Learn From My Mistakes! Things to Consider When Driving Across Canadian Border 🇨🇦

When entering the Canadian border recently, I encountered some issues. Maybe these mistakes were self-induced. Maybe I'm just an entitled American. Either way, avoid these mistakes the next time you enter Canada.

[@bobelliott2748]

I lived in Canada (still do) very close to the Alberta-Montana border in the early-mid 70's. I was a young male and I and friends would go, after work, to the USA border and tell them we were going to the bar in Baab, Montana and there was no problem. They let us through and there was no problem getting back to Canada. Can't do that now

[@DavidAntrobus]

It literally happens on both sides of the border hundreds of times a day, maybe thousands. There are certain red flags _both_ sides look for: few ties to the person's home country, no clear or obvious plans, such as hotel bookings, vagueness about the return date, possibly evasive answers about who they're going to meet, and potentially working in the destination country (that's a big one). These are really common. If you trigger their concern, they will pull you into secondary and possibly even refuse you entry. It's absolutely not personal, very little to do with how you look, but more about how you answer their questions.

[@andre_p]

Add to the list: trying to be funny. That never flies.

[@DavidAntrobus]

@@andre_p Oh, right, good call. I left that one out.

[@Legacyleaves]

Some Canadian citizens are treated the same way these days or worse, especially if they don't want to disclose their health information or anything like that to Health Canada, I know someone who got a $5,000 fine cause they didn't have this specific app on their phone. It's crazy!

[@denisegreene8441]

Bullsit on that.

[@schwenda3727]

That’s just for Canadians, correct? As in US citizens don’t have to download that particular app, do they? I was annoyed enough to literally have to download an app literally just to use Chicago’s Metra trains (as I was literally there for a weekend but hotels were more cost effective in the suburbs).

[@sharis9095]

So you showed up at an international border without being prepared, without your vaccine card and without a place to stay. The border agents do their job and go through your stuff because your answers are questionable. They accept your photo for the vaccine card and they let you through. Yet you say (2x) that it's because of how you look? Sheesh.... I bet when you went to those other countries you were prepared, proper documentation, place to stay etc. You also say "not be harassed". Did they actually harass you or just do their jobs? I think you're right, you are an entitled American and the "look the way I do" is playing the victim and trying to make the whole thing into something it wasn't.

[@lovemylife4573]

You are welcome to Canada. Do not take officers so personally. It is their job. They were suspicious because you came for so short period of time .

[@angieestey2778]

What's the crime minister's acceptable period of time?

[@FrankBullitt390]

@@angieestey2778 We got torn apart coming back from the US for the same thing, they think its impossible that someone would go over for dinner and a short drive around to check things out. They think you're running guns/drugs or got work done on your car. Some of those border clowns need to chill TF out and stop taking their jobs so bloody serious. Pre 9/11 they'd give you tips on where to go and wave you through, now its interrogation time.

[@SaraHouck461]

​@@FrankBullitt390Now I know why those events easily caused tourism to plummet, because this should serve as a painful reminder on why that term sounds eerily similar to terrorism...and how.

[@AD-oy8nm]

bro canadian we're your neighbors. trust me no one from the US is dying to immigrate to canada right now. You guys are interrogating us americans worse than the unchecked migrants from India or Palestine. I heard on NPR in 2024 the canadian in charge of tourism is crying about the lack of tourism to canada. listening to that guy's story and you wonder why no one wants to come and spend their money up north to be treated like garbage. please vote for politicians who will stop unfettered migrants some who are not friendly and coming down south into the US to cause trouble

[@redcomic619]

Strange. I crossed the border twice recently in Buffalo and Windsor. I swear to you neither guard even looked down at my ID. They just asked the basic questions and waved me through in 2 mins. For some reason you were profiled or suspected of criminal activity.

[@thomasshajan86]

I had a drive to Seattle from Vancouver. The us border officers were really good. But when I returned back to Vancouver, the Canadian border officer treated me so bad. I reported it to their superior and the issue was dealt with respectfully.

[@stevetaylor2445]

I had the same treatment entering the US from Canada. The reason why they are so suspicious is because you were not nervous enough. Boarder guards seem to think they are intimidating. I was held in a waiting room for 45 minutes and went sound asleep. If I had have been nervous I would likely have been waved through.

[@aburden8580]

border. Some studies in criminology state that a guilty person will fall asleep / not care while an innocent is nervous, paces, fidgets around. Same deal for the psycho-baddies-they just don't care at all. Fall asleep, eh? GUILTY!

