Traveling in Canada

[Beemertom]

For my rally trip it looks like the best route is above the great lakes. But I've never ridden in Canada. Any tips on what to expect from the border crossing in upper Michigan (where I would cross over) to anything else you guys think is worth knowing? :usa

[tourunigo]

For my rally trip it looks like the best route is above the great lakes. But I've never ridden in Canada. Any tips on what to expect from the border crossing in upper Michigan (where I would cross over) to anything else you guys think is worth knowing? :usa


:type ....where are you traveling from and why Upstate Mich? (of course unless that's where you live). Check out ferry to Tobermory, Ont. Nice run down toward Toronto and up the seaway a bit and cross over in NY. That's the quick answer. -Bob

[BradfordBenn]

Bring a passport for the border crossings it is a lot better then the driver's license routine. Also make sure you have your Canadian Insurance paperwork. Your insurance company should be able to get that for you. Most of them do not charge extra for them.

Also I highly recommend turning off the motorcycle as soon as you get to the gate. I have a little sign that I brought that said, "I wear ear plugs, so talk loud. Do you want me to take the helmet off?" No one asked me to take it off.

It is great fun riding up there. Also do get some Canadian money at an ATM as many places will accept 'Merican but give change in CN. Not a problem, but not always a good exchange rate.

[Burnszilla]

Stop at Mrs. B's for a slice of pizza in the Soo. :eat

http://www.communitypowerpoints.com/bm/k-o/mrsbs/mrsbs.html

Also stop in Blind River at my uncle's Tim Horton's for a cup of coffee and a cruiller.

Oh ya eh, watch out for all the beaver.

[tourunigo]

Bring a passport for the border crossings it is a lot better then the driver's license routine. Also make sure you have your Canadian Insurance paperwork. Your insurance company should be able to get that for you. Most of them do not charge extra for them.

Also I highly recommend turning off the motorcycle as soon as you get to the gate. I have a little sign that I brought that said, "I wear ear plugs, so talk loud. Do you want me to take the helmet off?" No one asked me to take it off.

It is great fun riding up there. Also do get some Canadian money at an ATM as many places will accept 'Merican but give change in CN. Not a problem, but not always a good exchange rate.

:type ...we.ve crossed the border sooo many times. Searched once with the car and twice with the bike (both on Canadian side....and we're Canadian). Our Bike Rules: Stop engine, take off helmet, take off sunglasses, be honest and modestly friendly. Simple. Search? Don't get nervous; just assist as possible. However, the process is usually cordial and straight forward. Just folks with a serious task. (BTW I don't recommend saying what I did crossing from NY to Ontario in '98... "Do you have anything to declare?" It was a long, wet day and I said "ya, a sore butt". It was ok though :nono ) -Bob

[AZgman]

I would recommend you cross the border back into the US at either Rt30 in NY or Rt114 in VT. No hassles, nice roads, and no traffic!

[Polarbear]

I've been riding up north for years and found a few things worth knowing! Use your ATM and/or credit cards only and exchange rate is automatically figured at best rate. You need cash? Just go to nearest bank in Canada and buy some Canadian $$$ and the banks give best rate exchange. Don't do this at merchants. If you travel across border with juvenile passenger, you better be able to prove who your young passenger belongs to; eg: Birth certificate! I had my daughter travelling with me several times and this saved me. I am curious myself about having passport, as one has never been needed in recent years. I've heard passports are going to be required on our north and south borders soon. I can't imagine this after all the years of safe crossings in Canada over the years without a passport. Anybody heard anything about "absolutely having to have one". I may start a separate thread if no answers here. Happy Trails. I may see you in Canada, as this will be my preffered route from west. R/Polarbear

[PAULBACH]

This link will provide you with all you need to know about getting into and out of Canada.

Canadian Crossing Requirements (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/newsroom/factsheets/2005/0713visitingcanada-e.html)

At present US citizens DO NOT need a passport. Drivers license will suffice BUT if you do have a passport definitely bring it to simplify crossing.

:usa

[rinty]

Tom:
The border people are usually friendly and you shouldn't have any problem. Just don't bring your bear spray with you if you plan to hike, or handguns or long knives.
The language barrier shouldn't be any problem as long as you add "eh" to every sentence.
Enjoy your trip.

Rinty

[raven]

I would suggest avoiding any of the interstate crossing, Derby Line, Highgate Springs in Vermont and especially Champlain in New york.

