Canada By Water

forest,

The number is given to you by the customs agent over the phone.

You have to write the number on paper or cardboard and tape it in your side window(both sides). Also make a note of the time, date, location, and write the number in your log. I also ask the agent for their name or number and write that in the log.

The purpose of posting the number in the window is to show to any law enforcement office that your boat is legally in Canada.

Boats without a number can be seized by the officer!!
 
General info on clearing customs,

Here is what I do to clear customs.

First, find out before you go what the rules are. Google search or call customs if you are not sure about any aspect of clearing.
I have found that Canadian customs is a user friendly place when you call them and they will explain the rules.

Do not take anything which is prohibited!!
Do not take guns unless you have REALLY done your homework! Do not have any cartridges(bullets) onboard.
Do not take any 'weapons' or 'anything which can be used as a weapon' (Canada Customs words).
Do not take more than the allotted amount of cigarettes, other tobacco products or alcohol.
If you have pets(cats and dogs), they must be vaccinated for rabies and you must have an international rabies vaccination certificate onboard.
Do not take birds.

Make a list of names, addresses, and nationality of all passengers.
Make a list of all tobacco products and alcohol on board, with quantities.

Make a list of all meats, fruits, and vegetables on board.

When you get to a customs dock, take your lists; Passports, (or other ID), for all passengers, and boat registration up to the phone. Only the captain can leave the boat until clearance has been granted.

When the nice Customs agent answers, tell them you are reporting entry. They will ask questions, which you can now answer because you have your lists, and other info with you.

Answer all questions truthfully and do not volunteer extra information.

Remember, they do not have a sense of humor when they are working!!!

This is my advise after numerous crossings and your experience may vary. Remember that you are a guest in their country, and they don't have to let you in.

Be very polite!!

My recommendations:

The answer to the question, 'Why are you visiting Canada? Answer: For recreation.

And the question, 'Do you have anything which could be used as a weapon? Answer: NO!

Assume that they may know about you, your crossing the border and may be watching you by remote camera.


Play nice and by the rules and all will go well and you will be on your way to a visit a very nice country. Oh, no jokes about Canadian currency, please.

Canadians are some of the nicest people anywhere. :thup :thup

Larry H
 
and...when you return to the U.S. you will probably be asked to show that Canadian customs clearance number so don't throw it away until you've cleared U.S. customs. So when you go to a Canadian port of entry phone, be sure you have a pencil and paper with which to copy down your number. We display our clearance number in a dockside window just like you would show your "paid" receipt for moorage at a marina. Our experience is that virtually no fruits or fresh veggies, i.e. lettuce, can get by Canadian customs so we just don't take any and plan to buy necessary supplies in Canada. We have never had an unpleasant experience with either U.S. or Canadian customs but the U.S. folks can be more brusque and businesslike.
 
To tell the truth, I haven't seen a Customs Agent (U.S., or Canadian) in the last 3 summers of (water)border crossings. :smile We usually clear at Bedwell and the place has been locked up. There are three phones there that call Blaine (I think) when you pick one of them up. I've been in their computers ever since they've been using them and I guess I'm a "good guy". :thup I I.D. myself, they give me my clearance number and I'm on my way. Coming back into the U.S. we call U.S.Customs, give them our I-68 numbers and we go home. It was a little more complicated years ago when I had a parot. They had to fill out a "Bird Importation license". :wink Now I only carry flare pistols. No :cigar very little :beer and watch the current food restrictions.
 
forest,

No size was ever stated to me, but I usually write the numbers about 1/2 inch high.

The purpose is so that any officer can determine your boat status easily. If you can easily read the number from the dock, they probably can too. Larger boats with windows further from the dock need larger numbers. Don't make it hard for them to do their job!

Larry H
 
Forrest,

I heard once of a boater who was boarded on every visit to Canada. He finally asked a border agent why. She said "Sir, it's your pants!" He was a police officer and liked to wear camo pants when boating. Camoflage fits a "profile" and triggers a search. He switched to Docker shorts and hasn't been bothered since.

