Going into Canada

[RobertBolinger]

I have not found a whole lot of info on this, but how many border issues will I have pulling my TT into Canada and back into the US in a few days? From what I gather I just have to declare everything purchased, have ID's for the whole family, and have the registrations for the truck and camper. It seems they are recommending passports for everybody, but not requiring them-any comments on this?

 

[jmeehan]

They also ask for birth certificates when going into Canada.

 

[DwayneKelch]

RobertB,



I went through Canada last year on my way to Alaska and what they asked me for was two forms of ID. You needed a driver's license (sorry, as I have no children I'm not sure what they require) and either a raised seal copy of birth certificate or passport. Don't recall Canadian customs asking for vehicle registration. I entered Canada through Sweetgrass, Montana.



Canada is suspicious/cautious of what is brought into their country, however re-entering the US was painless.



I might make another trip to Alaska this year, with boat in tow. Will make sure everything is in order before entering Canada.



Have a pleasant and safe trip.





Dwayne

 

[Casey Balvert]

We take our trailer back and forth several times each year and my wife works in Detroit, commuting several times each week.



It is wise (but not mandatory at this point) to get a passport. They are good for five years.



You need at least three pieces of ID, one with a picture. A birth certificate, drivers licence, certificate of citizenship, work photo ID, etc. are good. You definitely need to be able to offer proof of citizenship. For children, a birth certificate and any other ID you have. And you may need to prove the kids are yours. So if you have someone elses children, you need a letter of permission from the parents showing the purpose of their trip, the name, address and phone number of the parents. Both sides are concerned about child abductions.



Leave firearms (if hunting check with customs on both sides re procedures) at home as well as any fresh produce and meat. While not all meat and produce is prohibited, some are and it is just worth the hassle of figuring it out. Leave ALL beef product at home. Neither country allows beef to cross the border and that includes ANY beef in pet foods, or any food with beef as an ingredient. Even the canned stuff.



You can take across one bottle of wine or liquor, or a case of beer per person of drinking age.



Pets need proof of current rabies vaccination (within the past year) and need to look healthy.



In short, carry proper ID and buy your food at the destination. Be courteous to the customes officer and answer all questions truthfully. And that goes for both directions. We have never had a problem EVER crossing the border. It really is no big deal. Both Canada and the US welcome visitors from the other. Let's face it, tourism is good for the economy and even the customs guys know that.



Casey

 

[TboneMan]

A slight correction Casey Balvert, US passports are valid for 10 years (for adults) and 5 years for kids under 16.



http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

 

[Casey Balvert]

You guys in the US must make them out of better paper. Canadian passports are valid for five years. I presumed (wrongly) that this was consistent with our friends south of the border.



Casey

 

[RThompson]

Also, NRA stickers can get you a real going over of your stuff. Don't be caught with pepper spray either!

 

[SWendell]

Canadian puchases......?

I plan on making a trip up to BC in the next year and was wondering what kind of "red tape" I might encounter with large purchases made on the trip. I assume engine and drivetrain components would be not so obvious at the border, but I would also like to get a Bigfoot camper while there. Any thoughts on taxes... . and will I save $$$$ vesus buying a Bigfoot in the states?

--Scott

 

[DPelletier]

Scott,

Sorry I can't be more help, but I thought I'd pass along the following info;

- Bigfoot was taking some serious flak for its Canadian dealers selling in the US. I believe some steps have been taken to protect the US dealers including some sort of agreement for the Canadian dealers to not sell to the US customers. I don't know all the details, but by all means call Mike Rosman RV in Vernon, B. C. at 1-250-545-1611. I imagine the potential savings will depend on the exchange rate. Can't comment on your taxes and duties.

I live 45 minutes from the manufacturing plant and 30 minutes from the biggest Bigfoot dealer in North America. If I can help, let me know.



Dave

 

[DPelletier]

Toll free number for Mike Rosman RV is 1-800-667-0024 and website is www.rosmanrv.com I just checked the website and they have a couple of used BF's a 2001 1500 9. 5 and a 2001 2500 10. 6. No issues buying those.



