Canadian Customs

[1Harrison]

With Poet's Cove days away, does anyone know where to find a list of restricted items when entering Canada. After visiting the Canadian Gov. web site we were only more confused with the exception of alcohol and tobacco.

 

[Red Raven]

Here's the full meal deal. Type in what you might be bringing in and go through the questions to see if it is OK. Be sure to select the option for personal consumption.

http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca/airs_external/english/decisions-eng.aspx

The short answer, however, is that Canada is much easier to enter than it is to get back into the states as long as you don't exceed the alcohol and tobacco limits. The only recent food restriction I know of is on stone fruits (peaches etc. with a large seed). For the most part we bring prepared foods (never had a problem) and limit the fruits and vegatatables we take across the border. A couple bottles of wine, 1 bottle of hard stuff, or a case of beer per person is no problem.

Coming back into the states can be more troublesome or a least take longer. Similar to Canada entry but no citrus. If you do bring fresh fruit or vegetables across make sure to keep it in the original (US preferred) packaging or keep the stickers identifying the country of origin.

If in doubt on fruits and veggies, look it up on the above link or just don't bring it. If it is alive, just don't. (Edit: see Baz post below on pets)

If you plan on making regular trips across the boarder I recommend a NEXUS trusted traveler card. It is worth it to be able to just call in by cell on the boat.

Curt

 

[baz]

If you have a dog companion with you should have a signed letter/note from you Vet indicating the dog has had a recent/valid rabies vaccination. The note should also be signed in blue by the Vet. 😱

 

[Spinner]

No potatoes, onions, plants, tomatoes, etc etc.

Make it easy on yourself and bring no fresh fruits or vegetables. There is a grocery store not too far away (but not at Poets Cove). Frozen or canned vegetables and fruits are ok, as is dairy, meat (but no lamb) eggs are ok this year....

 

[Levitation]

yeah, the banned items, especially plants, is a hoot given that we have a common land border of some thousands of miles where the barrier between US soil and Canadian soil is a mythical line in some bureaucrat's echoing head.
But all law abiding plants would never consider allowing their pollen to be harvested by an undocumented immigrant bee or a tendril to creep across that invisible line, so all is well :mrgreen:

 

[Irish Mist]

Check " Ship Stores " . I spoke with a friend a couple of years ago that was heading north doing the loop, and there is a provision for " Ship stores " he said you are allowed to bring enough" stuff " which includes alcohol, for each day you are out of your country. It is in place for larger ships but applies to all marine traffic apparently. He has used this with success.. here is the link that was sent to me. However with your strong dollar I would make it simple and just bring cash and get what you need in Canada.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications ... 1-eng.html

 

[Kim and Ed]

Novel idea. How about provisioning when you get to Canada? Sure it may be a little more expensive, but perhaps it is a small price to pay for having free and easy access to one of the world's premier cruising destinations. As visiting American boaters make up a goodly portion of business for many of the small Canadian service providers and outfitters, it would be great if visitors can find reasons to support them.

 

[Red Raven]

I have heard mixed stories regarding "ships stores".

Last week when entering Victoria when asked if we had any alcohol, tobacco, or food I said "nothing beyond our personal exemptions for personal use". The agent's response was "just Ships Stores then?" I said yes and we were Clear no further questions.

A few years ago a friend who owned a wine shop brought a fair amount (don't know how much) wine for consumption during their yacht club cruise. He used the term "Ships Stores" and was told it had to be open bottles to be considered ships stores. If it is in a form you could sell it they will assume you will. They charged him duty on all of it based on the full retail value of the wine. It was an expensive lesson.

Go figure. :?

Curt