Travel to Canada

[richp]

Hi,

We're thinking about taking our fifth wheel from the Midwest to the Jasper/Banff area next summer.

I'm a gun owner, but would not be taking any with me, as I know about Canada's gun laws. However, I've heard that when you enter Canada, you are asked if you own any guns, and that if you answer in the affirmative, they pull you aside and do a disturbingly thorough search of your vehicle (including your RV).

Now I won't have anything to worry about, in terms of what they might find. But it's sort of distressing to us to think about some border patrol types going through all our stuff.

So my question for folks who have gone into Canada with an RV is, "Is what I've heard true, or is this not something to worry about under ordinary circumstances?"

Thanks.

Rich Phillips
Member #27

[derekja]

Always a possibility crossing a border, but I find Canadian border officials far more reasonable than crossing back into the US.

I've never been asked that question, btw. I'm often asked if I'm carrying a gun, but never been asked if I own one.

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

Interesting. I find the US border guards a lot more friendly when I go over, than the Canadian ones coming back...

[richp]

Hi,

Thanks for the comments.

Several folks have told me in the last couple of years that they had been subjected to pretty rigorous searches of their RVs, and it made me begin to wonder. I want to answer all the official questions honestly, but sure don't want our trailer and truck taken down to the bone.

The reason this seemed plausible to me is that I had that very question (Do you own any guns?) asked me once going into Victoria with a rental car. But since it was a rental and we clearly just had a couple of suitcases for a short stay, they didn't dig in.

Have a good one.

Rich

[trbankii]

Just grin wickedly and ask "What do ya need?" :eek:

[SoTxPollock]

I crossed into Canada last year and the guy looked at the passports and said "I see your from Texas, you didn't bring any of your guns with you did you. I said, nope, HE then asked did you bring any tacos with you, man I just love those tacos they make in Texas and went on and on about it.
If anyone ever asks if I own a gun I say no. I own pistols and rifles my wife owns the gun.

[richp]

Hi SoTxPollock,

That's a great story. Fact is, when anyone asks me in the ordinary course of the day about guns and carrying, I tell them that I never discuss matters of personal self-defense. Let 'em guess....

I'm getting the picture here, and by some other Internet reading, that it's likely not a standing policy, but rather an on-the-spot decision by individual customs officers.

Have a good one.

Rich

[tanker]

We entered Canada about 5 times this past June-July-August on our 16,000 mile trip. We never had a problem. We answered questions truthfully. All customs agent's receive intense training to sort out who's telling the truth or not. Do not get smart with them unless you have time to spare. Yes they can search your vehicle, and RV without you present. I know of a former Diesel Page member who had their motor home ransacked. We did see several vehicles at customs with the floor mats out, spare tire out, suitcases out etc. They do not have to put back what they took out of drawers, closets, storage compartments, thats your new job. Read up on what you can and cannot take across the border, like beer and wine etc. Limited amounts can cross, but its best to know the rules before you leave. Also, no plants, beef, etc from Canada into the US.
All in all its a good thing.
You will enjoy Banff, Lake Louise, etc.

[DickWells]

We went to AK and back (June/July 07) through BC and Yukon Ter. No problems crossing either way. Didn't carry any guns, but met people who did. Thing is, you can carry a long gun with a permit that you have to pay for, but, you have to stick to a designated route and time table for coming back, and you can't visit any Provincial parks, either. Self protection is NOT a valid reason to have a gun in Canada. You must declare them to be for sporting or animal control purposes only. Not nearly worth it, IMO.
Don't try to take any apples (fresh) across the border. We were told to "Pull over to that area there, and either eat all your apples or throw them in that big container there." Rediculous, but them's the rules.
We did see people being searched. Seemed to be Canadians searched going into CA and US coming back into the states.
If I had the chance to see Lake Louise and Banff, I don't think I'd hesitate. Just don't volunteer any info, and don't be sarcastic. If your agent hasn't had a bad day, you'll more than likely have a great trip.
BTW, I live wihin 35 miles of the border, when home in VT, and I've never had a problem. Won't say it doesn't happen, but I've been treated well at the border on both ends of the country and several places in between.
Something else to chew on FWIW. A friend of mine who winters here in Brownsville, TX. and who happens to be Black, was searched at the Canadian border a few years back. First question asked was. "Do you own this motor home? He had to show proof! If that isn't ratial profiling, I don't know what is. And that's only supposed to happen coming into the US. Huh.:confused:
Hope you can relax and have a wonderful trip.
Dick Wells

[richp]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for all the information. I think we're going to do it, and not worry too much.

Best to you all.

Rich

[6.5 Detroit Diesel]

Actually, that is one of a bunch of random questions that they can and will ask. I am of German descent with blue eyes, and when crossing the border into the states driving my sisters car, I had to have a letter from her stating that I had permission to drive the car, otherwise they would have had the right to refuse entry.

[3116biff]

It really isn't a big deal to cross the border. Most people get a little nervous, but they expect that.I would suggest the smaller crossings. with my experience they seem to be friendlier. I would stay away from the Peace Arch crossing near Vancouver though. It is usually really busy. That is if you are going that far.

I have bought a few travel trailers and a few dirtbikes in Washington, never had a problem at the border. Dam I wish our dollar would go back up. LOL

You will love the Banff area. If you get a chance you should come to the Okanagan, it is beautiful in the summertime and we have the famous Ogopogo. f

[76m880]

i was asked if i have been fingerprinted ever and i responded yes and he asked why and i said for a washington concealed pistol license and then he asked me if i had the gun or any loose ammunition in the truck and i said no tripple checked and cleaned it out, and he said ok go ahead

[Mark Rinker]

Funny, they never search the shrinkwrapped boats I drag back and forth across that northern dotted line...probably because they are so busy collecting the duties and taxes on the import.

As for firearms, well...probably because they are so busy collecting the duties and taxes on the import...

[MacDR50]

The amount of information that is shared at the border between Canada's Border Services and the US Customs and INS would surprise you. Hand guns are definitely not welcome here. Long guns must be declared and a permit obtained. There are restrictions on barrel length and magazine capacity. Automatic weapons are prohibited in any form. Here is a link that is useful for those entering Canada.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/noncan-eng.html

My only bad crossing was back in 1975 going from Windsor to Detroit. One of the guys in the car had a German first and last name. He had come to Canada when he was less than 1 year old. When asked if he was born in Canada he honestly said "No". The officer said " Didn't sound like a Canadian Name." and sent us for additional screening. After an hour we were told we could enter the US and to enjoy our visit. We turned around at the end of the bridge and headed right back home. Now whenever I travel across the border I get the feeling they see that incident on their screens. That polite smile always reminds me of the polite executioner in some "B" movie I watched years ago who said "Have a nice day" before he pulled the switch.