spot in the road in AK is a potential campsite if you boondock. Take advantage of them when you can. If you pick the right spots you will wake up to amazing views in the morning while sipping your coffee.
7) The Roadhouse in Talkeetna has the biggest cinnamon buns I've ever seen and breakfast is served on a platter sized plate TALKEETNA ROADHOUSE - Lodging, Meals, Cafe & Bakery - A historic building in Downtown Talkeetna, Alaska

I've made 3 trips in RVs up and down the Alcan while living there. 2 in a class A and 1 in a class C with 2 of those trips in the winter. Most horror stories about road conditions are exaggerated to some extent. Slow and steady combined with common sense gets you there and back comfortably and safely. The worst will be unrepaired frost heaves and flying rocks from chip seal.

Hope you have a great trip

Now I'm homesick

[Smosher]

We went several years approximately six. We had no damage to our coach. We totally ruined or toad. We were pressed for time as I was still working I drove to fast. Would I do it again yes and will in the next few years. There are areas in the roads that are repaired with gravel I called it rocks the damage was done in less than 100miles. The areas are marked and the big mud flap would hit the road between the ruts threw the rocks up on my toad. The next time I go I will leave the big flap off as it is already off for several years and slow down. I had no protection on the toad but will get a front shield. As I said my fault and next time I will slow down take my time . Get the Mile Marker book and enjoy

[Winepress]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

"okie mopar"......I thought about that trip for years, taking a couple of months and seeing everything we could. My only issue......I worried about what it would do to my coach. I kind of figured I would take my six year old coach and then replace it in a few years after the trip.

Before all that happened, we did an 11 day Alaska Cruise, which included a three day land tour on the glass top train and all day in Denali National Park.

The reason I mention this….after doing this trip, I decided I had satisfied my need to see Alaska, without taking the RV there. We do intend to fly back for two weeks in the near future and see some areas via car.

I'm not trying to dissuade you and it sounds like a great trip, but it can be hard on a coach and toad.

If we had taken the coach, I thought about buying some sort of inexpensive night vision binoculars and a trail cam I could mount on the outside of the coach.

Roads are in better condition than in the state of California. We just returned and I would say that the worse roads were in Seattle and LA area. We used Skagway as our base camp and then when we left we put the mh on a ferry down to Vancouver island.

[FLJOE]

Originally Posted by sdennislee

I'll add a few points:
1) If you have pets you will need their records, shots etc..
2) Don't have to leave all guns at home, most long guns are fine. $25.00 permit gets you 2 months. Easier to download and complete before hitting Canadian customs, saves time anyway.
3) Check out the Canadian Customs website for prohibited and restricted items. Foods, cigarettes, dog food etc... Some prohibited some just restricted quantities.
4) Drive slow and really enjoy the scenery and wildlife. I lived in AK for 8 years this is what I miss the most.
5) Everything cost more in there than it does here. After all it took planes and barges to get it there.
6) Every wide spot in the road in AK is a potential campsite if you boondock. Take advantage of them when you can. If you pick the right spots you will wake up to amazing views in the morning while sipping your coffee.
7) The Roadhouse in Talkeetna has the biggest cinnamon buns I've ever seen and breakfast is served on a platter sized plate TALKEETNA ROADHOUSE - Lodging, Meals, Cafe & Bakery - A historic building in Downtown Talkeetna, Alaska

I've made 3 trips in RVs up and down the Alcan while living there. 2 in a class A and 1 in a class C with 2 of those trips in the winter. Most horror stories about road conditions are exaggerated to some extent. Slow and steady combined with common sense gets you there and back comfortably and safely. The worst will be unrepaired frost heaves and flying rocks from chip seal.

Hope you have a great trip

Now I'm homesick

Can you please expand on #2 above. We are full time and will probably make the run to Alaska in the next year or two. Being a retired LEO I planned on securing my handguns prior to crossing. What type of long guns are legal to cross with? Would a .223 AR style be legal with proper paperwork?

[BCMountain Aire]

Originally Posted by FLJOE

Can you please expand on #2 above. We are full time and will probably make the run to Alaska in the next year or two. Being a retired LEO I planned on securing my handguns prior to crossing. What type of long guns are legal to cross with? Would a .223 AR style be legal with proper paperwork?

Not that I am an expert, but I own property in Canada and cross the border several times a year, both in our MH and truck. I asked about firearms at the border because we too are planning a trip to Alaska. The Canadian border guard advised me to bring in a pump shotgun. Also, our experience is if the border guard knows that a member of the party is a LEO, active or retired, it is an invitation to be searched. Even though you may not have any firearms on board, and you say as such when questioned, they assume you do because of your LEO affiliation. We got searched just because we said that we have concealed carry permits, after we declared that we had no firearms on board. Lesson here is do not chance it. Is is a felony if caught.


below is an excerpt from the Canadian Border web site. As you can see, an AR style might be allowed if it has a fixed stock and a barrel length greater than 18.5" and magazine capacity no greater than 10. I would call and check, or do as I did, and take a 12ga pump shotgun with a 5 round magazine - no issues.

