Re: [Paddlewise] Food into Canada and the US

On Mar 19, 2010, at 6:35 PM, Paul Hayward wrote:

> Has anyone experienced hassles bringing normal kayaking food (eg: de-hi
> meals, oatmeal, scroggin) into either Canada or the US ?
> 


We've not had problems bringing small amounts of what might be called 'snack' foods.
Mostly they seemed concerned about tobacco, alcohol, and firearms; though I think larger amounts
of dairy, meat, etc. will draw attention.  

Fresh fruit & veggies can and will be confiscated at some ports of entry.
We've not had any problems bringing blueberries from Maine into Nova Scotia,
nor some Canadian produce back into the US by car.  By plane, they  tell you
to consume it or throw it out in their presence before you pass through customs.

Bulk foods in significant quantity may draw attention, but explaining that these are
pre-packaged for use while traveling in the backcountry may get you through.

The main problem is if you've packaged your own items vs. having them in their original
containers with ingredients labels & seals.  If you're bringing in 10 lbs of your home made trail mix,
they may confiscate it or give you a bit a time. Your mileage may vary.

When we entered Nova Scotia off the ferry from Maine, my name came up as a 'person of interest',
from the ferry manifest...so they were waiting for us and as we drove off we were directed to a full auto search area.

The Canadian border people were very courteous and professional.  They told us that it was not smart to 
repackage vitamins and supplements in traveling containers...that they should remain in the vials or packages/bottles
in which they were originally purchased. In other words, are those multi vitamins or vicodin/oxycontin made to look
like vitamins.

Others in the Vancouver area may give you best 411.  My understanding is that it's high octane B.C. Bud that is being
smuggled into the US and cocaine, etc. being brought across from the US.

-Will
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