5 Things to Know When You Come to Canada for Motorcycle Touring or Motorcycle Camping

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

As I said in the video, "I'm just telling you the rules." But because some facts in this video may touch on some people's strong opinions, I've had to delete some comments that were not helpful. Even when written politely, it just opens a can of worms, and this channel is not intended for political discussions. I have my own strong opinions, but I've learned to live with an understanding that the world is not the way I would have it. Live and let live. I even have a bumpersticker on my motorcycle saying that. So, I'm closing comments on this video and thanks for watching whether or not you plan on visiting Canada. I'm just trying to be helpful and share my love of motorcycling.

[@williammahaffy4642]

Another tip... it takes time at the border crossing. Don't be in a hurry. Have your ID ready and remove your gloves to speed things up, especially if there is a queue. You will have to remove your helmet for them to compare to your passport photo. Also, don't have your GoPro recording when you enter the border crossing. I was asked to turn mine off as soon as I stopped at the booth. Otherwise, very friendly and helpful.

[@adam346]

If you are slightly amateur and don't want to take on more sparsely populated areas of Canada, South-Western Ontario is fairly densely populated with a small-medium town every 30-40 minutes and gas stations practically everywhere. If you feel like you want more wilderness it's a mere 3 hour drive NE if you enter from Detroit, however I would HEAVILY recommend crossing at Port Huron and take the lake road... beautiful sights the entire way and some lovely camping grounds/beaches as well.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I haven't been in that area for a long time, but so true. I used to camping up near Grand Bend when the park was still a military training area.

[@tarandusmt8089]

Thank you! Great timing as I'm heading to AB the first week of June. I just hope it's not raining too much!

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Hope you have a great trip.

[@tarandusmt8089]

@@RetiredAdventureRider Thanks! So far I'm mainly on pavement 2 lane roads, but hope to take the Forestry Trunk Rd 40 north to where it is still closed, then maybe some dirt roads between Radium and Fernie if they are lower elevation and open that early. Can't wait!

[@HPaul-kg1co]

Number Six : All jurisdictions (provinces and territories) in Canada require a helmet. There are still penalties for riding without one. In fact you can't cross the border without one. Regarding mosquitos and all other bugs (black flies, deer flies, horse flies, etc) the numbers start to drop mid summer. But it also depends on the weather. Moist & warm is when you cover up.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I'm so used to wearing a helmet that I forget that some places don't require them. Thanks for the reminder.

[@morecowbell20]

Great video! As an Albertan, I hate to say that you now need a crown land camping pass in order to wild camp in this province.

[@RandyMcCotter]

Only in the mountain region. Basically anywhere along the FTR. It’s still free to camp on crown land in most of Alberta

[@chuckwilson2301]

Another Bucket List trip for me. Always wanted to ride the Alcan highway to Alaska. Won’t have any bike troubles with the speed or maintenance problems. Should be able to find a dealership easily.Have a Cam-Am Spyder which was born in Canada. I did know about the gun control laws and fruit and vegetables laws. Good video

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thank you. I rode the Alaska highway as far as Watson Lake, Yukon, in 2021. The western portion is wide open but lots of transport trucks. I saw lots of wildlife through the mountains. Be sure to stop at Liard Hot Springs provincial park if you are camping. I hope to do another trip north before too long.

[@Ericc804]

Check and double check to make sure you do NOT have any weapons including firearms, ammo, tasers, brass knuckles and pepper spray. Declared long guns are fine but pistols you might want to check. Guards are very tough on guns. Bear and dog spray are permitted but only for its true purpose.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Good points. Thanks.

[@pinguzoe]

funny and good video. yes I put 87 octan in my africa twin

[@flopp53]

Good short video. BTW, according to the BMW manual midgrade (aki 89) is fine for the RS. I ride a 1200GSA and have used 87 and 89 when 91 is not available and it works fine. It does run a little better with 91, so that is what I choose, but it is not required, just my choice.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thanks for sharing

[@rickyoung360]

Regarding mosquitos, I use a Thermocell Backpacker Repeller with excellent results. It's a must in most areas even in the US.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I just saw that at an outdoor store and I wondered if it works. Thanks for the tip.

[@rickyoung360]

@@RetiredAdventureRider with the Thermocell I was able to enjoy my evenings after a long day of riding sitting in my chair and not even hearing the buzz of a mosquito when prior to firing it up I was being swarmed.

[@MauriceHess-y1d]

And take extra gas with you !! Gas stations abound ,, but sometimes close early and open late !!!

[@tigercoward]

Excellent video! Well done.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Thank you very much!

[@larryjanson4011]

i had thought about going up to alaska. but after seeing how many miles through canada. i would have to buy new tires to start out of Washington state. and on return buy another set.

[@mjordan812]

Credit cards & fees. A lot have a "Foreign Transaction Fee" - but not all. Shop around for one that doesn't have one if yours do - it adds up.

[@thomaseatkinson7088]

I rode to Alaska from the lower 48 a few years ago. When you are in western Canada remember...you can purchase any octane gasoline you need...regular, mid grade, premium...its all available for sale. You can buy whatever you need....you'll get regular, but you can pay for what ever you want.

[@Kevimoto]

I work for Parkland. I have no idea what you're talking about.

[@rolyfisher9137]

Are you certain that US citizens do not have to carry a passport? Everything I have says we do, and twice last year when I entered Canada, I had to show it!

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I am reporting what is on the Canadian Border Services website. It says a passport is preferred but not required. I can't attest to practices by the Border officials.

[@williammahaffy4642]

Did a trip in the Fall around the Lakes. had to show passport going in and coming out.

[@jamesvandemark2086]

On a long ago border crossing I had three bananas on my bike. Solution? The two customs guys & I each had a snack! They wished me well as I rode north towards some nasty storms!

[@DavidNewmanDr]

Which is the best app for finding EV charging stations in Canada? (I ride an Energica)

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I don't know anything about finding EV stations but I'm interested in electric vehicles and I'd love to try one some time. What's your range? I see stations along the highway and my brother-in-law drives all over BC in his electric car.

[@Zzrdemon6633]

Charging stations are few and far between in the east, depends on your range, in the north it used ti be 2-300 miles between gas stations, I did a ride down from chaplou to the trans canada highway and it was 400km not even a single store

[@randomstuffwithjoe]

I thought you now needed a passport to travel to and from Canada from the U.S.? I remember when you could cross the border with just your drivers license, but that ended years ago. Am I misinformed?

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Canadians need a passport to travel to the US. Americans don't need a passport to travel to Canada; they can do it on proof of citizenship and government ID. I looked it up on the Canadian Border Services website.

[@Pierrelaliberte]

@@RetiredAdventureRider yes but they need a passport to get back in the US! Silly but true!

[@retired3067]

Should carry a passport, best ID when travelling here.

[@billcarson1971]

@@Pierrelaliberte unless you’re an illegal alien from a foreign country. Then you can walk across any southern border no problem. Silly, but true.

[@TheBuckspygmy]

Don't forget the Maple syrup/

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

Black flies. Be prepared.

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Black flies have a limited range but they are nasty.

[@casadeloboinnovacion7960]

Kindly don’t throttle bomb your loud motorcycles while transversing our beautiful countryside. I am an avid motorcyclist and always respectful while riding through residential neighborhoods and expect the same of my motorcycle brothers and sisters.

[@brunobandiera2062]

Wildlife addendum : if you leave food lying around your campsite, you WILL attract bears... and raccoons... and skunks !

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

Definitely! I think raccoons are a bigger problem because they are more common. I've also seen mice get into our food.