Questions about Canada
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 8
RE: Questions about Canada
Not a big deal to cross usually. We have very strict guns laws here, weapons such as switch blades and pepper spray are also a no, no. Proper ID is a must (IE Birth ceritificate will do). If you have a criminal record you may have a difficult time...(even a DUI is enough to be refused entry).
Personally, I think the worst thing about crossing is the "crossing guard" themselves. Sometimes they can be really pissy and on the other hand, sometimes are so easy going and chatty, very much the same when entering into the states. I remember having an instance when crossing into International Falls, where the guard, after I explained I was heading to Colorado for a week, asked me what was in my pack. Although I had to chuckle to myself as I felt it was quite obvious, I simply explained that on the way into the States it was my luggage (change of clothes, toiletries, etc), on the way home...it was laundry. Although she fought it, she cracked as smile and let me through.
Personally, I think the worst thing about crossing is the "crossing guard" themselves. Sometimes they can be really pissy and on the other hand, sometimes are so easy going and chatty, very much the same when entering into the states. I remember having an instance when crossing into International Falls, where the guard, after I explained I was heading to Colorado for a week, asked me what was in my pack. Although I had to chuckle to myself as I felt it was quite obvious, I simply explained that on the way into the States it was my luggage (change of clothes, toiletries, etc), on the way home...it was laundry. Although she fought it, she cracked as smile and let me through.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Questions about Canada
I went pre 9-11 and going there was a breeze.
Even pre 9-11 it was a bitch comming back though. I did not have passport and was scared they would not let me back. They never asked for it but they asked alot of questions.
Bring passport. Other than that should be no problem.
David
Even pre 9-11 it was a bitch comming back though. I did not have passport and was scared they would not let me back. They never asked for it but they asked alot of questions.
Bring passport. Other than that should be no problem.
David
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Questions about Canada
ORIGINAL: stratboy535
I'm open to suggestions for some scenic roads.
I'm open to suggestions for some scenic roads.
How many days in Canada are you planning on spending?
Administrator Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,704
Likes: 252
From: Walker Basin, CA
RE: Questions about Canada
I am making plans to do the Four Corners Tour in the spring of 07. Will start in San Ysidro, CA and end in Key West, FL. From Key West it will be a leisurely ride home, touring much of the South.
I am planning to ride through part of Canada to avoid the south side of the great lakes. It is possible that I would travel on the Trans-Canada Highway for a portion of the trip.
One of the legs is from Blaine, WA to the NE corner of Maine. I cant remember the name of the town right now.
I certainly don't like the idea of not being armed, but a man must make sacrifices to see more of this great country from a Harley.
I am planning to ride through part of Canada to avoid the south side of the great lakes. It is possible that I would travel on the Trans-Canada Highway for a portion of the trip.
One of the legs is from Blaine, WA to the NE corner of Maine. I cant remember the name of the town right now.
I certainly don't like the idea of not being armed, but a man must make sacrifices to see more of this great country from a Harley.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
RE: Questions about Canada
Just curious but how would they know if you have a DUI conviction or are a felon?
Do they run your license plate or drivers license through a computer?
We did a cop fundraiser in Toronto and when we crossed into Canada, the young girl (real cute too[sm=Awwww.gif][sm=drooldude.gif]) was surprised at all of the bikes and gave us no problems at all. We only ran into a problem azzhole guard when coming back into Detroit. We had a real jerk for a crossing guard.
Do they run your license plate or drivers license through a computer?
We did a cop fundraiser in Toronto and when we crossed into Canada, the young girl (real cute too[sm=Awwww.gif][sm=drooldude.gif]) was surprised at all of the bikes and gave us no problems at all. We only ran into a problem azzhole guard when coming back into Detroit. We had a real jerk for a crossing guard.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Questions about Canada
If you are the registered owner of the vehicle plate, the info will come up when the plate number is entered. The passengers are subject to inspection only if they raise suspicion. It really depends on the border guard.
Quick story. I cross the border at least ten times a year. Never a problem, except once I got pulled into inspection entering the US from Canada. Searched, but all they found was plywood samples. I was forced to pay a fine and duty. Every time I went into the States from that point on with that car I was searched. Changed cars, never searched again.
Quick story. I cross the border at least ten times a year. Never a problem, except once I got pulled into inspection entering the US from Canada. Searched, but all they found was plywood samples. I was forced to pay a fine and duty. Every time I went into the States from that point on with that car I was searched. Changed cars, never searched again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Questions about Canada
One other thing you will need is proof of insurance. There is a special certificate that your insurance company will give you that is required by Canada. At least this was the case in 2001 when we went.
Regards,
Bill
Regards,
Bill
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 8
RE: Questions about Canada
ORIGINAL: mickeymaxharley
Just curious but how would they know if you have a DUI conviction or are a felon?
Do they run your license plate or drivers license through a computer?
Just curious but how would they know if you have a DUI conviction or are a felon?
Do they run your license plate or drivers license through a computer?
They are responsible for making a judgement on whether or not you are a risk. Remember too, they'll run your driver's licence number too, so they know everything there is to know about you while they are talking to you. If you have been "flagged" from a previous incident, they might even ask you to come into the building for further questioning, sign forms or a personal search. They are no different than if you fly into the country. You are in no-man's land there in customs territory.
Also, Bill had a good point about paper work. If you ever get stopped by the police on the road, you will need proof of insurance, registration for your bike and a valid driver's licence. Very stiff fines, if you can't produce any of these!
I highly doubt if you will ever need a weapon to protect yourself while your travel in Canada, but you do need documentation.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 199
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Questions about Canada
good info given. Again have heard starting this year you will need a passport to get back into the states. Takes 2 -3 months to get @ a cost of 90-100 bucks. Gettin into Canada still requires only a photo ID(drivers license) and "original" Birth Certificate not a photo-copy. If they stop you at the border and you have had a DUI or other felony conviction and you did not get permision in advance from the Queen to get in it will cost you about $180(and a hard time) to get across. They will ask your name, your destination, your reason for going there and how long you will stay. They will also ask you if you are bringing in firearms(NO), alcohol and/or tobacco products(you can bring these in up to a certain amount without having to pay duty tax...more than that you will have to go in and pay the duty. Know exactly how much of each you have...it aint worth it to lie). Know your answers, look them straight in the eye, don't joke with them or talk back and you should have no problems.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: Questions about Canada
If you have a record , and by that I mean ever had a DWI 15 yrs ago or anything , It can be a bitch, we used to snowmobile up there all the time , but since 9/11 it can be a bitch getting it. I was turned down once because the girl I was with had a DWI 11 yrs ealier