We are going from Ellsworth Maine, to St. John's NB, then on to Hallifax with our 5th wheel. Traveling with 3 dogs, we have letters showing they are all up to date with their shots and in good health. Anything you can pass on to make the crossing easier? Thanks in advance!

You have your passports, no weapons that won't pass CDN Border rules, checked for the latest foods you can or cannot take across, no firewood, no criminal convictions for anyone in the party? I think you are good to go.Gary Haupt

It Saint John not St. John's o/w you'd be in Newfoundland. Lol

It's been a few years since we crossed the border at Calais ME.It was no problem, I was asked two questions, why we were visiting and how long are we staying. It was quick and easy. Returning to the USA at the same location was also simple.My only complaint was the fairly long wait in line which I assume is normal.

They just opened a new Customs crossing a few years back. Its a little up river from Calais \St Stephen but its a much larger facility.JM2CW

Not to be too picky but it's "Saint John" No abbreviation of the word Saint and no final "s". It is spelled that way to distinguish it from St. John's NFLD. While here remember to never add the "s" to the end of the name else be prepared for a friendly reminder from locals. They will be quick to correct any incorrect abbreviation of the "Saint" as well.Now armed with this local knowledge you can fit in perfectly with the locals provided you remember a couple of rules about beer. When asked what kind of beer you want there are only two correct answers, Moosehead or Alpine. Moose Green is somewhat acceptable in urban areas as well. All three beers are made by the same brewery and despite years of consumption I think all three are really the same beer, just in different colour bottles. I personally like the Moose Green, unless deer hunting, then Alpine is mandatory. Do not expect a hard time at the border, we love visitors and we have a whole industry established to welcome folks. Just be prepared - when you hear yourself described as a tortoise people aren't really calling you a turtle, it's just the local dialect pronunciation of the word tourist.All joking aside, when you cross the border I highly recommend you include a couple of nights in St. Andrews (abbreviation allowed in this case). Stay at the Kiwanis Ocean Front Campground. It is so scenic and although not technically ocean front, there is a local street between the campground and the water, you can have a unrestricted view of the very pretty Passamaquoddy Bay. The campground is within walking distance of restaurants serving fresh seafood. The downtown is very unique with some buildings dating back to the late 1700's.Hope you enjoy your visit.Safe travels.

Crossing into Canada at Callis, what should we expect?

30 Replies

garyhaupt
Explorer
Aug 12, 2016
Or Vancouver Island Victoria Island....
Crowe
Explorer
Aug 12, 2016
Decades ago I was warned to never say 'frisco in San Francisco. In Seattle it's not Pike's Market, it's Pike Place market. It's not Good Sam's either. I'll stop now.

And PLEASE don't call Boston Beantown! But we digress!
Coach-man
Explorer
Aug 12, 2016
Wrong Lane wrote:
I did warn you about that toll and even gave the correct price.

You must have missed that post while practising a Sea Shanty

No, no no! It's wasn't the Sea Shanty, so much as the Moosehead!
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2016
Crowe wrote:
Still, no matter how said, it is spelled Callais!!
and Halifax. Single l. He did get Ellsworth right.

Decades ago I was warned to never say 'frisco in San Francisco. In Seattle it's not Pike's Market, it's Pike Place market. It's not Good Sam's either. I'll stop now.
Wrong_Lane
Explorer
Aug 11, 2016
I did warn you about that toll and even gave the correct price.

You must have missed that post while practising a Sea Shanty
Coach-man
Explorer
Aug 11, 2016
Well, so much for no tolls! $5.25 Canadian on 102 going towards Turo!
Veebyes
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2016
Crowe wrote:
Still, no matter how said, it is spelled Callais!!

In Maine (and France) it's "Calais".

Yup, & in Europe it is pronounced the French way 'Calay' as in lay, not 'calis'.
Crowe
Explorer
Aug 11, 2016
Oops, should have double checked via google. You're right.

Those double Ls will get you every time! :B
Little_Kopit
Explorer
Aug 11, 2016
Oops, should have double checked via google. You're right.

;)
Crowe
Explorer
Aug 10, 2016
Still, no matter how said, it is spelled Callais!!

In Maine (and France) it's "Calais".