Border Crossing

[llberge]

We will be staying in Shelby, Mt before we cross into Canada, and were planning to cross at Sweetgrass. Looking at Google Earth, it looks like a really large and busy facility. Del Bonita crossing is a little farther to the west but still on our way to Fort MacLeod. Is there any reason not to cross there? Are the smaller crossings more likely to take your RV apart because they are looking for something to do?

[TenOC]

You can cross with a emergency 12gage flare pistol with any problems.

[Orion]

You may want to look into this, from the RCMP site.

The National Parks Wildlife Regulations typically restrict the use of firearms in national parks, even though they may be "remote wilderness areas".

On edit, here is that link

[TxGearhead]

From Canada Border Services Agency website:

protection against wildlife in remote areas.

[JaxDad]

TxGearhead wrote:
I can't carry a handgun into Canada, so I will bring along a shotgun as well. .

I would have the Canadian form for the shotgun ready to cross the border.

I doubt you'd get across the border with your scatter gun.

You can ONLYbring a firearm into Canada for a) transiting through to another US destination, or, b) for a legitimate shooting reason, I.E. hunting, shooting competition, etc.

Under no circumstances will you be permitted to bring in a firearm for 'self defence' purposes. If you're not going to a hunting area during hunting season they will give you two options, turn around or surrender the firearm.

[RoadXYZ]

We have crossed into/out of Canada (Ontario and Quebec)about 4 times, and always had a passport rather than a special-cleared for Canada driver's license from Washington State. Never had a problem, oh, once the Canada/into U.S. crossing held us up for about 10 minutes while he did a "walk around" outside our "18-ft. weekender" and thought perhaps it was because the last time we had crossed into and out of Canada we were in a larger RV. No problems any time we have crossed into or out of Canada .. oh, the reason for the crossings was to see our son and his family, and that is/was always our reason for going into Canada.
We did have one that the motorhome in front of us had the "dog" inspection, then it was pulled over for a full-scale inspection. So maybe that is why we were allowed right in with only questions and checking our passport records.

[TxGearhead]

I'm thinking of running up to Glacier NP sometime. May include a trip up to Banff if I can. I have a concealed handgun license (CHL). Yes I'm from Texas. I can't carry a handgun into Canada, so I will bring along a shotgun as well. Has anyone ever left a handgun in the US to be stored until the return trip, which would be maybe a week? Maybe at a gun store or pawn shop in Browning MT. I would have the Canadian form for the shotgun ready to cross the border.
The best I can tell reading the Canadian forms is that conventional knives aren't a problem. I would likely have a fish filet knife with me.

[sljohnson1938]

last year, 2016, when we crossed from Alaska into Canada, near Beaver Creek I believe, they asked me if I had any illegal immigrants in my pop up truck camper. could not believe it. even if I did, there could be only 2 or 3. it was a pop up truck camper for gosh. I guess it was her joke of the day, but I did laugh.

[colliehauler]

AKsilvereagle wrote:

Ok, I noticed a posted reply regarding insurance. Does a US citizen need a Canadian Insurance rider when in Canada?

This question regarding the Non Resident Canadian Insurance Cards was posted in past topics a few times :

Depending what insurance carrier you have, it seems that most insurance carriers have now phased out issuing these cards for US travellers visiting Canada....

While quite a few members pointed this out roughly 4 years ago, I asked my insurance carrier if they still issued the cards as they stated they do, so I still had to obtain one which their policy is to only issue one in person at the agents office and not send one thru the mail....

In 2015 my local agent dumped the insurance company and is no longer an insurance agent and the insurance company has decided not to retain any local office in Fairbanks....

I called corporate and asked since their policy on Non Resident Canadian Insurance Cards were issued by the agents local office only with no local agent in my area, would I have to inconveniently drive 330 miles one way to the next nearest office (Wasilla) having to still obtain a Non Resident Canadian Insurance Card - as they stated NO, as they now no longer issue those cards anymore.


To fully answer this question, I would ask your insurance carrier....chances are they phased out the cards.

I had never been asked for a Canadian insurance card in Canada or for my Collies health certificates so I quit getting both. I do carry their rabies vaccination records.

