Going to Canada
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 89
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From: Las Vegas, NV
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 !
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 673
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Point 1 has not been my experience. Canada has been the worst country (out of many all over South America and Europe, DR, Haiti, Jamaica) to enter in my experience. I just get the impression that they don't like Americans. I would guess it's just me they don't like but I have heard similar stories from others. I have taken different routes to avoid Canada. When I do have to cross, I go to the busiest gates because they want to process you faster. The back woods shacks with no traffic, like in BC, will make you sit forever while they run your entire life history. Total ******. One guy was going to turn me around because I didn't tell him about a curfew violation when I was 17. Sorry - I forgot. Plus the cops let me go - i.e. no conviction.
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!
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!
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
Point 1 has not been my experience. Canada has been the worst country (out of many all over South America and Europe, DR, Haiti, Jamaica) to enter in my experience. I just get the impression that they don't like Americans. I would guess it's just me they don't like but I have heard similar stories from others. I have taken different routes to avoid Canada. When I do have to cross, I go to the busiest gates because they want to process you faster. The back woods shacks with no traffic, like in BC, will make you sit forever while they run your entire life history. Total ******. One guy was going to turn me around because I didn't tell him about a curfew violation when I was 17. Sorry - I forgot. Plus the cops let me go - i.e. no conviction.
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!
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!
You have trouble on the US side getting back too?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,904
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From: PNW
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
They do have noise rules especially if your being being a heat score. When I see the law I let off the wick.
As for me going into the states its always a million retarded questions and I have been turned back if they don't like the answers. For us guys coming into canada there should be no differnce as long as you\s leave your firearms at home and don't say anything more than they ask.
As for me going into the states its always a million retarded questions and I have been turned back if they don't like the answers. For us guys coming into canada there should be no differnce as long as you\s leave your firearms at home and don't say anything more than they ask.
Last edited by RidemyEVO; Jan 16, 2012 at 10:19 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
I have been to Ontario each of the past two summers. I have crossed at Sarnia and Windsor and re-entered at Detroit & Buffalo. My experience each time was that the Canadian border patrol was efficient and business-like but not unfriendly. Also, each time the U.S. guys were hard-core and a force to be reckoned with. I, too, found it easier to get out of the country than to get back in.
Good advice about coasting to the guard shack with the motor off. I did that as well. Once into the country, I found the Canadians to be quite friendly and good hosts to their American visitors.
On the first trip we rode along Lake Erie to Niagara Falls and come home in the states along the south shore of Erie. My observation was that Canada looked like a well-manicured country in comparison to the U.S. Canadian vineyards were immaculate while ours looked untended and neglected.
On the second trip, we stayed in the middle of Toronto. I will NEVER try to ride a bike to central Toronto again...killer stop & go traffic on streets with trolley rails running down the lanes. On top of that, we were there when they were setting heat records.
Good advice about coasting to the guard shack with the motor off. I did that as well. Once into the country, I found the Canadians to be quite friendly and good hosts to their American visitors.
On the first trip we rode along Lake Erie to Niagara Falls and come home in the states along the south shore of Erie. My observation was that Canada looked like a well-manicured country in comparison to the U.S. Canadian vineyards were immaculate while ours looked untended and neglected.
On the second trip, we stayed in the middle of Toronto. I will NEVER try to ride a bike to central Toronto again...killer stop & go traffic on streets with trolley rails running down the lanes. On top of that, we were there when they were setting heat records.