Ryan’s account of traveling with a firearm across the United States border to Canada:

Stevens 320 12 Gauge

Let me state that my desire to bring a firearm through Canada to Alaska is simple: Grizzly Bears.  I chose a firearm that is legal in most places that any firearms are legal. A pump action 12 Gauge, which, loaded with slugs would likely be proficient for defense against a Grizzly. No, I’m not going to seek out bears to kill, but if we stumble across an aggressive one, I’d sure like to be prepared.  Killing a Grizzly is last resort, but if it’s a choice between my life, Emily’s life, or maybe even Cooper’s life and a Grizzly’s, I know my choice. Emily. Ryan. Grizzly. Cooper.

If you think bear spray is all I should need, ask Todd Orr, or check out this video.

Rule #1: Don’t be a dick. 

You should be thankful that you even have the privelege of traveling to Canada, let alone the ability to cross the border with a firearm. Try bringing a gun to Mexico. Think about it. 

Here’s my account of the sequence that I went through to complete the task of traveling across the border with a firearm:

I saw that we were fast approaching the border, with the line of traffic extending to just before a fuel station in Sumas, Washington, where I pulled in to figure out how to proceed. I decided to take a walk to US Customs to declare my firearm with them, which seems wildly unnecessary, but the officer informed me that it would ease our passage into Alaska, and they were quite nice in the process - the officer even walked across the street to where we were parked to confirm the serial number that I had given.  For the record, I believe that this step is required, but am not 100% certain. I was trying to avoid any problems.

I then proceeded to walk into Canadian customs to inform the officer that we would be attempting to cross the border with a firearm, and to simply ask how to proceed. He, of course, asked me what type of firearm, so I gave him the exact description; a Stevens 320 12 Gauge shotgun with a 19” barrel.  I know, I know, not a Cadillac in the gun world, but I purchased this firearm half expecting to have it seized by authorities.  If you are not familiar with Canada’s firearms classifications, do your research. I’m telling you this so you don’t show up to the border with your Glock or AR-15 and expect passage.  The officer informed me that I could simply declare the firearm to the gate officer from my vehicle, and he or she would then tell me how to proceed.  That’s exactly what I did.  

At the border, you will likely always be asked if you are traveling with weapons. This is your chance to disclose that you have a firearm or knives or whatever else. I don’t think you can bring grenades or rocket launchers with you, so leave those at home.  I stated “Yes, sir. I am traveling with a shotgun with ammunition and two hunting-style knives.”  I’m guessing that when you tell a border officer that you’re traveling with a firearm they have a series of questions that they are then prompted to ask you, such as: “You only have the one firearm? Any other ammunition? Just the one caliber? Any knives? Pepper spray? Tazers? Hand Grenades? No other firearms?”

C’mon people, can you blame them? Have you watched the news in the United States? It’s no wonder that they expect us all to be carrying bombs and machine guns when a guy like Ted Nugent is looked up to.  Don’t expect your rights as a U.S. Citizen to extend into Canada.

I gave this officer “no bullshit” honest answers, and was then asked to pull off to the vehicle search area and bring my yellow slip (from the gate guard) to an officer inside the customs building, as all firearms must be registered with Canada.  The officer inside asked if I owned other firearms, and why I didn’t bring them.  Since I had done my research, I knew that most of the firearms that I own are strictly regulated in Canada.  The officer was pleased when I told him that my familiarity with Canada’s gun laws was from self-conducted internet research.  He told Emily and I to remain in the building, and Cooper was to be crated outside while he conducted the search. After a 15-or-so minute wait, and instructions NOT to bring the gun out and practice shoot in Canada, we were good to go (with a $25CAD firearms license fee).  The license I obtained is good for 60 days, which will cover our return trip through British Columbia.

Overall, the process was about an hour and a half, so don’t be in a rush.

For our readers who do not know me personally: 

If I were racially profiled, I would likely be on a terrorist watch list.  My beard has grown quite bushy, I have olive colored skin, and ear piercings that would lead many to believe that I’m one of America’s most wanted.  My experience at the Canadian border with a firearm was only slightly unpleasant, and NEVER was I treated with disrespect.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment or…

REFER TO RULE#1.

For information, and the needed forms, follow this link.

 Hope this helps.