Quirky but meaningful Site Stops

[Tommys]

Hey Adventurers,
Some of you watching my trip to Canada have asked about the “Site Stops” I share and talk about.
Absolutely! Every trip needs stops that are fun, interesting, and sometimes a little weird.
If you want to check out my “Site Stops” that might make you smile or give you a new place to visit, come along!
Let’s hit the road.

SITE STOPS

 

[socialpants]

Very cool trip.

 

[Tommys]

Thanks, it took a year to plan, whew!
The border crossing wasn't as planned, but we managed.

 

[socialpants]

That’s interesting about the border crossing. I didn’t realize Mace couldn’t be taken into Canada—I assume that applies to bear spray as well? Based on the video, I’m guessing you suspect the delay was caused by your “reverse and pull over” maneuver just before crossing? Some good tips there.

 

[rgallant]

@socialpants yea mace and bear spray are a no go coming into Canada. There is a web site you can visit prior that helps, it is a very good starting point.

Border reminder checklist

A checklist for residents returning to Canada to make border crossing easier.

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

 

[pnwlife]

Bear spray, providing it really is bear spray (i.e. is sold as bear spray such as this and this), is just fine to bring into Canada. I drive into Canada on a regular basis carrying bear spray with no issues. Personal defense spray is a different story.

 

[grubworm]

...and then you have to cross back into the United States...

 

[MuckSavage]

Officer Ham Fingers

 

[ZombieCat]

Bear spray, providing it really is bear spray (i.e. is sold as bear spray such as this and this), is just fine to bring into Canada. I drive into Canada on a regular basis carrying bear spray with no issues. Personal defense spray is a different story.

Just to add, the bear spray must be declared at the border crossing, marked as US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) approved, indicate it is for use on animals (not humans) and be no more than 500 milliliters per canister (just under 17 ounces). Bear bangers (an explosive) and any pepper spray/mace products designed for use on humans are prohibited. I’ve crossed the land border into Canada many times with bear spray, no issues.

 

[socialpants]

Bear spray, providing it really is bear spray (i.e. is sold as bear spray such as this and this), is just fine to bring into Canada. I drive into Canada on a regular basis carrying bear spray with no issues. Personal defense spray is a different story.

Just to add, the bear spray must be declared at the border crossing, marked as US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) approved, indicate it is for use on animals (not humans) and be no more than 500 milliliters per canister (just under 17 ounces). Bear bangers (an explosive) and any pepper spray/mace products designed for use on humans are prohibited. I’ve crossed the land border into Canada many times with bear spray, no issues.

That’s good info. I’m also assuming (which we all know what happens there) that you can purchase “Canada” approved spray once across the border? Is that assumption true?

 

[rgallant]

@socialpants you can purchase bear spray here in Canada. There is a whole id thing, thanks to gangs and lowlifes, but no big deal.

 

[ZombieCat]

Bear spray, providing it really is bear spray (i.e. is sold as bear spray such as this and this), is just fine to bring into Canada. I drive into Canada on a regular basis carrying bear spray with no issues. Personal defense spray is a different story.

Just to add, the bear spray must be declared at the border crossing, marked as US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) approved, indicate it is for use on animals (not humans) and be no more than 500 milliliters per canister (just under 17 ounces). Bear bangers (an explosive) and any pepper spray/mace products designed for use on humans are prohibited. I’ve crossed the land border into Canada many times with bear spray, no issues.

That’s good info. I’m also assuming (which we all know what happens there) that you can purchase “Canada” approved spray once across the border? Is that assumption true?

I’ve never tried to buy it in Canada, since I’m equipped before entering. Their stores do carry some of the same brands we have in the U.S. Check the US Customs and Border website for the rules.

 

[Tommys]

That’s interesting about the border crossing. I didn’t realize Mace couldn’t be taken into Canada—I assume that applies to bear spray as well? Based on the video, I’m guessing you suspect the delay was caused by your “reverse and pull over” maneuver just before crossing? Some good tips there.

Absolutely, that was a rookie mistake.
Now I know.