Riding in Canada questions
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
I rode through Ontario last summer. Good advice here thus far. I'd add that I found it a PITA that my Road King speedometer didn't have kph on it. I wish I would have done some conversion before I got there so I'd always know if I was under (not likely) or over the speed limit.
No matter what they tell you, fries are meant to me eaten with ketchup, not gravy.
Finally, don't expect a warm welcome home from U.S. Border Patrol. I found it a lot easier to get out of the country than it was to get back into it. My U.S. Border Patrol guy just seemed to want to thrust out his chest and give everyone a hard time, even though I gave him no reason to. He let my friend on a Goldwing go with no problem and wanted to bust my chops. Only difference between me and my 'Wing riding friend was that I was in a leather Brando jacket, riding a Harley, and am much better looking.
No matter what they tell you, fries are meant to me eaten with ketchup, not gravy.
Finally, don't expect a warm welcome home from U.S. Border Patrol. I found it a lot easier to get out of the country than it was to get back into it. My U.S. Border Patrol guy just seemed to want to thrust out his chest and give everyone a hard time, even though I gave him no reason to. He let my friend on a Goldwing go with no problem and wanted to bust my chops. Only difference between me and my 'Wing riding friend was that I was in a leather Brando jacket, riding a Harley, and am much better looking.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 757
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
Speed conversion is quite simple. Just multiply the kph by .6 in your head to get the mph equivalent... i.e. 50 kph = 30 mph
I am back and forth across the border on my bike (usually three of us) at least twice if not more each riding season. Usually at Buffalo... always goes smoothly. We go across one behind each other at the same booth and the first guy gets asked most of the questions, the other two usually just submit their passports. Always take your sunglasses off as you approach the booth so it is easy for them to match your photo with your face.
Another tip, have the lead rider keep cash in a ziplok baggie, and he can pay the toll for everyone in the group at each bridge toll if there are any charges. Makes that part quicker. Hand the entire bag to the kiosk person, they take what they need then hand the bag back. No fumbling for bills and coins.
I am back and forth across the border on my bike (usually three of us) at least twice if not more each riding season. Usually at Buffalo... always goes smoothly. We go across one behind each other at the same booth and the first guy gets asked most of the questions, the other two usually just submit their passports. Always take your sunglasses off as you approach the booth so it is easy for them to match your photo with your face.
Another tip, have the lead rider keep cash in a ziplok baggie, and he can pay the toll for everyone in the group at each bridge toll if there are any charges. Makes that part quicker. Hand the entire bag to the kiosk person, they take what they need then hand the bag back. No fumbling for bills and coins.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 12
From: Kentucky Lake
Great advice from all. Each year some fisherman going into Canada find out the hard way that a criminal record or DUI will likely keep them from crossing the border. Make sure all your friends know for sure they can cross before leaving. Good info here--> http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g1...he.Border.html
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
I crossed into Ontario at Niagra, that took all of 10 minutes. It took well over an hour to cross back into the US at Detroit.
Don't speed up there, they take it personally.
Be polite at the crossing, and be aware that they look for Americans picking up Cuban cigars.
Don't speed up there, they take it personally.
Be polite at the crossing, and be aware that they look for Americans picking up Cuban cigars.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 10
From: Windsor Ontario
Lots of good advice so far. If you cross at Windsor/Detroit you have to take the Ambassador Bridge and not the tunnel. Motorcycles aren't allowed in the tunnel. Also criminal records seem to cause problems both ways at the border.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 9
so this DWI thing--is it for felony DWI or misdemeanor DWI? is it applied equally to all, or do the crossing guards have the final call? can your local sheriff write a letter of recommendation and you send it to canadian officials for pre-approval to cross? and finally, can you use an enhanced drivers license instead of a passport?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
A letter has no weight, how do they know its not fake.
so this DWI thing--is it for felony DWI or misdemeanor DWI? is it applied equally to all, or do the crossing guards have the final call? can your local sheriff write a letter of recommendation and you send it to canadian officials for pre-approval to cross? and finally, can you use an enhanced drivers license instead of a passport?
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock, CO
so this DWI thing--is it for felony DWI or misdemeanor DWI? is it applied equally to all, or do the crossing guards have the final call? can your local sheriff write a letter of recommendation and you send it to canadian officials for pre-approval to cross? and finally, can you use an enhanced drivers license instead of a passport?
http://www.recordgone.com/articles/e...nal_record.htm
"Deemed Rehabilitation to cross the Canadian Border
If you have (1) a total of one misdemeanor conviction; (2) at least five or as many as ten years have elapsed since you completed the sentences for the conviction; and (3) the conviction would not be considered a serious crime in Canada, then you are eligible to apply for deemed rehabilitation. In evaluating each case, Canada officials use Canadian definitions of what constitutes a misdemeanor or a serious offense. In Canada, serious offenses include theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For a complete list of criminal offenses in Canada, consult the Canadian Criminal Code at http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-46/. Most felony convictions in the United States are equivalent to serious criminality in Canada.
Deemed rehabilitation is determined at Canadian ports of entry. You are not required to submit an application to be deemed rehabilitated and further, there is no fee for deemed rehabilitation. Should you choose to apply, you must bring with you: (1) your United States passport or birth certificate, (2) a copy of the court documents for each conviction, and proof that all sentences were completed, (3) a recent FBI identification record, (4) recent police certificates from the state where the conviction(s) occurred, and from any state where a person has lived for six months or longer in the last 10 years. You will be deemed rehabilitated automatically if at least ten years have passed since you completed the sentence imposed upon you."
They really don't make it easy - had a bud refused entry at the border with a 20 year old DWI.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 444
Likes: 1
Rather than advice, I have to ask "WHY"? The speed limits are enough lower than the states to cost you more time than the milage differences would suggest, the trip up something like the 401 (roughly Windsor to Niagara/Toronto) will be the most boring ride you have ever taken, fuel will be $1 a gallon higher and every cop you see will look at you like you are a criminal. In total truth and honesty, the scenery in that part of Ontario doesn't compare to what you can see in the US. God forbid you have to spend enough time to eat a meal or spend the night.