Date:         Tue, 21 Jul 2015 22:44:23 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Tuovinen <aksyncronaut@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Tuovinen <aksyncronaut@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Crossing the Canadian border...
In-Reply-To:  <CAKBchpo7_gbwNbR=Fq-jcBZ6mXXwCsX1yiY1FyoaRz0L0kRKTg@mail.gmail.com>
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The only time we were ever searched was entering Canada from Idaho, I
figured it had to do with a guy with a ponytail driving a VW van and even
then they only did a half hearted job, went through our luggage but did not
even attempt to search the van.  Its a different world on the Border
between Alaska and Canada, not much smuggling going on there which makes
for more relaxed crossing.  We have never been searched there in either
direction or asked about food items, sometimes alcohol though often they
don't mention it either.  We are always asked about weapons, Alaskans and
their guns you know,  but don't usually have any, they don't want you to
bring bear spray unless you are backpacking the Chilkoot Trail, etc, then
its ok.  Unlike other travelers Alaskans with pets don't have to provide
proof of the animals health this is due to the fact that to get to or from
some parts of the state to others we have to go through Canada.

The biggest question crossing the Border is which guard do you get the one
that follows the letter of the law and has the time to ask and search or
the one that asks the basics and makes a judgment call, plan for the first
one and you are ok.  Each one will find something different to challenge
you on, last time through I crossed six times going from Anchorage to
Skagway and back, four by road, once hiking the Chilkoot Trail, and once on
the train back to Skagway.  A Border Guard at Beaver Creek entering Canada
questioned me regarding my stepdaughter Julia whom was traveling with me,
our names are different but she was 18 and he had her passport showing that
in his hand.  He said nothing about Brandon a friends 14yr old son whom was
with us and did not ask for documents proving I had permission to take a
unrelated minor out of the USA.  A few hundred miles later entering back
into Alaska on our way to Skagway the US guard said nothing about Julia but
did about Brandon.  In Skagway you get your Chilkoot Trail pass and they
check ID there but once on the trail the Rangers never checked us and on
the train that takes you from Lake Bennett back to Skagway they stopped us
short of town walked through the cars and had us hold our passports up and
open so they could match the photos but that was all.  Crossing back into
Canada at Fraser on our way home the Canadian guards took Julia into their
office and grilled her about me and how we were all related but probably
got tired of the story as knowing her she started at the beginning when her
grandparents met Brandon's grandparents back in the early 60's or how her
mom, my wife, was my sisters roommate in college about 1980.  The final
crossing at Beaver Creek back into the US was our typical there," where are
you headed?", "home", and away we went.

Mark in AK  - wishing I was on a road trip!

On Tue, Jul 21, 2015 at 7:44 AM, bernie <1234bjs@gmail.com> wrote:

> A friend  from Vancouver was recently fined
> 200 dollars at US border because she had some foods in her westy that she
> was not aware were not allowed. I bring nothing across to US but some
> tinned food and oatmeal. It's your responsibility to know what you have on
> board.
> They are becoming more sticky in this regards and very intolerant of people
> "forgetting" what they have aboard. The link below addresses what you can
> bring into Canada. I have never been asked about my prescription meds but
> they are in original container. In general coming into Canada is less
> restrictive in the food area than returning to the US. Presently Canada
> doesn't want uncooked chicken because of bird flu. See the list below.
> Coming back to US if agent asks about food  indicate that you
> have no meat no fruit and no vegetables (Make very sure you do not!!!)
> Stating that right off the bat is big positive in their view. In one
> statement you are showing
> you know what you have on board and you don't have
> any restricted foods. There is little reason to bring food
> back from Canada anyway as it cheaper in the US.
>
>
>
> http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990
>