Delays at these crossing can be trying, for a number of reasons. If you are travelling for the rally it's July, hopefully warm and sunny, you should consider the possibility that you will be trapped in traffic, in your helmet, protective gear, boots etc, delays at Champlain are sometimes measured in Hours. Lane splitting at the Border is unwise, others frustrated by the wait will likely react in less than welcoming manner, and will likely be perceived by those manning the border as an aggresive, and Illegal act. How long will your airhead, oilhead, Brick, or whatever run before overheating. Pushing a bike on the asphalt apron in the summer sun isn't joyfull.

Traffic separation is poor, you are in the mix with trucks of all sorts, the interstate crossings are 'the' commercial crossings. The Champlain crossing is the busiest commercial and non comercial crossing between Buffalo and the atlantic coast. Several horrific crashes have occurred when commercial vehicles have slammed into stopped traffic. The crossing at Champlain is currently undergoing a 50+ millon dollar re-construction and will be for the next year or so.

July, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks are typically plant shut-down weeks in Quebec and so traffic historically reaches the annual highs to coincide the most desirable vacation weeks for Customs and Immigration personal on both sides of the Border. This confluence sometimes is just all to much for Immigrations Canada union personal so they stage a work slowdown.

On the positive side of thing the interstate crossing have the best dutyfree shop(s) with Champlain being the largest if thats your thing.

And best of all it fairly easy to avoid the fun at the Highway hassle Castles by using one of the smaller ports especially near Champlain. (ie Moores, Overton Crossing, Rouses Point etc.) Another writer in this thread suggests Island Pond, or Trout River both great little ports. Both of these crossing are likely to be way out of the way for most travelers. (Trout River is used to seeing an ecclectic mix of older BMWs, Laverdas, Guzzis,and Ducatis headed for regular service or restoration at Les Entreprises Montecristo.)

Motorcyclists sometimes receive addtional attention thanks the criminal activities of the "biker gangs" in Montreal and surrounds.

While a passport is not yet needed for US or Canadian citizens crossing in either direction a Photo ID issued by some governmental entity and proof of citizenship IS. A photo drivers license is NOT proof of citizenship. A visit to the Department of Homeland Security website or the Canadian site listed by another writer to this thread is advised.

Crossing the Border is not a big thing if you are reasonable, polite and have at least the minimum Identification they Require. Smile for the cameras, a little wave, eh? :brow

[iRene]

Never, ever carry citrus fruit or CUCUMBERS!

[BubbaZanetti]

shutting off your bike is a must

i was riding through a border crossing in maine and my friend didn't shut his bike off and got a lot of flack comming back in (loud triumph tripple)

just be friendly and courteous........

[Emoto]

To underscore what others have said, make sure you cross at the little tiny border crossings. The whole experience is much more pleasant in every way, believe me.

Be completely honest and keep your answers brief and directly to the point. for example, they will ask if you are carring any alcohol, tobacco, or whatever. Instead of simply saying "yes", which may well get you pulled out of line for "special" attention, answer with useful information such as "I am carring an 8 oz flask of bourbon and two packs of Marlboros. Nothing else".

They may keep circling back to a particular question and ask it several times in different ways, while interspersing other random questions about destination or whatever. This happened to me once after getting off the ferry to Yarmouth NS. For unknown reasons, the border guard was concerned about me having weapons. He asked if I had any weapons and I said no. Then asked me about something else, then asked if I had any guns. I said no. Then asked me about something else, then asked if I had any large knives. I said no. Then asked me about something else, then asked if I had any mace or chemical sprays. I said no. Then asked me about something else, then asked if I had any billy clubs or brass knuckles or anything like that. I said no. He then asked me "no weapons of any kind???". I was becoming a bit exasperated (which is a bad idea, but I was trying not to show it) so I responded with "only my wit". He looked at me and said "so how's that working out for you?" and smiled. I just kind of shrugged and smiled ruefully and he told me I could go ahead.

:ha

[Will]

I did the route across from Sault St. Marie to Vt/Maine and back summer of 04, here is what I learned.

carry passport and hand over first thing (tone on reentry to US takes a quick change for the better)

shut off bike and make sure you are pulled far enough forward so they can see the plate. appears to be matched against a database of owner and registration on entry to US. always asked if I was the recorded owner.

take off sunglasses and be ready to pull off helmet.

respond with "yes sir" "no sir" straight forward answers, do you really want them tearing apart your bike, didn't think so.

tell them exactly what you are carrying, swiss army knife in tank bag, no fruit or meat products, have some snacks in tank bag etc.

cash machine for a few dollars but credit card is best, be ready for french road signs as you head east, enjoy some fries with gravy, go slightly faster than semi trucks, don't over drive headlights can't see moose at night until you are on them and it's too late.

have fun it's a nice ride!