[@stevetaylor2445]

@@aburden8580 yep guilty of not caring,either they let me pass or they don't

[@aburden8580]

@@stevetaylor2445 OK. Is your glass 1/2 full or 1/2 empty? Or don't look, don't care, just drink! Like I said to the other guy-lottery: busy-time-quota-vehicle-shifty eyes.

[@stevetaylor2445]

@@aburden8580 last option about the glass. I had traumatic workplace injury and it affected my personality-or at least I think so,can't remember if I was the same before. No empathy,no filter on things I say (can literally heat the words come out without the ability to stop or rephrase politely)and no apathy since. Might always have been that way? Also when it comes to displaying guilt I don't do that because I don't do anything to be guilty of. It's good to see that the study you cite backs up my casual observation. On a side note my research says that 3 of those things are 3 of the 6 requirements to be a sociopath. Good thing I only have 3.

[@ryans413]

All you gotta do is have proof to what you say. So if your going to explore stay at least a week have money to sustain your stay. If your going for a concert show your tickets. If your going in for a wedding say where it is and how long your stay will be. Most people pull up and think they can just get in because they show a passport you gotta tell them your reasons for coming and then show some proof and you’ll be sent though no problem

[@ryans413]

As a Canadian I’ll tell you where you went wrong. First of all Canada is very strict it helps protect its citizens it may feel very rude to people wanting to come into Canada but as a Canadian I’d rather have a strict border patrol then for them too just let in a bunch of whackos. Your mistake was saying you were just staying for the night. That is odd to hear because to a border agent that comes off as you are here to do something potentially bad and then high tail it out of here. If you are coming to explore Canada that’s fine you can do that but I’d recommend you come for a week have the camping gear with you or have the money you need to sustain your stay why’ll your here to pay for fuel and hotel rooms. Then the officer would let you through no problem. It’s not against the law to go to another country to explore and enjoy yourself but you need to have the right things to justify what you tel them like money a place to stay or camp. Saying your just coming in for the night is very odd and that’s why they searched your car they probably thought you were trafficking drugs.

[@Rental-jz4oo]

I don’t see anything wrong with visiting a city just for a night

[@jakepeters2497]

Hey I have a $6255 fine hanging over my head for refusing to give my vaccine status and I am a Canadian citizen.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

I hope you're not going to pay it. It's robbery and against our charter rights.

[@bobgillis1137]

Thanks for doing that, Jake. Does the fine print discuss a court option ?

[@rich8381]

I'm sure KZbin will stop you from seeing this, but DO NOT pay it. It's not enforceable as they haven't updated the legislature. I talked to a city official when this all started.. technically they still aren't allowed to ask you for health related status. They use it as a threat, because 99% of people will just go with it.. and there the eff do they come up with 6255? Like what's the last 5 bucks for

[@jakepeters2497]

Yes I will be able to present it to a judge but I have not heard anything from the courts

[@rich8381]

@@jakepeters2497 keep us updated

[@robertcampomizzi7988]

I live on the border. I know lots of border agents. You gave all the answers they don't want to hear. "Exploring Montreal" is usually more than a one day thing.... if you would have had plans , hotel reservations or a specific destination/event/landmark in mind the converstaion may have been different. One person travelling alone for a day trip with no plans to speak of sounds suspicious for gun runners, smugglers, etc.... I hope you had a good time otherwise. Also they do do random checks... that might have been it too. I'm sure if you came back it wouldn't be the same experience necessarily.

[@alexfaulkner5063]

I plan to return very soon actually. This time of year the weather is absolutely beautiful. This time I hope to have a better plan when entering.

[@humbly-soalejandro6898]

I just got my passport, can't I just go for a drive into say Blaine, Washington from Surrey,BC and say " I just want to grab a bite to eat, go for a drive, shouldn't be more than a couple hours" the border is literally 20 minutes from my place. Side note out of curiosity can I buy chewing tobacco for personal use and bring some back? I didn't have car for years and just got my first passport so I would love go, I did end up driving to the border today but went at the wrong time and there was a huge line

[@teamhop]

Hey I’ve got some really great news to share with you, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on a cross and resurrected on the third day so you may all have eternal life. If you believe and repent of your sins and put your faith and trust in Him as you would a parachute jumping off a plane at 25000 feet up in the air, He will give you eternal life in heaven as a free gift and I promise you, He will change your life forever as He did mine. He is the ONLY way to heaven and He loves you all. Please think deeply about this with urgency because this is your eternal life and soul, you don’t know when you could die, meaning you could die at any moment, so please consider this with all your heart. If anyone tells you that Jesus isn’t the only way, they are lying to you and they don’t care about your future.

