canada trip

I just got back from 10 days at the Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. To my Canadian friends, it was the most fun I have had in a long time. Beautiful area. I have not crossed the border in years. I was actually a little nervous going over even though I had nothing to hide. And when the border agent asked me what my tag number was I drew a complete blank and instead of retrieving the registration card I asked if I could get out and look at it! And I gave her more forms of identification than she needed or wanted! Coming back it was smoother even as I had quite a few purchases I would have declared if asked. Yes, engage the agents in direct response to their questions. As a law enforcement officer I would have felt odd being searched but of course we know the world has changed and the protocols now in place are a necessary evil.

I go every year for 54 of the last 55 years and am leaving in 2 weeks again. I think Milton Heights CG is open year round and is just off 401 at Milton. I have been there many times. They are fairly accessible to Hamilton but there may be closer ones. Niagara should not be a problem.

And no firewood.

We have been searched once out of probably 20 crossings (one 5th wheel and two different motorhomes). 99% of the time its just a few questions...mostly about weapons, alcohol, bringing anything you plan to leave in Canada (gifts), how long you plan to stay, why you are entering Canada, where you are going. Some times we give a window of time...we are retired, somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes questions about food items. We generally don't take much fresh stuff either direction so that is not an issue.

We make sure we have registration and proof of insurance but have not been asked to see it. If your name on the passport matches the information they get from the license number on your vehicle then that should not be an issue. We also make sure any medications are in the original container.

As stated earlier...just be honest and respectful.

You might want to check on campgrounds near where you are staying. Most campgrounds close up for the winter around Oct 13 this year.

Our security guys and gals are quite friendly...

Take your sunglasses off when you drive up. Answer all questions honestly, they know if you are lying. If you have had any DUI charges, either you or passenger you may not be allowed in. This goes for any arrest...be honest.
Don't try to bring more alcohol and cigarettes than your allowance, it is not worth it. As already said, no guns or any weapons, no mace/pepper spray.

Enjoy your stay. Have you made reservations and have a plan on where to stay? We are an hour from Hamilton and the weather has been beautiful.

You can't take pepper spray unless it's bear sized, unless they've changed the rules.

We have been across the border several times. darsben is correct, adding not to bring ammo. Also, if you have a pet, keep it's food in it's original container. As far as your second question is concerned, although I don't know what it is called, there is a clear covering that could be put over your most vulnerable places. Most companies that tint windows can do that. My B+ came with it installed over the cab, the front of the hood and some other vulnerable places. That seems to have worked.

When talking to the agent, just answer the questions.

The only problem with crossing is if you take firearms, pets and certain food items across..