We print up some cards with our boat name and a space for the clearance number to hang in the window. I think the more professional you can appear while boating affects how you're treated by Border Agents and Coast Guard.

Boating in Canada is a true joy, great people, wonderful scenery and it goes on and on seemingly forever. Have fun!
 
It is the same drill in White Rock as Bedwell...nobody there, you make a phone call. The Canadians actually answer the phone in Victoria, the US side answers the phone at the Bellingham Airport, or at least that is where they used to answer it. Guaranteed that both sides are observing you on closed circuit TV...The more you cross the easier it gets...I give the Canadian lady the boat registration over the phone, and she says "Good morning Mr. Anderson. Is that still the burgundy trimmed C-Dory 25? And are Patty and Austin with you today?" And then the pro forma questions about the cash, the tobacco, the booze and the firearms. Typically under 10 minutes. We now clear US at Point Roberts. You phone in and an agent comes down, usually quite quickly. But you better plan half an hour to an hour between arrival and departure at the US side. I always have meant to get the Nexus pass, but just have not got around to it...


Capn Jack":tiwy532p said:
To tell the truth, I haven't seen a Customs Agent (U.S., or Canadian) in the last 3 summers of (water)border crossings. :smile We usually clear at Bedwell and the place has been locked up. There are three phones there that call Blaine (I think) when you pick one of them up. I've been in their computers ever since they've been using them and I guess I'm a "good guy". :thup I I.D. myself, they give me my clearance number and I'm on my way. Coming back into the U.S. we call U.S.Customs, give them our I-68 numbers and we go home. It was a little more complicated years ago when I had a parot. They had to fill out a "Bird Importation license". :wink Now I only carry flare pistols. No :cigar very little :beer and watch the current food restrictions.
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Pat- I met a guy at the VA hospital who lives in Point Roberts. That entails lots of border crossings.
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"Point Roberts, WA is a small community of just over 1,000 people a mere 22 miles south of Vancouver, BC. Over land, the only way to reach Point Roberts is through a single road from Canada. Of course, one can take a boat from Point Roberts to the rest of Washington State. There’s only one school for kindergarten through second grade students; older students must take the bus up into Canada, around the bay, and then back into Washington State."
 
Thanks to all for the great information.

Although we did not ask the original question, we plan on venturing beyond the San Juans this year - now that we have our Ranger Tug. We appreciate everyone being so willing to share their experiences.

Nancy
 
Point Roberts! Fun place -- we lived there when I had a business in Canada and of course had to communicate with customs daily. My car license was KGB-... lots of fun. "Here comes that KGB guy," and other such comments.

Owned a nice slip there, and wish I still had it. Of course it was a real PITA making two crossings when going to mainland WA.

Dusty
 
I'm like Nancy on Trinity, I didn't ask the question but I sure appreciate the answers.

I do have one of my own:

I'm thinking of going to Victoria by way of Port Townsend and returning the same way. Is there a U.S. Customs office in Port Townsend?

Thanks,
 
2017 has been a bumper year for US tourism into Canada and along with American visitors come American guns. Bringing guns, especially handguns into Canada is illegal or highly restricted and can carry heavy fines and even jail time. So here is a friendly reminder. Canada is a very safe country and you don't need your firearms up here when you visit, so best to leave them at home.

Here is a link that might explain more.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/08/08 ... a-homepage
 
starcrafttom":90tg3m1c said:
Looks like Canadians assault a lot more people then Americans or maybe its just the hockey stats???
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Could be more assaults in Canada because the assaulter is not concerned that the assaultee may be armed. In the US, the assaulter has a much bigger chance of things not going the way they intended.
 