[osaiyid]

With the kind of name I have and my Middle Eastern looks, I always feared some extra attention at the border. Instead I always found good people trying to do their job as efficiently as possible. I have never had any hassle in 20 years of frequent crossing the border (my daughter is married to a Canadian and lives in Canada).

I agree with almost all the recommendations. But above all be as helpful as you can be, no smart talk. The border guards work long hours, deal with many kind of people but are trying to their job and keep us all safe.

[tourunigo]

Never, ever carry citrus fruit or CUCUMBERS!

...ya, that's what I said to Mary..."don't take the cucumbers".... I wonder though, is that going both ways? -Bob

[Mika]

Never, ever carry citrus fruit or CUCUMBERS!

I think there is a story, waiting to be shared, locked up in this advice.

[tourunigo]

I think there is a story, waiting to be shared, locked up in this advice.
...sure that there is. -Bob

[lorazepam]

A voter registration card is proof of citizenship for now. If you dont have a passport, you should get one.

As for Canada, you dont want to travel with me there, I get a little flashy thingie in the screen as soon as my plate comes up. A company I used to work for would send us to Canada without documentation and I got busted.

Solved my dilemma of being illegal, I was grounded from Canada for a year. Everytime I cross now, I get to go see the nice folks at Immigration complete with vehicle search. I am polite and understanding, though I havent been for a while.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I found the customs people to vary from station to station. You never know if you'll get someone very serious or very friendly. And the friendly people are doing their jobs just as well, but with a different approach. Last fall the customs official at Niagra Falls was chatting me up about my bike, or so it would seem, but I think it was a way to see if I was relaxed and at ease with random questions. I liked it much better than the standard set "where do you work, where do live". He was asking how much the bike cost, what year is it and about my EBAY vanity plate and what was up with the Road King I was with! :brow

Best over all advice, be polite and patient.

[BradfordBenn]

My favorite question from a crossing guard... when BoxerGrrlie and BMWRTRider were travelling around Canada, "Lemme get this straight, you are travelling with two attractive women, neither of which is your wife, and you are still married?"

[tuber1]

We don't tear anyones bike apart, however that might happen when you go into Canada. Helmut comes down here alot, and told me he never has problems. definitely don't cross at Champlain, Highgate isn't so bad late afternoons/early evening on an early weekday. But Alburg or Rouses Point would be better, or come in at W.Berkshire(that's Frelighsburg in Canada), it's close to Lake Carmi if your camping there, if I'm here I can give you good directions. Wish you guys would get the facts straight, you can have citrus IF you can prove you bought it in the US, but why would you carry citrus in July???

[KerryMBurrage]

Once you're south of Sudbury, get out your map (available at travelontario.whatever) and have a look at the gray roads in the Kawartha Lakes area. They are good pavement and not flat or straight. There is some great riding in the area north of Belleville. This will put you in line for crossing into New York at the Thousand Islands. From there I would suggest a route through Gouverneur, Tupper Lake, Lake Placid and around the bottom of Lake Champlain. Unless you want to mix it up with all the lunatics on the slabs in and around Toronto, I would suggest you stay north where the roads are curvy, the people are friendly, and the traffic is a lot less congested.

[YB in IN]

Once you're south of Sudbury, get out your map (available at travelontario.whatever) and have a look at the gray roads in the Kawartha Lakes area. They are good pavement and not flat or straight. There is some great riding in the area north of Belleville. This will put you in line for crossing into New York at the Thousand Islands. From there I would suggest a route through Gouverneur, Tupper Lake, Lake Placid and around the bottom of Lake Champlain. Unless you want to mix it up with all the lunatics on the slabs in and around Toronto, I would suggest you stay north where the roads are curvy, the people are friendly, and the traffic is a lot less congested.

Aye, I agree. I took the northern route to Trenton and had a blast just riding on 17. The scenery was great, and traffic cops were non-existent for the most part. Also, camping via the OPP (Ontario Provincial Parks) was readily availiable. I think that I stayed somewhere around Deep River or something like that and the park ranger cut me a deal on the camping fee since I was just on a bike.

[GlobalRider]

Simple enough...same as when I head to the US or Europe...

- Have recognized photo ID.
- Answer questions asked.
- Don't bring a gun.

More info at: Canadian Border Services Agency - Visitors to Canada (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/visitors-e.html)

[iRene]

The scenery was great, and traffic cops were non-existent for the most part. Also, camping via the OPP (Ontario Provincial Parks) was readily availiable.

