Rough Canadian border crossing

[ard58]

In Texas, south to be exact, traveling north or either IH35 or US281 both have check points. I have been through them numerous times and have never been asked to remove sun glasses. Why would I? They wear them also.

[Dan n Gerda]

It really comes down to the character of the person in an official role on the border (assuming the RVer is polite)! Unfortunately, everywhere around the globe including here in the USA, so called professionals are overly impressed with themselves and their false sense of authority! In my opinion that's who you encountered -- unprofessional professionals! Take it with a grain of salt, but you should report the incident! Contrary to popular belief billions, yes, billions of USD go to Canada and Canadians annually! Tourists, legal workers here who live there, and USA trade subsidies, and much more! Canadians spend a lot of their hard earned money here as well and are great people! However, it appears today the more we Americans do with our money, the more that is expected and the less we are respected! Having said all of that, we truly trust your overall trip was a success! Mexico is worse and you might not have made it out because the Cartels run the country! Dan & Gerda

[alsdas88]

Gone are the days like they were back in the '80's up in northern Maine. While stationed up at Loring AFB, I used to travel frequently into Canada for recreation and boredom prevention. Made a few friends up there as well. The border crossings were done at a small country road with small buildings that looked like shacks. After a very short period of time, the border guards just waved me thru (both sides) as the recognized me and my vehicles. I do wish that period of time still existed, but it does not and cannot due to the ugliness of today's society.

[3886john]

I have crossed into Canada many times with no trouble. Last July crossing from Maine on my way to Nova Scotia a female custom agent pulled me aside, she and 3 of her co workers spent 45 minutes tearing my 25 foot motorhome apart. They opened up every thing and left it open and laying out. The female agent was standing on the arm rest of my leather couch with her combat boots on. I said if she wanted to look in the bunk there was a ladder by the door to stand on instead of my couch. They did not even shut my refrigerator door after they got through riffling through it. When they were finally done and handed my passport back I asked what I had done to deserve that kind of welcome? All I got was glared at, not a word. I have had our side look through, not tear apart just open doors and ask a few questions. This was truly a very negative experience. I was up there to see a part of their country I hadn't seen before with a pocket full of money. Won't make that mistake again.

[rtc830]

Probably thought you were from Hollywood.

Originally Posted by Harley2152

I want to share our border crossing experience, hopefully others can learn from our unpleasant experience. My wife and I are full timers with a base in Florida. We planned a late summer 13 day visit to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. This was our second trip in to Canada with the RV, so we were fairly ready for the crossing. We reviewed what food was allowed and what was limited along with keeping our amount of alcohol within limits. We carried no weapons and no recreational drugs. We arrived at the nearly deserted crossing with our passports and RV registration ready. Apparently the first rule I violated was not removing my sunglasses, I had thought about it but didn't before pulling up to the officer. This seemed to annoy her and things went way down hill from there. Second was not having the registration of our tow vehicle ready. Next was telling her we were full time and lived in the RV. A series of questions followed, most of which were asking about weapons. Did we own guns? How many? What type? Do you have a carry permit? Do you have any weapons in the RV? Where do you store the weapons? I responded truthfully to all of her questions. Yes we own both long guns and handguns, no I do not have a concealed carry permit. No we carry no weapons in our RV. The officer then made a reference to us being Americans so "You must be carrying a weapon". We knew this was going real bad real fast. After a few minutes on the phone she instructed us to pull into lane seven AND WAIT. So we did, and 15 min later 2 officers knocked on our door. We let them in and handed them our paperwork. First question was "Why didn't you come into the office?" I responded that the first woman had instructed us to wait in lane 7. The immediate response was "NO she didn't" ...Oh boy this was going really bad. They instructed us to open all slides and give them keys to all compartments. Then we were told to wait inside. For the next 1+45 hours both officers opened, disassembled and looked through EVERYTHING! They also searched our tow vehicle. When they were finished, they just handed us our keys and said we were free to go. They found nothing but they did damage a few items and also left numerous items in the middle of the coach for us to put away. I understand they have a job to do, BUT you don't have to treat people in an antagonistic, accusatory and provocative manner. My wife and I are retired from the Federal government and have traveled around the world. We know how to act in border / customs situations. We were very respectful and completely honest when answering questions. It seemed to us once they confirmed we were Americans traveling full-time in a motor home, we must be carrying weapons. The experience was horrible and scary. We won't be a big rush to return to Canada. On our reentry to the US, we discussed this with the US Border Agent. He told us that this summer alone, Canadian Border guards have caught 12 Americans in motor homes trying to bring (illegal) weapons into Canada.

