Canada Border Crossing
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
In the past several years I have went into Canada and back 5 times. Once it was a two hour ordeal going into Canada at the I-15 entry from Montana. The Canadian side was very official and no joking around or it would take much longer. They did the full background check and let you stew for a time.
One return trip into the U.S. had me checked by drug dogs and a couple of guys in swat uniforms. Got selected for a search once. Also had a couple of quick passes that only looked at DL and passports.
The best was last year when two young American officers were so bored at the check point entering at N. Dakota state route 45 to Wiliston to Spearfish, they just started talking about motorcycles and touring. I think we were the only ones that entered that day.
One return trip into the U.S. had me checked by drug dogs and a couple of guys in swat uniforms. Got selected for a search once. Also had a couple of quick passes that only looked at DL and passports.
The best was last year when two young American officers were so bored at the check point entering at N. Dakota state route 45 to Wiliston to Spearfish, they just started talking about motorcycles and touring. I think we were the only ones that entered that day.
Last edited by lh4x4; Jun 26, 2012 at 11:06 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
From: New Brunswick, Canada
Passport or photo id(check expiry dates), liscence ,registration & insurance(for police), no weapons or drugs. Be respectful, answer all questions honestly(remove sunglasses & look agent in the eyes), if you have nothing to hide you will have no problems. I always travel with a health insurance card especially in the US. I've been searched for random checks on both sides of the borders, all part of the process.
Enjoy Canada, great riding here, have a good trip!
Enjoy Canada, great riding here, have a good trip!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 116
From: Texas
Last October I crossed east of Glacier Natl Park.
The Canadian Border officers asked for my passport
and then asked a few questions such as had I been
arrested or convicted of a DWI. I then had to wait and
Was allowed entry. At the time it pissed me that
They were asking me those questions. On this day I
can say they were doing their job and were professional;
Just doing their job.
The Canadian Border officers asked for my passport
and then asked a few questions such as had I been
arrested or convicted of a DWI. I then had to wait and
Was allowed entry. At the time it pissed me that
They were asking me those questions. On this day I
can say they were doing their job and were professional;
Just doing their job.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 104
From: Tampa Bay, Florida
The border website states if you have been arrested or convicted. What if you were wrongly arrested and not convicted. I used to love going to Canada but now I dont even want to risk it.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 938
Likes: 22
The biggest hassle I ever had was crossing back into Canada at Sault Set Marie in my truck after being at Oshkosh air show. Truck was really dirty and Canadian border guard asked me if it was American mud or Canadian mud. Made the mistake of laughing and asked if she was kidding. Come into Canada don't bring guns, drugs, or mud.
Crossed just north of Watertown NY last year coming back from NYC for 10th anniversary of 911 and got stopped by US Border patrol leaving the country. Never been stopped leaving before.
We were in a group of 15 Firefighters, clearly visible by our colours on our vests stating we were in a firefighter motorcycle group. Guess who the only guy to get pulled over and searched? I kid you not, the only Black guy in the group. Racial profiling, no, it was just a co-incidence. Sure it was.
As everyone else said, just answer everything honestly and you won't have a problem. Unless you are a black firefighter.
Crossed just north of Watertown NY last year coming back from NYC for 10th anniversary of 911 and got stopped by US Border patrol leaving the country. Never been stopped leaving before.
We were in a group of 15 Firefighters, clearly visible by our colours on our vests stating we were in a firefighter motorcycle group. Guess who the only guy to get pulled over and searched? I kid you not, the only Black guy in the group. Racial profiling, no, it was just a co-incidence. Sure it was.
As everyone else said, just answer everything honestly and you won't have a problem. Unless you are a black firefighter.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
One time when I crossed into the US, I had my family with me, driving my truck pulling a holiday trailer. The US border guard was doing a professional job asking the standard line of questions while inspecting all our passports. Then when he was happy with our answers he let us go. My window was still open and I was just putting it in gear he looks back at my trailer and says.... "What's in the camper? Any illegal aliens or weapons of mass destruction?" I knew he was joking, but I didn't bite. "no sir, just normal camping things"... haha. Then he said ok have a nice day. He was a good guy, a little humor on the job.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 153
From: Snow Mexico
If you have been arrested just say so. I have (no conviction) and I tell US borders guys that and have no problems. They really just want to see if you will try to lie.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock, CO
What they will see are carry permits.
Last edited by ks6c; Jun 27, 2012 at 01:27 AM. Reason: typo