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Field Trip · 07-03-2019, 02:21 PM

We’re headed to Canada this August.
Plan on staying up there for two weeks. Going through Calais, ME to Halifax, NS (Woodhaven RV Park) and to Darnley, PEI (Twin Shores Camping Area).
We’ll be taking the Ventana, Jeep and dog. Guns staying home.
As this is an extended 8 week trip from FL to Boston, Maine, NY then to Newmar for our factory appointment, we’ll be loaded with our stuff similar to when we were full timing.
We’ve been to Canada multiple times for day trips, even stopped and searched once, but have never taken the motorhome or dog. Obviously we will bring our passports, the dog’s medical records with evidence of his shots.
Seeking suggestions about crossing into the border with the motorhome…

Tigerfan1 · 07-03-2019, 02:37 PM

We crossed into Canada at Port Huron, Mi. They asked about the purpose of our trip and then asked to inspect the inside of the coach which lasted about two minutes. They inquired about any plants we had with us and then we were on our way.

fegans02 · 07-03-2019, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Field Trip

We’re headed to Canada this August.
Plan on staying up there for two weeks. Going through Calais, ME to Halifax, NS (Woodhaven RV Park) and to Darnley, PEI (Twin Shores Camping Area).
We’ll be taking the Ventana, Jeep and dog. Guns staying home.
As this is an extended 8 week trip from FL to Boston, Maine, NY then to Newmar for our factory appointment, we’ll be loaded with our stuff similar to when we were full timing.
We’ve been to Canada multiple times for day trips, even stopped and searched once, but have never taken the motorhome or dod. Obviously we will bring our passports, the dog’s medical records with evidence of his shots.
Seeking suggestions about crossing into the border with the motorhome…

1st time we crossed: they opened door and saw the dog and fell in love with him. Asked for passports, where we were from and how long we would be. And we were off.
Second time they asked us to bring passports inside to be checked while they boarded coach. After checking passports they said we could wait outside until they were finished w coach. They did a quick walk through and spent most of time playing w dog. When we got to campsite a couple from PA said it took them over an 1hour because they did a complete search as he had gun in the safe.
So to answer your question it could go either way. Pack patience and smile. Either way they were very friendly to us

Field Trip · 07-03-2019, 02:49 PM

Any issues with alcohol?

Finance · 07-03-2019, 02:52 PM

We prefer to cross late in the morning, to avoid peak traffic times. And allow plenty of time for delay without the stress of needing to be at a destination. Just relax, it's not difficult, even if you get pulled aside for detailed inspection. Canadian border agents are unfailingly professional and polite in our experience. Which is more than I can say for U.S. They seem to recruit from the DMV and run the gamut from friendly and personable to cranky and rude.

In any case it's nothing to worry about, in either direction.

Winepress · 07-03-2019, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Field Trip

Any issues with alcohol?

I made a list of what we had on board and offered it to the border agent. Makes it easier than trying to remember.

SteveNSue · 07-03-2019, 03:05 PM

forWe've crossed into Canada via many different routes. I think we've had more encounters entering California where they check for produce, firewood, and the need to justify their existence along the route.

One common theme going into Canada was the question; "do you have any weapons, bear repellent, pepper spray, mace, knives, bow and arrows, cross bows, fishing equipment, drugs?" They also asked if we had any tools such as power saws, hammers, nail guns, electrical equipment to be used for building construction. Guess they were protecting the local industry
We got asked coming into the US about liquor which we replied we did. Some very overpriced California Cab. They didn't ask any further.
Enjoy you trip...

Solo_RV_Guy · 07-03-2019, 03:11 PM

Has it been 2 weeks already?

From the forum search function:

https://www.google.com/search?q=bord...earch=irv2.com

jelag · 07-03-2019, 03:16 PM

As the terms for entrance into Canada, and than back into the US change several times a year I suggest that reach out to both web sites and see what the current rules are.. The last time we traveled we couldn't take caned dog food across the border.... and fresh eggs....

When we returned to the US we couldn't bring dry dog food back, and upon an inspection (we didn't know) the found a container of about 3 lbs... the border guard smiled and said it wasn't allowed, she asked where we'd bought it... and my wife told her that we had taken a 5 gallon bucket out of the country and that's all that was left... we were several days from home and the border guard let us keep it.. She could of taken it... and she could have fined us..

Since that trip we always go to the web site... and when we traveled to Alaska, we were coming back into Canada 3 months later... we checked the web site again...

Dutch Star Don · 07-03-2019, 03:34 PM

I would suggest you use a credit card for EVERYTHING as the exchange rate is not good. We find our Capital One card gives us the best rate possible and use it for even minor purchases.

rarebear.nm · 07-03-2019, 03:41 PM

As suggested in PO 2, always check both US and Canadian web sites for current details and rules, they change frequently. When we cross, we would put all of the produce and fruit someplace easily accessed by Customs and let them sort it out if they even check. Don't ever lie about what you have.We learned that fruit and produce that have tags/labels indicating country where grown makes bring some things across OK, it depends.

We general approach was to cross the border with as little produce/fruit as we could and shop on the other side. Processed foods are generally fine. Like if you hard boil eggs, cook potatoes, etc those items will probably pass whereas the raw version would not. Dog food in original packaging as opposed to containers may also clear.

Last year we crossed six times and only lost a few potatoes and a melon, no big deal. We did have one US Customs officer check the dogs rabies tags, but not the paper work. If crossing with pets, read up on exactly what is required for them going both ways.

Crossing should not be a big deal, enjoy your trip.

fegans02 · 07-03-2019, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Field Trip

Any issues with alcohol?

We didn't have any issues. We had stopped at duty free and they told us I could claim the scotch and dh could claim the beer. As others have said verify web sites but they indicated each person could claim something. On return trip we kept the receipts for everything we bought just in case. 2nd time crossing back into us agent said he needed to physically see each person on the coach not just their passports. So we had to wake up two teenage girls. Lol. He laughed and said he had daughters too and understood

rarebear.nm · 07-03-2019, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Field Trip

Any issues with alcohol?

Just drink it all right before "attempting" to cross.

No issues as long you stay within the posted limits per person per type of booze and your breath is clean.

docj · 07-03-2019, 05:08 PM

We've crossed into Canada numerous times, the most recent of which was 10 days ago. We were asked if we had left all our guns at home; I responded that we didn't own any. I was asked the same question again with the added comment "if we searched the vehicle we wouldn't find any guns?" I repeated the same response, that we don't own any guns.

I was then asked how much alcohol we were carrying and I responded that we had less than the allowed one liter per person. The next comment was simply "Go on!" Not particularly friendly, but that was all we were looking for.

Currently, we're on Prince Edward Island where we will spend a few weeks before going onto Newfoundland.

Joel (AKA docj)