We are scheming an Alaska trip this summer (2014). The route up might be from New England to Portland, Or. to visit friends; Vancouver; Port Hardy; then ferries to Skagway with several overnight stops along the way (ferry schedules permitting); and on towards Tok, Ak. The route involves at least four border crossings, and 16 plus hour ferry rides without refrigeration in the RV.Having had an RV almost strip searched going in to Nova Scotia years ago (nothing of interest was found), and lost apples going into California, the lady of the RV (a Pleasure Way Plateau TS) is already fretting about stocking the pantry and fridge with items that are permissible at border crossings, and won't spoil easily on the ferry. We usually leave home with several weeks of meals in the freezer.We've yet to find a web site or thread that lists specific permitted and non-permitted food items, rather than generalized lists. I.E. - frozen chicken OK, frozen hamburg NOT, bananas OK, apples NOT, dairy OK, walnuts NOT. So the first question is, is there such a resource, and is a prepared list of all food items on board advisable at border crossings?The second question is, how do others handle the refrigeration issue on what could be for us about a half dozen different ferry rides? Forget the frozen stuff and buy ice for the fridge on the way to the ferry?Thanks in advance.

Here is a link to the Canadian Gov list, but it is general as things change from day to day.....Be AWAREIt is hard to tell what is allowed or not in advance.If you leave your fridge closed while on the ferry, will it not stay cold? Other wise some block ice to put in the fridge will help

We made the trip crossing just north of Seattle. We were not checked for anything just ask if we would have a good time.

http://www.beaware.gc.ca/english/brirape.shtml#a1The list of items your allowed in is pretty extensive, so you should able to stock up pretty good. Forget bringing any meat pies though..odd as that is.Why anyone would want to bring in 20 kg's of animal fat is beyond me..lolThe key thing is to make sure and "declare" them all at the border. If you don't they can confiscate them, (even if they are allowed), and fine you pretty heavy.EDIT-So why doesn't my link to that page, work directly?

We periodically shop in Bellingham and find American customs much more stringent than ours although meat is a major concern. Getting Canadian bought food into Alaska might be an issue which is why we don't stock heavily on our way to the U.S. With our dollar dropping like a brick, you may find it cheaper to buy groceries here although some items like grits or grass fed beef will be hard to find. We like our steaks grain fed.

I stocked the larder last year but if I were going again, I would take minimal food. The grocery stores in Canada are outstanding and the difference in price is not enough to make up for dragging all the extra weight.

Alaska: packing the larder vs. ferry and border crossings

ac_bill1
Explorer
Jan 14, 2014
CA Traveler wrote:
3 years ago the US took 6 tomatoes while I ate the 7th.

90% chance they were grown in the US in the first place..lol.

So many of our fruits and veggies come from the US these days, it's actually kind of sad. More greenhouse operations are being built every month though, so fortunately we are starting to see more locally grown items.
Scottiemom
Nomad
Jan 12, 2014
We went this summer and brought the ferries back, ferry hopping from Skagway to Prince Rupert. We had one 24-hour ferry and one 7 hours. We didn't expect our refer to hold on the 24 hour trip. We had some fish and other meats, etc. We went to a fish market and bought their shipping boxes along with some ice packs. We shopped around, prices for those items were from cheap to expensive for the exact same thing. We packed the freezer stuff in those boxes. In the refrigerator, we put 10 pounds of ice in the empty vegetable bins. We didn't lose anything, but the freezer items would not have survived that long ferry ride.

As to the borders, I was worried about that because I couldn't find reliable information. I guess it's because you never know what they will ask you. They asked us about fresh citrus, plants, potatoes, alcohol, firearms or weapons.

Have a great time. . . Nine months has passed since we left for the great north. I still can't believe we have been there and back. It was a trip for a lifetime for us.

Dale
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jan 12, 2014
If the freezer and refer are full (and cold) the temperatures will remain low for a longer time than half full. Start a collection of plastic water bottles, fill them and pack the freezer and refer.
logcabinKOR
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
We have been to Alaska three times, the last being 2010. Each time we crossed into Canada in upstate New York. Our 5th wheel and truck was checked from stem to stern and all was fine with everything, and we had a full fridge and freezer full. Coming back into USA we did lose some hamburg and this was due to the fact I had taken it from the wrapper and had made it up in patties. Customs told me if I had left the wrapper on that said I bought it in Alaska, it would have been fine.
I honestly think you will not have any trouble going without power for 12 hours or more. Not opening the door will keep everything just fine. Having said that, I wouldn't leave the ferry and then boondock. :)
Have a wonderful trip and hopefully you will post your travels on RV Net or a blog so we can follow along with you.
jim1632
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
When we took Alaska Highway, we purchased a couple of cases of wine before the trip. Didn't keep the receipt. Paid duty of $1.50 bottle on $3.00 bottles of Trader Joe "Chuck" wine. Even at that rate, the wine purchase was a winner over the Canadian prices, and possibly in Alaska too. (We were staying 2 months on the road.)

To get the best rates on money exchange, use your credit card when possible. Canadian banks and currency offices can be very pricey.

My theory about banned items is that each inspection officer picks an item of the week from a list of banned items. Just no other explanation for the randomness.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Jan 12, 2014
3 years ago the US took 6 tomatoes while I ate the 7th. Petted the cat and never asked a question about her. Took the tops that we cut off the green onions. You just never know.

Test the refer with blocks of ice in a tray (for melting). This might help:

"After a blackout, check the refrigerator temperature,". "If it has risen to 45 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, discard any potentially spoiled foods." Such foods include meat, poultry, fish, dairy and egg products, soft cheese, cooked beans, cooked rice, cooked potatoes, cooked pasta, potato salad, custard and pudding. And of course, "When in doubt, throw it out,"
AprilWhine
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
I stocked the larder last year but if I were going again, I would take minimal food. The grocery stores in Canada are outstanding and the difference in price is not enough to make up for dragging all the extra weight.
romore
Explorer II
Jan 12, 2014
We periodically shop in Bellingham and find American customs much more stringent than ours although meat is a major concern. Getting Canadian bought food into Alaska might be an issue which is why we don't stock heavily on our way to the U.S. With our dollar dropping like a brick, you may find it cheaper to buy groceries here although some items like grits or grass fed beef will be hard to find. We like our steaks grain fed.
ac_bill1
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
http://www.beaware.gc.ca/english/brirape.shtml#a1

The list of items your allowed in is pretty extensive, so you should able to stock up pretty good. Forget bringing any meat pies though..odd as that is.
Why anyone would want to bring in 20 kg's of animal fat is beyond me..lol

The key thing is to make sure and "declare" them all at the border. If you don't they can confiscate them, (even if they are allowed), and fine you pretty heavy.

EDIT-So why doesn't my link to that page, work directly?
tandkj
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
We made the trip crossing just north of Seattle. We were not checked for anything just ask if we would have a good time.

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Alaska: packing the larder vs. ferry and border crossings

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