Tips for a Smooth Border Crossing | Ep 31

Tips For Crossing The Border

Today we’re going to talk a little bit about crossing the land border between Canada and the US in your RV and explain some of the subtle but important differences when heading from Canada to the US or vice versa.

But first, we’re going to provide 7 of our best tips that apply no matter which direction you’re heading and will help make the process a lot smoother. Then we’ll get into our country specific tips to top off the episode.

So let’s dive in.

1. The biggest tip you can give yourself as travelers is to arrive at the Border prepared. That means having your travel documents and paperwork ready for inspection, roll down all your windows and prep the kids on what to expect

Dan explain what to tell kids

Bonus RV Canucks Tip for travellers heading to, or coming from Disney

• Plan for Extra Time. No matter what day or time you are trying to cross the border, you simply cannot predict the wait. We’ve sailed through during rushour traffic times, and we’ve had to sit and wait on a Wednesday at 9pm. When planning allow 1-1.5 hours for Border time. You’ll feel a whole lot better about the situation if you gain time, than if you expect to wait for 15 minutes and end up being there for 45.
• On the same note – stop and use the duty free washroom or use your trailer washroom in the duty free parking lot before you cross, if you have anything other than a motorhome. You do not want the suspicion that comes with trying to hop into your trailer while waiting in line to see the border agent.
• If traveling with pets or houseplants – do your research! Dogs, Cats and Ferrets require a valid rabies vaccine to cross. Puppies and kittens under 6 months are expempt however you have to be a ble to prove without a doubt, the age of the animal. Birds or other pets can get quite tricky to make sure you understand the requirements and if you need additional paperwork while you’re still in the trip planning stage.
• We strongly advise a passport. Though Technically Canadian and US citizens traveling to eachother’s countries can cross with an Enhanced Driver’s License, and Kids younger than 15 can travel on their birth certificate – we strongly advise agains this for two reasons. One – it makes the process a whole lot easier. Two – If something happens while away from home and you suddenly find yourself in a situation where you need to fly back immediately – that isn’t going to be possible without a passport. So do yourself a favour and just get one. Nexus cards are also an options as well, however is a longer process to obtain.
• Keep come cash handy. A lot of borders operate tolls roads or bridges, and some of them only accept cash.
• Pay attention to the signs and pick the corresponding lane for your vehicle
• Marijuana – “Don’t bring it in – Don’t take it out.” That is the message from the Canada Border Services agency. Though it’s legal in Canada, taking marijuana in any form across the border whether entering or exiting Canada is completely illegal. That includes CBD oils and anything containing THC. Even if using for medical reasons, a prescription or letter from your doctor is not valid. You must have a permit or exemption which must be issued by Health Canada.

TRAVELING FROM CANADA TO THE USA

1. Know the license plate # of your vehicle or trailer. If staying at a State or National park in the US, the border agent can look up and confirm you have a reservation based on your license plate number.
2. Do your grocery shopping stateside. The USA has slightly more stringent measures on what can be brought over in terms of fresh food and meats and in what quantities, so do yourself a favour and plan to stop across the border for groceries. It’s also a good time by that point for everyone to get out and stretch their legs, anyway.
3. When entering the US, you can bring only 1 litre of alcohol per adult over 21, across all product lines duty free. That said, alcohol is boatloads cheaper in the US. For example – my favourite wine in the world (Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvingon) is $35 in the states which is $44 CAD. To buy it in Canada – It costs $56 per bottle.

USA to Canada

1. While you Can bring a larger selection of meat, dairy, fruit and veg into Canada in much larger quantities – if you are US citizens coming to Canada for a holiday, note that your dollar is worth 30% more than ours so anything you buy up here is going to be a lot cheaper including groceries. That said, we often travel back to Canada with groceries and have never had an issue because we declare it all.
2. Firearms – Contrary to popular belief, you can travel to Canada with a registered firearm, however only under a very stringent set of circumstances that involves a lot of paperwork. We recommend leaving the heat at home when visiting the great white north.

In addition, although items such as Mace AKA Pepper Spray and Tasers are legal in a lot of States, they are completely and totally illegal in Canada and are a prohibited item.

• Again alcohol limits are low. 1.5 litres of wine, a 40 of liquor and 24 cans or bottles of beer are allowable duty-free limits, however we have stronger beer anyway in Canada, so come up and experiment with some of the fine craft brewers we have.
• Water – I don’t know why this rumour is so pervasive in the RV community, but we have water in our campgrounds. You do not need to (and really shouldn’t) travel with a full tank of freshwater. I promise you our water is safe and delicious.

For more info on land border crossings see these valuable resources:

USA to Canada Travel

Driving to Canada Border Checklist – Government of Canada

What you Can Bring into Canada (Qualified Exemptions for Canadians returning Home)

Searchable Database for Bringing Food into Canada

Canada to the USA Travel

For Canadian Citizens traveling to the USA

Bringing Food into the USA

Bringing Alcohol into the USA