We are in the preliminary stages of planning a trip next summer from FL to Cape Breton following 1-95 more or less to Canada.I have read that there are a number of restrictions on what we can have in our Class A MH at crossing & some of them could be a problem (such as dog food, alcohol, firearms, etc.)I wonder whether there are campgrounds or other places near the border on the US side where we could store our banned items for a few weeks while we are in 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 problemGuns....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 knowWe 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.

Banned items for border crossing into Canada | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

Pangaea_Ron
Explorer
Jul 20, 2014
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.
tjfogelberg
Explorer
Jul 20, 2014
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.
poncho62
Explorer
Jul 20, 2014
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

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Banned items for border crossing into Canada

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