Since Rhybak is out this week fishing on the lake, I can ask a question that won't get the smart-a$$ reply "Google it." I trust some of you have actually researched this info already and can save me the frustration of translation and trying to understand WTF the regulations are ACTUALLY saying and enforcing.
Two questions, both in the context of "Coming from the United States into Canada..."
- Is there a maximum blade length you can have on a 'knife' that, if exceeded, the customs team will confiscate the knife?
- Is red pepper spray (bear deterrent) permitted to be brought into Canada from the U.S.?
Getting close now...only 17.5 days to go until we leave. Lot's to do in between now and then, including a "business trip" to central Montana that includes some fly fishing and skeet shooting. :P
Hi Todd,
Check out http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html
Jay
So it appears from that:
OK to bring in machete, as long as it's not a switchblade machete. :D
No go on pepper spray, though I'm not sure the difference between 'Bear Deterrent' pepper spray and pepper spray "designed for use on humans". Seems like splitting hairs...
Thanks Jay....
You can bring in bear spray, the kind that comes in @12 oz canister. No go on the smaller personal protection type. And you need to declare when crossing border. Do it all the time and never a problem.
here's the loop hole with the pepper spray:
if you're visiting downtown Toronto and declare it; there is no reason for you to have it there. They will confiscate it.
But if you're going to a remote area that is inhabited by bears and cougars, you must declare it as such. That its to ward off animals.
It's more common out west to allow such an importation because of grizzlies. Ontario and Quebec....not so much.
If you take precautions, black bears are not a problem. You wont need it. Why give Customs reasons to stop you?
Personally, if you're going to a lodge, why would you need it? Unless that lodge has garbage everywhere??
Let GOOGLE be your friend ;D ;D ;D
Yeah...thought I could feel a presence in The Force...Rhybak must be back in town.
Thanks for the insights all; the pepper spray was more an inquiry than necessarily trying to get all the necessary "do this and that" legalities about taking it. The only reason I'd need it is if we go bushwhacking trying to get to a back lake...which may or may not occur. Even then, I think the probability of an aggressive bear encounter is quite small...though any probability is good enough reason for me to have something like that handy.
Being that LimaCharley, (if I remember correctly, a former border customs agent) discourages 'bear spray', I would not take any across the border. But you can try it if you want to.
We've not had any issues with bears. An adjacent lake outfitter has hosted bear hunts in season.