Canadian customs

muised · Apr 10, 2007

Easy

You can buy one at Wal-Mart in Canada without a licence, so it should not be a problem.

Joe · Apr 10, 2007

flare gun....

http://boating.ncf.ca/equipment.html#6-8http://www.trailersailors.org/webpage/36http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4341/rc4341-e.htmlcall 1-888-226-7277 regarding the flare gun question. .. firearms of any kind, stun guns, mace and pepper spray are mentioned as illegal... so why not call the source for a specific answer.

jimq26 · Apr 10, 2007

Yes - you can clear customs.

Whether you have an Orion or Comet flare pistol makes no difference. The customs people know what they are used for and that their use for flares are a legal requirement for marine recreational vessels.

Fred · Apr 10, 2007

I go back and forth a lot with safety equipment

as required by both governments. The same flare guns are used and required in Canada as in the US. You will not have any problem with any flare guns or safety equipment required by the US.Canada Customs is most concerned about regular handguns. I haven't tried to bring a shotgun or rifle into Canada, but I know folks bring their own guns to hunt here.

Monty VM · Apr 10, 2007

regulations

I sail across the border on the west coast several times a year. Flare guns are fine. Do not have the pistol shell conversion component to fire a .38 caliber shell however as that will be criminal in CA. As someone else wrote mace and pepper spray are illegal but bear spray is legal. it is stronger than pepper spray, will shoot 20' or more and is legal as long as it is labeled bear spray. someone wrote here about hunting guns. keep in mind many guns may be legally taken into CA but you must first obtain a special permit, even for shotguns and hunting rifles entering without the permit in advance is a crime. if you cross regularly consider enrolling in one of the trusted traveler programs, can pass for CA, I68 for the US. on the west coast we also have a nexis program that can be used for your car, boat and plane, enrolls you with both countries and is good for several years. with it you can generally cross with no more than an advance phone call.

Ken Palmer · Apr 10, 2007

Have never had a problem

I sail into Canada several times a year on Lake Ontario. I have never had a problem with the flare gun.

PrincessoftheLake · Apr 10, 2007

Phil, where and when will you

cruising the north shore? We keep our boat in Bayfield and while we mostly stay in the Apostles, we may head over to Thunder Bay or Isle Royale this summer some time.Just wondering if we might bump into one another....

higgs · Apr 11, 2007

Canada and guns

Spent most of last summer in Canada and when asked about fire arms by customs, I told them I had a flare gun and they said that was fine. When boarded, I was asked several times about having guns. The official told me many americans do lie about it and if caught later on, the consequences are serious. Be sure to check in with customs right away - you are not even supposed to anchor out over night until you do. I found the officials to be pleasant to work with - something I did not find when checking back into the States where they took a good half hour or more interviewing me and my family.Take as much beer as you legally can - I think 2 cases is the limit. In canada, beer prices are absolutely ridiculous. A cheap 12 pack is around $15. Molson's Canadian was $22 for a twelve.

Richard Bryer · Apr 11, 2007

Absolutely

bring beer, not guns. Now mind you- we are not big fans of American beer, but do like your prices and the convenience of being able to buy it at the corner store or gas station.Every nation has their hang ups i guess

Monty VM · Apr 11, 2007

beer limits

the current limits are posted on the CA customs web site. they are measured per person of drinking age, which varies from province to provice. In BC you can bring up one case of 12 oz beers, or 1 quart of liquor, I dont remember if wine is one bottle or two. but you do not get two cases of beer per person.

Rick A · Apr 11, 2007

Flare guns are fine

No worries about flare guns, they are legal in Canada and do not require a special permit. They are an approved and regognized safety device.Having said that, don't use it as a weapon and shoot someone with one, that would cause you great problems.Beer on the other hand, is also fine, but why would you want to bring that swill you call beer into Canada when there are so many fine brews available. Bringing american beer into Canada, almost criminal, that should be illegal.

jimq26 · Apr 11, 2007

Rick A. - maybe you should have another one??

(nm)

Monty VM · Apr 11, 2007

hey Rick

if you are the beer master, can you tell me where I can buy molson golden? for golden I would gladly pay CA beer prices but I haven't seen it out west in 15 years and no one even knows if it is made anymore.

higgs · Apr 11, 2007

Beer

We have many fine brewers in this country, that you guys in Canada can't get up there. What you can get from us up there is not our best: Miller, Bud etc. We keep the best for ourselves but would be happy to share if you guys come down for a visit.You guys also have some great stuff - but who can afford to drink it, eh?

Ferg · Apr 11, 2007

Princess & Phil…..

If you’re coming this way anyhow, you may as well come up with the Bayfield racers for the Transnational!Big party, good fun, great sailing!Bring your flare gun, bring beer, bring your best goofy grin!Seriously though, our customs people are fairly easy going but very thorough. Don’t bring any guns or anything else that’s restricted. And for gosh sakes, if you forgot about the .32 in some little back cupboard, chuck it over the side before you check in!Otherwise our very polite and friendly customs agents will apologize to you for having to take you to jail.Later, eh!Ferg

higgs · Apr 11, 2007

Canada and guns

Customs officials told me if I declared I had a gun, that could be handled and I would even be able to get a gun back. Don't know what would have actually happened as I don't own any guns.After my two months in Canada last summer I would say I found the country very hospitable and Canadaians very friendly. I will be back.

Richard Bryer · Apr 11, 2007

higgs

if you do come across the lake this summer ( assuming we do get a summer eventually) come and visit us at the National Yacht Club- descent beer on tap prices not to bad especially given the exchange rate- look me up and I will buy you a cool one

Ferg · Apr 12, 2007

Yeah....

….I over stated the point. Mainly, if you claim a hand gun, they’ll either “hold it for you” or put a government trigger lock on it.Mainly, I was trying to convince people NOT to bring hand guns to my little neck of the woods. See, here in northern culture, hand guns have about same status as electric chainsaws, (wimpy little yuppy toys) and the general population sees them as a sign of weakness and fear. A difference in gun culture to say the least.However, if you do, and don’t claim it. You do risk a long prison term, your crimes would be giving false statement to an Officer of the Crown (a max of 5 years) and smuggling restricted weapons across sovereign borders. (something like 20 years without parole) But, they’d be really polite while they arrest you…..Ferg

higgs · Apr 12, 2007

Richard

I plan to be there, but I am hoping for you to buy me at least two beers.

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