Issues going into Canada with weapons

[JACA]

No pistols of any type are allowed in Canada, regardless of who you are, and why you want to bring it. The last time I went to Canada in my RV, I was still an active US Federal Law Enforcement Officer. Not only did that not matter, but it made things worse, because the Canadian border agents believed I was hiding guns somewhere in the RV, and threatened to search me and toss everything in my RV. Some long guns (shotguns, rifles) may be allowed under very specific circumstances, with a lot of preparation and paperwork. In my opinion, it's not worth it.

[mort]

This is one reason I will never go to Canada.

[PhilFromMaine]

Really though, there isn't any country that I know of that doesn't have the same restrictions as Canada. Anyone who doesn't visit because of those restrictions is missing out on touring a very interesting landscape and meeting a very friendly group of people.

[Iwritecode]

MOD NOTE:

Just a reminder to please keep this thread on topic.

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General discussions, statements and images that are political in nature or that reference general government policies, weaponry, gun rights and religion are not allowed in ANY areas of the forum. Discussions about current or pending legislation or regulations, weapons and religion that directly pertain to RVing are acceptable but will be closed or removed if they wander off topic or become disruptive.

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Thanks.

[Top B]

No mace or pepper spray either. My wife had paper spray attached to her key chain and told them when she was asked at the border. Four hours later we were finally on our way. 😩🤐

[zb39]

I took rifles and a shotgun in twice, Both times in 2003. First was a hunting trip.

That summer we drove to Alaska and I brought the shotgun along. The paperwork was good for a year, so zero issues both times. We spent more time dealing with poultry products than anything else. I did do a lot of checking before either trip and the outfitter was vary helpful also.

[derek6669]

Best solution is to leave your guns at home.

MSR or assault style rifles are fully banned.

Hand guns,are banned

Check the Canadian Gov web site for rules and forms to fill out.

[medalguy]

Handguns absolutely are a problem. Should you find yourself on the road and needing to enter Canada I would suggest finding a licensed dealer in the US and leave your handgun there for “cleaning or repair” and pick it up when you reenter this country. You will have to fill out a 4473 and pass a Brady check when you pick it up but at least you won’t have any issues with the Canadian authorities.

[petrx]

I crossed the border years ago with a veterinarian friend of mine and they gave her the third degree. they searched all her stuff & made us look like criminals. I never will go back to Canada after that.

[PhilFromMaine]

It is primarily about border crossing into a country as a non-citizen. Try transporting **** as a foreigner into the US. It "ain't" going to happen. You will be detained if you get caught.

I go to Canada every year, sometimes numerous times. There is a lot to see there. The border crossing officers have always been very friendly and polite. I hate to say this, but crossing back into the States for us has not always been pleasant.

[Trappfarmer]

I hope no one takes this as being political...but I love this large, wonderful country. There are so many wonders to be seen and visited. From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam we can travel from one end to the other without papers or passports or submitting to searches and seizures. God bless America, get out and see our home sweet home. And support our first amendment rights that many of us fought to protect and some of us gave our life's blood for. Spend your money, it's good for our economy. Put recent afflictions behind us and enjoy the camaraderie of the road. Isolation is not normal for our species so mingle and share our adventures around campfires and always remember, Americans have more in common with each other than we have differences. No matter what you hear.

See you all on the great american highway!

[HESN22]

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html

[GmaB]

Even with my concealed carry permit you can’t take a handgun over the border. Just follow the laws and look them up if you don’t know them.

[n1acguy]

Originally Posted by petrx

I crossed the border years ago with a veterinarian friend of mine and they gave her the third degree. they searched all her stuff & made us look like criminals. I never will go back to Canada after that.

For some reason they seemed to think I would have had a gun, and we definitely felt/were harassed when crossing near Niagara.

I've never had half the scrutiny going through customs anywhere as that seemingly simply border crossing. If you must go, leave the firearms behind.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by GmaB

Even with my concealed carry permit you can’t take a handgun over the border. Just follow the laws and look them up if you don’t know them.

A very important point. All the laws that apply to us as US Citizens, along with any of our Constitutional Rights, end when we cross into a foreign country (as regards to actions and behavior). We are now subject to THEIR laws and whatever Constitutional Rights that are in effect there.


Simple rule, if you don't like their laws, don't go there.


Funny note, I went with a large group to Canada many years ago. One of the members of the group decided to open a beer on a public beach and was confronted by a member of local law enforcement. The guy uttered the statement "I know my rights". The Constable informed him that his rights as he understood them were only valid on the other side of the border and if he'd like they'd be more than happy to escort him to where they were in effect.

Many people in this country have traveled to foreign countries and often are given an orientation as to what the laws are where they travel. Others just assume they can behave as they did at home. Often with unwanted consequences.

Learn before you go and the trip will be much more enjoyable.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by n1acguy

For some reason they seemed to think I would have had a gun, and we definitely felt/were harassed when crossing near Niagara.

I've never had half the scrutiny going through customs anywhere as that seemingly simply border crossing. If you must go, leave the firearms behind.

In this day and age of the computer and data sharing, they may have seen the information you home state attached to your vehicle registration.

Here where I live the state has your vehicle license "tagged" with your driver's license number and Concealed Pistol Licenses are noted as well. This is so when a LEO stops a car they can run the Vehicle License on their MDT and both D/L and CPL will pop up. Lets them know D/L status and possibility of firearm before they even approach the car.

Canadian Customs may well have access to this data depending on agreements.


Then again, sometimes the individual just advertises that a firearm may be present. Various stickers and decals in back windows of trucks from various organizations or manufactures of firearm related "interest".

[NavyLCDR]

I personally do not subscribe to the no guns-no visit rule. If I did, I would not have seen Italy, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, Australia, Japan, Scotland or Canada.

Although, I suppose if you were traveling all over the US and had your weapons with you, it is probably a different situation to just not take that detour into Canada. But I would not forgo a trip specifically into Canada just because of the no-gun rule that affects 99% of international travel everywhere.

When you travel internationally you do have to give up some American rights. Is it worth it? It was to me.

[D W]

Back in the day it was very common to cross into YT from AK to go hunting. You were able to declare (by voice), your long gun/caliber as you passed through the Beaver Creek Checkpoint. Sometimes they'd want to see it or your ammo. Other times they'd let you pass right on through. In the past 30 years it has become an increasingly tedious and painful process. No longer worth the hassle to hunt in Canada.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Many people in this country have traveled to foreign countries and often are given an orientation as to what the laws are where they travel. Others just assume they can behave as they did at home. Often with unwanted consequences.

Learn before you go and the trip will be much more enjoyable.

As someone who has done quite a bit of overseas traveling and seen this kind of behavior, it's no wonder why there's the "Ugly American" term.
And as said, I would NEVER let something, like this subject, keep me from visiting beautiful and wondrous places outside of the USA and their cultures.

[debit]

We fish in Canada and we are always asked if we have any weapons. (not guns specifically) One time they did asked if we had any knives, knowing that the boat was in tow behind the truck.

_______________
Ram 2500 / Surveyor 251rks
26' troller (and still hoping to use our reservations..more information to come later today)