What's The scoop on Canada?

It's no big deal and yes GPS works, we have roads, maps, fuel, truck stops, DOT, scales and further north we even have igloos.

 

yes but on some roads the caribou have the right away

 

Rumour has it, fingers crossed, they're talking about have electricity hooked up soon. Finally, that traffic light will work!!!

 

You got fairly zinged, I think. But here's an honest, to-your-point answer from an American that's done into-Canada freight a fair amount.

If you're the type that gets high blood pressure every time you get the red light on your prepass (or see that the scale is open if you haven't got prepass) then border crossing just might not be worth it.

It's fine, for the most part, but there's paperwork in advance, interaction with the customs brokers, interaction with the border patrol, and (if you're in Quebec) the language barrier.

At the actual border crossings, you really need to be able to slow down, take your time, read signs (and read them well) and be prepared for a certain amount of poop-on-you attitude from the crossing officials. In my experience US CBP tends to be more snotty and Heman than Canadian CBSA, but neither of them screw around.

Both parties reserve the right to search your vehicle when you cross (had the contents of this very laptop inspected by CBSA at Thousand Islands) and you're never going to know in advance what kind of special inspection this particular crossing will offer.

So, in short, the actual crossing process requires patience, attention to detail, more patience, humility, submissiveness to authority, inductive reasoning, and lastly, patience.

Driving in Canada, on the other hand, is a breeze. I really like it. I shelled out a few extra bucks for a truck stop guide that includes Canada, and it took away basically all the stress involved (for me) with getting around. Toronto can be a cluster, of course, as can Montreal (French, remember, which I have enough of to get around) but the drive from Edmonton down through Alberta and into BC so I could cross into Idaho was one of the best rides I've ever had.

If you have a passport and a clear record (criminal record) it should be just a matter of habituation. If you've got a record, though, or issues being polite and courteous to young men and women with badges and guns, you might want to skip it.

 

I've been to Canada 4 times since March. The first two times were really exciting because it was a whole new world to explore. After that it gets kind of tedious, if not annoying.

Border crossings can be a pita. First you have to fax your paperwork to the broker (assuming you're crossing using a PARS sticker) and tell them your eta to the border. Then while that's being processed you can tool on up towards the border but then you have to stop either at the Duty-Free place or the closest truck stop to the border and find out if you're cleared to cross. If you've been cleared, then you can show up after a certain time, hand them your 2 forms of ID and the customs invoice with the PARS sticker. Answer some basic questions. Make sure they stamp your paperwork and off you go. Oh and don't forget the toll bridge. WELCOME TO CANADA!

Coming back into the US is a different animal. Again, you have to fax your paperwork to the broker, this time using a PAPS sticker. Then, start tooling towards the border. Then get to the closest truck stop, or a close truck stop and wait for the approval message to say you can cross. Once you've been approved, then dispatch has to fax over your ACE Manifest. Get that important piece of paper in your hot little hands, make sure the info on it is correct, write your entry # on it, and approach the border after the stated time. Answer some basic questions. Get your customs stamp. Shell out $10.75 plus the bridge toll and then hope you don't have to go through VACIS (x-ray). Once you get the clear, customs will most likely keep your ACE Manifest and send you on your way. WELCOME TO AMERICA!

Just remember that the speed limit is in kilometers. Clearance height is in meters. The US dollar is worth less than the Canadian dollar. If you buy something with US currency, expect to get Canadian currency as change. Don't be alarmed when they hand you a bunch of coins, Canada has a $1 coin and a $2 coin. Oh and go to McDonalds, they have a couple things up there they don't have in the U.S...like a double Big Mac! (oh wait, they have that in Laredo now)

Have your ducks in a row regarding your paperwork and you won't get hassled....much. They ask the usual questions: any passengers, how long are you going to be visiting, any weapons, what are you hauling, do you like hockey, etc..etc..

If you're going to Quebec....hope and pray to whatever Almighty Savior you believe in that you'll at least get to drive through Ontario first. If you get to drive through Ontario you can at least get used to seeing road signs in French and English. Once you're in Quebec..it's all in French. (meaning: no English)

Oh and they have weight stations. If the lights on the sign are flashing, that means it's open. Also, if my info is correct, in Canada you can have a little over 12k lbs on the steers and up to 38k on the drives and 38k on the tandems. Of course once you get into the US you'll want to make it legal for our country.

 

oh and Sirius/XM satellite radio works up there too.
My cell phone, however, is sporadic. Phone calls I have to put a 1 in front of the number and most times it connects. Some times I can send texts, other times I cannot.

 

In Jasper, AB the elk have the right of way.

 

Um... good beer, donut shop on every corner... they rub noses instead of kissing.

Oh yeah... its SPG up there and it works backwards!


(My sainted Canadian mother is now turning over in her grave!)