Our advice, Have passports and vehicle paperwork ready. NO sunglasses and be ready to answer very probing questions. And do not try to bring weapons across the border unless you've completed the required paperwork!

[carlsbad]

We came back through Buffalo after a night in Canada in our old Class C. The US officers made Nazi's or Darth's Stormtroopers seem positively nice. The young "officer" assigned to our camper was either on steroids or crack. My wife was darn near a nervous breakdown. He used her fear as an excuse to justify his actions. He told her she was nervous so we must be hiding something. After a few hours we were sent inside to talk to a supervisor. He was about our age - older. He asked us some routine questions and finally let us go. They never asked about weapons. They seemed more concerned about drugs or possibly gold coins. He asked several times if we had purchased any gold.
I suggested when a young kid with a bad attitude waves a gun that people get nervous. All he said was there was "heightened security protocol" because of some threat he could not disclose.
Later I read that the Buffalo crossing was a real problem and that there numerous complaints. I bet nothing changed.

[oldsmasma]

Yes the times have changed - and not for the better. We have crossed into the USA probably 25 times over our many years together and DH many more travelling for business. We used to winter south, used to do a week long cross border shopping trip into upper NY state, visit the Michigan casinos and attend several NASCAR races annually. We had many easy crossings at a dozen different crossing points but they have become harder, more stressful and just plain unnerving over the years. I can understand your distress. We just won't do it any more. In my 67 years I have never even had a speeding ticket and will not be treated as a criminal. I know they have jobs to do on both sides but until there is a better way to obtain some sort of preclearance I'll be staying here.

[Campahedu]

Given my proximity to the Canada border, I have crossed it many times. Last year was the first year I took my camper across as we were headed to Minnesota. We crossed into Canada at a small town in New Hampshire then back to the states at Sault St. Marie. The only problem (and it really wasn't a problem), was at Sault St. Marie (Canada side) coming back the searched the camper but they were respectful as were we. It took 45 min and then we were on our way. This year we went to Nova Scotia and I am gathering that the crossing the OP went through was in Calais Maine. Not sure about Houlton Maine but all the other crossing are minute (no 7 lanes). Calais is strange... the road leading to there is either rte 1 (2 lanes and usually choked with traffic in Southern Maine and New England). Rte 9 out of Bangor is long (100 miles) desolate, wooded road. Then you go through a state of the art 7 lane crossing and Canada has divided highway all the way to Halifax! Very little traffic until you get to Moncton. No problem going or coming at border. But I didn't wear my sun glasses . Delightful trip ...there is so much to see and enjoy in Nova Scotia. I will be back

[Bluepill]

I took a cross country solo trip in 2011. NY to WA. When I got to WA, I was thinking of going North into Canada. At that time I had not heard any Border Stories, but I thought about what the Customs Agent might think of a solo guy driving a 38 foot MH across the border and decided not to try it.

[Burk]

We had the same experience several years ago. We were asked if we had any weapons three times, then told to pull over for an inspection. The lady asked us a forth time saying if we lied we could be arrested? Replied no weapons or ammunition. Told to step outside, I asked if we could remain in the motorhomes front seats. Step out now was the answer. 30 min. later we were on our way touring a beautiful countryside. They just don't believe we would travel w/o a gun.
Burk

[Alan F]

Sorry you had such problems. We just crossed into Ontario and back via the Peace Bridge, and had it easy both directions. Each time we were at the crossing under five minutes. Going into Canada we had a female guard who asked us where we were going and how long we would be in Canada, and then inquired about firearms. When I told her I didn't have any, she asked if I left them at home. I told her that I didn't own any, she smiled and asked for our passports. She asked for the tag number of both the Motor Home and the TOAD, which I had ready. She handed us back our passports and told us to enjoy our time in Canada. That was it.

Re-entering the US, the male guard asked for our passports and then asked how long we had been in Canada. After I answered that we were there five days, he asked why we needed a TOAD and a Motor Home for a five day trip. I told him that the Motor Home was for sleeping and the TOAD was for touring. He asked me what I purchased in Canada and I replied, "Some wine and a sticker for the window." He didn't ask how much wine, which was a case (8 bottles over the limit). He then asked for the keys to the MH and Toad. He walked through the MH and said we had a nice rig, and asked what year it was. He didn't look into anything. The case of wine was clearly visible in the back of the Jeep, but he didn't say anything. When he returned, he gave my keys back and welcomed us back to the US.

