I cross periodically at the north end on 101. unless things have changed, most of the time you can pass right through, the place isn't even open most of the time.
and yes there is a huge difference going into Canada. if they decide to search they search everything. we crossed last summer going to Alaska they asked a lot of questions, he was very nice about it. we had prescription drugs and I wasn't sure how to answer his question about them. anyway he said I did just fine. I asked about the dog and her papers that cost almost 100.00 he said I can see she is healthy have a good time in Canada he said. there was no one behind us at the time and I asked him how they determine there searches he said random and your reply's to questions and a lot of other things. these people are well trained on reading people.