US-Canada Crossing Point

[Mr. Roo]

In June of this year we are meeting a Caravan company in Hazelton BC for a 35 day trip to Alaska. We will be leaving Florida mid May for BC. We would like suggestions as to the best place to make the US-Canada crossing. Also any info regarding the best place to cross the Canadian Rockies would also be most helpful. We will be driving a 32ft Gas Bounder and towing a toad. Any info on your favorite sites in the central and western provinces would be welcome.

Thanks
Al and Karen

[GatorDog]

I have no suggestion Al but I want you to know you are making the trip I am planning when Mamma retires in 2010.

Please do keep us posted on this trip.

Thanks

[D&J]

We crossed at Sweet Grass Montana (I-15). We crossed the mountains by going through Banff & Jasper NP on our way to Dawson Creek.

Denny

[Bob N Deb]

You are looking at a great trip
I live in BC and have driven my motorhome over this road so here is my suggestion.
stop in Glacier N.P. look at "going to the sun Highway"you can drive the toad over but not the motorhome it may still be closed for snow in may
take hwy 17 to the border it turns into Alberta6
stop at Waterton N.P. head north towards Calgary #6 to Pincher creek then #2 to calgary
stop at the "bufalo jump near Ft Mcloed on the way to Calgary.
after Calgary go west on Canada#1
through Banff stay on #1 to Kelowna then #97 north to Prince George then #16 north to Hazelton
hope that gives you a start
Bob

[Bob N Deb]

sorry I should have put Kamloops not Kelowna
Bob

[zigzagrv]

I haven't decided if I'm crossing at Sweetgrass (I-15) or stay in the US a bit farther and crossing at Roosville (US 93).

Depends if you're taking time to see the sights in BC, such as Banff or Jasper or want to go thru Calgary.

[TW]

All crossing points are about the same, it's just up to you, where and how you like to come up from Florida.
NO GUNS!!!!!!into Canada.
If you go all the way WEST, you can take in some of CA OR WA and all of BC.
From Vancouver take Highway #1 east and north
and 97 north...
You will have a great time anywhere during that trip.... what you did not visit on the way up, stop on the southbound return trip..
Your rig size is no problem.
Lots of room in the WEST here (still).
Have a great trip. You will like the temps here in summer... just great.
Any more questions, just ask or PM.
Have a great trip
TW

[dirko]

Hi Ho: We have been from Salt Lake City to Alberta and BC many times because my mother-in-law lived in Calgary before she died. It really doesn't matter where you cross the border. If you have them, bring your passports.

The first time I flew our little airplane, I was concerned about the border and made it a point to check in with the controllers right at the border, but they just said "welcome to Canada, but you can check in any time".

Customs getting in to Canada is also pretty easy.

Also, remember that for some reason that has never been clear to me, even though there is oil in Alberta, gas is more expensive in Canada, so fill up before you cross the border. We traveled in BC for about 3 weeks last summer and were near the border and in need of gas, so we drove across to get gas and lunch and then right back.

I think some of the most beautiful scenery in the world is in the Canadian Rockies. BC is great! People are also very friendly. Calgary is just a big city (but they do have about 3 Costco's).

Try Joey's Only Fish and Chips. One of our favorites.

Dirk

[UFO Pilot]

If you cross at Sweet Grass, the RCMP museum in Fort Macleod is a must see. Also as mentioned, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump is a great site. We camped in Fort Macleod and drove the toad to the sites. The Canadian Rockies are beautiful. We also camped in Banff in the National Park, wildlife walk thru the camps morning and night. Visit the various lakes if you have time, you won't be disappointed.

[LindaH]

Originally posted by TW:
NO GUNS!!!!!!into Canada.

This isn't correct.

While handguns are verboten, some long guns can be taken across the border with the proper permits.

To find out exactly which firearms are and aren't permitted, and to download the permits, go to the Canadian Firearms Centre.

[ronharp]

Linda

You beat me to it but even your answer is only half right.
The website you give should have the correct answers.
There are a number of circumstances wherein you can take handguns into Canada.
I guess I should add that I don't think the OP circumstances are one of those that qualify.

Ron

[Bob N Deb]

the easiest answer to the last 2 posts is dont bother with bringing a gun into Canada I know there are ways but it isnt worth the bother
bob

[Forest Grump]

Passports are now required if you intend to return to the USA.

[parmm]

Originally posted by Forest Grump:
Passports are now required if you intend to return to the USA.

Thought it was June 1, 2009. But that could be subject to change.