[@visaman]

​@@humbly-soalejandro6898Blaine was the place to go to in the 70s, for drinking in the Taverns on Sundays, and Pull Tabs. Oh, and the Prono Theater. Not too sure if there is anything worth going there for now

[@abebresehpauljnr1670]

Hello am planning to travel to Canada by bus. Am a Green card holder of the USA. Can I travel with my foreign passport and green card only without a visa ?

[@josephrobi6806]

I got the same going to USA 🇺🇸 30 years ago. They make me feel I was a bad dude. It was during Christmas time.

[@shadesalans4977]

On October 1, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Canada, or board a plane or train in Canada. This applies to travel within Canada and flights or trains leaving Canada.

[@2007Lynx2007]

You can thank Trudeau for the problems at the border.

[@lawrenceparker1523]

Yes

[@ianasquith3902]

Have you been to Quebec as an English speaker. Dar!

[@Rental-jz4oo]

First mistake is that going to QUEBEC

[@barrykrebs8180]

​@Rental-jz4oo I never had any problems crossing into Quebec. But that said I am Canadian born. I live in the US myself btw.

[@philipmclaughlin9636]

You would think he would want legitimate tourists to come into his country to spend money and help the economy.

[@ztarr]

When my friend and I went, the agent was so aggressive. It shook my friend up so much that she didn't want to drive within the country. We parked and literally walked everywhere we could and that meant that our plans to go to a winery about an hour away had to be canceled 😕

[@mharper6877]

Sad, sad, sad...I'm so sorry you had to go through that! As a Canadian I'm so ashamed of our Prime Minister and our border! So horrible!

[@derekjohn4412]

Disgraceful is the word I would use to treat our southern neighbors this way. Meanwhile criminals, pedophiles. drug addicts etc have easy access to cross the border with the RCMP acting as bellhops.

[@unix6805]

Pierre for PM

[@ML-ov7wo]

Lol Pierre will do nothing

[@northlander4370]

You ever cross the border to the U S ? ..well we did at Buffalo , we are seniors and we were treated like armed terrorists by the U S border guards ...held us for two hours and threw our belongings around and left them for us to clean up ...so dont be so critical of our guards until you experience what American guards are like !! ...maybe you should move to the U S .

[@rb239rtr]

Trudeau was at the crossing?

[@couchsofa2977]

i get treated like that and worse every time i cross the border into the USA. the worst crossing is the Windsor / Detroit crossing.

[@WinnerofWinning888]

To me,I got treat pretty good on both sides, just basic questions, where will you go?"little Caesar arena" Why do you go there?"Red wings - Maple leafs game" How long will you be there?"4 -5hours"

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

I used to go to Montreal for the day all the time. Sometimes a few times a month. Never really had an issue, but this was also pre-2001. I've crossed into Canada dozens of times since 2001, and only had one issue where I was taking some china to my cousin in Michigan and didn't really know details about it. I think they searched my car that time because I didn't know exactly what was in the boxes. So if someone gives you something (even a family member you trust 100%) make sure you go through the boxes so you know exactly what is in there so you can tell the agent). I ended up having a really nice conversation with another guard while they searched my car...so it made it more interesting. I wasn't in a hurry at the time so no biggie.

[@robmyckatyn]

just cause you are an american does NOT mean you can just waltz into Canada We are an independant country and do not dance to an ignorant Americans entitled expectations.

[@daniellel256]

I feel because of your short stay, they boarder patrol is checking for illegal drugs/ firearms being smuggled

[@marwanleb]

they did nothing wrong

[@aburden8580]

border

[@ron6892]

I’m Canadian and I dread the border crossing back into my own country…

[@rb239rtr]

I have crossed home to Canada 20+ times, once during the COVID hotels. All perfect crossings, good agents all of the time. Fantastic welcome home.

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

Really? Wow I am sorry to hear that.

[@kc3678]

We can't pretend profiling doesn't happen. On the west coast I used to courier goods across the border for work pre-911, without a passport. One Sunday entering back into Canada the border cop questioned my new looking shoes then got the dog to sniff around. Don't know if it was boredom, profiling or a combination. After 911 it was required to have a passport, never did get one, and can't be bothered with all the unnecessary interrogation. I'll just stay in Canada and watch it crumble.

[@claraL.V.]

