Crossing into Canada
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: St. Francisville
Crossing into Canada
We are heading for Nova Scotia in a couple of weeks and would like to know what to expect when crossing into Canada. We have out Passports, but was wondering how long of a delay? What other paperwork do you need? Do they search your bike and belongings etc.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Saskatchewan
It all depends on the attitude of you and the border guard. I've crossed both ways many times and its been different each time. Your passport is the only document you NEED, but prepare for them to ask to see inside your luggage cases. You'll probably have more difficulty getting back into the US than coming to Canada. I've always had more trouble coming back into Canada than entering the US... 
The longest its taken us to cross either way is about 1/2 hour. If you're not sketchy or have questionable belongings with you, you shouldn't have a problem.
Good luck, and enjoy the Maritime's. Its a beautiful place!!!
The longest its taken us to cross either way is about 1/2 hour. If you're not sketchy or have questionable belongings with you, you shouldn't have a problem.Good luck, and enjoy the Maritime's. Its a beautiful place!!!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
We cross at least once a year and it is no big deal. Having a passport makes it a whole lot simpler. we have never been searched going into Canada or have been required to offer additional paperwork. They usually ask you why you are entering Canada, where you are headed and for how long. Delay depends on how busy the border is that day. Where are you crossing? Calais? Lubec?. It is a breeze. The bitchin' part is trying to get back into the states. They are the ones that will hang you up and do searches.
If you have a DUI in the states, don't even bother trying to cross into Canada.
If you have a DUI in the states, don't even bother trying to cross into Canada.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
There are a couple web sites that will give you an idea of wait times. I cross at Queenston Ontario quite a bit. Visor up / sunglasses off, make eye contact and keep it cordial and there should be no problem. They will occasionally ask an "off the wall" question just to see your reaction, more so on the US side. Have a safe trip
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html
http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html
http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 17,717
Likes: 1
From: NY
I went over on the bike two weeks ago at the thousand islands on the bike and had no problems. I used the passport.
There is a website that shows typical wait times at the borders. A lady at americade last night told me you can get the info from satellite radio too. Not sure if sirius or xm.
There is a website that shows typical wait times at the borders. A lady at americade last night told me you can get the info from satellite radio too. Not sure if sirius or xm.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
First of all you will feel like you are guilty even if you have nothing. They can sometimes grill you. Got to have the passport or special license. The thought of a busy time crossing and waiting and waiting with an air-cooled bike could get nasty.
One time my crossing went like this:
Where you going?
Niagara Falls
How long?
Tonight
Where you staying?
Huh?
You said two nights
What?
Pull over for further questioning
WTF!
One time my crossing went like this:
Where you going?
Niagara Falls
How long?
Tonight
Where you staying?
Huh?
You said two nights
What?
Pull over for further questioning
WTF!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
Some interesting information on Geico's website on crossing into Canada:
http://www.geico.com/information/canada/
When I traveled with a group to Ontario several years ago, I got the "Canada insurance card" referenced in the link from Geico. The border guard only needed the passport, but the insurance card is necessary in the event of an encounter with law enforcement.
As mentioned, if you have a DUI, you may have a problem gaining entry.
Carl
http://www.geico.com/information/canada/
When I traveled with a group to Ontario several years ago, I got the "Canada insurance card" referenced in the link from Geico. The border guard only needed the passport, but the insurance card is necessary in the event of an encounter with law enforcement.
As mentioned, if you have a DUI, you may have a problem gaining entry.
Carl
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 6
From: Vermont
Get a proof of insurance card for Canada from your insurance agent.
"Individuals who intend to drive into Canada but do not have a Canadian Non-resident Inter-provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card should contact their insurance company to obtain the card and carry it at all times while driving in Canada."
"Individuals who intend to drive into Canada but do not have a Canadian Non-resident Inter-provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card should contact their insurance company to obtain the card and carry it at all times while driving in Canada."
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
I'm sure it's changed a lot but back in the early 90's I lived in the Detroit Michigan area and when to Windsor Ontario fairly often. It didn't take long at all. They may do it more often now but I'm sure they still only do random searches. They don't have enough time to search every vehicle. If my memory serves me well there were more inspection coming back than going over. It also may be different in other parts of the country and where you cross over into Canada.
I would love to ride to Nova Scotia.
I would love to ride to Nova Scotia.
Last edited by shortride; Jun 10, 2011 at 09:33 AM.