When we took Alaska Highway, we purchased a couple of cases of wine before the trip. Didn't keep the receipt. Paid duty of $1.50 bottle on $3.00 bottles of Trader Joe "Chuck" wine. Even at that rate, the wine purchase was a winner over the Canadian prices, and possibly in Alaska too. (We were staying 2 months on the road.)
To get the best rates on money exchange, use your credit card when possible. Canadian banks and currency offices can be very pricey.
My theory about banned items is that each inspection officer picks an item of the week from a list of banned items. Just no other explanation for the randomness.
