Banned items for border crossing into Canada

I have crossed the border the other way and have had meat taken one year and found out it was OK the next. That year they were on a dairy products kick....I take next to nothing now and stop at a grocery store once in the US.

My understanding is, if the dog food is in the original package, its OK...could be wrong.
Alcohol is sold at the duty free at the border, so I cant see that being a problem
Guns....Maybe there is a gun shop that would store them near the border

We crossed at Grand Portage MN last Fall and had to surrender our mace. Dogs and dog food ok. Had only a few ounces of alcohol on board and that was ok. No firearms here so I don't know on that.Bring proof of dog vaccinations.

Here's what you need to know

We have crossed the border many times and have not had any unusual requests about what's in the RV. Remove your sunglasses, keep you hands on the wheel, and answer their questions truthfully. Even if you have more than what is allowed, they will often let it pass.

The officers at the border often seem arbitrary, but they are trying to do a difficult job in difficult times.

I suggest using a self storage locker in Maine. Rent the smallest one for one month. The Yellow Pages on line lists over 20 places in Bangor. ME. You can check other towns on your route.

What they don't see, and if you don't declare, could result in your vehicle being seized, as well as the items you didn't declare. Or if the lack of declaration is less serious, then a substantial fine put upon you to retain ownership of your items, and you'll be asked to do a U-turn to keep those items in the US.

So, if you feel the need for your firearms, then brush up on Canadian law regarding firearms and the paperwork required to cross the border with firearms. Also note that the requirements for Canadians to take firearms into the USA is far MORE onerous and more lengthy process - up to three months to get approvals in place.

Dog food generally isn't a problem IF it is in its original packaging and made in the USA. Dogs must have up-to-date rabies certificates. Same when we Canadians wish to cross into the United States.

Alcohol can cross the border with you. If you wish to take more than the quantities permitted for personal use, then a duty must be paid. Same when we Canadians wish to cross into the USA.

Do be sure you have valid passports. Canada doesn't require passports to cross into our country BUT the USA requires passports to return, so Canadian officials will check to ensure you have what you need to return home without problem.

Last time we drove into Canada. The officer asked me " are you carrying any fire arms. I said "No sir"..

Then he asked do you own fire arms.. I smile and said Hell YEAH ! LOL

This may or may not apply but.....If you are carrying more than 10K with you then you must declare it. You are ok to bring that amount but please tell them exactly how much cash, American or Canadian currency.

We do accept American change, however, leave your pennies at home. We do not use them anymore. Totals are rounded up or down. American stores do not accept Canadian change.

The big 3 are guns (no), firewood (no) and alcohol (limited). If these are a problem then perhaps stay in the US. We minimize other potential items mentioned earlier. That way we don't have to go back to a storage location.

One year US agents took our tomatoes (I ate one) and the regulation came in that day.

An FYI, I just deleted/edited several posts that referenced an inappropriate recommendation about not declaring information at the border.

... Eric (Moderator)

They asked if I had any weapons or knives. I said yes kitchen knives. They let me pass, seemed like a trick question to ask a person in a MH. No the way back at a different crossing, I had 1 tomato, that I told them about and they spent 1/2 hr going from front to back. Even read the labels on my frozen TV dinners, then sent me on my way. That day they were stopping nothing but RV's