Border Crossing

[TB]

Isn't it time Canadian residents do something about the border crossings. The individuals operting the crossings act as though every person crossing is a crimminal. They do not know how to smile or treat anyone with respect but they want us to travel to Canada and spend our money hunting and fishing. I have gotten aquainted with a number of people in Canada and none of them act as beligerent as border guards. In these trying times there should still be a distinction made between rudeness and proper protection policies. Perhaps all the Americans should stay home for a year or two, spending those same dollars in the states.

[manitobawalleye]

just like to say that i find it the other way....
maybe they were having a bad day...
this summer could be interesting given the events in the past 4 months...but have never understood why they give sportsmen such a bad
time...
i think part of the problem is your more relaxed gun laws especially with sidearms....
hope you all make it up here with as few problems as possible

[Larry L]

You must be crossing at the wrong place. I have never had a bad experience crossing into Canada. I have crossed into Sask, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. My first trip was in 1960 and my last was last September. I have taken a boat, a dog, shotguns and grandkids. I will be going again.

[jjl325jim]

It isn't so much the rudeness of Customs personnel that upsets me. It is the time it takes to cross...

For this reason the group I go with have stop going to Canada 10 years ago. We always crossed at International Falls and it would take anywere from 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. It will be interesting to see how long it will take this spring.

I have talked with other people who experience the same thing. They have also decided to forgo Canada. I can't believe they haven't realize the amount of tourism funds they have lost because of this problem.

[yknot]

I cross into Canada 15 - 20 times a year and never have a problem. I am crossing at the Niagara region, Peace Bridge, Falls, or Lewiston and have never spent more than 10 minutes waiting in line. I tell my clients that the border inspectors have a job to do, like it or not. When I pull up to the inspection booth, my headlights are on and I stop at the stop sign in the entrance whether there is anyone in front of me or not. My sunglasses are off and I always turn off my truck as I stop at the booth (the diesel noise tends to drown out conversation). Make sure everyone has proper id (drivers license and birth certificate) ready when you pull up and give only one or two word answers when interviewed. Don't offer any more info than what the inspector asks. Do not joke. Do not be vague. If they ask how long you will be in Canada, do not say a couple days or weeks. Be specific. Know in advance what you are allowed to bring into the country. Do not try to sneak anything past these people. This is their job. If at all possible, look presentable. If you look like a burned out drug dealer, you will be treated as such.
I realize that everyone has their own horror story about crossing the border, but don't let a couple overzealous guards deter you from enjoying our neighbors to the North. I love the time I spend in Canada, and would hate to see the borders closed or put into passport/visa status.