I had a misdemeanor in '93,,and when I crossed at Portal, Montana,,(or ND)on my way to Alaska in 2000 I was read the riot act,, and had to pay a one way entry fee of 250.00.
They tore my Geo metro apart and reluctantly let me pass (the border guard found some lighters and no cigarettes,,and went apeshit,,,as I had just to be smoking something !!)

I crossed the next year in Minnesota and had no issues,,and I had a dog,, my dad and my young nephew onboard,,

I got the crime expunged and I called the Canadian authorities once when I was planning to go again,,and they said ,,regardless if the crime was expunged or not,,i had to get rehabilitated by Canadian standards,,,and I was still ineligible to cross
It costs at least a grand to get anything expunged,,and is one hell of a racket,,I wish the US Govt would reciprocate

 

Yeah if you think it is tough going north, going south is tougher. US guards tend to be less "understanding" and keep in mind both countries are continually realigning because the diplomatic rules keep changing. Trickle down effect !...., and heaven help you if tensions increase due to intelligence info or increased security concerns.

Unfortunately the longest mutually undefended border in the world now comes with some pain for the average member of each respective nation.

 

I've had no trouble crossing into Canada. Everyone has been friendly. But getting back in the states has been a completely different experience, rude would be putting it nicely.

 

i don't want to have to pay for a passport---therefore i don't do canada any more

 

This is one real busy border crossing, especially in the summer time people seem to move back and forth very easily, I know I have never had a problem coming or going!

 

Yup I live in Canada and winter in Florida, my crossing experience into the US are always stressful, you never know what to expect. I have had my passport held, been questioned, made to sit in the building for an hour at a time looking at my feet, had my car stripped out and left on the ground.
I just try to take it all in stride and not get upset or show emotion.
So far I have always been able to enter the US. That being said I have also passed easily and quickly.
Never had a issue returning to Canada!
Just my experiences.

 

DUI makes one "un admissible" as I recently found out after flying in to the Edmonton Airport. Luckily it has been nearly ten years, at which point it becomes a forgive able offence.
The customs lady told me to consult their consulate BEFORE attempting to enter the country again.

 

I wonder why US customs officials hassle US citizens returning to the USA from vacationing in Canada?

 

I know this thread is very old, but the information is still relevant.

I am planning to cross into Canada this summer on a motorcycle trip. I have a DUI 30 years ago and nothing since.

I had my Police Chief (I am a Mayor) run a record for me and he says it doesn't show up - he believes it was likely never moved from paper files to a computer-based system. Apparently, university towns rarely bothered with their transient population.

So, do you mention a 30-year-old DUI at the border?

 

Drive north/ferry south. best of both worlds. Either option places you in some beautiful scenery.