Restricted firearms
These weapons can only be used for target shooting on approved ranges, and are expected not to be used for hunting or self-defense.
To bring a restricted firearm into Canada you must obtain an Authorization to Transport permit (ATT) in addition to the Non-resident Firearm Declaration or PAL. This must be obtained in advance from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province where the firearm will be going, or where it will be crossing the border. You do not need to use this form if the firearm is being shipped by a licensed carrier

most handguns
semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that are capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition, have barrels between 105 mm (4.14 inches) and 470 mm (18.5 inches) long, and are not otherwise prohibited
firearms designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm (26 inches) by folding, telescoping or other means
firearms restricted by regulations

Prohibited firearms
These firearms are fully banned for importation into Canada. Regardless of licensing and paperwork, prohibited weapons will be seized at the border and destroyed. These include:

handguns with barrels less than or equal to 105 mm (4.14 inches) long
handguns designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32-calibre cartridge
firearms adapted from rifles or shotguns by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, that, when adapted in this way, are less than 660 mm (about 26 inches) long or have a barrel that is less than 457 mm (about 18 inches) long
automatic firearms, whether or not altered to fire in the manner of a semi-automatic firearm
silencers or devices designed to muffle or stop the sound of a firearm
certain cartridge magazines above a given capacity. Generally, cartridge magazines are limited to 5 rounds for centre-fire, semi-automatic rifles or shotguns and 10 rounds for semiautomatic handguns, with exemptions for certain magazines
bullpup stocks
Replica firearms that are designed or intended to exactly resemble a firearm with near precision. This includes weapons that are not reproductions of antique firearms and some types of airsoft or blank guns

[BCMountain Aire]

Originally Posted by BCNewAire

Not that I am an expert, but I own property in Canada and cross the border several times a year, both in our MH and truck. I asked about firearms at the border because we too are planning a trip to Alaska. The Canadian border guard advised me to bring in a pump shotgun. Also, our experience is if the border guard knows that a member of the party is a LEO, active or retired, it is an invitation to be searched. Even though you may not have any firearms on board, and you say as such when questioned, they assume you do because of your LEO affiliation. We got searched just because we said that we have concealed carry permits, after we declared that we had no firearms on board. Lesson here is do not chance it. Is is a felony if caught.


below is an excerpt from the Canadian Border web site. As you can see, an AR style might be allowed if it has a fixed stock and a barrel length greater than 18.5" and magazine capacity no greater than 10. I would call and check, or do as I did, and take a 12ga pump shotgun with a 5 round magazine - no issues.

Restricted firearms
These weapons can only be used for target shooting on approved ranges, and are expected not to be used for hunting or self-defense.
To bring a restricted firearm into Canada you must obtain an Authorization to Transport permit (ATT) in addition to the Non-resident Firearm Declaration or PAL. This must be obtained in advance from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province where the firearm will be going, or where it will be crossing the border. You do not need to use this form if the firearm is being shipped by a licensed carrier

most handguns
semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that are capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition, have barrels between 105 mm (4.14 inches) and 470 mm (18.5 inches) long, and are not otherwise prohibited
firearms designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm (26 inches) by folding, telescoping or other means
firearms restricted by regulations

Prohibited firearms
These firearms are fully banned for importation into Canada. Regardless of licensing and paperwork, prohibited weapons will be seized at the border and destroyed. These include:

handguns with barrels less than or equal to 105 mm (4.14 inches) long
handguns designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32-calibre cartridge
firearms adapted from rifles or shotguns by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, that, when adapted in this way, are less than 660 mm (about 26 inches) long or have a barrel that is less than 457 mm (about 18 inches) long
automatic firearms, whether or not altered to fire in the manner of a semi-automatic firearm
silencers or devices designed to muffle or stop the sound of a firearm
certain cartridge magazines above a given capacity. Generally, cartridge magazines are limited to 5 rounds for centre-fire, semi-automatic rifles or shotguns and 10 rounds for semiautomatic handguns, with exemptions for certain magazines
bullpup stocks
Replica firearms that are designed or intended to exactly resemble a firearm with near precision. This includes weapons that are not reproductions of antique firearms and some types of airsoft or blank guns

Further research shows AR style firearms are prohibited in Canada.

[sdennislee]

Originally Posted by FLJOE

Can you please expand on #2 above. We are full time and will probably make the run to Alaska in the next year or two. Being a retired LEO I planned on securing my handguns prior to crossing. What type of long guns are legal to cross with? Would a .223 AR style be legal with proper paperwork?

BCNewAire answered for you.

I'll only add make sure serial numbers are visible as they permit requires you list the serial number. I had shell carrier mounted to the side of my shotgun covering the S/N had to disassemble to complete paper work.

My first crossing I waited until I was at the border to fill out the paper work, took 20-25 minutes to get permit. Subsequent trips I had it completed before leaving Anchorage took 10 minutes to get permit once I was at the border. As long as it's not a restricted or prohibited firearm it's just a formality of submitting the form and paying the fee.

I never crossed with my AR but mine has "evil features" 30rd mag, collapsable stock, etc... I always traveled with just the Mossberg 590A1