Along the same thoughts, the Canadian border agents have access to the United States Data bases. I have on several occasions been told, at the border that because I have a concealed weapons permit in Florida, that it is more likely that I have a gun with me when I enter Canada (I don't take a gun into Canada)

The border agents also have access to potential criminal records in the US, and if there is a DWI, felony arrest, many misdemeanors, you probably will be denied entry to Canada.
After 9/11 the United States and Canada have been sharing an increasing amount of information in the name of security, and as of 2010, the FBI criminal database is synced with the Canadian RCMP crime database.
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If you have any RX drugs with you, have a copy of the prescription and keep it in the drug store original bottle. I ran into one customs agent in Prince Rupert who was going to go after my "Ship's Medicine chest" which should be immune from any restrictions of drugs as long as kept in the boat, under lock and key under international law. Fortunately he got a call on his radio to come to the ferry, and had to leave without inspecting it.

On the other hand I was in some serious trouble with US Customs last time I came back from Canada because I had some green onions Marie had purchased in Canada, and my chocks for the wheels were wood which might be suspect.... :)


As far as bears--if you have bear spray, ( we ran into some places in Canada where it was required to have bear spray), be sure that it is approved in both Canada and the USA. (Our Counter Assault has both approvals on the canister). I had my .44 magnum shipped to a FFL dealer in Ketchikan. We bought ammo in Alaska, to avoid carrying it thru Canada, and raising suspicions. Shotgun was too bulky to carry in our RIB when we took dogs ashore. As Tom noted, hunting rifles and shotguns are fairly easy to take with you, but you have to follow the rules and have the permits ahead of time. Handguns--pretty much no go. When we checked into Canada, even by phone, we were often asked if we had guns aboard.

On the criminal issues: if you exclude a certain group of big cities in both Canada and the USA-- statistics on crime are going to be fairly similar.
 
One correction on hand guns ( i have to do this every time) you CAN take a handgun to Canada if you do the paper work. Its long and you have to plan well ahead for the interviews and back ground checks but you CAN do it.


DUI. Now that Washington state has decided that the ongoing heron problem is not a issue and are now starting heron safe sites to allow people to brake both federal and state law, it seems they have time to crack down on distracted drivers. Which will carry a conviction just like a DUI. Will canada allow E-DUI's holders to enter canada.??

Could be more assaults in Canada because the assaulter is not concerned that the assaultee may be armed. In the US, the assaulter has a much bigger chance of things not going the way they intended.
Code: 
Best argument to carry I have heard today.
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Yes, it is possible to bring some firearms into Canada, but is it worth the hassle.

http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-ins ... to-canada/

I have an inlaw, a Texas Policeman who won't even go into his bathroom without his sidearm and sleeps with it under his pillow, who tried to enter Canada in the 1990's. He was denied entry, so he drove about 500 miles to another border crossing in different State/Province and made his wife hide his 45 in her underwear and this time didn't declare it. This was pre 911, but with the new databases he likely would not get across today.

I think that you as a traveler have to realize that travelling to Canada is not unlike travelling to most other countries in the world. I'm sure that you would have similar troubles if you tried to bring a firearm into any country in Europe for example, where firearm ownership is as restricted or more than it is in Canada.

Thankfully gun crime in Canada is quite low, unless you are a drug dealer trying to steal a rivals customers and piracy is unheard of, unless you plan to boat in Saskatchewan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuGGNsE3_8Y
 
Yes you can take firearms into Canada, and Tom is right there is paperwork. Is it worth it? Maybe for some, not for me.

Since I have a CCP, I have noticed more pointed questions from the Canadian Boarder folks than I remember from way back, when I did not have the permit.

I remember hearing a story about a US guy who took an undeclared handgun into Canada, and made it in without discovery. Coming back into the US it was discovered. NOT a good result. He had the pistol confiscated, paid a big fine, and was "threatened" with confiscation of his passport.

If you have a DUI or a felony conviction in the US you will be denied access into Canada.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

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