RV travel to Canada

obgraham wrote:
40 years of crossing, probably 15 times in the RV's. One time the inspector came on board. Looked in the fridge. "Have a nice day". Sometimes they act gruff -- so what, they're doing their job.

It's just not worth worrying about.

Ditto :)

Have your papers ready to hand over before you get to the gate (including papers for pets). Answer all questions asked politely and accurately. Don't answer questions that weren't asked. Keep in mind that the agents at the border are people too and sometimes have good/bad days, just like everyone else.

Should you leave time? YES! Why? Because you never know. It seems they pick people at random, although it's uncommon. (It's never happened to me, but has to my parents.) Also, leave more time for the crossing back into the US than for the crossing into Canada. In my experience the traffic back-ups for the the US side tend to be worse, although this could be related to the particular crossing point.

I've seen them get a tad annoyed when asking us to take off our sun glasses so we make sure we take them off in advance.

Free Radical, Are you a chemist?

Been in and out for about 15 years. Searched once coming back by US customs, searched once going in by Canadians. (Small crossing in Maine, I think the two agents were bored.)
When we go to Canada, I keep a list of all my purchases. When we leave, I give the list to the agent. I also list all the fruits and vegetables on board. (We try to keep this at a minimum). Agents are surprised, but appreciative. Never had an issue.

GM

georgiebc wrote:
Is it automatic that an RV will be stopped & searched when entering Canada? Is this something that I should allow time for?

It all depends on the way you look and behave,
If you look like a hippy dippy wino driving a beat up rig smelling of weed you can bet they will no doubt want to check what's inside your vehicle

On the other hand if you are clean cut and polite you should have no problems,,mind you sometimes even the nicest cleanest looking folk get delayed when the traffic is heavy.

If you have done nothing illegal you dont have to worry,,I've had my truck searched every time crossing the border,,took maybe half an hour at the most since I have my papers in order and no illegal stuff anywhere..

Crossing the border is no big deal. Just know the rules, be polite, talk only when asked a question and keep it short and you'll be on your way.

I think sometimes they get bored and pull you over just for something new to do. :)

The only time we got pulled over was because they asked if we had bear spray and we fessed up to having a dog repellant spray used when biking. They asked to see the container and weren't sure if it was 'legal'. We pulled over and went inside and they again checked the container label. They found it was not mfg. in Canada and said very politely, "sorry, we'll have to take this". It was no big deal to us. They are particular about bear sprays and it's best to buy it in Canada if you think you need it. We don't think it's needed.

almcc wrote:
The other thing not mentioned here is: Go through the correct lane! It sometimes isn't easy, for example in Port Huron Michigan cars and RV's go through together, in Detroit (the Ambassador Bridge) there is one specific RV lane (entering the US), if you go through the wrong one it could mean a secondary inspection. 30 minutes is a short time, it used to take us 2 hrs to get the documents to enter Mexico, it didn't help that the folks at the kiosk didn't speak English and we didn't speak Spanish!

I usually go though the commercial side,and during busy times have seen all RVs sent over with the semi trucks. Funny to see a guy in a mini van with pop up trailer trying to talk to the officer way up there.

You never really know. If you fail the attitude test guaranteed you will be there a long time. If the person before you rattled the border agent maybe the favour will be returned to you. Sometimes you can run into a grumpy border agent, either side, who really should have another job, but most have been great.

Follow directions as posted earlier & you most likely will be on your way without any inspection.

The other thing not mentioned here is: Go through the correct lane! It sometimes isn't easy, for example in Port Huron Michigan cars and RV's go through together, in Detroit (the Ambassador Bridge) there is one specific RV lane (entering the US), if you go through the wrong one it could mean a secondary inspection. 30 minutes is a short time, it used to take us 2 hrs to get the documents to enter Mexico, it didn't help that the folks at the kiosk didn't speak English and we didn't speak Spanish!

In a nutshell, you can be through customs/border questioning in 30 seconds or 3 hours.

I have been known to think a lot of it has to do with what has previously been decided, 'x number/percentage will be examined very carefully today'.

& I remember when I was youngish (under 30) trying to persuade folks with me to dress 'middle class' careful, rather that fashionably comfy. If I didn't succeed in my persuasion it would take us awhile to cross the border.

& yes, I have had a more thorough search when traveling on my own. Yet, the day when I came back into Canada with my newly purchased made for me truck camper and answered "Did you buy anything?" by reaching back and patting the camper, I just went inside, showed my papers and paid my GST, then was off on my way in about 5 minutes. Of course, entering the US, I had answered the question, "what is the purpose of your trip". "To purchase a truck camper which is waiting for me." They could have put that in the computer file.

:C