Thought that title might get some views. :)

I'm in the US, and heading into Canada. My questions are about border crossings, food, and first aid.

My wife wants me to bring back blueberries, and it hit me that that may not be legal, which got me thinking about my food pack. I Like to pack all my food and everything before I leave home. Am I gonna run afoul crossing the border with food(including some fresh)?

And that got me thinking of my first aid kit. I always cary prescription pain killers... Not a jumbo sack, just 10 - 20 pills. A 'valid' prescription may be something else. (And that reminds me to try and get an Epi-pen prescription for my first aid kit.). I got rid of the pharmacy bottle a while ago.

When I trip to Canada I take all my meds in their original bottles { I think their laws require it]. We don't take any fresh veggies but we take frozen meat and have had no problems. Years ago you had to pay duty on grub brought into Canada [you where allowed so many dollars per person and over that amount you had to pay duty on, we ended paying 50 cents on a pound of butter]. You can only take so much liquor and tobacco. I'm sure somebody has a link to what the official rules are but I don't know what it is. Bear spray is legal as long as it's BEAR spray and not self defense spray, same stuff I understand, no fireworks, no leeches, no minnows, crawlers are ok but they have to be in commercial bedding, we just took gulp products and did well with them or use crankbaits for walleyes, The trick to entering Canada is be truthfull, don't give any more information than what's asked for and remember you are their Guest act accordingly. FRED

Get the official list here. There is a link in there to check on the food part as that changes often. potatoes are one thing you will get confiscated. To some degree it depends on the agent. Coming back a couple years ago the US agent took a fresh beaver stick I had picked up along the way and had started carving it. He called it firewood and confiscated it.

Potatoes are a no no, somewhat to my amazement as I've been taking them in for years. But, last year a friend told me he had some confiscated going into Canada.

I go across the border with my packs at least twice a year and have never had a problem. Going into Canada. Usually it takes about 3 minutes. Border agents always seem to be nice and friendly. They ask me where, how long and why I'm going. I like to clip by Ontario Outdoor Card to my passport. Obviously, it shows them, I've been up there before, and you could say I'm a frequent crosser.. So to speak.

Coming into the States again, can be another issue. I've had my packs gone thru, gear all spread out, searching for who knows what?

One time, I came back a few days early, and I made the mistake of telling the agent that. The weather had been terrible, and my gear was wet. Well, one guy decided or he was bored, and would give me the once over. Packs were dumped, engine hood was opened, and I sat there for almost an hour. After finding nothing, he came back with my bottle of aspirin, and asked what they were. Aspirin? Like the bottle says. At that point I got a little pissy, and asked what he was looking for, or was he just harassing me.

After, emptying my pockets, he let me go. I no longer cross the border at that place. Also, never had a problem coming or going since then.

I do these things when I cross the border. My windows are all opened and interior lights lit. I have a bucket in my kit and I make sure the lid is off and the contents can easily be viewed from the outside. My gear is laid out as conspicuously as room allows. I answer all questions politely and with as little dialogue as possible, even if its the third time the question is asked. It is not your answer they are after, they are reading YOU. Be aware that the border stations have all been outfitted with high tech sensors, microphones and cameras. You are being checked out long before you drive up to the booth so behave yourself and do not do anything in your approach that will raise any red flags. If you have had a medical procedure lately that used any radiation it will trigger more questions.

I have noticed the last few years that the crossings have become much faster and easier. Some say the tourist industry has pushed for this but maybe all the new techie stuff is doing more of the work.

Thanks.

It has always been easier going into Canada than returning home. Border control is quirky at best. Back in 99 I was up in International Falls working, and crossed back and forth to Fort Francis several times, and never experienced more than a friendly wave from both the Canadians and the US side. Another time at Grand Portage the US agent grilled us. Wanted VERY specific answers. "USA" was not acceptable, had to be "United States of America"... among others.

I'll check the link. Thanks

As for bear spray, just make sure the label doesn't indicate that it isn't for "Self-Defense" and make sure it does not contain MACE. If the can(or packaging) has a picture of a bear on it that has been OK for me.

quote ECpizza: "Thanks.

It has always been easier going into Canada than returning home. Border control is quirky at best. Back in 99 I was up in International Falls working, and crossed back and forth to Fort Francis several times, and never experienced more than a friendly wave from both the Canadians and the US side. Another time at Grand Portage the US agent grilled us. Wanted VERY specific answers. "USA" was not acceptable, had to be "United States of America"... among others.

I'll check the link. Thanks "

I'Falls/Ft. Francis has always been a more friendly crossing for me, I find the Canadian border dudes at Ft. Francis friendly enough to ask for advice on where to eat, get fishing license , ... the guys & gals at Emerson or Thunder Bay have held me up the last 3 times I've crossed. I've never had a problem getting back in. I guess everyone has their own experience.

In 2012 one of our guys had an expired passport. They hassled him a little then let him into Canada. The US Customs didn't notice.

quote ECpizza: "It has always been easier going into Canada than returning home. "

That's also been my experience.

With a canoe or two strapped to the roof of my car, and portage packs in the back seat, the intent of my visit to Canada seems fairly obvious. This may account why I haven't been troubled by Canadian Customs when entering Canada. Whereas U.S. Customs generally seems more inquisitive upon my return.

Hans Solo

Our passings through customs have gone smoothly. They usually don't ask many questions or even ask to see our dog's rabies information (although we have it along). Most interesting question we are asked every time is our professions..... Still wondering what they are looking for with that question!? :) When we crossed to winter camp in Woodland Caribou we simply told them we were going ice fishing. Figured they'd lock us up for sure if we told them we were going to sleep in a canvas tent at -50. :)

quote McVacek: " Most interesting question we are asked every time is our professions..... Still wondering what they are looking for with that question!? :) "

They are looking for a truthful answer. The reason they have you hold up before you drive forward is to punch your license plate in. The plate owners info pops up and that includes place of employment.