Community Forums

JIM Q · 08-06-2011, 01:22 PM

going to Main and thought why not also go to Canada
My question is How difficult or what to expect at the border
will have our grand daughter we all have pass ports but the concern is we will have a goden retriver and two cats all three have there shots
any info would help
Jim

FC Ontario · 08-06-2011, 02:13 PM

We cross the border back and forth many times a year and its generally just a minute or two with the Customs officer. Depending on how old your grand daughter is, you may need a document signed by her parents that she can travel with you to Canada.
The cats and dogs are no problem and only other major item is "firearms" and the best advice there is to leave them at home.
They will ask you a series of questions just to see your reaction.
Hints;
Take off sunglasses
Pass the passports to the customs officer
Answer only the questions they ask and remember to answer seriously.
Have a destination or tour that you plan to take as they will ask you where you are going.
And finally enjoy your visit to Canada.
If you have any specific questions you can send me a private message.

frankdamp · 08-07-2011, 02:38 PM

You'll have a lot more hassle coming back through the border into the US. The agents seem to have developed an attitude that everyone that wants in is a potential terrorist threat, even if you're a US citizen or a resident alien.

BTW, check on the validity of your health insurance for "foreign travel". If you're on Medicare, you're not covered when you're in Canada.

Eric_H_E · 08-07-2011, 04:04 PM

Years ago, (90s) my boss and his dw traveled to Canada, at
The border they were asked about wepens(sp?). My boss said no.

The agent looked at the key ring hanging in the ignition with paper spray on it.

They were delayed half a day while the mh was searched.

Just a heads up

Eric_H_E · 08-07-2011, 04:08 PM

Dang it.
Pepper spray, not paper.

JBDISCOVERY · 08-07-2011, 04:16 PM

I can agree with "take your sunglasses off" Did not do that and we took part in a search of our RV which was a 45 minute hassel. Be cool, no sunglasses, no guns, no tobacco, no liquor. Enjoy Canada.
JB

W4RLR · 08-07-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBDISCOVERY

I can agree with "take your sunglasses off" Did not do that and we took part in a search of our RV which was a 45 minute hassle. Be cool, no sunglasses, no guns, no tobacco, no liquor. Enjoy Canada.
JB

That's kind of a oxymoron, isn't it?

ccc · 08-09-2011, 08:49 PM

Jim,
We just returned from Alaska, crossed the borders several times in each direction.
You will absolutely need permission from your grandchild's parents for the crossing(s).
NOTORIZED.
Passports for all to get back in US.
Suggestion, when you cross, either way, best to have NO fresh fruit nor vegitables, no liquor or very little, same with tobacco products.
If you can answer NO to those questions the passage is much faster.
Have registration for your vehicle, we were asked only one time, but I had it out and ready.
When you pull up hand the agent passports for ALL without his having to ask for it, we did and were THANKED each time!
going into Canada NO guns and NO bear spray nor any such. Period.
They will also ask abt cash.
As you can see a lot of NO ans will speed things along.
CCC

new rver · 08-09-2011, 09:52 PM

been out of canada lot this year bear spray ok it must say bear spray.boze ok in small amounts theres a web site for canada will tell ya what can & can't.like they say have everything ready answer only the ? don,t have conversation with them.we got searched in quebc on top of main no big deal for us pull over un lock everything don't give them hard time 20 min than gone.vegs & potatoes sometimes they want u to shop there last thing in quebc everything in french & metric
safe travles bob,linda & missy

UFO Pilot · 08-09-2011, 10:02 PM

We took our grandson to Canada in the MH in 2008. Both directions they seemed to be most interested in our grandson. They wanted to speak to him and have him answer the questions with no help from us. Make sure you have cards from your vehicle insurance companies stating you have coverage in Canada. They never asked us about pets although we did have all of his papers. We spent less than 5 minutes with the agent in both directions.

Coached · 08-09-2011, 10:09 PM

Go on up to Bangor then take highway #9 north east to Calais (your side), St. Stephens (our side). Have lunch or dinner at the Irvine[s truck stop you'll hit just before town 'cause it's amazing. Go on into Canada ...act like a tourist who wants to see the Bay of Fundy and don't get smart with them ... you'll be fine. It's a great drive through the largest blueberry "patch" in the World with tons of beautiful scenery. The road is in great shape but don't go crazy with your speed as there are some sudden curves that have rises in them. In the old days this road was called the "Runway" 'cause so many drunks got airborne on some of those curves. Don't worry, they rebuilt the whole road. I had family that lived in St. Stephens for years and i used to go there regularly... make sure you get to the historic St. Andrews golf course and hotel ... it is one of the oldest in North America and still quite impressive. Have fun.

FC Ontario · 08-10-2011, 08:28 AM

Just a note, they have opend a new (two years ago) Customs station at a new crossover bridge that is easily accessible off of the Route 9 access roads. This new Customs station makes it so you do not have to travel the narrow streets in down town Calais and St Stephens.
After you pass customs you are right on the main divided highway to take you to Saint John.
JM2CW