Advice on traveling through Canada

Bikester · 06-05-2014, 06:27 AM

Hi All,
Family trip this summer where we are traveling from NJ through upstate New York (couple days), crossing into Canada at Niagara Falls, staying a night in London, Ontario, and then over into Michigan. I know all the paperwork (passports, birth certificates, etc) that I need to get in and out, but looking for the best ways to make these border crossings pulling the camper. Any expertise out there? Time of day, best places to cross, etc. Thanks

mcfarmall · 06-05-2014, 08:10 AM

Say yes sir, no sir, and leave you guns at home.

ykcamom · 06-05-2014, 08:13 AM

If you have any pets with you, be sure to have their vaccination records. And yes, answer only the questions they ask and don't elaborate! LOL

emjayuu · 06-05-2014, 08:14 PM

Cross at Fort Erie. Been through a bit lately.... Borders have been pretty quiet

emjayuu · 06-05-2014, 08:16 PM

Check this prior to crossing.... http://niagarafallsbridges.com

Mpking · 06-05-2014, 08:27 PM

I went into Niagra last year (no camper). It can take over an hour to cross the bridge. (Both ways)

hammer · 06-06-2014, 03:56 AM

Hey bike steer where you staying in London

greenenvy1 · 06-06-2014, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcfarmall

Say yes sir, no sir, and leave you guns at home.

x2

Bikester · 06-06-2014, 01:38 PM

No guns...staying at the KOA

Tunce the traveler · 06-06-2014, 11:07 PM

I have a Nexus ID pass and just drive right thru with the camper. If you take a gun you could loose the camper and I think that's good. Been going to Canada for 60years + and never locked a door!never lost anything! Wish I could say the same about the states.

Ali#1 · 06-07-2014, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

I have a Nexus ID pass and just drive right thru with the camper. If you take a gun you could loose the camper and I think that's good. Been going to Canada for 60years + and never locked a door!never lost anything! Wish I could say the same about the states.

I'm just curious why would anybody want to lock their doors? I don't think I even have the keys to my front door house.

bertk523 · 06-07-2014, 03:37 PM

NO one in your group can use a cell phone for ANY reason when crossing. Put it down, don't answer it, pause all the games!

Huntsvillian · 06-07-2014, 06:16 PM

I am assuming that if you are visiting London you will be crossing in Sarnia. If you were thinking of crossing in Detroit do not. Apart from the area you cross in to from the Ambassador bridge, the roadworks and traffic in Windsor are a nightmare right now with the new highway to nowhere that they are building.

hammer · 06-08-2014, 06:32 AM

I am going to suggest that you stay at a park about 5 miles before the KOA. It is called Golden Pond RV park I think it is exit 208

us71na · 06-13-2014, 03:50 PM

Make sure your insurance carrier issues you Canada insurance cards or at least check to insure that you are covered if you have a problem in Canada. We've crossed with out trailer and with our boat at different points and times. We never had a problem. You have to declare any alcohol or weapons of any kind. Best advise is to leave those at home. You will need your passport or travel card to get back into the states. Gas up before you cross as the Canada gas prices are higher than ours. Turn off the radio, and all electronic devices when you are at the border crossings. Your cell plan may not cover you in Canada and you could get socked with roaming charges though your phones will work. Most of all be polite and answer all questions. They may ask you to open the trailer to take a peek inside.

Bikester · 06-14-2014, 07:13 AM

Good advice us71na. Thanks!

annie oakly · 06-14-2014, 09:36 AM

I have been told to do the same when crossing into the US.
No open dog food.
Shop for grocery when I get across the border

rodandmir · 06-14-2014, 10:38 AM

Open dog food is ok as long as it is in the original packaging.
Fruit and vegetables or plants are an issue.
It is basically luck of the draw who you get to deal with at the border. Sometimes you get pulled over and searched and it wastes an hour or two, and other times you are through in 30 seconds.

annie oakly · 06-14-2014, 11:01 AM

I have friends that go across and they have been told. It has to be closed
You are right about luck of the draw.
We took the boat off the truck when we went down to Spokane to get the dog.
The border guard asked what the rack was for?
I wanted to say it was for the airplane to land on.
I guess that he has never seen a boat loader before.

baltimorebear · 06-14-2014, 11:04 AM

Last time I crossed, I forgot to put my back windows down so they could see in the back, they got a little snarly. Get rid of any fruits or vegetables before crossing. Make sure any prescription drugs are in their original containers issued by the pharmacy. If you have one of those 7 day pill containers, don't use it. If you are declaring any purchases know the exact amount and have your receipts ready, they get upset if you start totaling while they wait. Don't worry if you get sent to secondary, they do random inspections and you may be one of them. I have been sent twice so far with my trailer. We forgot that we had some tomatoes in the fridge and we got a lecture.

You may also like: