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

Little_Kopit
Explorer
Aug 10, 2016
Crowe wrote:
Only thing that bugs me, we started at Ellsworth ME. Direction on compass was SE, or E, I would have thought we were back in Florida after driving that direction for all that time!

You must have driven Rt. 1 all the way. Takes forever!

But most interesting!!!!!! Most beauty to be found for those with open eyes.

Hey GANG! The folks in Maine would appreciate correct spelling, I'm sure. Callais. But in Maine you say it the Maine way, like you've been spelling it. If that were a town in Quebec, then you'd say it the French way. Still, no matter how said, it is spelled Callais!!

:@
Veebyes
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2016
We crossed at the new one in May. Easy as can be. Got lucky. No line at all. Spent more time in casual chat with the officer than the formal stuff.
Crowe
Explorer
Aug 10, 2016
Only thing that bugs me, we started at Ellsworth ME. Direction on compass was SE, or E, I would have thought we were back in Florida after driving that direction for all that time!

You must have driven Rt. 1 all the way. Takes forever!
Coach-man
Explorer
Aug 10, 2016
Well we made it! Crossed at Callis, not a problem! Had our passports, and a bunch of other stuff, but never asked for it! Only thing that bugs me, we started at Ellsworth ME. Direction on compass was SE, or E, I would have thought we were back in Florida after driving that direction for all that time!
Wrong_Lane
Explorer
Aug 09, 2016
Criminal record check is completed by both countries. They scan your passport and anything undesirable shows up on the screen. I know as I used to do to work as a customs officer.

Not every criminal offence will automatically keep you from crossing the border. For instance having a minor offence like disturbing the peace, that happened 40 years ago shouldn't be an issue, but it might be and finding out while waiting in line for clearance is not what you want to happen.

Anyone that has an offence should contact the embassy of the country they wish to visit and see if they are eligible for a pre-clearance.

It really depends on how serious the offence was, how long ago it happened and if you have been a clean living citizen since.

It's all about the risk that you pose
Walaby
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2016
So a criminal conviction (regardless of what it is), will prohibit you from crossing? They do an arrest record check at the border? Wow! Did not know that. Canadian customs has access to US criminal records too?

Wish we would do that at our border.... I would say maybe we do, but I doubt it.

Mike
garyhaupt
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
Crowe wrote:
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.

EXCEPT if they are checking every "nth" vehicle and you are the nth vehicle. Both sides are usually very courteous and as efficient as possible. I've crossed that border many times, both in an RV and in a regular vehicle with only 2 exceptions to the above. One was just a freak reason (long story) any one was they were checking every "nth" vehicle and we where the "nth" vehicle.

True enough but one can't plan for that. It happens..or it don't. Either way....there ya are.

As a buddy used to say.."if this was where I lived, I'd be home now."

Gary Haupt
Coach-man
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
Many thanks to all of you, I will toast you all with a Keith's or a Moosehead!
garyhaupt
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
Herring chokers cain`t make a clicky?.. geezus bye...

clicky...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIwzRkjn86w

Gary haupt
Wrong_Lane
Explorer
Aug 08, 2016
Coach-man

If you are visiting Halifax it would be a good thing to learn the words to a good Sea Shanty (a local form of music), before arriving.

Barret's Privateers would be an acceptable start. Here's a link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIwzRkjn86w

Like all Sea Shanty music, it sounds much better at night, after a belly full of the afore-mentioned Keith's or Moosehead. You might find Moosehead Green in the better beer merchants in Maine which would assist in your practising of both the song and the drinking.

If no Moosehead can be found to help you prepare, you could try Miller High Life, just double up the quantities.

While in Halifax you should check out the very piers mentioned in the song. It's a great city with lots to do!

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Crossing into Canada at Callis, what should we expect?

30 Replies

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