shitty attitude man.

Tons of us Canucks have travelled to your States and helped your economy, especially with the dollar being very close to par these days.

 

I agree. I'd love to go up and explore Canada sometime.

 

Just crossed on the bike over Memorial Day weekend. We went thru International Falls. Going into Canada, we were the only ones at the gate. It took about a half hour to get back thru. On both sides they made me pull up so they could type in my license plate number. They also asked that I turn off the bike while my wife and I were questioned. Other than that, no issues at all.

 

I toured Ontario last summer on our way to Niagara Falls. Getting into Canada was a piece of cake. Canadian Border guards were business-like but courteous. Getting back into the country was an unfriendly experience. Momentarily, I wondered if I was going to have to learn to speak Canadian and take up residency.

I am going back this summer. Who knows if U.S. Border patrol will let me come home?

 

Too bad, its not worth the hassle for some, I never had an issue but for some its not worth the planning to get to the border to get turned away for a felony from when you were 18. I seen it happen to many. Kind of funny our border agents dont have the criminal records of all the Canadians that visit here dontcha think. I aint anti Canadian so dont go down that road, love you guys up there, even the Frenchies, just s shitty border situation for some.

 

As long as you have passports you'll be fine. Chances are they will just wave you through unless you are wearing %1er patches. They are more interested in collecting sales taxes from returning Canadian shoppers. Most places will take American money although you will do better on the exchange rate if you exchange it on the Canadian side at a bank. Also fill up with gas just before crossing the border as gas costs more here. There is only a delay if it is a holiday weekend.

One note, guns laws are different than what you may be used to. Bringing a handgun, even if you have a valid carry permit is a big no no. Having a customs agent find an undeclared gun in a search will get you treated the same is if you had a hidden kilo of cocaine stashed on your bike. Violent crime against tourists or in any area you are likely to visit is pretty much non existent.

If your camping the provincial camp grounds are usually better than the private ones but you will need a reservation at the height of the tourist season. Nova Scotia has lots of info on line and also has a motorcycle specific guide you can pick up for free at any of the tourism offices on the highway. Also there are ferry's that run from Maine to NS and Saint John, NB and Digby, NS that can save you a lot of travel.

The Maritime museum in Halifax is worth a stop as is the Keith;s brewery tour across the street plus they serve free beer. The maritime museum as few restored WWI and WWII navel vessels you can tour. The brewery tour is put on by a local brewery but is not more of a historical tour of the city given by actors in period costumes. Cidital Hill (British Fort from 1700s in downtown Halifax), built to keep you Americans from invading , is also open to the public. Cabot trail in Cape Breton is a fantastic ride as is the south shore coast of Nova Scotia. Stay off the 4 lane and ride coastal roads if you have the time. Peggy's Cove and Mahone Bay just outside Halifax are a nice ride an destination. You can take a tour a boat tour of the Halifax harbor on the cheap by buying a bus ticket for $2 - there are two ferrys that cross the harbor that are part of the municipal transit/bus system.

Make sure you stop at the tourism offices, they're everywhere, look for the ? signs, as they have lots of free stuff and info.

http://www.novascotia.com

http://www.motorcycletourguidens.com/halifax-metro


Peggy's Cove

 

When I lived in Michigan, Taking the Tunnel or bridge into Canada, no issues. Just a couple of the typical questions, "Citizenship, How long are you staying, and where are you going". That's it. But coming back, Had to pop my trunk and dogs sniffed the car, lots of questions

 

I'm not sure what the situation would be if a felon Canuck tried to cross into the south. I didn't realize that a felon US resident would be turned away. I could understand if they were on the run away from a murder accusation or something, but true that if it was something simple and 20 years ago it shouldn't be a hinderence.

We have lots of hunters come up in the fall for bird hunting. I've talked to them on many occasions and they always have a pleasureable entry into Canada, but have lots of hassle trying to return to their own country...

 

Yeah and its pretty easy to get a felony here in the US, 5 joints in some areas gets you there, I am clear but have personally seen it with more than a few people. I always get through pretty easy, riding or flying, I find the middle country check points easier than the coastal ones, the agents are always courteous as it is law in Canada to be courteous hehehe. I will ride here in the US for a while, maybe get back up there on my bike in 10 years or so if the border gets back to normal. I will be up there for business about 4 times a year by plane though.