border crossing restrictions into Canada
 

Will be traveling in a RV to Niagara Falls in Sept. I keep reading conflicting info on what we can and cannot carry over the border. Obvously we would like to be fairly well food stocked, but don't want to have food confiscated at the border. Anyone have any recent experience on this or websites I can research? Even some of the govt sites give conflicting info.

Here's a URL that should be useful:

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/...-eng.html#s6x7

Note this: "Based on emerging threats, the import requirements for food, plants, animals and related products are subject to change on a daily basis. To determine the most up-to-date import requirements for these items, refer to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)"

The only safe thing to do is declare EVERYTHING you are carrying, and let the Canadian inspector make a decision. If you carry AND declare something that Canada wants to keep out, then it will be confiscated with no penalty. But if this prohibited item is found WITHOUT you declaring it, then you'll have problems.

BTW, one thing some Americans MUST know: The 2nd Amendment does NOT operate in Canada. No matter how legal are your hand guns in the U.S.; if they are found in Canada, they WILL be confiscated with ZERO compensation -- PERIOD. Even hunting guns, if not clearly declared IN ADVANCE for hunting, are not safe. Canadian law officers are VERY sticky about this -- do NOT carry weapons into Canada!

Here's more info on things that may cause trouble:
http://www.consular.canada.usembassy...ter_canada.asp

Amen

Permit me to correct myself about weapons in Canada, having read more specific info
http://www.consular.canada.usembassy...nto_canada.asp

Hunting weapons ARE permitted in Canada "for sporting or hunting use during hunting season, for use in competition, for in-transit movement through Canada, or for personal protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada."

Hand guns, mace, and pepper spray are NOT permitted without an Authorization To Transport, and "The ATT will not be issued for hunting or self-protection purposes." It is never stated what would happen if you were found with a hand gun with an ATT, but I guess it would be like any prohibited weapon.

And as for forbidden weapons: "Canadian customs officials will automatically confiscate the firearm. It will not be returned, and the firearm ultimately will be destroyed. The gun owner is not given the option to withdraw the request to enter Canada and return to the U.S. in order to retain possession of the prohibited firearm."

I was just in Canada 2 weeks ago, although I crossed in Minnesota. They asked us about these things: guns and/or ammunition, mace and pepper spray, tobacco, potatoes, alcohol, any gifts for our hosts in Canada that we would be leaving. Of these items, only potatoes aren't allowed to my understanding. If you're bringing alcohol, each legal adult is allowed one liter OR one case of 12 oz. cans or bottles. Don't bring 16 oz. cans or a 1.75 bottle unless you're prepared to pay the extra duty. We never have tobacco, so I don't know the restriction per person.

We visit our friends to the north 2-3 times/year and have been searched on occasion. It's an inconvenience as far as travel time is concerned, but no big deal as long as you declare everything. They once found some old ammunition in a friend's vehicle that he had forgotten was there; it was confiscated and he is now searched every time he crosses, and for him, that's a lot since he owns an island up there and is traveling there nearly every week. You're smart to get informed and prepared before you hit the border.

Have a great trip!