Going to Canada,What to Expect?
My wife and are going to New Hamshire for our anniversary and the Christmas holiday. We are staying for just over a week and thought we would drive up to Canada for a day. Neither us have been there and thought it would be something nice to put on our travel resume. Since we have never been there I just wanted see what to expect when we arrive at the border crossing? We have our passports and I will have our car registration ready and drivers liscense. Also not planning on taking much with us since its just for the day. Basically just ourselves and a camera. Any tips or help from anyone who has driven into Canada from the US would be appreciated.
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
I haven't done it since the new rules went into place, but we never had any issues getting into/out of Windsor or the other times I've crossed the border. Its pretty similar to what you see at the airport when coming into the US from a foreign Country, roll down your window, they'll ask you a few questions and more than likely they'll let you on your way.
If, by chance, you plan on bringing back Cuban cigars, which is illegal, I'd recommend taking the wrappers off of them. I've heard of places that will swap out the wrapper for you so that it has a dominican wrapper on it. I've never tried it, just heard stories about it. Other than Cuban Cigars, can't think of much else you can get in Canada that you can't get here or legally transport back with you.
Enjoy.
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
medford
I haven't done it since the new rules went into place, but we never had any issues getting into/out of Windsor or the other times I've crossed the border. Its pretty similar to what you see at the airport when coming into the US from a foreign Country, roll down your window, they'll ask you a few questions and more than likely they'll let you on your way.
If, by chance, you plan on bringing back Cuban cigars, which is illegal, I'd recommend taking the wrappers off of them. I've heard of places that will swap out the wrapper for you so that it has a dominican wrapper on it. I've never tried it, just heard stories about it. Other than Cuban Cigars, can't think of much else you can get in Canada that you can't get here or legally transport back with you.
Enjoy.
Thanks. You do have to have a passport now to cross into Canada. Used to be just a drivers liscense was enough. We don't plan on buying anything but tourist trinkets. I read that total items purchased under $200 are tax exempt. I don't plan on buying anywhere near that much. Probably try a Tim Horton's coffee while I'm there. Maybe run into Joey Votto too? :)
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
1. Cleaner Air
2. people who are very kind and apologetic
3.better skiing than the hill called perfect north.
4. Syrup.
5. Eh
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cumberlandreds
Thanks. You do have to have a passport now to cross into Canada. Used to be just a drivers liscense was enough. We don't plan on buying anything but tourist trinkets. I read that total items purchased under $200 are tax exempt. I don't plan on buying anywhere near that much. Probably try a Tim Horton's coffee while I'm there. Maybe run into Joey Votto too? :)
Are Tim Horton's uncommon outside of Michigan? They're all over the place here.
You won't have any problems getting into Canada. It will take 10x as long to get back into the US, as the American security is much more strict...
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
*BaseClogger*
Are Tim Horton's uncommon outside of Michigan? They're all over the place here.
You won't have any problems getting into Canada. It will take 10x as long to get back into the US, as the American security is much more strict...
No Tim Horton's in the DC area that I know about. I have seen their coffee for sale at a grocery store or two.
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Cumberland, you ever go to any Wizards games? If Wall's perimeter game continues to come around, he's gonna be amazing.
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
*BaseClogger*
You won't have any problems getting into Canada. It will take 10x as long to get back into the US, as the American security is much more strict...
This can't be stated enough. I've only entered/exited Canada through the Champlain, NY crossings, but I'm assuming they're all the same. Entering Canada is quick, but coming back to the US can be an hour or two wait during busy traveling times like holidays.
As for the country itself, it's not much different than upstate NY, or upper Vermont and New Hampshire. Clean air, no humidity and lots of snow and maple syrup. I think the whole area, on both sides of the border, is beautiful. I'd still live there if not for job transfers. My personal dealings with Cannucks makes me think they're rude and terrible drivers, but the country is beautiful. I highly recommend Old Town Montreal.
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Yachtzee
Canadians and poutine.
I still don't get poutine. Ordered it one time in Plattsburgh and never wanted it again. Canadians and upstate New Yorkers sure love it though. :confused:
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
New York Red
I still don't get poutine. Ordered it one time in Plattsburgh and never wanted it again. Canadians and upstate New Yorkers sure love it though. :confused:
What's not to understand about fries, cheese, and gravy?
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Mounties, lumberjacks, polar bears, dog sleds and guys drinking beer in their garage listening to Rush.
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
*BaseClogger*
What's not to understand about fries, cheese, and gravy?
I'd never had gravy on fries before, until I moved to New York. Just seems like an odd combo and it makes the fries soggy. Not my thing. I also don't get calling fried potatoes "home fries" or calling chili dogs "michigans". I could go on and on (these are lighthearted topics). On the flip side, they'd never had my version of dumplings before and now there are multiple families all over upstate New York making them. I left my mark on them and they left their's on me. I still have a friend from Mooers Forks who sends me his homemade maple syrup every few months. It's all good. I'd move back in a heartbeat and will have a vacation home there before I retire.
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CoachBombay
1. Cleaner Air
2. people who are very kind and apologetic
3.better skiing than the hill called perfect north.
4. Syrup.
5. Eh
6. If you go to the right place, very hot women.
Re: Going to Canada,What to Expect?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
New York Red
This can't be stated enough. I've only entered/exited Canada through the Champlain, NY crossings, but I'm assuming they're all the same. Entering Canada is quick, but coming back to the US can be an hour or two wait during busy traveling times like holidays.
As for the country itself, it's not much different than upstate NY, or upper Vermont and New Hampshire. Clean air, no humidity and lots of snow and maple syrup. I think the whole area, on both sides of the border, is beautiful. I'd still live there if not for job transfers. My personal dealings with Cannucks makes me think they're rude and terrible drivers, but the country is beautiful. I highly recommend Old Town Montreal.
This is about right. When I lived in Upstate, NY my friends and I used to go across Niagara all the time. Always a fun time with the Casino's over there. Oddly enough, even though it was close to Buffalo, the air did seem cleaner.