Canadian Border
We are planning a trip to Alaska in our 40-foot RV, with a tow vehicle, driving from Washington through Canada. What can we expect at the Canadian border? Is it a hassle to cross? Would like to hea...
Forum Discussion
After many years of hauling our trailer across the border in both directions it has become fairly routine. The more common questions that we have come to expect are:
- where are you from?
- what is your citizenship?
- what will you be leaving in the U.S.?
- any perishables on board? (we lost beef and citrus products on two occasions)
- any alcohol or tobacco products?
- any firearms?
- any firewood?
- what is your destination?
- how long will you be in the U.S.?
- value of your purchased in the U.S. (when returning home to Canada)
There have been a few "one off" questions:
- paperwork in order for your dog? (have never been asked to actually produce it)
- do you have any fresh flowers on board? (we had made the officer aware that we had been to a funeral)
- why are you crossing at this point? (a shorter alternative was available)
- do you own the trailer? (we weren't asked to produce the ownership)
We have never been subject to a major search but we have been delayed for:
- more detailed questioning about perishable food products (found out that once a can of beef soup is opened it becomes a perishable food product)
- walk through of the trailer (opened fridge and pantry cupboards several times)
- complete trailer scan through some kind of large machine (kinda neat)
I should point out that we have not had any additional delays in a number of years - the trailer scanning seemed to be clearly post 9/11 and has been relaxed in recent years - we've gotten smarter with the foodstuff and try very hard to not cross with any perishables at all (then do a shopping on the other side).
Finally - just a feeling that may be dead wrong - but I think that over time you establish a bit of a "good guy" record (or not) - the crossing guards obviously have a ton of information on you - and information on every crossing you have made previously - if each becomes a repeat of the last then you're just another boring RV'er - but if you screwed up once - well - I think their memory is long and I don't think they are very forgiving ..... part of why I am saying this is the story of an old friend of ours - he tried to hide a purchase many, many years ago - and is still pretty much guaranteed a lot of extra attention every time he crosses.
Crossing is really not a big deal if you don't have anything to hide.
Jay
- where are you from?
- what is your citizenship?
- what will you be leaving in the U.S.?
- any perishables on board? (we lost beef and citrus products on two occasions)
- any alcohol or tobacco products?
- any firearms?
- any firewood?
- what is your destination?
- how long will you be in the U.S.?
- value of your purchased in the U.S. (when returning home to Canada)
There have been a few "one off" questions:
- paperwork in order for your dog? (have never been asked to actually produce it)
- do you have any fresh flowers on board? (we had made the officer aware that we had been to a funeral)
- why are you crossing at this point? (a shorter alternative was available)
- do you own the trailer? (we weren't asked to produce the ownership)
We have never been subject to a major search but we have been delayed for:
- more detailed questioning about perishable food products (found out that once a can of beef soup is opened it becomes a perishable food product)
- walk through of the trailer (opened fridge and pantry cupboards several times)
- complete trailer scan through some kind of large machine (kinda neat)
I should point out that we have not had any additional delays in a number of years - the trailer scanning seemed to be clearly post 9/11 and has been relaxed in recent years - we've gotten smarter with the foodstuff and try very hard to not cross with any perishables at all (then do a shopping on the other side).
Finally - just a feeling that may be dead wrong - but I think that over time you establish a bit of a "good guy" record (or not) - the crossing guards obviously have a ton of information on you - and information on every crossing you have made previously - if each becomes a repeat of the last then you're just another boring RV'er - but if you screwed up once - well - I think their memory is long and I don't think they are very forgiving ..... part of why I am saying this is the story of an old friend of ours - he tried to hide a purchase many, many years ago - and is still pretty much guaranteed a lot of extra attention every time he crosses.
Crossing is really not a big deal if you don't have anything to hide.
Jay
