Increased Security at Canadian Border

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06-01-2006, 06:25 AM
WhereRWe?

Increased Security at Canadian Border

Here's a link to an article about increased security at the Canadian border.

We go to Canada often, for both caching and general shopping. We've have noticed recently that, in addition to the usual driver's license check and the wquestions about what you've brought back, they take our driver's licenses into the building and we wait about 5 more minutes. Evidently the "background check" has been going on for some time.

But the wait is minimal, and we STRONGLY encourage you to try caching in Canada for a change. There are some really interesting sights and history.

:D :D
06-01-2006, 06:26 AM
WhereRWe?

For some reason the link didn't work in my first message. :confused: :confused:
06-01-2006, 06:27 AM
WhereRWe?

Sheesh! Or the second!

Here it is:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060531/...a_canada_col_3
06-01-2006, 10:43 AM
Kacky

I think it's a good trend, I hope they tighten up the unattended borders aas well!
06-01-2006, 01:59 PM
attroll

I think we should close all our borders and post gaurds on them and let no one in or out.
06-01-2006, 02:22 PM
WhereRWe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by attroll

I think we should close all our borders and post gaurds on them and let no one in or out.

No, no... If someone doesn't like it here, let them go. We just want to keep out the people who come to Maine because they "like the way of life", and then want t ostart changing things! LOL! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
06-01-2006, 03:41 PM
Starzz

Here is an article that was on the front page of the Bangor Daily News last week http://www.bangordailynews.com/news/templates/?a=134660
06-01-2006, 05:33 PM
WhereRWe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starzz

Here is an article that was on the front page of the Bangor Daily News last week http://www.bangordailynews.com/news/templates/?a=134660

Well, I guess we have to be ESPECIALLY careful about who enters the US from Campobello! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
06-01-2006, 05:44 PM
Starzz

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhereRWe?

Well, I guess we have to be ESPECIALLY careful about who enters the US from Campobello! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

We'll get ya here, then won't let ya leave!! MMUUHHAAA!!! ;):D

For almost a week they was asking for IDs and checking in the trunk. Now they are just checking the trunk.
06-01-2006, 06:05 PM
WhereRWe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starzz

We'll get ya here, then won't let ya leave!! MMUUHHAAA!!! ;):D

For almost a week they was asking for IDs and checking in the trunk. Now they are just checking the trunk.

Well, I know for a fact that there's a ferry from Campobello to Deer Island - I'll sneak off that way! LOL! :p :p
06-01-2006, 07:37 PM
Hiram357

Quote:

Originally Posted by attroll

I think we should close all our borders and post gaurds on them and let no one in or out.

and the ones that want to leave or escape we can turn into slaves! :D
06-02-2006, 11:32 AM
firefighterjake

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starzz

We'll get ya here, then won't let ya leave!! MMUUHHAAA!!! ;):D

For almost a week they was asking for IDs and checking in the trunk. Now they are just checking the trunk.

Probably looking for the dead bodies . . . or at least Jimmy Hoffa since they didn't find him at the horse farm. :D
06-02-2006, 11:33 AM
firefighterjake

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhereRWe?

Well, I know for a fact that there's a ferry from Campobello to Deer Island - I'll sneak off that way! LOL! :p :p

I think it's not running this time of year though . . . you'll have to take your chance with the inflatable rubber raft or tie a bunch of inner tubes together and make a run for it.
06-02-2006, 11:38 AM
firefighterjake

I just returned from Canada and I have to tell you after reading the BDN article I half expected to be put to the rack or at least grilled for a half hour or so. 5 minutes and one quick check in the rear (no doubt he was repulsed by the foul smell of wet, sweaty clothing from the hiking in the rain that my brother and I did) and we were through from Campobello to Lubec.

Now granted I had my passport ready along with my driver's license and I have that type of face that practically screams, "He's-obviously-too-stupid-to-be-a-threat-or-do-anything-illegal."

When he asked if I had bought anything while in Canada I replied, "Just a scallop dinner." Like I said, I think those guys can figure me out pretty darn quickly and realize I am not a threat.

I even chatted a bit with the border station guard and asked him if he got bored . . . which he said he did on the overnight shift.

Crossing into Canada earlier in the day was even easier. I had my under-age kid brother along with me with his birth certificate, adoption certificate and even his old high school ID card . . . but they never asked for any of that . . . or even my license. I did ask the Canadian border guard if he would stamp my passport though since I really wanted to get at least one stamp in it which he did with a smile.
06-02-2006, 02:55 PM
Hiram357

Quote:

Originally Posted by firefighterjake

I just returned from Canada and I have to tell you after reading the BDN article I half expected to be put to the rack or at least grilled for a half hour or so. 5 minutes and one quick check in the rear (no doubt he was repulsed by the foul smell of wet, sweaty clothing from the hiking in the rain that my brother and I did) and we were through from Campobello to Lubec.

