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
jamesu wrote:
For us going to Canada normally means travelling to Vancouver, BC for the day. Back in the day this was a fun outing.
Since 9/11 things have changed. Our usual experience now is that during the border crossing experience on I-5 at Sumas heading north the Canadian agents are generally professional and cordial, while heading south the American agents can be arrogant and even downright surly.
As stated previously have your passports ready, hand them to the agent, answer his questions correctly without imbellishments and hopefully you will be on your quickly, especially when heading back into the states. One time I did not hand our passports to the U.S. agent quickly enough and that did not make his day. He was not happy. I was relieved when he finally waved me "on" rather than waving me "over".
Update: Last week we camped at Birch Bay (4 miles from the Blaine border crossing). We were camped between 2 nice families from BC. Got into a conversation concerning the above subject. I was surprised that their experience was exactly reversed: whereas we experience professional Canadian customs agents and endure testy American agents, they experience professional American agents and testy Canadians ones. I guess it all depends upon where you call home and the "home" customs agents are just not thrilled to welcome you back.
Keep a smile in your heart and one on your face.
