We will be staying in Shelby, Mt before we cross into Canada, and were planning to cross at Sweetgrass. Looking at Google Earth, it looks like a really large and busy facility. Del Bonita crossing is a little farther to the west but still on our way to Fort MacLeod. Is there any reason not to cross there? Are the smaller crossings more likely to take your RV apart because they are looking for something to do?

I've been searched a couple of times at Sweet Grass, never at Del Bonita. But I've never crossed at Del Bonita. They have a nice indoor "inspection facility" at Sweet Grass. You go into a "waiting room" with large windows, so you can watch them throw all of your stuff on the floor.I think my name was on the "list" as I had an alcohol infraction a few years earlier in New Brunswick. I told the New Brunswick guy I took the same amount of alcohol on trips to Alaska. He said US travelers, crossing through Canada, on their way to Alaska get "special consideration". I think I read somewhere your name stays on the "list" like for 7 years.Once while searched I had my cremated dog in a white cardboard box wrapped with Saran Wrap in the back seat. They tore into that---I guess who wouldn't want to know what's in a box wrapped with Saran Wrap..

smaller or Larger are the same , if its your turn to be search it is.have had both ways full minimal, What ever it takes, they are very professional and i expect nothing less , makes me feel like it is all working for our safety.

In my experience, it's been a mixed bag. I crossed at Sweetgrass once, and had the experience you describe. EVERYTHING emptied out of the rv while I sat in a waiting room, they took the keys to my car and trailer, this was by the Canadian authorities. After the RV was empty, they called me out and had me remove my dog from the car so they could give it a thorough going over. At least they were nice enough to put most everything back away.I don't recall where I returned to the US on that trip, it might have been Portal ND.A year later, I crossed (again?) at Portal ND, which was a busy freight port of entry. Other than filling out paperwork for a long gun, the process went super smooth. No inspection of the RV or car.Crossing from Canada <> Alaska was no issue either way multiple times. Crossed from Canada to US at Roosville MT (tiny like Sweetgrass), they put up a bit of a stink because I didn't "optionally" register my long gun with them before leaving the US. I was able to provide them the receipt showing I purchased it in the US (and no duty was due) and was on my way. No searching or extensive questioning.

Why are you concerned? You are more likely to be searched due to suspicious behavior, attitude, DUI, criminal history, gun history, etc. Know the current rules for firewood, food, etc.It's really simple: Have documents ready, hat off, sunglasses off, directly answer questions and don't offer additional information.

Bigger or smaller, same difference. Odds of "deeper inspection" are about the same.Sometimes the lines are shorter at the smaller places.Sometimes not!Last time crossing back to the US we were at a small station in Washington. Got the "you are selected for an agricultural inspection". 45 minute pain in the neck, but professionally and respectfully done. On leaving I told the agent just that, and he gave me a big smile.

Border Crossing | Good Sam Community

sljohnson1938
Explorer
Mar 11, 2017
last year, 2016, when we crossed from Alaska into Canada, near Beaver Creek I believe, they asked me if I had any illegal immigrants in my pop up truck camper. could not believe it. even if I did, there could be only 2 or 3. it was a pop up truck camper for gosh. I guess it was her joke of the day, but I did laugh.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Mar 11, 2017
AKsilvereagle wrote:
Ok, I noticed a posted reply regarding insurance. Does a US citizen need a Canadian Insurance rider when in Canada?

This question regarding the Non Resident Canadian Insurance Cards was posted in past topics a few times :

Depending what insurance carrier you have, it seems that most insurance carriers have now phased out issuing these cards for US travellers visiting Canada....

While quite a few members pointed this out roughly 4 years ago, I asked my insurance carrier if they still issued the cards as they stated they do, so I still had to obtain one which their policy is to only issue one in person at the agents office and not send one thru the mail....

In 2015 my local agent dumped the insurance company and is no longer an insurance agent and the insurance company has decided not to retain any local office in Fairbanks....

I called corporate and asked since their policy on Non Resident Canadian Insurance Cards were issued by the agents local office only with no local agent in my area, would I have to inconveniently drive 330 miles one way to the next nearest office (Wasilla) having to still obtain a Non Resident Canadian Insurance Card - as they stated NO, as they now no longer issue those cards anymore.

To fully answer this question, I would ask your insurance carrier....chances are they phased out the cards.
I had never been asked for a Canadian insurance card in Canada or for my Collies health certificates so I quit getting both. I do carry their rabies vaccination records.
AKsilvereagle
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2017
Ok, I noticed a posted reply regarding insurance. Does a US citizen need a Canadian Insurance rider when in Canada?