Dave

 

[SWendell]

Thanks...

I am definitely considering used "Feet".

I want one that will not affect my departure angle. I have seen some earlier models that dont extend past the rear bumper, but all the new ones seem to hang over by vaying degrees, so I may have to buy used. No matter, cheaper if so!

 

[SRehberg]

We haven't been to Canada for the last three years, so from what I read here, besides the drivers license, you need a birth cert as well(or other legal doc)? Before you just wore a smile and like mentioned before, be civil and everything was fine. Has things tightened due to all the recent global events?



Last time we went, we were told pepper spray was o. k. , in fact when they saw the shotgun I had, they recommended the spray over the gun. The Canadian customs agent thought he would have a little fun with us I guess, as he asked us to pull over for a RV inspection. After the other customs agent went through everything, she asked, "where's the Uzi?" I went dumbfounded, and said what Uzi? She told me that the border guy had told her we were packing an Uzi. She said she was ****** at the guy in the booth who told her I had an Uzi. I wondered why she wanted me to stay in her sight at all times. They have their moments as well.



I had heard about the dog food issue before (beef) so what do you do? You know how dogs are when you change to a new food, their digestive tract can make it unattractive.

 

[barbwire]

Casey, or TBONEMAN

Can you tell me where do you go to get a passport?

TIA

 

[pgleavitt]

Go to the nearest Post office and get the forms. AAA can also help you out if you are a member. You can pay extra to get one faster if need be.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Originally posted by SRehberg

We haven't been to Canada for the last three years, so from what I read here, besides the drivers license, you need a birth cert as well(or other legal doc)? Before you just wore a smile and like mentioned before, be civil and everything was fine. Has things tightened due to all the recent global events?



... ... ... ... ... ... .....



I had heard about the dog food issue before (beef) so what do you do? You know how dogs are when you change to a new food, their digestive tract can make it unattractive.

We feed the girls Iam's which is available on both sides of the border. In fact the dog food we buy here comes from the US. We will just buy a new bag at our first stop. Even though the bag says "Made in the USA" it still is not allowed across. Some customs agents would probably let it come into the US when we head south in April if the bag was sealed but others will enforce it to the letter. Best not to take the chance.



If you are feeding something unique, you might be best to slowly switch them over to something without the beef products or a common brand that is available in Canada as well. And just buy enough for the trip because you will not be allowed to bring it back to the US from Canada when you return. Most of the big brands are available both sides of the border. I know it is a pain but both sides have an interest in stopping the spread of disease. Hope that helps.



Casey

 

[TboneMan]

barbwire,



Post offices, county/city/town clerks all have the capacity to do the paper work.



Be prepared for "sticker shock" as it is $85/adult.



Most retailers who have photo studios (Sears, JC Penny, WalMat?) have a passport photo package. It usually only takes a few minutes.



I find having the passport much more convenient for crossing the border (I'm just 75miles south of the 1000 Islands crossing).



Plus it is fun to collect country stamps when you travel.

 

[RobertBolinger]

Thanks!!!!

Thanks everyone for all the help!!! This looks like no big deal!

 

[Casey Balvert]

It's not. Have a great time. Oo.



Casey

 

[SRehberg]

Casey, thanks for the information. We have been buying our food for our dog at Costco. I wonder if the Costco in Vancouver where we go through, would carrry the same brands? I'll have to check the website and see if there is a contact.



Thanks for the help

 

[GFrance]

We went to B. C. the end of dec. to get my transmission done. Took my Wife, 23yr old daughter, & 1yr chocalate lab. We had Photo id, birth certificates & dogs shot records. No problems, but we did have to get rid of 2 T-Bone steaks we had in the freezer. That was right when the mad cow scare started. They never asked for truck or RV registration. Funny thing, I have a sticker on my back window (this truck protected by Glock) They asked if we had any guns. I told them we left them to home which we did.