So…just how hard is it going to be to get into Canada with the 5ver this fall?

When we leave the DC area in July we're heading up to the Hudson River Valley area for a concert and sightseeing; and Connie has this wild hair that we should continue up to Montreal for these two bike races. That means we'll have to drive the rig over the border…and based on the la-di-da we went through last week when we drove to Nova Scotia for another concert I'm wondering.

We plan on carrying a couple of 22 rifles (long guns) in the RV that we use for target shooting but no handguns, mace, pepper spray or anything else prohibited. I know we need to fill out a gun form and get it signed when we cross the border and pay the $25 CN fee but beyond that just how much hassle do the Mounties (well, they're not Mounties but you get my drift) make the process? I know some of you have been across the border. I'm guessing a 2-3 hour delay while they search the rig but one never knows for sure.

As for the firearms, I ran across this link:

Canadian firearms laws

While I am sure that you will get some answers here, I heartily suggest that you find sources online, preferably from Canadian sources, that address your issue.  The link above mentioned that long guns could be taken into Canada so long as the owners have the proper forms (documentation of some kind, possibly available on that website.)

While I have the utmost faith in the forum participants in that they want to give you the best information they can, their information may not be current with current Canadian laws.  (You know how politicians are....they love making changes to laws.)

Terry

Having a number of experiences with the RV via Canadian and US Customs I would recommend you don’t take the weapons unless you really need them with you for some specifically good reason.  It’s not that you can’t, but even with the paper it raises questions and that can lead to a more “complete” examination of your rig then would otherwise be expected.  (BTW, in Canada we have never felt the need for weapons as far as personal protection is concerned and that includes a lot of Canada including the “bear” thing.  Been there – done that.)

You will also need to know what food items are not permitted to be transported across the line. Many web sites have this info.  The return to the US is sometimes more complicated on this food issue than going into Canada.  Obey the rules and they pass you right along.  Just make sure you have your vehicle registration and Passports.

Just experience speaking here on both issues

Bill

Thanks, I had found a link from a Canadian government source that gives the details on the paperwork. Essentially rifles and shotguns are allowed with the form and $25. Pistols with longer than (I think, didn't really memorize the details since I have no pistols) are labeled restricted and need a different form and $50. Pistols with shorter than 4" barrels aren't allowed period. I saw some notes about having a trigger lock but haven't run that one down yet. All firearms must be unloaded but the ammo can be stored in the same container as the firearm. I am still looking for an authoritative source from the government with all the details; will check out the link you found and see if leads me to one. At worst I'll just leave them with my son here in VA and pick them up on our return.

Thanks.

Thanks; I figured it would be likely be harder than driving across in a car and will look at the food/agriculture stuff before we head across. We'll likely leave the rifles with my son based on your suggestion; we will be going back through this general area on our way South for the winter anyway.

 A friend of ours moved to Alaska. He and his wife filled out all the necessary documents to carry their Long Guns across the border and they had their pistols shipped from a gun dealer to a gun dealer in Alaska. Even though they had all the proper documents for their rifles and documents showing that their handguns were legally shipped, their vehicles were searched. In the search there were holsters found so their truck and u-haul trailer were emptied out on the ground, they were put in separate rooms and questioned while their belongings were being gone thru. When all was said and done there was nothing illegal found and our friends were left to repack their vehicles. I know this doesn't necessarily represent RVers, but if you are the lucky one they choose to search and they find anything that closely resembles contraband plan on spending some time visiting with a Custom Agent.

We have been back and forth across the Border several times and only had one small delay. We had some grapes that we hadn't finished, I was told I could either eat them there, put them in their fridge or toss them. I ate a few on the way to the trash can.

Thanks all. I think we'll leave the rifles at our son's house and will make sure I check the produce rules before getting to the border.

I do a lot of cross border RV ing and customs can be an issues some times. That is definately your best bet, to leave them behind. I'm in Canada and have friends that come up from Minnesota to hunt every year and customs isn't too bad if they have the right paper work. If you do come up to Canada, you also need to check for rules between provinces like the trigger locks and casing regulations if you are crossing provincial lines. Also, firearms are strictly forbidden in National forests and camgrounds. Some provincially owned areas as well. The food stuff changes regularly, so I phone customs the week before to check on food concerns. In Canada I carry a rifle in my RV as I frequently stay in back (bear) country (best places to fly fish!) Has come in handy for scareing bears away. Forgot it in RV one time. Had to turn back 5 miles before the border and take it home. 150 mile round trip.