Now granted I had my passport ready along with my driver's license and I have that type of face that practically screams, "He's-obviously-too-stupid-to-be-a-threat-or-do-anything-illegal."

When he asked if I had bought anything while in Canada I replied, "Just a scallop dinner." Like I said, I think those guys can figure me out pretty darn quickly and realize I am not a threat.

I even chatted a bit with the border station guard and asked him if he got bored . . . which he said he did on the overnight shift.

Crossing into Canada earlier in the day was even easier. I had my under-age kid brother along with me with his birth certificate, adoption certificate and even his old high school ID card . . . but they never asked for any of that . . . or even my license. I did ask the Canadian border guard if he would stamp my passport though since I really wanted to get at least one stamp in it which he did with a smile.

hahaha, do ya think he made fun of you after you drove off... like he called up the other stations and was like hey guys, lemme tell you bout this merican that just came throo A.... :rolleyes: :D
06-02-2006, 03:11 PM
Starzz

Quote:

Originally Posted by firefighterjake

I think it's not running this time of year though . . . you'll have to take your chance with the inflatable rubber raft or tie a bunch of inner tubes together and make a run for it.

The ferry from here to Deer Island starts up the end of June and runs til the first week in September.
06-02-2006, 05:46 PM
WhereRWe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starzz

The ferry from here to Deer Island starts up the end of June and runs til the first week in September.

It's a little know secret that probably the EASIEST place to pass through customs to/from Canada is via the ferry from Eastport to Dees Island. NEVER a hassle. :D :D
06-02-2006, 11:26 PM
Hiram357

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhereRWe?

It's a little know secret that probably the EASIEST place to pass through customs to/from Canada is via the ferry from Eastport to Dees Island. NEVER a hassle. :D :D

sooo that's how you get your imported beer stashes over so cheaply....;)
06-03-2006, 07:13 AM
WhereRWe?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hiram357

sooo that's how you get your imported beer stashes over so cheaply....;)

No - they won't bother you about a case of beer at any crossing - at least that's been our experience. But at Eastport/Deer Island, you NEVER have to open the doors, have a computer check of your driver's license, none of that hassle. :D :D

(Of course - you have to pay $11CDN for the Eastport/Deer Island, and then wait on the free ferry to/from mainland Canada, but that's part of the fun! LOL!
And Deer Island is one of the prettiest spots in eastern Canada, although I won't get into an argument with Starzz about which is better, Campobello or Deer Island)
07-17-2006, 01:30 PM
Northwoods Explorer

We cache in NB, PEI and Quebec all the time. The percentage of good locations vs bad locations is about 50/50 IMO (there are some cacher that place caches that we never look for just as here.) Some times at the border it is difficult to explain what you are doing but they are always friendly. Get them a try as I think you will be pleased. Have found some of the most unique containers in Fredericton.
07-17-2006, 07:50 PM
tat

I went kayaking on a lake in Danforth. The campground told me I could go anywhere on the lake, even into Canada, as long as I did not get out of the boat on that side! It is the first time I've been in Canada without going through customs at all.
07-18-2006, 02:21 PM
DustyWalker

We went to Beantown last weekend to spend some of our moldy old money and anticipated having a hold up at the Houlton crossing but were only asked the usual questions. Where ya goin', when ya coming back, how are all you people related, got any meat, eggs, or dairy products?, etc. We had our picture ID's ready but weren't asked for them. We had even less problem coming back. Did you receive any gifts that you didn't pay for ?, (?) What is the value of your goods, do you have any liquor? We didn't wait at all there. I even managed to find a few cahes while we were away. Those rest stop caches are downright convienient.
07-18-2006, 09:47 PM
dragonflys

I was surprised at the border crossing in March, felt like a fashion model with the pictures flashing. No trouble tho. Lucky to be such good neighbors in free countries that we can dart back and forth virtually at will.

Get any good caches Dusty? of course they are all good, but I mean really good
07-20-2006, 06:39 PM
Northwoods Explorer

We got question the other looking for a Quebec cache that was right on the border. But once we explained geocaching to the guys everything was fine. Often when we are exploring near the border and come out of the woods the guys are there to ask their questions, but once you explain what you are doing all is good. We crossed over and the guy at the Canadian border asked if we were going geocaching or caving. Answered geocaching and we were on our way. It is nice if you use the same crossing often.
07-20-2006, 07:07 PM
WhereRWe?

We went into Canada on Monday (Calais/St Stephen), and returned today (Campobello Island). No problems at all going in (there was a VERY long line/delay coming back into the US at Calais), and only a few minutes delay coming from Campobello today. They checked our ID's, logged us into the computer, adn we were on our way. :D :D