Crossing Into Canada with a Firearm
Hi everyone: We are in the deep planning stages for a journey to Alaska, sometime in 2016. We plan to bring along a couple of firearms - a 9MM handgun and 12g shotgun. We have read, pretty much...
Forum Discussion
SheriDan28 wrote:
Just got off the phone with a representative from the Canadian Chief Firearms Office, in Alberta. Here's the rule on handguns: You CAN bring a handgun into Canada but only for the purposes of "transporting" it to Alaska. To do this, you'll need a "ATT (Authorization To Transport) form from "the province you enter into Canada." And here's the CATCH 22, you only have 7 days to make it from your point of entry, to the Alaskan border. Same rule applies when you return to the Lower 48.
So the bottom line for us is - no handgun will be on-board.
The rep. told me (in no uncertain terms) that if you're planning on touring in any of the Canadian provinces for more than 7 days, you are NOT ALLOWED to bring a handgun of ANY KIND - period end.
A shotgun is permissible as long as you have the "NON-RESIDENT FIREARM DECLARATION" form filled out, in triplicate, and leave all copies unsigned and are ready to pay $25 (Canadian CASH Only)) at the border.
I do plan to contact the Canadian authorities again closer to the time where we depart to see if I get the same answer just to make sure.
Editorial Note: I've owned firearms for many decades and the laws that surround their "carry" and "transport" is as complicated and confusing as ever, in the USA and Canada. It's a sad situation where the "rules" only really apply to law abiding citizens.
I did the same when I was riding my motorcycle up to Alaska last summer. Wanted to bring a handgun as it is much easier to carry then a long gun on a bike. I called and was told the same info and the application form they sent required very detailed travel plans, and needing specific days you were crossing the border, Which border crossing and how long between. Just way to specific considering the extent of my plans were to leave Jersey a certain date and get back to Jersey by a certain later date.
So I just nixed the idea, good thing because on the way back I broke down in Haines Junction, YK, got towed to Whitehorse, then towed Edmonton, Alberta. Ended up leaving Canada on the 7th day.