Castro Jr. is to blame! Welcome to Canada from all the “fringe” 😊🇨🇦

[@halinaploska4456]

Love it 😍 Castro jr, is worse then his real father Hope, he will be gone very, very soon

[@doughunter3967]

it has been like that for canadians going south for at least 50 years...Yah bless the good...doug (canada)

[@AthiestDing]

Make sure everything is legit and all your answers square. I went to the Canadian boarder for insurance on my american truck. The officer held my truck papers and my work permit and said "Why should I give you these papers back, how do I know you are going to leave Canada when your work permit is up?" I said "Well officer I have done everything by the book up until this point and I intend to carry on doing so." He seamed mad, but his senior officer told him that i had given my word and he should give me my papers back.

[@The_Real_SLec]

I used to be a proud Canadian. I am now disgusted by this government and embarrassed by what my country has become. I can't leave my own country anymore. I was born and raised on the US border, I've always loved and appreciated the US and I can no longer visit the best country in the World. The ArrivCan apps is the precursor to the Digital ID, Digital Wallet and of course, the Social Credit System.

[@davidquinn6161]

Wrong. The app is now no longer required.

[@Old-Blue]

The CBSA and US-CBP do their jobs according to the laws of each country. The first thing to do before going into any foreign country is know the requirements for passage, it looks to me you didn’t know.

[@schwenda3727]

And according to many of the comments, just going to Montreal for the day was all it took to set them all off… as to see/explore “enough” of Montreal could take easily a weekend or longer…

[@renatara9026]

Wow, I am very sorry to hear about your so bad experience when entering Canada. What is going on now on Canadian borders is certainly discouraging from entering many foreigners, but even for Canadians it is often not an easy process. Lets hope it will be changed for the better very soon. I wish the next time you will be visiting Canada again you will be able to do it without all these problems at the border.

[@aynako1538]

My wife and I went to Hamilton, Ontario for a wedding a few weeks ago. I am a US citizen and she holds a US green card with a Philippines passport. I expected some additional questioning going into Canada and coming back to the US, but got nothing but the typical questions. I know things are a tad less complicated since Canada discontinued the need for a vaccine card on October 1, 2022. I did have the wedding invitation handy in case it was requested, but they never asked for it. We enjoyed our time in Canada, but I think there is undue trepidation about border crossings that could certainly deter visitors on both sides. Because of my wife's immigration from a fiance visa to two-year green card to permanent green card over the years we've seen a lot of red tape and copious paperwork and processing fees. So, relatively speaking, crossing into Canada was a breeze.

[@jonheredia8789]

I have traveled to over 30 countries and Canada has the hardest entrance requirement... fortunately I know what they will ask and can fluently give them answers.... I have always been able to get in after questioning....it's not just you....as the border guard told me they most likely will not allow anyone in deemed suspicious.

[@dbailey2879]

In my experience, Customs will first ask why you are going to Canada, have your answer ready! If you sound unsure, they will verify everything

[@twentiethcenturyboy6328]

Welcome to Canada 🇨🇦 eh!! 😃 We used to be a friendly nation. Now we have a shitty identity no thanks to the Mangina in Ottawa! Peace out brother!

[@David35445]

Yes, we are all treated like criminals. Though, I will admit you kind of fit their profile of a gun smuggler, THEIR profile, not mine.

[@northvanwan7428]

You were profiled. I dont think thats legal, but personnel freedom infringements have been norm for the last 6 years. I've never been to quebec or montreal, but i've heard Montrealers are friendly.

[@mirocabraja5128]

I’m a Canadian citizen stay away from here this place has become a 🤡🤡 show. I’m weighing my options looking to get out of here. If people in Canada think they are free, you have no clue what freedom is.

[@danielmontreal007]

I left for Mexico with no plans to return to Canada.

[@unix6805]

Canadians will do anything Trudeau tells them. They would inject javex in their veins if JT said so.

[@georgefriesen4081]

I left 4 years ago I’m now in Santa Cruz Bolivia a beautiful city wonderful happy people that don’t take shit from the government I’m planning on visiting the Philippines maybe even live there who knows but I know I’ll never go back to Canada I used to love Canada and never thought I’d leave but the liberals have destroyed my beautiful country

[@wysetech2000]

miro cabraja BYE, and don't come back. You aren't a real canadian anyway.

[@mirocabraja5128]

@@wysetech2000 born and raised clown boy.

[@TheNewfoundout]

Dude not to belittle your negative experience you ultimately admitted into Canada. Try being an alien as your government calls us going into the USA as a lone male and say your going to explore NYC for a day. Homeland security is usually more strict then Canadian side but maybe for good reason.

