First trip

[Ira]

We're heading to Ogascanan in 10 days and have been in the planning stages for months.
As we get closer, I'm concerned about the border crossing. What food can/can't we bring from NY into Canada?

Alcohol - I know 1 bottle of liquor or 1 case of beer per adult. I've seen conflicting reports on which is better to bring and which is cheaper to buy in Ontario or Quebec.

Produce - what about fresh fruit, vegetables? Will there be any problems bringing them into Canada? Do they need to be packaged?
Potatoes - must be in their original bag. Loose fruits, like lemons, limes, apples, pineapples? Vegetables - onions, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms?

Dairy - eggs must show where they originated on the carton? I considered cracking here, & freezing - would that be a problem at the border? (how picky are they, really, about food brought in by a group for a fishing trip?)

Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. Would hate to have our first trip start off bad by having a long stop (and potentially fines?) at the border.

[Jay Thomas]

Check out this web site for some answers

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/information-for-consumers/travellers/what-can-i-bring-into-canada-/eng/1389648337546/1389648516990

If there are still some concerns, consider picking up some things at the Témiscaming IGA - a brand new store.

Jay

[NortonJoe]

@Ira We have always just taken dry goods and paper products across the border.  Last year was the first year we took beer across (and declared it).  We purchase all perishables and liquor at duty free and grocery store in North Bay.

[Captain Hali]

@ Jay, thanks for posting the link to Cdn. Gov. rules on what one can bring into Canada. My daughter who lives in VA. asked me this question last night and you sure made it easy for me to answer her, simply sent her the link. She and her hubby are coming up on June 30. Going to Alwaki, ( first time ) July2nd to 9th. Looking forward to some great fishing.

[RHYBAK]

Ira

There is a good (new) grocery store in Tamiscaming that will have everything you require in the way of perishables.
Here is a link for the weekly sales flyer.

https://www.iga.net/en/flyer?date=2016-06-02&page=1

I suggest you bring your liquor from home.
Buy some good Canadian beer in Quebec.

[Ira]

Thanks all for the prompt replies.

Rhybak - thanks also for the IGA flyer post. I looked at that last week just to see how precious compared. Beer prices in this week's flyer seem reasonable. I guess we'll take care of all that kind of stuff when we get up there.

[RHYBAK]

I seriously don't know why you would want to lug those types of foods from home.
So much easier to pack empty coolers and by fresh produce just before to head into camp.

Good Luck.

[Ira]

Yeah - after reading all these replies, I think that's what we'll be doing - grabbing fresh foods at the Temiscaming IGA. Thanks to all for the info.

One week to go!

[WalleyeSashimi]

I'll be getting to Alwaki, also for the first time, on July 9 as you leave. Hope we both have a great first trip!

[Robnfl3]

I'll be there july 9th for a week as well.  You'll love alwaki (great hosts) we are staying in cabin 6 stop by we will compare fishing notes.

Robert

[adempsey]

I prefer to pre-make a few dinners and freeze it for the trip.   I just made a big batch of chili, pasta meat sauce and meat filling for tacos.   So simple to heat up and serve; and I don't have to mess around with cooking as much while I'm there.   It's cheaper too.   We'll pick up all other perishables in Temiscaming though - must have some fresh meat for burgers!

Can't wait for my Buffalo Walleye and Blue Cheese Linguine dinner!

[Fort Wisers]

Seriously, this is the second or third thread now that has made me hungry.....

[Oarin]

We bring all of our main meals from home. We know what we are getting from our local stores. This year bone in rib eyes fresh cut by the butcher, Gulf of Mexico American WILD caught shrimp, not farm raised in Vietnam, snow crab legs, thick pork chops, Taylor ham, and Zweigles pop open hot dogs to name a few. The IGA in Temiscaming has excellent fresh baked bread and rolls as well as fresh produce which we buy there.

[Nancy]

I have eyed up the breads in the IGA store. They look amazing. But wondering about any experiences you guys may have for that fresh bread keeping a week or maybe you don't have to worry about it. The reason I ask is that we went on a fly in once and the other couple bought bread from their favorite deli, but it got green after about 4 days.

[Oarin]

Hi Nancy, last year we bought their fresh baked rolls.They were excellent and  lasted our 6 day trip just fine. A lot probably depends on how humid it gets..