Canadian documents required

[art miller]

Another rider and I are going to be riding up to British Columbia and Alberta in mid August. My riding bud seems to think we will need more than just a passport to enter Canada. We realize we will need a valid drivers license and registration and perhaps proof of insurance. Will our U.S. proof of insurance card provide such a requirement? Are there any other requirements? I have driven cars from Washington state into British Columbia various times and do not recall being asked for anything other than a passport. Thanks for any info you may provide.

 

[sapest]

Border requirements are just passport, EDL (enhanced drivers license, issued by some states) or NEXUS.

DL, registration and possibly insurance docs required by LEO, should you be graced with such an encounter.

Your US insurance docs will be all you need.

Have fun and remember firearms require registration to enter Canada, prescription drugs should be in the original container, and recreational drugs are not allowed, in any form, no how, no way. Same when re-entering USA.

-Steve

 

[RossKean]

Passport and a smile! (Plus drivers license, registration and US insurance card)

Radar detectors are allowed in the western provinces but will be confiscated in Manitoba and points east of there.

Note the following on firearms:

https://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/transporting-firearms/bringing-a-firearm-into-canada/

 

[sapest]

And fuel is sold in Litres, right now about C$1.50/lt in Vancouver, about C$5.70/US gal. About US$4.40.

-Steve

 

[Pterodactyl]

Make sure you take a handgun...... a big honking one!

 

[RossKean]

Make sure you take a handgun...... a big honking one!

But make sure you don't tell the Border people about it. They LOVE surprises!!

 

[Pterodactyl]

Yup, sorry, I should have mentioned that. It is key that you do so. You will then get the complete Canadian experience.

 

[FJRay]

Yup, sorry, I should have mentioned that. It is key that you do so. You will then get the complete Canadian experience.

Including the cavity search and sleeping with Bubba.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Good luck with the crossing...no contraband required!

~G

 

[sapest]

No Bubba in Canada, its going to be Gilles or Jack.

 

[enumclaw]

Got back from Alberta last week. Showed only my passport both directions.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Check with your US based insurance. They may not cover a crash or claim in Canada. They don't in Mexico anymore.

 

[art miller]

Thanks to all for your comprehensive advice. I suppose I will leave my S&W 357 magnum at home in California. If I am challenged by a moose I will have to rely on my PIAA Freeway Blasters.

 

[Bugnatr]

Good luck with the crossing...no contraband required!

~G

Put all your items from your tank bag into separate zip lock bags like George does. Seems to puzzle the inspectors

 

[its just rain]

And no smart alec remarks no matter how warranted they seem to be!

 

[SacramentoMike]

But if you do, you must say them in both English and French.

(My crossings this summer were completely painless. No special documents needed but the PP.)

 

[puppychow]

No documents required. Canada is not a real country anyway.

 

[RossKean]

No documents required. Canada is not a real country anyway.

 

[RichDoyle]

Flying one's own airplane to Canada and back is totally different, due to US border-crossing regulations. At least ten different ceremonies to be performed, most introduced due to Homeland Security requirements as a result of 9/11. And passports required - no enhanced driver's license or similar. Interaction with the Canadians, in my experience, has been totally without hassle. Less than in a car/bike, believe it or not.