[@hirampriggott1689]

I remember crossing into Canada and back into the US used to be so easy. I'm old enough to remember my college spring break was going from San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico with nothing but a driver's license was all I needed.

[@whatever_it_takes6691]

The Mexican official was taking a siesta in his little garita once i walked across the border into Acuña so i let him rest and kept it moving.

[@johnjackson8783]

Keep in mind as powerful as CBSA personnel are they cannot just decide to make your life a misery. They must abide by the law and explain to superiors their grounds while seeking permission, to escalate a matters . They can't just rip your car apart for fun. There must be very good reason to. There is recourse if you think CBSA has abused you. Remain calm, don't be abusive. Let them do what they feel necessary. Takes names, video etc., for your complaint. For the most part they're okay but there are a few bad ones.

[@celestecarrera2963]

They stopped you because you’re young, they think you’re taking drugs… it happened to me years ago.

[@possum2273]

I'm so very sorry to hear what they put you through. Apparently Canada has become a communist country. Very sad. Our current govnt is giving us more grief than I've seen in my lifetime...and I'm no spring chicken, so saying that says A LOT!. I pray for the day that we can all live in peace and get along. We all have a lot to offer each other. Love, Peace and I hope this doesn't influence or turn you off Canadian citizens.

[@waynebaker2574]

I am so sorry to hear of your experience at the Canadian Border. I am a Canadian citizen and experienced similarly nasty encounters at our border. Crossing into the United States is simple and straightforward. Coming back to Canada is horrific. My wife and I still have nightmares.

[@co6466]

Entering Canada on my motorcycle was smooth and pleasant in Yarmouth after the ferry ride. I even received a "Welcome to Canada" shout from ferry personnel after I went thru the kiosk. Nice courtesy! The reentry into the US was different but not quite as rough. The morning crossing coming back for me from Woodstock, NB to Houlton, ME found me face-to-face with someone who was rude and abrasive, maybe trying to rattle me; or trying to impress another officer standing behind him without sunglasses(not needed anyway) who just seemed to observe his behavior (mine too). I just told him I had a good time in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia and have nice day! So then I had breakfast at a Tim Horton's in town.

[@johnlynch5221]

interesting. Going from Houlton ME to Woodstock NB. We met the Canadan border guard. Wow! what a jerk! I'm shure he was sacked from the DMV for a bad attitude and poor customer service. Very abrasive and nasty. He has red hair and a full beard. beware.

[@Jjjaaahhnn]

You sound like Rocky man. Are you from New York or Boston?

[@shadesalans4977]

BTW where was the border crossing? I would be nervous also if by myself & just exploring the area which I like to do once in a while. Being by yourself I would have said I'm visiting a specific place for the day.

[@jeangodding6348]

Thank goodness we have thorough immigration & customs officers , you would have struck me as sketchy too , glad you made it in eventually in spite of your poor planning . Make a better plan , come back and explore Montreal & Quebec City for a weekend there’s a lot to see & do you really you really can’t do it justice in a day .

[@3506Dodge]

A young man travelling alone with no clear plans is a red flag. Most drug smugglers are young men travelling alone. It's just something that older men and women don't do. Only young men are willing to take such risks. They are acting on the data they have gathered on smugglers. IT's not personal.

[@florianschmidt4655]

Sorry you had a bad experience. Maybe try applying for the NEXUS program to enjoy a much easier entry process next time.

[@alexfaulkner5063]

With all respect, there were many things I could've done differently prior. I will plan ahead better next time around.

[@2007Lynx2007]

There are hundreds of thousands of people trying to get their Nexus cards or to renew it. Nothing in the Liberal government is working properly.

[@kippie80]

never Nexus!

[@wnuniqueff195]

Hlo brother u r Canadian

[@audhdcreativity5899]

