Hey all,

In my effort to keep chipping away at our plans, I came across a helpful link and some tips for entering/traveling in Canada.

Do you have any others to add?

-Have drivers license and passports ready for border patrol (includes everyone in the vehicle).

-Turn off cell phones, radios. Remove sunglasses

-Be prepared to give address of your destination, how long you'll be in the country and where you're going.

-No joking with border patrol. My comedic husband will have to make a note of it.

-Make sure you have vehicle registration and proof of insurance in your car.

What you can/can't bring into the country as well as wait times at the border. What to expect at Canadian border.

Another question for those of you who have traveled into Canada. I know we need to declare all goods when entering Canada.

I'm wondering as we pack, would it be advisable to have a master list of everything we're bringing in so that we don't have to guess when we're at the border? How have you handled this?

They ask questions. I answer them. Strictly business. I never volunteer any information :)

The outfitter I'm using in Atikokan warned me that root vegetables are not permitted.

Thanks.
We expect to be crossing at Pigeon River sometime between noon and 7pm on a Thursday. We have decided to just buy our liquor over the border rather than mess around with having the right amount and declaring it, yadda,yadda,yadda...

I haven't looked into it, but am wondering about bringing in stove fuel and knives.

They never asked about that at Prairie Portage. With the number of folks who cross the border to camp, there cannot possibly be any issue with bringing standard camping equipment such as knives, stoves, and fuel. I would be astonished to see that.

Actually, firewood may not be brought in and fireworks may not be brought in, and firearms are strictly controlled. But there appears to be no prohibition on consumable amounts of fuel and no prohibition on the sorts of blades one might bring to camp, e.g. knives, axes, saws.

Don't bring live bait across the border.

You can bring up to 40 oz of liquor into Canada, but you must declare it.

Freeze dried food, boxed foods like macaroni and cheese, rice-a-roni, oatmeal can be brought in. Check the list before bringing any sort of fresh fruit or vegetable.

quote jcavenagh: "Thanks.
We have decided to just buy our liquor over the border rather than mess around with having the right amount and declaring it, yadda,yadda,yadda..."

better off buying in the USA rather than pay the 100% extra in canada.

roll down the windows in your vehicle so the custom agent has full view of the occupants.

present passports, DL not necessary.

hope nobody has a DUI or felony conviction.


if you're unlucky, or a suspicious looking character, you could get your vehicle tossed and face an unpleasant hours long delay. if you have it, declare it.

Never been asked for vehicle reg and proof of insurance card. However you will need the InterAgency Proof of Insurance Card good for Canada "aka yellowcard". It is only available from your insurer if you ask for it.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle incident and do not have it..your vehicle may be confiscated.

No pepper spray. If you bring bear spray be able to produce it. No fumbling for documents at the border. Find your passport ahead of time. No radar detectors.

Be prepared for a MNR search on 527. They are making sure everyone has the appropriate level of fish and not more. If you fish you will have to buy an Outdoors Card too.

527is a speed trap. Rookie OPP often get sent to Armstrong and they are trying to prove their worth.

quote yellowcanoe: "Never been asked for vehicle reg and proof of insurance card. However you will need the InterAgency Proof of Insurance Card good for Canada "aka yellowcard". It is only available from your insurer if you ask for it.


If you are involved in a motor vehicle incident and do not have it..your vehicle may be confiscated.


No pepper spray. If you bring bear spray be able to produce it. No fumbling for documents at the border. Find your passport ahead of time. No radar detectors.


Be prepared for a MNR search on 527. They are making sure everyone has the appropriate level of fish and not more. If you fish you will have to buy an Outdoors Card too.


527is a speed trap. Rookie OPP often get sent to Armstrong and they are trying to prove their worth."

Thanks. Good to know.

What do you know regarding fuel (for cook kit) or knives? I assume our axe/saw will be ok.

-Pam

just returned from Canada

actually they do not ask for your passport, they ask for your DL, there is no need for a passport by a US citizen to get into Canada

but you will need the passport to get back in the US, crazy

Just give them the passport both ways. I just got back from Canada too and ready to go back. This year I have only been three times.

Firearms in a nutshell are a no no.

Axe and saw are no problem.

I am driving so stove fuel is not a problem. If you need Coleman fuel J and Js in Armstrong has it. They do not have isobutane canisters.

quote yellowcanoe: "Just give them the passport both ways. I just got back from Canada too and ready to go back. This year I have only been three times.


Firearms in a nutshell are a no no.


Axe and saw are no problem.


I am driving so stove fuel is not a problem. If you need Coleman fuel J and Js in Armstrong has it. They do not have isobutane canisters."

Thanks. Yeah, I knew about the passport detail. Figured it would be good to have regardless.

We are driving as well, so if we bring canister fuel, that will be ok (we have a MSR pocket rocket)?

It will be fine. I had four canisters for my trip.

Yes. Fuel for the stove is no problem. If bringing bear spray, get the brands that have a bear or a dog on the label. Those are a milder type of chemical. Anything with mace can be confiscated.

quote jdrocks: "

quote jcavenagh: "Thanks.
We have decided to just buy our liquor over the border rather than mess around with having the right amount and declaring it, yadda,yadda,yadda..."

if you're unlucky, or a suspicious looking character, you could get your vehicle tossed and face an unpleasant hours long delay. if you have it, declare it."

Yup. We saw this happen in 2011. They found some weed on one guy. A whole pickup truck was unloaded and every single item was opened up and looked through, even each piece of clothing and all containers like water bottles, etc.