Driving over the border to Canada

habitat · Post by **habitat** » 26 Jun 2006 14:24

So has anyone drove over the border lately? What do I need to be able to visit Canada for Shredmonton? I know I need my ID and whatnot, but do I need a birth certificate or anything like that? I don't want to drive all the way and get burned because I forgot something. Plus, should I convert my money?

Any info?

Iron Clad Ben · Post by **Iron Clad Ben** » 26 Jun 2006 17:45

James, travel to Canada is fun and exciting. I used to "North of the border" quite a bit when I live in the northeast. Here are some tips:

Convert your money at a bank in the preferably in your home town. Some fast food places and conveniece stores near the border offer exchange, but the rates are a total ripoff. Banks will always give you the best rates.

To get across the border you need either the original copy of your birth certificate or a passport. You will not get past the border without it!

Other tips

Treat the border patrol people on both sides like GOLD. If they give you shit, do not talk back. Just apologize and do what they ask. Answer all their questions.

The speed limits are in Km/h. Your speedometer should have both. Divide Km/h by 1.6 to get mph. So 100 Km/h is 62.5mph. Fines for speeding are OUTRAGEOUS! Do not fuck around. DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT OR YOU WILL BE VERY SORRY!

Also...

If you do drugs, DON'T bring them. You get caught with that shit and you're fucked. I'm serious, don't bring it.

There is an embargo against cuban cigars. You can buy them in Canada but if US customs catches you trying to bring them back over the border they will arrest you. Don't get any smartass ideas.

Back before my vegetarian days I bought a piece of pepperoni pizza at a rest stop in Ontario on my way home. American customs wouldn't let me bring it over the border. I had to throw it out. You can't bring meat, fruit or vegetables across the border. It's not a major offense, they will just make you throw it out.

The drinking age and smoking age in Canada is 19. So you're good, right? Have fun! Be safe.

sen · Post by **sen** » 26 Jun 2006 17:48

Smoking is 18. Drinking depends on Province. Alberta is 18. Saskatchewen is 19. I spelt my own province wrong. Oh well. I think Newfoundland is 21. Not sure. Maybe I'm thinking about there stupid drivers licence thing...

Anyways, drinking age differs from Province to Province. In Edmonton it is 18.

Wasabi · Post by **Wasabi** » 26 Jun 2006 18:24

I was just thinking on what to do if I ever go to Canada, specifically Ontario. Thanks for the info Ben. I'll be sure not to bring food over the border.

habitat · Post by **habitat** » 26 Jun 2006 19:45

Wow, thanks for the quick, very detailed response Ben! In Edmonton it's 18 to drink? Good for Mario

I'll just need to convert my money when I get it stacked up.

Everyday I get more stoked for Shredmonton ...

Kyle Hewitt · Post by **Kyle Hewitt** » 26 Jun 2006 21:05

Iron Clad Ben wrote:
There is an embargo against cuban cigars. You can buy them in Canada but if US customs catches you trying to bring them back over the border they will arrest you. Don't get any smartass ideas.

Opps =(

SlashC · Post by **SlashC** » 26 Jun 2006 21:47

Yeah, So... no cuban cigars for you Kyle

Essentially what Ben said, but from some official looking website:

So if you're flying in you'll need a passport. If you're driving then passport or valid birth certificate.

Also some more useful (and maybe redundant?) information:

CANADA – Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required. Minors (under 16) traveling alone or in someone else’s custody must present written authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian. Visas are not required. Canadian immigration officials at ports of entry will issue persons planning to stay longer than 180 days a visitor’s record. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before travel. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. HIV testing required for resident applicants who are over 15. A temporary resident applicant requires immigration medical examination if stay exceeds 6 months or seeking to work in Canada. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202/682-1740) or the nearest Consulate General: CA (213/346-2701), MI (313/567-2085), NY (212/596-1700 or 716/858-9501), or WA (206/443-1375). Internet: www.canadianembassy.org

and for Kyle or any other potential minors:

Question
Can a minor under 18 travel to another country without their parents?

Answer
Minors may be able to travel to another country without either one of their parents, as long as they have a notarized written consent letter from both parents. Minors interested in doing this should contact the embassy to address admissibility questions. A list of embassy's and entry requirements can be obtained at www.travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html or call the embassy by phone.

COME TO SHREDMONTON!

mc · Post by mc » 26 Jun 2006 21:47

my last few times over the border, all I needed was my driver's liscense. The last time I went to Canada, the border guard didn't even look at my ID.

DEFINITELY do not bring drugs. The only times I've ever tried anything sketchy like that, my voice cracked or I looked scared or something, and I got searched. Luckily, I am tricky and I didn't get caught, but had some close calls! Don't fuck around! anything you need can be found on either side of the border

habitat · Post by **habitat** » 26 Jun 2006 23:19

I'll definately get ahold of Regamey for my drugs. He is the shizznite mcNastyfunkatron.