I am a mom (51 yrs. old) with a biracial child (I'm white), and we sometimes travel for her homeschool education and I teach English through an app on my phone. I get targeted at the border crossings every single time, both going into the US and back into Canada. Both crossings, they pull my car apart, like I'm a drug/weapons/human trafficker, despite having my daughter's birth certificate with my name only, and a passport- I think it's because they can't fathom why our skin is different but we are related🙄 Must be fun for them to see all the educational toys, natural medicines and organic food they mess up and how upset myself and my young daughter get (we are both Autistic)... On my way to Mexico once, the US border guys gave me 10 days to get out of the US, from the Canadian border, just because they misheard me and thought I said "I'm taking my kid to TEXAS for school"!!! IN WHAT WORLD WOULD I EVER put my Autistic, biracial, homeschooled child in a US public school?!? If it didn't mess up our trip, it would almost be funny. I told them the actual plan, showed them her school registration at a nature school in Mexico, and our itinerary. Like, don't you want us to tour and spend money in your country? We had to cancel all our camping registrations, which I did loudly at the border office, hoping they felt as bad as we did for wrecking our trip to explore the US on our way to Mexico, causing us total stress on day 1 of a supposedly fun, relaxed trip🙄 🤣 Mexico, however, welcomed us with smiles, music and tacos 😃🎶🌮 I once saw a guy with a total hippie van, looking blasted out of his mind, just sail through, though, so not sure how to "act natural", when they have been so suspicious of little ol' me...

[@robmartin5448]

Como Mexicano yo creo que mexico should be like Canada on this one. I respect how Canadians protect their country from psychos of the U.S.

[@Cambrandreth]

Most of the security precautions were put in place by both governments in the years after 9/11 in cooperation with each other. Although largely at the insistence of the U.S. government. I can remember when you didn't need a passport. In this case it sounds like a bit of an overreaction. It's not unfeasible that someone who lives near the border to begin with would be able to pop over for a day trip. However unless you are a citizen, there is no automatic right to enter Canada. Same goes for the U.S. Having said that, I agree that it would leave people visiting Canada with a very bad first impression. I've found American border officials to be generally friendlier.

[@grandsewb5452]

Did you get asked about the Arrive Can app

[@scottnewton9060]

The exact same thing would happen to go from Canada into the US, don't kid yourself into thinking that the US border guards would be any less authoritative. Many Americans seem to forget that Canada is not part of the US. If you decide to spontaneously take a trip to the US without an itinerary or some sort of plan, you would be seen as suspicious and treated the same way. The only difference would be that you probably would not get to enter the US.

[@rookiebird9382]

4:40 bro, I don't think they discriminate against your appearance.

[@rb239rtr]

what he said is probably he handles his life. Meeting a Quebec accented officer put the officer at a status below him and he acted accordingly.

[@richardreweti8671]

I love the Canadian Border they're very professional, the crap they put up with American's it's any wonder they get sick of the entitlement.

[@GabrielAlvarez-y5v]

That's exactly how US Customs treats mexican tourists every time they cross the border checkpoints; opposite to your case, mexicans have to apply (and pay, of course) for that visa and it can take from 6 months to 1 year to get it to be able to cross. Also, they get questioned and inspected everytime as it happened to you, and can get refused to cross if the official thinks there's not enough reason to visit with their tourist & business visa 🤷‍♂️

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

Never had a problem with the Canadian border patrol. I have my passport, no criminal record and I usually have a hotel reservation. I love going to Canada and sometimes just drive over for a few days.

[@steelcom5976]

First of all, sorry for all the hassle. It sucks really. About your other trips, my guess is you had return tickets to all of them. The difference is with a car, they have no idea when you are returning to the US. It makes no sense to me cause you do have a way home, your car. But that's what they are thinking. And if you were lying, why would anyone lie about staying one day? They're not thinking, just ticking off boxes.

[@rosalindastourian3985]

Which border crossing did you use?

[@gordd7348]

If you gave them the same attitude you are exhibiting in this video, I am surprised you got in. You need to show respect, and you need to be humble. Your attitude was about entitlement like it is your right to enter Canada. It's not.

[@philrogers8160]

If from US going to Canada get from your car insurance agent a rider that will cover in case of accident in Canada. The border has changed since my younger days. I live about 30 minutes south of Ontario border. Back before all this, you could drive across the border. Just answer questions from the border officers. We used to drive and take ferry across and go to Kingston for the day and have a picnic. Return by coming across the bridge. Again when I was single we used to go across the border to visit gentlemen clubs. Just tell the guards you were going to these establishments and they would wave you across and say have fun. We have a summer ferry and bridge nearby to Canada. You now have to make an appt when travelling and answer questions.

[@MichaelMcFerrin]

I've never seen something so easy be so difficult.

[@bernardbourque4891]

I live in Montreal and have to cross the US border quite often end I can assure you that I am not always well received by your agents. I could quote you quite many stories on that subjet. Having a Sailboat moored in your contry with the very high costs attached to this fact I often would like to be better received by your borter agents who sometimes are very arrogant.