I was expecting more of a hassle going each way based on some messages on the forum, but we lucked out. I did remove my sunglasses, and had all papers ready, including registrations, passports, and insurance documents. No one ever asked for anything but the passports. Hopefully, it will be this easy next time.

[BandJCarm]

In a storm, haven't read all this. Was this in Port Huron, MI crossing?

If so, sounds identical to an event 2 weeks ago a friend of mine had.

[Rokslinger]

Originally Posted by youroo

Airport Security You should have seen the look on their face when they told me to "Step over here,remove your Belt and turn your pants "Inside/Out" My shoes were already off so when I removed my belt and "Took Off my pants" they really started to Shout",What are you doing",my reply was "Exactly what you told me to do"! I didn't care I knew No one in the Airport,and NO cell Camers allowed either! Youroo!!

That is why I haven' flown for over10 years except with an Alaskan bush pilot, and probably never will fly commercial again.

[amblt]

I am a Canadian, retired civil servant (Air Traffic Control, Airport Security Operations and Administration) of 26 years. I also had 10 years experience as an auxiliary police officer. I am appalled by the stories here of how some are treated, on both sides. There is no excuse whatsoever to be rude to people, even in this age of heightened awareness.
Crossing into Michigan in 2005 at Port Huron, I made the sunglasses mistake and apologized and although the agent was brusque, he was not rude. In 2013 we crossed into NY at one of the Thousand Island crossings, and the female agent was very courteous and got the job done and passed us through with no problems. On the same trip, re-entering Canada from Maine, the Canadian officer was surly and I thought for sure we'd be enroute to Secondary, but not so.
I've had many other crossings, as a youngster travelling with family, and later on my own, and other than the above, it has been smooth sailing.
In my job, as a young buck, I fell into the authoritarian mode at one time, but not for long. It was made very clear to me that the Government of Canada does NOT hound, harass, or threaten its customers in any way, and if I felt differently I was free to find other employment. I made it 26 years in government, and a further 15 as a private contractor providing regulatory services for Transport Canada (our equivalent of the FAA). I am proud of my service to the aviation world and the flying public.

In the police world, courtesy was the rule, until the "customer" decided differently, and then the gloves were off, no doubt about who was in control of the situation. Customs no doubt is the same, but to be the instigator by being rude or searching "just because" is inexcusable.

I am very sad that so many were so badly treated that they will not come back to Canada, but I can't blame you at all. We are all the losers in these situations, there is no upside on either side of the border.

Cheers

[Rokslinger]

Originally Posted by itat

I always get a chuckle out of these cross the border threads. If you cross the border regularly you know the routine and even then it might be just that your number came up that day and you have to go through a search. The littlest things can trigger a red flag to the border agent. There might be a watch out for certain things that day. Maybe they're looking for someone and you fit the suspect's description. Who knows.

Don't get wound up if they aren't friendly. They have their techniques and look to see your response - verbal or body language. If they see something that suggests you're not being truthful, you'll get pulled over to secondary.

I cross the border about 2 or 3 times a year to pickup parcels that I've ordered on Amazon.com and have shipped to the border. Be respectful and polite. Always be truthful - everything matters. Do not try to joke with them. Take off your sunglasses. Have all your paperwork ready including purchases, tow vehicles and pets. Roll down the back windows if they have any tinting so the officer can see in the back.

You are exactly right. Shut off or remove your dashcam also. when we crossed into Canada and presented passports, paperwork and application to carry our firearm, it was approved but we still got a brief but intense inquisition. Veiled threats for jail and confiscation if we were not honest. Give me your keys, stand on the curb and wait while we look (female border agent). What they are looking at mostly is behavior an demeanor. I understand, they have a job to do. All of our crossings have been professional and brief. We did have a bag of tangerines confiscated which we knew probably would be. Kudos to the agent(female) at Poker Creek who was as nice as she could be. Even gave our dogs a treat. I guess she figured anyone crazy enough to drive the Taylor Highway was not going to risk anything else knowing the Canadians had already done their work on the other end.

[dreadlocks]

About 10 years ago we tried to cross outside Glacier National Park, they were determined to find drugs on me.. so they took 2 hours tearing my car apart and confiscated my never before used ashtray because their magic drug testing fluid turned red on my ashtray that was also red, go figure.. They ruined most of the food in my cooler by opening all the packaging and not resealing em before tossing em back into the ice water.. they left all my gear spread out in the parking area, made me sign a forfeiture to the queen document for the ashtray then made me pack everything and load it up my self.. they let us in after all that.

