Handguns into Canada

Canada's laws aren't overly unique for travellers crossing the border. Canadians need approvals and permits to take firearms into the US too. It must be done in advance and can take up to three months.

Declare your guns or dont bring into Canada,,

https://www.peacearchnews.com/news/15-long-guns-four-handguns-seized-from-family-heading-north-to-alaska/

TxGearhead wrote:
Oh well, the shotgun will be it I suppose.

Be aware though that border agents in Canada, just like CBP agents, have broad discretion on what they will and will not allow across the border.

Generally speaking a firearm will only be allowed across the border for, a) transiting shortest distance, I.E. from lower 48 to AK or vice versa, b) a hunting trip, in the right place and season, or, c) personal protection against wild animals, in an area the border agent is convinced such protection is warranted, and with some evidence that is where the traveller is going.

Saying you're heading to 'the woods' in Banff or Jasper, or that you're 'just passing through' likely will get you a stern but polite refusal, regardless of paperwork.

Upon further reading...you are likely correct.
I had always heard that you couldn't bring a handgun but when I saw all the info about handguns on the declaration sheet I thought it was OK.
Now I see a paragraph about what you have to have to cross with a hangun. It is listed as restricted if more than 4.1" barrel, but not prohibited. I stopped reading there, and missed the blurb about what you have to do to import a restricted firearm. That is where they say you have to get an ATT, Authorization To Transport. I assume that is where it will all come to a stop.
Oh well, the shotgun will be it I suppose.

TxGearhead wrote:
I downloaded the pdf form, non resident firearm declaration. Yes you can have a handgun if the barrel is more than 4.1 inches and it is not a 25 or 32 caliber. Shotguns are ok if the barrel is more than 18.5 inches and is more than 26 inches overall.
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/form-formulaire/pdfs/5589-eng.pdf

Now my take on it: I would have a lock on all firearms and stored in a cabinet in the locked RV, most especially at the border crossing. I would leave it in the locked RV while travelling. I'll make a decision in the future about keeping a shotgun in the back floorboard, covered, while traveling. I can't decide if that is legal. Maybe. I'll likely call RCMP first.
It's disappointing that some can't abide by the opening statement in this thread.

Be very careful TxGearHead. Canada is a different country than your fine state and has serious punishment for breaking their gun laws.

Handguns may be carried into Canada if the owner is registered/licensed to carry a non-restricted handgun with RCMP and then the reason for carrying in Canada has to be for a sanctioned shooting event. Personal protection is NOT a valid reason to carry a handgun in Canada.

Most shotguns with barrels longer than 18" are allowed entry into Canada, after the weapon is registered and a $25 fee is paid at the Canadian border crossing.

Felons or persons with criminal convictions need not apply for entry into Canada with or without a weapon. A DUI conviction is considered to be a felony in Canada.

Like I began this post, Canada is a different country and has totally different laws than your fine state.

Safe travels.

Lakeside

I downloaded the pdf form, non resident firearm declaration. Yes you can have a handgun if the barrel is more than 4.1 inches and it is not a 25 or 32 caliber. Shotguns are ok if the barrel is more than 18.5 inches and is more than 26 inches overall.
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/form-formulaire/pdfs/5589-eng.pdf

Now my take on it: I would have a lock on all firearms and stored in a cabinet in the locked RV, most especially at the border crossing. I would leave it in the locked RV while travelling. I'll make a decision in the future about keeping a shotgun in the back floorboard, covered, while traveling. I can't decide if that is legal. Maybe. I'll likely call RCMP first.
It's disappointing that some can't abide by the opening statement in this thread.

Deleted

Did you search for a RCMP website devoted to the subject? Seemed easy to find and better than "opinions." http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm

There is a 'stickie' at the top of this forum with a link to information about bringing weapons into Canada.

The previous thread was closed because it was meant as information but declined into meaningless rhetoric. If this thread goes off topic such into pro or anti guns and into opinions, it will also be closed.

... Moderator