I get it:

OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) eschew
OPP (Ontario Provincial Parks) embrace

[Burnszilla]

...ya, that's what I said to Mary..."don't take the cucumbers".... I wonder though, is that going both ways? -Bob

It's only cucumbers wrapped in tin foil!

http://www.cinema.com/image_lib/4153_st1.jpg

[tourunigo]

It's only cucumbers wrapped in tin foil!

http://www.cinema.com/image_lib/4153_st1.jpg

:type ....first, how did you get that picture of me back in '72? :dunno (me on the receiving end of Tinkerbells wand). And second, is the tinfoil thing anything like my bean burrito in New Mexico that I heated at a gas fill up?

[DaveH]

Last July, after the Lima Rally, my friend and I went to the Michigan UP for a few days, then crossed into Canada (no problem). We spent three days going East through Ontario and crossed back at upstate NY.
The only problem.....once you start riding in Canada, you don't want to stop. The lakes and roads in the Algonquin (sp?) Provincial Park are great. We are going back in May to do the Lake Superior loop. Then after this year's Rally, Nova Scotia. Then next year British Columbia.

Have fun, but be prepared to want more!!

[marcopolo]

No passport required (into US) until 2007 earliest. That said, having one makes it easy. If not, have a driver's licence with photo and a birth certificate. That's all I've ever used. Into Canada, you've seen the links posted earler which you can check out. It's pretty much the same as getting back into the US. As for your crosssing point back into the US, I'd avoid the Thousand Islands and instead go for either Prescott Ontario/Ogdensburg NY (long metal-grated bridge), or Cornwall Ontario into NY state (forget the name of the place in NY - not much of anything really, as you're in the midddle of the Akwesasne Indian Reservation). In an earlier post someone described the route to Cornwall. These two crossings are not too bad, even during the busy summertime, but don't expect it to take 5 minutes (the earlier in the day the better). I've had my bike searched once by US customs (I think the guy was showing off for a young woman in training), and have only ever been asked to take off my helmet once. I always turn off the ignition, though.

Enjoy the ride. Feel free to ask more questions.

[Kenny2]

Passport required?

Here is what I found,
"Following a consultation period, they will be implemented in three phases:

* As of Dec. 31, 2005: All travellers must show their passport when stopping over in the U.S. during air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America.
* As of Dec. 31, 2006: The rules take effect for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
* As of Dec. 31, 2007: The rule applies to all remaining travel, including land crossings. "

This is at this site (http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1112710865609_19/%3Fhub=Canada)

[iRene]

...ya, that's what I said to Mary..."don't take the cucumbers".... I wonder though, is that going both ways? -Bob

Well, truth be told, the cucumbers are legal, but embarassing to explain for solo female riders.
The citrus fruit is legally a no-no from Canada re-entering the USA.

[Grumpole]

A friend and I are considering riding from the Adirondacks to Temagami, Ontario, where I went to canoe camp many, many years ago. I wondered if you could tell me what 417/17 is like from Ottawa up through North Bay? Those many years ago I took the train from Boston and my memory is of beautiful mixed wood scenery. Any other ideas on such a trip would certainly be welcomed.

[tourunigo]

Well, truth be told, the cucumbers are legal, but embarassing to explain for solo female riders.
The citrus fruit is legally a no-no from Canada re-entering the USA.

whoa there Maine Woman....info for a Vermont rally maybe?? Come join us for a bit o' Screech (aka Nfld Rum...blended import....for you purists) and share your tale(s). -Bob (ex-Portland lad) :dance (note: would have put a Canadian flag but don't have the talent to create)

[iRene]

Come join us for a bit o' Screech (aka Nfld Rum...blended import....for you purists) and share your tale(s). -Bob

Ah, or you could join me here in Maine for a snootfull of Screech, as I have my own bottle for medicinal purposes...

[tourunigo]

Ah, or you could join me here in Maine for a snootfull of Screech, as I have my own bottle for medicinal purposes...

:type ... dang that's nice of you! When we come down we're trying to touch base with our 78 year old bike buddy Mr. Harley Hopkins (...and yes there is a story about why his real name is Harley) down near East Port and then we do visit my family down in Portland. The road to Vermont clearly meanders through Maine. So. where's that other (aka "here") stop? :drink
-Bob

[iRene]

Cain't miss us, Brunswick area. No excuses, we're on your way.

[tourunigo]

Cain't miss us, Brunswick area. No excuses, we're on your way.

Perfect. You're right....no excuse at all. So, do we just show your picture around town to find you? :dunno That could be fun. -Bob

[macdonge]

Here's a link that will give you an idea of some of the best routes through Ontario. Perhaps you can sample a few on en route from Michigan.

http://www4.sympatico.ca/elhum/

[Beemertom]

Just a quick note to thank all of you who have given me some input on traveling in Canada. What a great forum. :clap