By the time we got across the border we really didnt have any time to go explore the park on the north side, so we just watched the sunset and headed back to Camp in GNP.. Crossing into the US was simple even though we still got searched it took 20mins, my wife asked the US customs if we did anything wrong and they said, your young in a modified sports car (VW GTI) with long hair.. that basically guaranteed we were going to get harassed and nothing we could do about it.. they were so much nicer and did not accuse me of lying right to their face.

We havent been back to Canada since, We're planning on visiting Alaska in a few years.. might have to take a ferry out of Washington but I'd really like to explore the Rockies on the north side of the border.. Not quite sure but it really soured our opinion of Canada.. friendly neighbors my rear end.

If they think you have something Illegal, your almost better off having it.. because they wont stop tearing your vehicle apart until they find it.. My astray testing positive for Cannabis was a false alert or total BS, it was missing when I bought it used so I ordered a new ashtray through the dealer and only used it for coins.. no weed ever touched it as far as I know, it was perfectly clean and new looking.. yet their tests indicated it was full of cannabis resin.

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

Watching Police shows on TV will give you a VERY warped image of law enforcement. In fact, watching the nightly news will do the same!

I actually respect LE and I don't want to be one.

[eye95]

I am wary of LE and glad I am not one.

[gectisme]

Originally Posted by dreadlocks

About 10 years ago we tried to cross outside Glacier National Park, they were determined to find drugs on me.. so they took 2 hours tearing my car apart and confiscated my never before used ashtray because their magic drug testing fluid turned red on my ashtray that was also red, go figure.. They ruined most of the food in my cooler by opening all the packaging and not resealing em before tossing em back into the ice water.. they left all my gear spread out in the parking area, made me sign a forfeiture to the queen document for the ashtray then made me pack everything and load it up my self.. they let us in after all that.

By the time we got across the border we really didnt have any time to go explore the park on the north side, so we just watched the sunset and headed back to Camp in GNP.. Crossing into the US was simple even though we still got searched it took 20mins, my wife asked the US customs if we did anything wrong and they said, your young in a modified sports car (VW GTI) with long hair.. that basically guaranteed we were going to get harassed and nothing we could do about it.. they were so much nicer and did not accuse me of lying right to their face.

We havent been back to Canada since, We're planning on visiting Alaska in a few years.. might have to take a ferry out of Washington but I'd really like to explore the Rockies on the north side of the border.. Not quite sure but it really soured our opinion of Canada.. friendly neighbors my rear end.

If they think you have something Illegal, your almost better off having it.. because they wont stop tearing your vehicle apart until they find it.. My astray testing positive for Cannabis was a false alert or total BS, it was missing when I bought it used so I ordered a new ashtray through the dealer and only used it for coins.. no weed ever touched it as far as I know, it was perfectly clean and new looking.. yet their tests indicated it was full of cannabis resin.

We did that same crossing about 3 months ago in just our TV. I wasn't paying attention and when the car in front of me moved I did too and went past the Stop sign. I heard a loud "STOP!" from the Border Agent and quickly realized what I did. When the car in front of me was done, I pulled up and the Border Agent did his job and we were through in a few minutes. I wouldn't say he was jovial but he was professional and fine to deal with even though I did something stupid. Same on the way back, not that I ran a stop sign, but the US Border Guard was professional and had no issues. On a side note, there is a great burger place over there and also a great place to get Moose Tracks Ice Cream at a cheap price.

[SlowrideHD]

I've been across the border north of Kalispell and north-east of Glacier, always on my Harley and towing a Bushtec trailer. You would think that I would be a huge red flag just for being a biker and especially with a trailer in tow.

The first time I crossed, I did make the sunglasses mistake, mainly because they had been on my face for a week and I didn't even realize I had them on. I was asked some routine questions. They seemed more inclined to look at my driver license than my passport. When I replied to their question that I was from Alabama, they asked if I owned guns. Yep, says I, a huge safe full. Did I have any with me? Nope, says I, heard that would be a huge no-no. Also did I have cigarettes or alcohol. Nope, don't smoke and I don't drink when I am on this Harley. They asked how long I was going to be in Canada. I said as long as it takes me to ride the Icefields parkway up to Jasper and camp for a few days, then head back.

One thing I do is take tourist pictures by the "Welcome to Canada" sign. Seems like that has always helped. Anyway, never have been searched, not even to open the lid of my Bushtec trailer which is stuffed to the limit when I take a couple week, 7000 mile tour.