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Documents entering Canada?

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Old May 31, 2009 | 09:46 PM
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Default Documents entering Canada?

Long story short, planning another trip to Canada this summer. Have not crossed the border other than flying for a few years.

Before it's too late, what documents are needed to cross the border with no hassles now a days?

Besides a Passport, and knowing itinerary, could they ask for any other documentation now a days?

Also, any other time I've crossed borders both north and south in the past, I have not done anything different with "insurance", have I been wrong?

It's 400 miles to the border, don't want to ge there and forget something.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 10:16 PM
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As of June 1 (tomorrow) you must have a US passport card (less expensive and fits in wallet) which is valid only for entry by land or sea, or a passport, or an enhanced driver's license to verify your citizenship as well as your identity. Check with your ins co to make sure you're covered in Canada.
As far as I know, you've always had to get Mexican insurance when entering Mexico.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 11:42 PM
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Not all State issue the enhanced drivers license micro chip card....but Michigan does.

Here is a link that will provide you with all the info you need.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Make sure you have your registration, current proof of insurance. Dont know what regulations they may have about pipes.
Take plenty of cash for gasoline, and be careful what they put in in your tank. Not only has it gotten VERY EXPENSIVE, but they're using more ethanol laced fuels. And depending on your route, plan gas stops. Many places have gone UNDER and in Ontario, gas stations are few and far between once you get out of the cities. Be careful of Moose and their calfs if you're traveling at night. That's no joke either........ Lastly, make sure you watch your speed in kilometers per hour ......not mph., or you'll be looking at big fines.
 

Last edited by LWOS; May 31, 2009 at 11:48 PM.
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 03:58 AM
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If you were lucky, you got some of the pretty colored money we use here in Canada about six weeks ago. If not, you'll be paying 10-15% more as the greenback has dramatically dropped against most currencies lately.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 06:41 AM
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Originally Posted by mp
As of June 1 (tomorrow) you must have a US passport card (less expensive and fits in wallet) which is valid only for entry by land or sea, or a passport, or an enhanced driver's license to verify your citizenship as well as your identity. Check with your ins co to make sure you're covered in Canada.
As far as I know, you've always had to get Mexican insurance when entering Mexico.
I've got the Passport part covered, that's not a problem.

I'm guessing I've been pretty lucky in the past, as I have taken many of my vehicles over the border (Canada) and not worried about insurance. Then again, that's why I'm asking, as we are going a group, and I don't want to mislead anyone.

As far as our southern border, I've only taken rentals and work vehicles over there, not sure i'd want to take the chance with my bike, it's kinda like the wild west down there!
 
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 06:45 AM
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Originally Posted by LWOS
Not all State issue the enhanced drivers license micro chip card....but Michigan does.

Here is a link that will provide you with all the info you need.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Make sure you have your registration, current proof of insurance. Dont know what regulations they may have about pipes.
Take plenty of cash for gasoline, and be careful what they put in in your tank. Not only has it gotten VERY EXPENSIVE, but they're using more ethanol laced fuels. And depending on your route, plan gas stops. Many places have gone UNDER and in Ontario, gas stations are few and far between once you get out of the cities. Be careful of Moose and their calfs if you're traveling at night. That's no joke either........ Lastly, make sure you watch your speed in kilometers per hour ......not mph., or you'll be looking at big fines.
Now there's a question I didn't think of, pipes?!?!

Anyone know of the laws in Canada about loud pipes?


My GPS converts to kilometers, so that will make that part easier.
And yes, I know about moose, I ran into them in New Brunswick (saw them).
And the caribou up in Labrador, never saw so many animals in one spot, millions of em'!
 

Last edited by Travlinman314; Jun 1, 2009 at 06:50 AM.
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 06:49 AM
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Originally Posted by eskimoSG09
If you were lucky, you got some of the pretty colored money we use here in Canada about six weeks ago. If not, you'll be paying 10-15% more as the greenback has dramatically dropped against most currencies lately.
Yeah, the wife being Canadian, we keep a supply of "funny" money. Buy it when it's cheap, as it was last month. Just like my inlaws, they buy US greenbacks when your dollar up there is high.
The 5's still crack me up, kids playing hockey, ice skating, sledding, all on the back of the $5 bill. Almost like kids play money....
 
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 08:17 AM
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Pretty much the same laws up here as with pipes in the South. Basically, they're not legal but most LEO's don't bother with you. I run V&H's and have NEVER been bothered about them.

Insurance?? Never heard of any problems with that. As many times as I've crossed into the US, I've never been asked for registration/insurance. Not sure what you'll run into coming the other way, but it shouldn't be much different.

Depending on where you're travelling, watch out at night. Here in Eastern Canada, tons of moose and deer roaming the roads at night. I don't ride in the dark unless I have to. Enjoy your trip.....
 
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 02:08 PM
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I've said this before and will say it again.... If you carry... Leave the gun at home.... You'll be asked at the border and if you have one with you, it'll be confiscated.

Just some friendly advice.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 02:20 PM
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If you're not trying to move to Canada , you won't have a problem with your loud pipes.

I have an American friend who's been living in Canada and she keeps her bike registered in California. This way, she doesn't have to change her pipes.

Premium gas is available without ethanol content at almost all gas stations. You might run into small places that don't sell premium but they should be able to point you towards a gas station close-by that does.

And lastly, have fun! Canada is a great country for riding.
 
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