Canadian Border crossing with guns.

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Bravo11

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I had to keep this gun related so I worded my title about guns. What I really need to know is what documentation I need for crossing the Canadian Border, by car, from Detroit(without a gun). I haven't been to Canada since before 9-11. I went to Vancouver, by car from Seattle, in 2000 and all that was required was a US drivers license. Now a business associate and I are going to Detroit and he has never been to Canada.
Thanks for any information.
 
I just got back from Windsor/Detroit monday. Be prepared for a real bunch of fun when passing over the river. It took us about 40 minutes to get through customs in a cab. They searched all of our stuff, grilled me as to why I brought a laptop along, pulled up the back seat of the cab, swabbed my backpack, and in general, made me fell less than welcome. I used the tunnel every other time and had a lot better experience. I'm not sure if it was a random thing on the bridge, but the tunnel was quicker in all instances and seemed to be easier to get through. Oh, and on my return to the states, my backpack wasn't even put through the Xray. Possibly because I was returning with a busload of Tiger fans on the way to opening day... :scrutiny:

I used a passport, but my buddy used his birth cert. Some guys from Cali were using just their Drivers Licenses, and got through, although they were hassled.

Hope this helps!
 
Drysdale, that helps alot. I have a US passport but my associate does not. We intended to take the tunnel and we'll be in a rental car. We'll only be bringing our cameras and cell phones.
 
I had to keep this gun related so I worded my title about guns. What I really need to know is what documentation I need for crossing the Canadian Border, by car, from Detroit(without a gun).
Click to expand...
I so love situational ethics!
 
The OP may be more gun related than you knew:

Several years ago my wife and I flew into Montreal when the system was a bit less well defined.

At any rate, we're told we need passports.
Don't have 'em.
OK, they say, how about additional ID?

Out comes the Texas CHL and we're waved through the line.
- my wife is still amazed.
 
Just show the border guards your concealed weapons permit as id. I'll bet you'd get plenty of personalized attention.:evil:
 
How about carrying a pocket knife, in a car, crossing the border?
Click to expand...

I had an auto knife on me, along with some fireworks and a swiss army knife clone I bought at a gift shop on my person... I had like 15 books of firecrackers and smokes and stuff. We got through BOTH ways.

As long as you dont look too suspicious, and got multiple people (preferably family/kids), you can get anything across as long as you all got birth certificates and stuff. Also, make your car really messy, like blankets and crap all over.
 
Canadian border guards are full of themselves

I crossed with my brother at BC. When asked if I owned any guns, (what business is it of theirs?) and why, I simply answered truthfully, "Yes. I am required to have a firearm to perform duties as a part time police officer.'' I also answered that I did not have it with me.
That led to a detailed toss of my brother's camper. A**holes.:fire:
Of course, that was a sanitized version to keep from lying. I'm not sure if it is a crime to lie to canadian border guards, so I didn't.
I do know that I hoped to someday have someone tell me "I'm a canadian border guard" while on duty. Never did work out.:cuss:
 
"...what documentation..." Proof of citizenship. Your DL should be enough. A pocket knife is no big deal. Don't even mention a CCW or you'll be sent for a 'secondary'. Our Customs types will ask you if you have any firearms anyway. You won't so it's no big deal. Get caught lying and you'll be turned over to U.S. Customs. Probably after your rented vehicle is ransacked.
If you bring cameras etc, it'll likely be a good idea to talk to U.S. Customs before you cross. I'm not sure if your side has it, but we have a customs declaration card that proves we took stuff like that with us. Proves you bought it at home.
Like Drysdale says, the Windsor/Detroit border crossing is very, very busy. All kinds of trucks full of car parts run back and forth all day.
Mind you, the only thing there is to see in Windsor is the casino.
 
On your way into canada, ell them you are going to "observe" or "attend a presentation", not do any actual work. They have funny foreign worker laws and you don't want to have to wait in that line.
 
Originally posted by Gunpacker:
I crossed with my brother at BC. When asked if I owned any guns, (what business is it of theirs?) and why, I simply answered truthfully, "Yes. I am required to have a firearm to perform duties as a part time police officer.'' I also answered that I did not have it with me.
That led to a detailed toss of my brother's camper. A**holes.
Of course, that was a sanitized version to keep from lying. I'm not sure if it is a crime to lie to canadian border guards, so I didn't.
I do know that I hoped to someday have someone tell me "I'm a canadian border guard" while on duty. Never did work out.
Click to expand...

Well it is their business if you want to enter their country. If you dont like their rules you are free to stay out of their country.
 
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