Trip to Maine and New Brunswick

We're planning a trip to Maine this summer. Will be spending several days in Bar Harbor. We were there two years ago and had a great time. Can't wait to head back. From there we want to head to the Lubec area. For the most part we want to do touring in New Brunswick. We're unsure about taking the cat across the border. We're planning on camping in Maine and making day trips. There aren't a whole lot of campgrounds In Maine near the border and the few that are there don't have very good ratings. There are quite a few campgrounds in New Brunswick but we're just not sure about going through customs with the rv. Has anyone had any experience going through customs with their camper? Particularly in that area. Also, does anyone know of any campgrounds in Maine near the border?

KH

Sorry Maxtor, you'll need to let us know. You're gonna beat us there. We're only planning for the beginning of July.

KH

We are wondering the same thing about taking the camper across the border. While at Niagara Falls last year, we saw several going across with no problem. We plan to be in Lower Maine in early June, we want to see the cliffs on the coast. We are not sure where they are yet, but I guess we'll figure it out.

My company (Domtar) has a paper mill in Woodland, Maine. I was up there about 4 years ago and they bring over half of their wood in from New Brunswick. I would think if log trucks can cross everyday, you should be fine with the camper.

We have crossed into Canada several times with the RV. Not a problem. Will most likely have more problems getting back into the states. Be sure to look at the web sites for the US Customs and Canadian customs for general information before you leave. Both countries have quota for alcohol and tobaco imports, etc. There are also some restrictions on art products consisting of animal parts (ivory, etc) Probably won't have any problem in eastern Canada/US with that.

Guns (pistols especially) are not allowed into Canada, There are some permits that can be issued, but it is not worth the chance. If you take Mace into Canada make sure it is Bear Spray (large container). I know, a lot of people want to take the gun along (me included, but it is not worth it). If you take a pet into Canada you will need proof of rabies vaccination. We have never had the RV inspected going into Canada (5 crossings). Crossing time into Canada has always been quick. However, we try not to hit the busiest crossings.

You will need a passport to get back into the US. Also they will probably want to check for processed beef (lunch meat, etc). Customs has this thought that mad cow disease is tied to processed meat. Frozen meat, or meat purchased in US is ok. US also generally doesn't want stone fruits and some vegetables imported. We try to have that eaten before reaching the border. They have looked in, or inspected our RV on most of the crossings back to the states. Time crossings back into the states was longer than the Canadian crossing.

Just answer all questions with simple yes/no answers. Don't challenge the authority, etc. You know--good manners with law enforcement, and you should be fine. Have your citizenship papers/passport ready when you reach the agent. It keeps things flowing.

In short our crossings with the RV have not been any more difficult than crossings without the RV. As in all cases a lot depends on the agent and perception.

You will enjoy New Brusnwick. Great country and people, lots of scenery. Bay of Fundy is spectacular. We are looking forward to a return visit.

Gary, thanks for the info. Good stuff to know.

In 2006 we crossed into Canada at Niagra Falls with absolutley no problem. Crossed back into the states at Sarnia and were asked a few questions at the U.S. customs station. Again, no problem. Of course back then you could use a birth certificate and driver's license. But, I'd guess that a U.S. Passport would speed things up.

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy ME. It's one of our favorite states, next to NH of course.

We've entered/exited Canada 5 times with our cat, feline type, and the
5th wheel. You will need a current, within 30 days, health
certificate from a vet. BTW, that's the same requirement if
flying with our cat, she rides in the cabin with us for an extra $100
one-way.

Nobody's ever asked for it in the 10 years we've been hauling her around, but you can guarantee they will if we don't.

New last year -need a passport or enhanced drivers lic. to enter and leave the country

We are from Ontario Canada and are going to Bar Harbour in August, then into several areas in the East Coast of Canada and back to Ontario via the States. We crossed Ive Lea, Ont/Alexandria Bay NY, last year with a dog and had no problems with either American or Canadian customs. We had passports for us and vet papers for our dog. Just make sure you carry no produce, meats or firewood. Check the immagration websites if unsure. It is more about entering the states with those items. Carry on into Cape Breton and PEI. They are beautiful and such friendly people and lots of campgrounds. In New Brunswick we are actually staying in Sussex in a Motel as a break from our drive, as we are on the road for 4 weeks total.
Laura

remps to the Forum

Thanks for the info on the cats Cardinal Bill. We travel with 2 cats and now 1 dog and I hadn't thought about them.

