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?

[GordonThree]

One question the guards had for me the first time (when they did the big search), is why do I have a security clearance on record with the FBI. I told them I work with the police and I'm authorized to work on sensitive computer systems. Not sure why the Canadian border authority could even see those credentials, it's not a big deal here in the states, I don't even get a laminate or anything.

[zb39]

I would never let them search your RV unless you are present. You are asking for trouble if you do that.

Canada tried to do that the last time I crossed. I said no way. The "lady " and I had a few words and then her boss stepped in and told me to get in the rig and go. I was with my wife and 2 small kids. She was very rude about everything, her boss not so much. We have not been back since.

[Little_Kopit]

Fall of 2015 US Border Guard for the Skagway entrance to AK treated me rudely for the first time ever in my 70+ years.

I definitely felt he was instructed to be picky, that his manner had little to do with my background. My impression that US border guards are being instructed to be picky has increased since then.

:C

[garyhaupt]

It won't matter which crossing is used if a person has stuff they shouldn't outta have. Or have a Criminal Record. They ain't goin no-where. On the other hand..if you have the paperwork for all guns, all the needed documents, no non-permitted food stuffs and the pet docs...you could still get the big search..or not.


Gary Haupt

[Uncle_Rj]

I think the border crossing is irrelevant.

Sweetgrass is larger but will have more agents working. The road there is also divided.

Del Bonita is quite a bit smaller but the road getting there isn't very good.

Babb is a bit bigger than Del Bonita and has better roads.

At the smaller crossings you have a bigger chance of being held up if there are only one or two agents and they are doing a full-scale search of a person or vehicle.

[stickdog]

We crossed at Sweetgrass in 15. We overnighted in one of the last RV parks before the border so we hit the crossing early in the morning. Had one coach ahead of us, we were asked the usual questions and were on our way in 5 minutes. We had checked on what fruits,veggies,meat and other foodstuffs were prohibited so no problems at any of the crossings back and forth up north or returning to the lower 48. Eight crossings total. We had passport books not the auto cards and it was nice that they stamped them when entering at the top of the world border crossing at Poker flats.

[shawdowboss]

I've found going either way through large or small ports is all about the same.
The larger ports I've found can be easier to navigate with the RV than some of the smaller ports. Portal, ND in 2014 had a height restriction going north where our RV would have never fit if we didn't stay in the "commercial" lane. That port took 90 minutes to get through due to the traffic going north at the time we hit the port.

Check the US & Canadian Border Patrol Crossing times, they keep it upto date and will give you an idea of the delay for both US and Canadian sides of the same port of entry.

[CA_Traveler]

One time coming into the US they took our tomatoes (I ate one) and we cut off the green onion tops which they kept. The regulation came in that morning. The agent scratched the cat and never asked about her.

[rag-ftw]

I would go west through Cut Bank, Browing, and Babb to Carway. It is a smaller crossing where US 89 becomes Canada 2. We have had good luck at that crossing and 2 is a straight shot into Ft McCloud through Cardston.

If you have time Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump is interesting, also the LDS Temple in Cardston.

Being from Texas every time we pass through Sweetgrass they are convinced that we have several handguns onboard and usually spend a couple hours searching the rv and towed.

[obgraham]

Bigger or smaller, same difference. Odds of "deeper inspection" are about the same.
Sometimes the lines are shorter at the smaller places.
Sometimes not!

Last time crossing back to the US we were at a small station in Washington. Got the "you are selected for an agricultural inspection". 45 minute pain in the neck, but professionally and respectfully done. On leaving I told the agent just that, and he gave me a big smile.

[CA_Traveler]

Why are you concerned? You are more likely to be searched due to suspicious behavior, attitude, DUI, criminal history, gun history, etc. Know the current rules for firewood, food, etc.

It's really simple: Have documents ready, hat off, sunglasses off, directly answer questions and don't offer additional information.

[GordonThree]

In my experience, it's been a mixed bag.

I crossed at Sweetgrass once, and had the experience you describe. EVERYTHING emptied out of the rv while I sat in a waiting room, they took the keys to my car and trailer, this was by the Canadian authorities. After the RV was empty, they called me out and had me remove my dog from the car so they could give it a thorough going over. At least they were nice enough to put most everything back away.

I don't recall where I returned to the US on that trip, it might have been Portal ND.

A year later, I crossed (again?) at Portal ND, which was a busy freight port of entry. Other than filling out paperwork for a long gun, the process went super smooth. No inspection of the RV or car.

Crossing from Canada <> Alaska was no issue either way multiple times.

Crossed from Canada to US at Roosville MT (tiny like Sweetgrass), they put up a bit of a stink because I didn't "optionally" register my long gun with them before leaving the US. I was able to provide them the receipt showing I purchased it in the US (and no duty was due) and was on my way. No searching or extensive questioning.

[manitoba_travel]

smaller or Larger are the same , if its your turn to be search it is.
have had both ways full minimal, What ever it takes, they are very professional
and i expect nothing less , makes me feel like it is all working for our safety.

[Luke_Porter]

I've been searched a couple of times at Sweet Grass, never at Del Bonita. But I've never crossed at Del Bonita. They have a nice indoor "inspection facility" at Sweet Grass. You go into a "waiting room" with large windows, so you can watch them throw all of your stuff on the floor.

I think my name was on the "list" as I had an alcohol infraction a few years earlier in New Brunswick. I told the New Brunswick guy I took the same amount of alcohol on trips to Alaska. He said US travelers, crossing through Canada, on their way to Alaska get "special consideration". I think I read somewhere your name stays on the "list" like for 7 years.

Once while searched I had my cremated dog in a white cardboard box wrapped with Saran Wrap in the back seat. They tore into that---I guess who wouldn't want to know what's in a box wrapped with Saran Wrap.



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