I'm moving to Alaska and driving through Canada...?

Question

I will have a uhaul behind my truck. Will it be searched?

Can I bring my firearms in while driving through?

Answer 1

I live in Alaska and have crossed the border a ton of times.

You should ship your firearms in an express shipment to either your new address or someone who can receive them.  This may cost a few $$ and seem like a hassel - but - it could save you a 10-12 hour delay at the border while they tear your U-Haul apart, and DO NOT put it back.

At the border you will be asked if you own any firearms....... say 'yes, but I shipped them' - and they will demand to see the shipping documents.  If you don't have them handy - you get stuck at the crossing until you cough up the documents or they find time to tear your U-Haul apart and do not put it back.

Canada has a special web site set up - just google guns and Canada travel.  You can bring long guns into Candada - but - they have a HUGE list of long guns and shotguns that are illegal in Canada.  Even the Ruger 10/22 rifle that most kids own - totally illegal in Canada.

Hope this helps  

Answer 2

they certainly have the power to search the trailer.  There are some limits on the type of firearm that can be brought in.  check out this site for details

http://www.gonorthwest.com/Visitor/plann...

Answer 3

You can bring most hunting-style long guns into Canada, but you need to fill out paperwork and pay a fee, ($50 last I checked).   But handguns are essentially prohibited.   I agree with other posters that it is easier to just ship it ahead.

I've driven up cars full of stuff many times and have driven up a moving van.   I've driven other people's cars.  Friends have driven my car up for me.  My last trip down the Alcan was last month.

When I was 19, had long hair, and had a Berkeley t-shirt on; they removed every dang thing from the car, asked lots of questions and they eventually made us leave our computer on the US side of the border (personal computers weren't so common then).

But in my 30's and 40's, with a clean shirt, a job, an address I was moving from and another I was moving to:  No problem.  It goes like this:

Hand them my passport.

Any guns? "no", Any handguns? "no"  Are you sure? "yes".  Any alcohol/tobacco? "no", Where are you going?  "Driving to Kenai, Alaska along the Alaskan highway over the next 4 days".  Where are you staying? "  Probably around Prince George tonight and then as far as I get each day.  What do you have with you?

Which might be, "camping gear and some sport-caught fish for family".

Or could be, "furniture, clothes, books, and household items because we're moving from WA to AK."

"Thank you.  Welcome to Canada"

They can ALWAYS search your vehicle, person and body cavities when you cross an international boundary.  Set aside a few hours in case that happens but look and act respectable if you'd like to minimize your chances.

Answer 4

Site below should also be helpful to you.

Answer 5

Here is a suggestion .

Ship your guns via FedEx to a gun dealer in Alaska, where you will be living. Pick them up when you get there.

This completely avoids the need to deal with the hassle of importing them into Canada.

As to the trailer and your tow vehicle, of course it will be searched.

Jim B. Toronto.