Beer, Beef, Dairy, Fruits and Vegetables

notlost wrote:
Does anyone know if there are any limitations on bringing frozen and vacuum sealed fish over the border? we caught red salmon (lots) and are going on a halibut fishing trip on wednesday and hope to get more.
all fish will be frozen or vacuum sealed (smoked) in the refrigerator.
will we have any issues crossing into canada from alaska and then back to the us from canada?
thanks

In theory, you have to be able to identify the species of fish in each package and be able to prove where it was caught. However, I don't recall anyone actually having any border issues in this regard.


Gary Haupt

Does anyone know if there are any limitations on bringing frozen and vacuum sealed fish over the border? we caught red salmon (lots) and are going on a halibut fishing trip on wednesday and hope to get more.
all fish will be frozen or vacuum sealed (smoked) in the refrigerator.
will we have any issues crossing into canada from alaska and then back to the us from canada?
thanks

Crossed over into Idaho last year and had our fifth wheel inspected by US customs. I had a grapefruit that didn't make it past the border and had to stay in Canada. Also had the agent go through my garbage can inside the fifth wheel. He found a grapefruit peel in the garbage that was from breakfast an hour earlier and it couldn't join us on our trip down south as well :( But thats ok the coffee grounds were allowed to stay in the garbage can and enjoyed the trip down south very much. ;)

This time when we go in September I am not even going to bother with grocery shopping till I get into Montana. Its just easier that way.

You should be fine to bring all those items except the fruit and veggies. I would leave those out and buy them in BC. I find Canada Border agents often ask about the contents of my fridge and fruits and veggies. Only once have I had US border agent ask about food.

On the price difference, after just returning from a trip in NY area, groceries USED to be ALL cheaper in the US, now only SOME items are cheaper. I suspect the harasser economics times and higher gas prices are even affecting US food prices. Also Canadian stores are trying (even with our high taxes) to come closer to lower prices, still some things cost less in the US, including cheese, dairy, ice cream and sometimes meats. Fruit and veggies are pretty comparable, as is some canned and processed items, also the US just has more selections :B

It was interesting that bottle water is certainly HIGHER priced in the US for the cheap brands (i.e Walmart water. In the US the cheap brands are almost on par with the high end brands (such as Aquafina or Dasani) where in Canada the cheap brands are much cheaper than the high end. The NY state $1.20 bottle deposit charge doesn't help either :h

We cross the border regularly. No restrictions on dairy or meat except you can't take lamb or goat into the US. Poultry and eggs can be a problem at certain crossings but not all. Some restrictions seem to be regional. Most fruit and vegetables are not allowed but a few such as bananas are. We find that produce is often less expensive in our area than in WA.

We don't make a point of stocking up when travelling either way except for Schweppes tonic which can be hard to find in the US.

And this is why there are so many variations of the rules and the information. Firstly, the 'rules' change pretty much weekly. Secondly, the rules can be interpreted pretty much however a border guard wishes to. So...it's a bit of a gamble. A person stands to loose all or most of their stocked larder..or be able to post here saying, 'never had a problem'.


Gary Haupt

Hi Frank,

I remember trying to take a bag of Oranges south to USA. They were clearly labeled "Product of Florida". No dice. The agent would not allow them across. The whole family got to eat oranges, with my Dad wolfing down 4.

FrankShore wrote:
Our bugs and germs are worse than yours?

We cross a couple times a week into NY and back and actually buy most of our groceries in the US. Fresh fruit and vegetables are not permitted UNLESS they are locally produced and in season; this obviously becomes very difficult to control. It's a very subjective point for most border agents so our experience leads us to only take processed fruit/veggie produce across the border. We have had no issues with beef, pork or poultry up to 50-lbs for personal use. Wild game meat requirements are different and you typically need to check with your local border control. No issue with normal dairy products.

Alcohol &Tobacco restrictions are;
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/atl-lat-eng.html

Our bugs and germs are worse than yours?

Tripalot wrote:

Mr Biggles wrote:
This actually a good question. If you are travelling from Canada to the U.S., you cannot take fruits, vegetables , meat across the border.
The only limitation coming into Canada is on alcohol.

As to WHY : food is a LOT cheaper is the U.S.

I totally disagree with the above statement. I always cross into US with a full fridge and freezer. Certain things are not allowed - do your homework and know the rules and you won't have problems.

We live in Southern Ontario and use 2 different border crossings - Michigan and NY. Other areas of Canada might be a bit different but we travel extensively and have not had problems. Know the rules!

I suggest YOU do your homework and learn the rules !


I have crossed the border several times into Montana, Washington and Idaho. We have always been asked about fruit , veg , and meat. We had a handful of grapes taken away once.

U.S. customs in the N.W. are very strict on these items.