Canadian Border

atom ant · 10-20-2014, 05:36 PM

We were discussing going north this summer into Canada. What kind of a chore is it to bring through the Redwood - either direction? Do they have to pull it all apart?

Oriana · 10-20-2014, 05:50 PM

Brad - We weaved across the border this past trip, making 6 transits in the past 3 months.

Heading into Canada - Your biggest issue will be guns, so make sure you leave any guns and ammo at home. As residents we get asked the usual questions about our purchases in the U.S. especially booze. We are always within the limits and have never been asked to pull over for a search. From memory, don't bring fresh apples or citrus products.

Heading into the U.S. - We can bring reasonable amounts of beef, chicken and pork, but no lamb. No tomatoes, green onions, citrus products. Our dog and cat food can have no lamb or goat and must have the bags to prove contents.

Our experience is 50/50 whether we are asked to pull over for an agriculture inspection.

In all our crossings we have to say the experience has been good. I suggest researching border crossings on Google street view and satellite view, as some are way too tight for our rigs. An example is the Truck crossing South of Vancouver - it requires a tight turn into the U.S. booths which is almost impossible for our length. Although it is designated a truck crossing we can't use the truck lanes.

atom ant · 10-20-2014, 05:54 PM

Great info - thanks Andy.

johnboytoo · 10-20-2014, 05:56 PM

Sounds like the safest way is the way we usually camp...

We go empty and stop by walmart when we get unhooked at the campground

almcc · 10-20-2014, 06:28 PM

We cross to and from the US each winter. Depending on what's on the "no-no" list (which can change month-to-month!) you can lose some food. We don't object to the rules but be prepared. JB2's advice is probably the best, go empty if you can.

One year we came back to Canada from Mexico with some Mexican beef in the freezer, no problems coming into the US from Mexico but it gave the Canadian border folks "indigestion" especially since the officer at the kiosk was training another one! After much discussion we were allowed to keep the beef with the proviso that we eat it ourselves (we actually threw it out).

We were also inspected once going into the US and had our dog food taken, it was Us sourced but "could have been made on the same assembly line as some "no-no" items". I've learned to roll with the punches, declare everything and if stuff gets taken that's life.

For us the bottom line is that we try to take minimal stuff across the border, and since we get charged bag-by-bag for garbage disposal at home, losing something to the border folks actually represents a saving, not a hassle! as Andy indicates booze, cigs and guns are bigger deals coming into Canada.

trinita · 10-20-2014, 06:49 PM

We crossed into the US twice this year, and have learned that if dog food is made in the US and in the original bag, no issues.

Rick

atom ant · 10-20-2014, 07:00 PM

Thanks for the additional info. It will be a little tough for us to run empty, as there will be some vacation in front of crossing the border, and back, but we can try to work it through planning.

no guns, booze, or cigs! Holy buckets, what will we do while we are there

.

Oriana · 10-20-2014, 07:43 PM

Brad - definitely no guns, but reasonable quantity of booze and cigs are normally not an issue.

If leaving from home (only 20 miles from border) we usually travel without fresh/frozen meat, veg & fruit, but the past 3 months we didn't have any option.

As Al mentioned both U.S. & Canadian requirements do change. Last year it was rice from SE Asia, now it is any rice.

Ian Smith · 10-20-2014, 07:52 PM

Yes you can bring some booze and cigs to Canada so all it not lost. Try this site [url]http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ifvc-rpvc-eng.html#a2

**Dave&Ginny** · 10-20-2014, 11:08 PM

NO GUNS!!!!!...oh no They probably wouldn't appreciate my tazer flash light either

travelin' texans · 10-20-2014, 11:19 PM

The problem we found in crossing basically empty was it cost about 3 times the price to replace everything across the border, apparently they pay a lot better up there. Brad just FYI we paid $22+ for 2 six packs of the cheapest beer they had in stock, so don't get too thirsty.

**Dave&Ginny** · 10-20-2014, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin' texans

The problem we found in crossing basically empty was it cost about 3 times the price to replace everything across the border, apparently they pay a lot better up there. Brad just FYI we paid $22+ for 2 six packs of the cheapest beer they had in stock, so don't get too thirsty.

WOW.....don't drink beer up there

atom ant · 10-21-2014, 12:15 AM

Do they limit the alcohol coming back into the US?

Back in 78, I went to visit my folks who had a cabin in Canada at Eagle Lake by Vermillion Bay. Now I understand why my Dad sent me a booze and cigarette order - he was using me as a RUM RUNNER!

Ian Smith · 10-21-2014, 12:35 AM

Yes, there is a limit,they still have to get their pound of flesh, I mean tax...ian

Oriana · 10-21-2014, 01:24 AM

Similar to the U.S. prices vary by Province. We found the Atlantic Provinces more expensive than BC.

Last week in Wyoming I purchased a couple of bottles of finest single malt whisky for $40 each, which would have cost about double in BC.

almcc · 10-21-2014, 12:02 PM

A friend reported that the overage charges for extra liquor going across the border vary considerably depending on which way you go. He indicated that the charge bringing extra booze into Canada was $1 per ounce, apparently going into the US it's much cheaper, he indicated that it is worthwhile to stop at a duty free and then pay the charge going into the US.

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