We crossed the Canadian border Wed. 24 May
We topped fuel in Oroville Wa and crossed with full tanks. As we pulled into the gate at Osoyoos crossing we see a new sign, "do not set air brake parking brake" when we get into the gate the guard te...
Forum Discussion
We had a similar experience as the OP back in 2008 when we crossed into Canada from Minnesota.
I did not read anything about going into Canada before we arrived just knowing that we needed our passports (my fault).
We stopped at the gate and were asked the normal questions. Then they asked about how much alcohol we had on board. I turned to my co-pilot asked how much, we didn't know exactly. The guard told us to pull up to be checked out.
Two guards came aboard and went through every cabinet and found our wine collection. Honestly, I forgot how much wine we had as we had toured the wine country in northern California a year previously and bought some nice wine.
We probably had about 10-12 bottles of wine and a couple of bottles of Vodka and a bottle of Bourbon. Anyway, it was more than the 'allowed' amount. The guards have two choices, they take the overage or they can charge you a duty. You don't have a choice.
They charged us the duty of $187. We had a couple of bottles that were really good wine that probably cost that much alone. We paid the 'duty' and off we went. Canada is a beautiful country and the people were very friendly.
The guard told us that we where now 'in the computer' (whatever that mean't). Coming back through to the USA, no questions about alcohol or guns, they just checked the passports and a few friendly questions.
With the thought of 'in the computer' in my mind, we returned to Canada in 2013 to take a train trip from Toronto to Vancouver. We took a side trip to Niagara Falls before boarding the train in Toronto. Niagara Falls from the Canadian side is absolutely spectacular! There was no issue or question going through customs at the airport entering or exiting the country.
Safe travels,
MM.
I did not read anything about going into Canada before we arrived just knowing that we needed our passports (my fault).
We stopped at the gate and were asked the normal questions. Then they asked about how much alcohol we had on board. I turned to my co-pilot asked how much, we didn't know exactly. The guard told us to pull up to be checked out.
Two guards came aboard and went through every cabinet and found our wine collection. Honestly, I forgot how much wine we had as we had toured the wine country in northern California a year previously and bought some nice wine.
We probably had about 10-12 bottles of wine and a couple of bottles of Vodka and a bottle of Bourbon. Anyway, it was more than the 'allowed' amount. The guards have two choices, they take the overage or they can charge you a duty. You don't have a choice.
They charged us the duty of $187. We had a couple of bottles that were really good wine that probably cost that much alone. We paid the 'duty' and off we went. Canada is a beautiful country and the people were very friendly.
The guard told us that we where now 'in the computer' (whatever that mean't). Coming back through to the USA, no questions about alcohol or guns, they just checked the passports and a few friendly questions.
With the thought of 'in the computer' in my mind, we returned to Canada in 2013 to take a train trip from Toronto to Vancouver. We took a side trip to Niagara Falls before boarding the train in Toronto. Niagara Falls from the Canadian side is absolutely spectacular! There was no issue or question going through customs at the airport entering or exiting the country.
Safe travels,
MM.
