Going to Canada
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 535
Likes: 6
From: Bellingham, Washington
I know when you pull up in a car they run your liscense plate as wait you for the green light. How do they do it on a motorcycle? Do they get out of their booth and walk around and look at the rear to get your plate number or just not run your plate?
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
From: Windsor Ont. Can.
Hey Windsor is havin the Canadian Hog party this summer, be alot of bikes in town, or go up for the Fri. the 13th party in Port Dover. Titty bars are way better, totally nude here!!! Beer is kick *** be careful there. Most stuff is the same though, be ready to pay way more than your used to for everything, tax is 13%, gas is about $4.80 a US gallon, beer is $34 a case.....Teflon
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,487
Likes: 154
From: Southern Ontario, Canada...EH!
They usually ask me the plate number on the US side. Never been asked on the Cdn side.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
It used to happen with my Jeep all the time, because the plate was off the the side and the camera would never pick it up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,903
Likes: 29,883
From: PNW
I have many acquaintances that have DUI's that cross in cars. Is it a bike thing?
US isn't bad in my experience.
Point 2 - definitely!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
I was told a long time ago, when I was going to Canada to do some consulting work to tell them that I was going for pleasure. Apparently, they don't take too kindly to 'mericans "taking" Canadian jobs.
Had no issues, friendly. Coming back was no problem but totally different vibe. Especially after 9/11.
And the Canadian Ballet is just as good as everyone says!
Had no issues, friendly. Coming back was no problem but totally different vibe. Especially after 9/11.
And the Canadian Ballet is just as good as everyone says!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
Lived in Buffalo, NY for 30 yrs. Had many a good time in The Great White North...It's true they like to drink beer over there( Almost as much as Buffalonians)...No kidding. Also, Check out some "Gentlemens Clubs". DON'T Screw around at the border crossing...They take that sh*t seriously!
Crossing is a lot more serious now since 9/11 for sure.
If it is a busy crossing day too and you wait in line a long time, you'll find out what sucks about air cooled engines.
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Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
I'ved crossed twice at Blue Water (Huron/Sarnia), going into Canada over the bridge in heavy traffic is a real beotch. Turn the motor off at the top of the bridge and just coast down till it flattens out again in Canada at the booths. The trip back back into the states both times was a bit of a PIA. The agents will try to trip you up on some of the questions they might ask. Enjoy your trip.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 791
Likes: 2
From: Canada
ALL valid points. Your trucker credentials (legal docs for business) might not carry as much weight as a passport when on a bike crossing for personal reasons, so might be worth to ask someone more official or check website Customs and Borders. Due to my military duties, I have crossed border many times and have served in both countries, and things got a lot more sensitive and restrictive post 911 for both USA and Canada, and both countries take the crossing a hell of lot more serious than previous decades, and border guards can be friendly or they can dead serious , on either side. It figures the vast majority of folks are law abiding and have legit reasons for crossing, but the reality is drugs, contraband, human trafficking, and "wanted" pers still cross these borders , and that stuff is serious. Good natured folks on both sides of the border in the bike community, and CDNs really are friendly, although they might enjoy some good natured rivalry with folks south of the border. Definitely more $$$ north of the border, but the Modern Dance Interpretation Studios are better. Beer is good, and worth checking out the local Beers and micro brews. Heads up on the nature trails, a lot of animals on the roads at dusk and night depending or where you are riding. Pipes should not be a biggie, and watch your speeds, although plates might help or hurt in that regard (that works both ways on each side of the border, I know, LOL) Enjoy the ride !