[@USA-CANADA1480]

Sorry you had to go through all that. You seem decent enough so there shouldn’t be a reason to delay you. You’re a historically frequent traveler to 4 major countries and that should be good enough for the Canadian immigration authorities. A good way to overcome this is to keep crossing and when they see your history of success of entering canada it should give you a robust historical visitation records that will make it easier as you cross more often. If it’s any consolation the American side is doing the same thing to Canadians. It’s a sad post 9-11 reality we all go through. I can remember way back when when we can just cross with a wave and a smile.

[@Travluminatii]

They caught me with weed and gave me a search ban for seven years I still go back, but every time they make me look like a fool first 😂.

[@barrykrebs8180]

Do you have Canadian Born parents? If you have a certificate of Canadian Citizenship and a Canadian Passport, you can't be turned back.

[@louisielle5852]

So sad this is happening to our American neighbours.

[@dancharland3945]

You can file a complaint.

[@aburden8580]

Yeah. No snow. Didn't even see 1 moose. What a rip.

[@estebancovarrubias2020]

Ohhh dame !!! Yea that happened too me when I came back from Mexico!!! Crossing back they asked me a lot of questions!!! They thought I was a drug cartel and took me in a room and checked and try too scare me !!! But then they got mad 😡 because they didn't find no drugs or firearms smuggling into usa !!!

[@northlander4370]

Southern Canada ??? how did you come up with that ??

[@saidibrahim5931]

To be honest US border patrol agents also do the same to Canadians many times

[@277mitchell]

That very same thing happened to me back in 2016, but at the time, I was a 48 year old man they took EVERYTHING out of my car did not put it back questioned me 3 times?? I just wonder how many Americans get treated like that. I answered all there, questioned, but 1 I stumbled on where I was staying, that was all it took. Y does Canada have to be like that??? I am VERY reluctant to ever go back to Canada again, thanks to their border agents!

[@rb239rtr]

I was going from Kingston, Ontario, Canada to Watertown NY for a one day conference, I said Jamestown and got searched. Good for CBP. Only an incompetent officer would have let me pass without a closer look. I did have the conference agenda in my briefcase, clearly it was at a hotel in Watertown. When there is a hole in your story, all of the spider senses go off in the Officer, no matter what border you are crossing, anywhere in the world.

[@Suane333]

Canadians are treated the same by American border guards too.

[@maxm1584]

As someone who lives in both the US and Canada, I can tell u that the experience crossing over to the US is way worse overall. It's like an interrogation every time!

[@cantwealljustgetalong2]

wow dude that sounds crazy. i have to drive there soon, ive never been there before, now im nervous

[@scotanderson7689]

Big thing have a plan. "I am going to X for the day and them I am returning ho😊me. I would like to find a good restaurant, and do some shopping at the street market. " Make sure you have all your documents ready before you get to the window. Respond to all questions in a short, accurate manner. Don't add to your story unless asked. The officer is in charge. He needs to know a few things about you and your travel plans. Always be polite but not overly friendly. You don't know him, and he doesn't know you.

[@schwenda3727]

So… according to the comments, know exactly what the hell you’re doing and where you’re going in the coming hours/days and don’t have anything to hide (either a criminal record or illegal items in the car) and not too paranoid or outright not giving a damn… And the whole passage through the border for the most part should be slightly worse than flying domestically in general at absolute worst?

[@sagefool5786]

That look the way you do? What does that mean? Canada has gone to hell under Trudeau and he's hurting the tourism industry in many ways, unfortunately it's the people of Canada and their businesses that pay the price. I hope this guy does an update and talks about his experience with the people.

[@harleyquinn8202]

As a dual American Canadian citizen I think that USA and Canada should merge into a single country. Provinces should keep all their existing rights, like health care. And send those border guards to do something more useful like work in factories.

[@SuccessForever1234]

It’s not about your looks, Canada is no longer…..Chinada is what it is now. We are in the process of relocating my kids to USA which is still better.

[@susanthomas5445]

It won’t be better for long because the US has seen that Canada can get away with this and now the Biden administration will do it to us.

[@amjadmirza4765]

Great informative video. good job.

[@lateepiphany]

Please except our apologies! Having said that government treats its own people with the same distain. Hope you enjoy your visit here.

