Crossing into Canada eh

A group of us are planning a trip to Canada this summer and thought you guys might be a good resource for this. I guess my biggest concern is getting back into this country, for some strange reason.

All of us were born and raised in this country so that's not an issue and I know all that's required until Dec. is a certified copy of your birth certificate but I will probably get a passport just for reassurance. Is there anything that any world travelers out there may suggest?

I believe as of January 1st, you need a passport to re-enter the U.S. I can't be arsed to confirm that, but like you said, there's no harm in carrying it.

Leave your firearms on the U.S. side. So many Americans seem to think they have the right to bear arms *everywhere*! Confiscation of their weapons is how we Canadians armed our military.

Check with your insurance company on coverage across the border. You may need to add that coverage on.

If you need to take medication, leave it in the original pill container.

Where in Canada are you off to?

Jasper

Thanks for the tips, the insurance verification is definitely a good idea. I do hope that leathermen's aren't in high demand in your military though

Oh- according to the U.S. State Dept, passports aren't required for land crossings until December 31, 2007 (Dec. 2006 for air and sea). Right now it's either a passport or birth certificate but I personally feel more at ease traveling with a piece of paper that won't be questioned as much (knowing our govt will still find a way ).

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1170.html

Last summer I used a passport. It seems like the passport should be stronger evidence since a birth certificate was required in order to get the passport. It was interesting watching Canadian customs when going in to Canada. Some people with boats had a long wait ahead of them as their boats and trucks were searched. I was only questioned. I was asked the some of the same questions at 2 different points by 2 different people, presumeably to see if I gave conflicting answers...

I spent a week in august riding southern bc. Not the first time I've ridden into canada.

passport, get one...and don't have, or go with anyone, that has a dui...canada says no-no to people entering with a dui.

be happy to give you roads, towns..ect that are absolutely fantastic if you are looking for suggestions.

Growing up in Buffalo, NY, I made the crossing in and out of Ontario a lot, in a wide variety of states of sobriety. Foremost, don't do anything dumb, like bringing a little weed for your anxiety. Beyond that, have your Birth Certificate and Passport if you have one. Have your Drivers's License (duh)and the little brown card you get if you move before the DL expires. Make sure your reg and insurance is current, and that your insurance covers you in Canada, as previously mentioned. The border crossing is painless, unless the customs agent asking you inane questions is a hottie, which happens far more often than you would assume. Don't say anything dumb (although in Buffalo, claiming you were going to or from the "Canadian Ballet" was the smoothest ticket over), and you're good to go.

The worst thing is always the trip back in. It's not a really big deal, but it always seems offensive to have to answer to some dimwit just to get back to your own country. It makes you wonder what peple visiting here must think of us.

Have great trip, and be sure to visit the ballet!