Ok, I've read many posts, visited many websites, and talked with many of my wife's friends (that cross daily for work) about what food I can and can't take across the border. Answers seem to vary daily and it almost seems better to flip a coin.
Here's a simple question...
Should I grocery shop in the US (prior to) or in (on the way) Canada?
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MHO only, it might be best to just bring your staples, up to 14 days worth I think you are allowed for family consumption, no meat or fresh fruit & veggies (we don't want any of your diseases up here). You will be able to purchase all in Canada on your way (a lot come up from down south anyway, and our meat is far better tasting). A lot depends on the Agent you get when crossing the border, he/she could be a real jerk or just wave you through, and this works going in both directions of course!!!
We are heading over in July, I am bringing some from here, buying meat, veggies, fruit, cheese, milk and breads once we arrive at our destination. I will carry my coffee, cereals, crackers, jams, peanut butter, ketchup, steak sauce and things like that. Check this out http://www.gonorthwest.com/visitor/planning/border/food_us.htm
garyhaupt wrote: 100% to leave it ALL behind and shop in which ever country you are ENTERING. KISS method at it's best....keep it simple stupid.Gary Haupt
Gary, that's just about the best advice I've seen written here! I dumped my coolers before I re-entered Canada last week. At the border they asked about meat products and I told them to have a look-see - they did and thanked me for allowing them. Happy to be home again.
Wolf
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We will be visiting Ontario this summer, too. Here is our plan:
1.We are emptying everything except the condiments for entrance into Canada.
2.We plan to purchase our limit of alcohol (duty free) in Canada. We will take none in with us.
3. We will purchase in Canada only enough food for us to eat while there. We will eat up or give away everything but condiments for the return trip into the US.
4. We expect re-entry into the US will be more difficult than entry into Canada.
We fully understand the situations on leather, firearms, etc. and will make complete inspection before we every leave home for anything that might appear to fall into one of the prohibited categories.
All that said, I fully expect a hassle one direction or the other and will be both surprised and pleased if it doesn't happen. I've done a lot of international traveling, including in to Canada on business and have been through more than I care to go through again. While most of the border personnel are just trying to do a complete job, some of them have too much time on their hands and are just looking for an excuse to spend it with someone. I just hope that it isn't me, this time.
Others will add to this I am sure....but the subject of alcohol is one where KISS need not apply. You are able to have 1 liter per person of legal age when you cross in either direction. When coming INTO Canada and IF you imbibe..do bring your allotemnt. You won't like our likker prices. They SUCK big time, in BC.
ie: a bottle of decent bourbon like Buffalo Trace is most of 50.00 here in BC., it's 18 in Wa. Smirinof vodka is 12 in Wa...$23 here in BC. Make sure you stop at the Duty Free, especially coming North into BC and buy it in a LITER bottle.
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