When they do a search, do they tear apart the camper, or just look around?

I've only been searched once and that was when entering the US at the Detroit/Windsor crossing. The guy told me to stand outside the door and searched the refrigerator and coolers and then asked me what cupboards food was stored in. He then checked those and left everything in the same condition as when he entered. This was done right at the booth and I didn't have to pull over to a different spot. I wasn't surprised as they were looking in every trunk of the cars in front of us.

I have crossed 20+ times with a trailer and that has been the only time I've been searched. As others have mentioned, when entering the US, beef and fruits seem to be high on the priority list at times. I find it easier just to pick these things up after entering.

Brad,

In 35,000 miles, roughly, of travel and crossing the US/Canadian border
10 times (twice for each one-way trip), we've never had them search the
RV. Once going onto a USAF base to camp there we were "looked
at", meaning open up things so they could peer. I can't recall
where it was, either Wichita KS or OK City.

First year we bought the RV we met some folks down in Yuma and they
said to drop by Kamloops on our way back to AK. When he asked
about the crossing I joked "We could've had 50 illegal immigrants in
there and nobody would've known". About half an hour later he
mentioned that he was a retired Mountie.

So get a passport, don't forget to sign it (not that I'd do such a
thing on my third one but the guy was having a hard time not laughing,
we used to vacation overseas because basically everywhere is a long
airplane flight from here and at that point why not), and papers for
the critters. Haul a much booze, if you imbib when the days
driving is done, as you can because it's EXPENSIVE there.

Brad,

I forgot, years ago somewhere on the old site I posted a couple of
pictures showing a small pet door I put in through the bulkhead where
the step going upstairs is. That allowed us to put the litterbox
down in the basement, of course there's litter scattered all over the
place because our cat is a slob but that's what her chambermaid, aka my
wife, is for other than feeding her. I do maintenance and
transportation, but I'm incompetent for handling her food she seems to
think.

Cardinal Bill

I thought I was the only one that forgot to sign the 3rd passport. Makes me feel better to know I have company LOL.

In my case it was in Calais Maine. He just handed it back to me and said sign it next stop. They were too busy to have me hold up the line.

Cardinal Bill, I remember your cat door. I just use the laundry chute and yes, they like to throw litter everywhere. I just get the shop vac out after each trip and clean it up.

How much adult beverage is allowed per person when crossing? We like to hit wineries while traveling and typically, we could be considered bootleggers by most states by the time we get home.

KHUBER, sorry for stealing your post.

moo2613 wrote: We like to hit wineries while traveling

You'll just have to drink it all before you cross the border.

Brad,

I can't recall exactly. I think, hard to do and makes the smoke
detectors go off, that it's along the line of 750ml per adult of
wine/booze or 24 cans of beer, and 200 cigs if you smoke. Since
it's about a 6-7 day trek across Canada, for us, we cheated on the
amounts.

Found this on page 23 of : http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.pdf

1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;
1.14 litres (40 ounces) of alcohol; a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounce) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale.

Thanks for the info, but that is not nearly enough for to make a trek across Canada. I will need to adopt some non-drinking adults to cross with me.

You don't have to carry that much. They have geat wines in Canada, and pretty good regional breweries. Microbreweries seemed to be limited but were usually good.

moo2613 wrote: While at Niagara Falls last year

Where did you stay and did you like it?

A big thanks to everyone for their input. After all the positive comments I didn't see any reason not to give it a try. We have our passports and as of tonight the reservations are made.

KH

oldelmer1 wrote:

moo2613 wrote: While at Niagara Falls last year

Where did you stay and did you like it?

When we went in 2006, we stayed here...Bissell's

Very nice and a ten minute ride to the Falls.


Steve

The night before the falls, we stayed here (Evangola State Park)

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/91/details.aspx

The night after the falls, we stayed here (Golden State Park)

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/143/details.aspx

When we checked out of Evangola, the girl asked if we were going to the falls, I said yes and she stamped my receipt and got us free parking at the falls. Any state park will work, and if I remember right, it would have been about $12 to park the truck and camper.