US Canada border crossing

[gelswick]

Considering a future trip on the trans Canada Highway. What can we expect at the border crossing? Do they go through the whole RV, just check your passport or ??

[twindman]

Going one way or another they will ask about fruits (and I think about meat of some sort). Coming in to the US in northern Montana we got the honor of getting a full body scan - of the TV and Montana. I was about to take a picture and decided I had better ask.. -- Yep NO PICS ANYWHERE NEAR a BORDER INSPECTION Point!!!!
Oh, the scan was pretty interesting. Big boom on a semi tractor that went up, over and down on the other side of the rig.

[gelswick]

Thanks, had not thought about that xray thing!

[ols1932]

We were physically inspected. One person inspected the truck and all the tools while a second one went into the rig. Don't know what he could see in the rig when it's all closed up but he was in there a long time. Might be a good idea to carry a passport.

Orv

[helmick]

Our Montana has crossed into Canada and out of Canada about 14 times. Only once did they enter
and took out 2 tomatoes.

[RickW]

I am sure you know about the gun rules but also remember to remove any and all ammo as well. Last summer a friend spent the winter work camping at a gun range. While he left the firearms that are not allowed in Canada back in the states he did overlook some ammo for a weapon. Even though he did not have the weapon he spent a extended period of time at the crossing as they searched his RV.

A passport would be very handy as already suggested .....

[richfaa]

Best to have a passport and check for the latest rules and changes. You just never know wht might happen on any given day.We have never had to show anything more than a passport...but...you just never know.

[Parts Ed]

I don't think you can cross the border back into the US without a passport anymore. Funny that they will let you into Canada, but when you want to re-enter into your own country it is a fiasco.

[DonandBonnie]

Parts Ed is correct. You need a passport. Your chances of crossing into Canada without a passport is pretty good. Your chances of getting bach into the good old USA without one is close to impossible. Actually there are two types of passport. The booklet type that can get you anywhere and the one that looks like a credit card that is good for ground passage across the Canadian or Mexican borders. It's been a few years since I got mine, but as I recall the credit card one is about 30 or 40 bucks cheaper than the full blown passport.

[washley1]

We've made two trips up and back in recent years. Going into New Brunswick we got searched. Going into British Columbia we did not. I do recommend taking it slow on the Trans Canada though. Last summer all the bridges from BC to Ontario were under some kind of construction...all at the same time! Dips, frost heaves and potholes are abundant. We came home with a bent axle.

[bruiser]

We have made numerous trips to the US with the Montana and have never been searched either way. Canada-US have a trusted traveller program called NEXUS. We got our cards 3 years ago. Cost is $50.00 and card is good for 5 years. It is essentially a pre-screening program where background checks are done. You have to provide fingerprints and an eye scan. With this card you are less likely to be searched. We also travel between countries by air frequently. Most airports have a NEXUS dedicated line so that you will move through security much quicker.
On edit - forgot to mention that the NEXUS card can also be used instead of a passport for entry into both the USA and Canada.

[Parts Ed]

When I applied for my passport, I got both the card and the booklet as the card will get you over the border in Canada and Mexico, but you have to have the book if you are traveling over the pond to Europe. I figured for the extra money it was worth it as I didn't want to carry the booklet with me into Canada (just something else to lose)......

[moutard2]

If you attempt to bring your firearms into Canada and they're found, it could mean we'll have another RV at one of our Customs auctions!

[gelswick]

Thanks for all the excellent info!!

[1retired06]

Leave weapons at home. Limitation on alcohol.

[scattershot]

No problem crossing into Canada, but coming back into the US the agents can be a little testy. You will need a passport to get back into the US, and of course, no guns into Canada.

You are in for a beautiful trip, the Canadian Rockies are spectacular!

One word of advice, avoid the campground at Kamloops BC. There is a downgrade on the highway there, and a rail siding on the other side of that. Between humping freightcars all night, and the Jake brakes, you won't get any sleep.