[@joaquinlopez7725]

Im trying to drive from Illinois but google maps says cant find a way there😂

[@johntrotter7889]

I hate to break the news to you, but it has little to do with your appearance. Crossing into Canada is a crap shoot even for an old clean cut guy in his upper 50's. I've been visiting Canada every year since I was a one year old child; grandfather was born in northern Ontario and migrated to the States in the late 1920's. My trip in last year was a train wreck. I have a cottage up there that was my grandfathers but is now mine. I was bringing in a used dresser (which I declared) along with the other items. They pulled me over and asked me if there's anything I wanted to declare as they were going to strip my truck. I told them what I had and four border personnel proceeded to completely empty my truck, kneeling on my bread and other groceries and scraping up the dresser which I had carefully packed. They had a dog go through the truck many times and found nothing. I have had a US security clearance for more than a decade and all that is in their system. Anyhow, don't take it personally; the border folks in Canada have a job to do which, by its very nature, can leave you with the feeling that you are not welcome up there.

[@paladancray7242]

Ahh sounds good to Me! If yah never been in country before!

[@cheeseymccheese7249]

It was probably the 1 night stay thing.

[@silentpapervision7039]

It’s just protocol bro. Imagine if they didn’t care at all.

[@meltuc2594]

It’s just as bad as going into,the states, sometimes they even have guards with firearms waiting for you. And you were profiled, a young slightly darker complexion male.

[@franklintheman8310]

as a canadian who crosses the border a lot, I can tell you the only issues I have ever had , have been on the Canadian side! US side has always been very professional, Canadian side...not so much

[@snake9911]

Great video. I have been to Canada before. I flew in. I didn't have any problem when I got there each time. When I was coming home from the Montreal airport, I did get asked what line of work I did because I had long hair and it was pulled back and I had a Harley Davidson t-shirt on. Also I had a wallet with a chain attached to it. I told him what I did and he said ok. Just routine l guess. I did have a great time also. Thanks 👍.

[@skyking4501]

It has very little to do with the way you look. Canada has really latched down on crossings. They are simply protecting their borders like we SHOULD BE doing here The the USA. They do everyone that way.

[@thebenefactor6744]

That's how U.S. border agents treat Canadians. What's the big deal?

[@tatoute1]

You donnot know what pain in the ass to enter USA by car for a Canadian permanent resident of, says France. This is how things goes, entering a country is simply a privilege , not a right.

[@lawrencelawrence3920]

If you left your vehicle and crossed at the illegal crossing at Roxham Road the RCMP would carry your bags.

[@vtwinpower1903]

It's not just canada, its the world we live in today, BECAUSE US CANADIAN PEOPLE R FRIENDLY n i also live on Canada border ont BLUEWATER BRIDGE TO MICHIGAN

[@donotfret]

2025 i plan on visiting, have not done any covid vaccines an I banned?

[@ThatGirlLib]

Guess he never watched Border Security: Canada. 🥺

[@AlexAnder-qe9jq]

Us reasonable Canadians are trying to get rid of these authoritarian nutcases. Sorry for the trouble

[@joestrunk9663]

same thing me and my wife two small boys we had a destination and hotel. first stop was Niagara falls. we had all documents we didn't have a junk car. we are well traveled, Europe, S.America island nations. we know how to behave. entering at buffalo middle eastern guy very berating searched the trunk he was absolutely trying to start drama. next gift shop at the falls some woman from India walked up to my wife and started in on her about how they do not like American's visiting Canada. next bus ride overlooking Buffalo average white people starting in on how stupid using Fahrenheit for temperature. and then going on about education and politics . we cancelled the rest of our plans came home the next day we will never go back

[@tinav1341]

Funny we get the same thing and far worse trying to enter the US. I had my granddad and auntie with me. They took the car apart. We had a tiny old pocket knife taken away. Blade was less than inch. 😂 Was in bottle on glove compartment. Oh and the US border guy asked my hubby how long he had been out of jail. 😮 Never been. Not sure what that was about. His granny wanted to go eat lunch at Cracker Barrel for her 89 th birthday. so we took her across. Sheesh. I guess this day in age, they wish to be careful. Gets silly with the shots records. As far as suspicion for you crossing, we get illegal US guns coming across the border. I asked my neighbour who works there. We have very tight gun laws and guns used here in crime are 99% American. Just how it is. Maybe your fast turn around looked like a set up. Given how close we are, it's silly. I am 1.5 hours from a shopping mall over in US at the thousand Islands ...of course people go shopping.

[@theflyer99]

Montreal the cone city you really!!! 🤣 went through all this problems for montreal unreal!!!

[@anitaschneider1704]

As a Canadian I welcome you to Canada We have a beautiful country And we love to share it

[@hirampriggott1689]

Your kindness and benevolence has nothing to do with the bureaucracy coming out of Ottawa, or the people the Canadian government hires for border agents.

[@shannonconley2730]

They normally don’t ask about the license plate, they just wasting our tax money