As far as I know, U.S. Passports are valid for 10 yrs. and right now our Canadian Passports are valid for 5 yrs. but I believe that's being upped to 10 yrs. also.

 

Well I can tell you that I was nothing but polite,they asked me a bunch of questions which I answered truthfully.
I was unsuspecting that there would be any trouble but it was my first and only time trying to cross over andI had no idea it would be such a big deal.
I was quite taken back when I was asked to park my bike and come inside the building,my poor wife sat outside wondering WTF the whole time I was detained as no one told her anything and I was locked in a small room unable to talk to anyone except the interogater which kept asking me the same stupid questions over and over again.

 

Funny you should should mention that,I still get a smirk thinking about the border guard that asked me the initial questions at the crossing booth.
The Canadian border guards had purple uniforms,the guard at the booth was a middle eastern fellow with a beardand wore a purple turbin to match his uniform,I chit you not.

 

Seems like some of these responses are horror stories. My hat off to those who had a tough time getting across the border. I go usually two times a year and sometimes make it three times. This year will be three timer. I have had a couple of tense times crossing over and a couple of tense times coming back. I suppose it depends on whether is it is a woman or man guard, and what your attitude is. When asked questions, answer only what is asked of you. Do not editorlize your answers either. Remove your sun glasses and have your ID ready. Remember helmuts only in Canada. A clean appearance works wonders also. I always keep one set of clothes clean when going in and coming out.Remember no Cuban cigars, as tempting as they may be. Smoke them in Canada. Have your passport ready. A passport is the best to use in entering and especially existing Canada. With the passport, I rarely have more than a 1/2 dozen question upon re-entering USA. If your entering or existing using theInternational Falls area they are very tough there. I usually use Pigeon River or Pembina as it is not so many people and I don't have to start and stop my bike all the time.
Otherwise unless you have a record or DUI you shouldn't have a problem. Enjoy the scenery as there are area's truely unique. Oh, don't go speeding or you'll find out what it is like to sit in there pookey. They (the provincial police) don't fool around, especially with aliens.

 

Does anyone know about the Osoyoos crossing compared to the Midway crossing? I am debating between the two as to which one to go through.

 

I go the other way and cross into the US several times during the riding season. I have never had a problem yet at either the US or Canada customs. I always remove my helmet & sunglasses, shut down the engine and hand over my (our) passport(s). I also have my licence plate (tag) number taped on my bike in case I forget it. Speak pleasantly with the customs officer even if they appear snarley and everything goes well. I've even had officers chat for a couple of minutes about the bike...

 

Well folks all I have to say is get used to hearing "your papers please". It's not going away. I believe that in ten or so years you'll have to show "papers" to travel from one state to another inside the U.S. Of course this will be done to ensure no terrorists are traveling inside our country. In about 15 or 20 years we'll not only have to show our papers to change states but will also need a valid reason to travel. Begining to sound more and more like the old U.S.S.R.

 

Osoyoos is the main crossing for the area and is a lot busier although it is rare to have a wait longer than 15 or 20 minutes. Midway is pretty sleepy (same with Knighthawk crossing which is a small crossing west of Osoyoos). Be careful of these small crossing though, they are not open all hours (many times close at 5).

 

Along with the passport (or driver's license with a photo ID and birth certificate), I get a "proof of insurance for Canadian provinces" card from my insurance agent. I was advised to do this years ago and always carry it with me with my registration when I head for the Great White North. It's not an entry requirement, but it supposedly reduces the hastle if you get in an insurance claim situation.

So, you might ask your insurance company for a yellow Non-resident Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card. This card signifies that your insurance company has agreed to provide coverage of not less than the minimum legal requirement in any Canadian jurisdiction in which you will travel.

 

So, if I understand you correctly, if the crossing is closed, it's closed period. The crossing is actually shut down completely with barricades until it re-opens.