[AKsilvereagle]

Ok, I noticed a posted reply regarding insurance. Does a US citizen need a Canadian Insurance rider when in Canada?

This question regarding the Non Resident Canadian Insurance Cards was posted in past topics a few times :

Depending what insurance carrier you have, it seems that most insurance carriers have now phased out issuing these cards for US travellers visiting Canada....

While quite a few members pointed this out roughly 4 years ago, I asked my insurance carrier if they still issued the cards as they stated they do, so I still had to obtain one which their policy is to only issue one in person at the agents office and not send one thru the mail....

In 2015 my local agent dumped the insurance company and is no longer an insurance agent and the insurance company has decided not to retain any local office in Fairbanks....

I called corporate and asked since their policy on Non Resident Canadian Insurance Cards were issued by the agents local office only with no local agent in my area, would I have to inconveniently drive 330 miles one way to the next nearest office (Wasilla) having to still obtain a Non Resident Canadian Insurance Card - as they stated NO, as they now no longer issue those cards anymore.


To fully answer this question, I would ask your insurance carrier....chances are they phased out the cards.

[free_radical]

2gypsies wrote:
Why are folks so uptight about crossing the border? Think of the folks in Europe who go through it all the time. It's really no big deal if you're not trying to smuggle anything(one) in!

Actualy travelers in Europe have it fairly easy,

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/need-passport-travel-europe-108290.html

passport may be required to travel between countries within Europe' however, 26 countries are part of the Schengen Agreement, which means that all internal borders between those countries have been eliminated. You do not need a passport to travel between Schengen Agreement countries. Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Children and Passports
In 2012 the rules about children traveling on their parent or guardian's passport changed. Each child younger than 16, including infants and newborns, must now have her own passport or ID card to travel in Europe.
Carrying Your Passport
In several European countries it is either the law or recommended for travelers to carry their passports with them at all times. Police in Germany have the right to ask for your identification, while in Austria by law you must be able to access your passport within one hour if requested by authorities. Other forms of identification are not accepted. Always check the local laws in the countries you are visiting before departing.

[obgraham]

I actually enjoy the show at the border. I accept that rulkes are rules, but some of them are pretty silly. When the fellow came out swiping my little ziplok with about a cup of rice in it (because it wasn't in the original container!) I just grinned and chuckled.

Actually the agent did too, but he tried not to show it.

But at my next crossing, I apparently did not show up as a "rice smuggler".

[colliehauler]

Mark Robinson wrote:
Ok, I noticed a posted reply regarding insurance. Does a US citizen need a Canadian Insurance rider when in Canada?

Most insurance companies can print a Canadian insurance card for no charge. You do not need special insurance like Mexico.

[garyhaupt]

You should ensure you have the appropriate medical insurance. Check with your carrier to determine if you are covered in Canada. If you are not? Then yes, get some. Your vehicle insurance is good in Canada. Some folks get a card from their carrier that states your vehicle coverage.

It appears that your knowledge of border crossing may be somewhat limited. Ask questions here...

A for instance...if you have handguns...don't be bringing those. You need a passport to re-enter the US. If anyone in your party has a criminal record, they are inadmissible. Lots of the laws, at first glance, seem kind of harsh...you will find the laws are the same/same...going both ways. The absolute best way to cross the border is to have an empty fridge. The rules change often..so..no veggies or fruits. Onions or garlic? no no no...Pet food if it is made in the US in it's original container.


Gary Haupt

[nohurrynoworry]

Ok, I noticed a posted reply regarding insurance. Does a US citizen need a Canadian Insurance rider when in Canada?

[garyhaupt]

2gypsies wrote:
Why are folks so uptight about crossing the border? Think of the folks in Europe who go through it all the time. It's really no big deal if you're not trying to smuggle anything(one) in!

Yep..it is one of the things that worry folks the most. And even if they confiscate something...it is no big deal if it's some edibles or pet food..they just take, wriggle their fingers at you and that's it. No records kept or anything.

And yes, things are changing and if I weren't white and citizen of one of the two countries, I wouldn't be taking it too much for granted.


Gary Haupt