This question regarding the Non Resident Canadian Insurance Cards was posted in past topics a few times :

Depending what insurance carrier you have, it seems that most insurance carriers have now phased out issuing these cards for US travellers visiting Canada....

While quite a few members pointed this out roughly 4 years ago, I asked my insurance carrier if they still issued the cards as they stated they do, so I still had to obtain one which their policy is to only issue one in person at the agents office and not send one thru the mail....

In 2015 my local agent dumped the insurance company and is no longer an insurance agent and the insurance company has decided not to retain any local office in Fairbanks....

I called corporate and asked since their policy on Non Resident Canadian Insurance Cards were issued by the agents local office only with no local agent in my area, would I have to inconveniently drive 330 miles one way to the next nearest office (Wasilla) having to still obtain a Non Resident Canadian Insurance Card - as they stated NO, as they now no longer issue those cards anymore.

To fully answer this question, I would ask your insurance carrier....chances are they phased out the cards.
free_radical
Explorer
Mar 05, 2017
2gypsies wrote:
Why are folks so uptight about crossing the border? Think of the folks in Europe who go through it all the time. It's really no big deal if you're not trying to smuggle anything(one) in!

Actualy travelers in Europe have it fairly easy,

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/need-passport-travel-europe-108290.html

passport may be required to travel between countries within Europe' however, 26 countries are part of the Schengen Agreement, which means that all internal borders between those countries have been eliminated. You do not need a passport to travel between Schengen Agreement countries. Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Children and Passports
In 2012 the rules about children traveling on their parent or guardian's passport changed. Each child younger than 16, including infants and newborns, must now have her own passport or ID card to travel in Europe.
Carrying Your Passport
In several European countries it is either the law or recommended for travelers to carry their passports with them at all times. Police in Germany have the right to ask for your identification, while in Austria by law you must be able to access your passport within one hour if requested by authorities. Other forms of identification are not accepted. Always check the local laws in the countries you are visiting before departing.
obgraham
Explorer
Mar 04, 2017
I actually enjoy the show at the border. I accept that rulkes are rules, but some of them are pretty silly. When the fellow came out swiping my little ziplok with about a cup of rice in it (because it wasn't in the original container!) I just grinned and chuckled.

Actually the agent did too, but he tried not to show it.

But at my next crossing, I apparently did not show up as a "rice smuggler".
colliehauler
Explorer III
Mar 04, 2017
Mark Robinson wrote:
Ok, I noticed a posted reply regarding insurance. Does a US citizen need a Canadian Insurance rider when in Canada?
Most insurance companies can print a Canadian insurance card for no charge. You do not need special insurance like Mexico.
garyhaupt
Explorer
Mar 04, 2017
You should ensure you have the appropriate medical insurance. Check with your carrier to determine if you are covered in Canada. If you are not? Then yes, get some. Your vehicle insurance is good in Canada. Some folks get a card from their carrier that states your vehicle coverage.

It appears that your knowledge of border crossing may be somewhat limited. Ask questions here...

A for instance...if you have handguns...don't be bringing those. You need a passport to re-enter the US. If anyone in your party has a criminal record, they are inadmissible. Lots of the laws, at first glance, seem kind of harsh...you will find the laws are the same/same...going both ways. The absolute best way to cross the border is to have an empty fridge. The rules change often..so..no veggies or fruits. Onions or garlic? no no no...Pet food if it is made in the US in it's original container.

Gary Haupt
nohurrynoworry
Explorer
Mar 04, 2017
Ok, I noticed a posted reply regarding insurance. Does a US citizen need a Canadian Insurance rider when in Canada?
garyhaupt
Explorer
Mar 04, 2017
2gypsies wrote:
Why are folks so uptight about crossing the border? Think of the folks in Europe who go through it all the time. It's really no big deal if you're not trying to smuggle anything(one) in!

Yep..it is one of the things that worry folks the most. And even if they confiscate something...it is no big deal if it's some edibles or pet food..they just take, wriggle their fingers at you and that's it. No records kept or anything.

And yes, things are changing and if I weren't white and citizen of one of the two countries, I wouldn't be taking it too much for granted.

Gary Haupt
VTLee
Explorer
Mar 03, 2017
If they search inside your camper stop as soon as possible and check on what is inside. About 12 years ago I was pulling a 5er and crossed at Cornwall NY and they searched the inside and would not let me watch. We stopped about 30 miles down the road and opened the door to a real mess. They did not put anything back including the contents of the refrigerator. Luckily we were on our way home so I could clean it up when we got there.

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