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Have you ever had the pleasure of crossing over the Canadian border? We have on five different occasions. We have also crossed borders in other countries. But this last Canadian Border Experience took the cake!

We have crossed over near Niagara Falls, so we could go to the Canadian side of the falls. Twice we have crossed over in upper Vermont to go to Montreal. Another time we crossed over from Maine into New Brunswick.

Crossing The Canadian Border!

Last weekend, we again were entering from Vermont but we had no real destination. We were chasing the Northern Lights! The meteorologists were reporting that there was a significant chance to spot the Northern lights from the Northern Territory, so we jumped into the car and went.

During our drive, I looked up wineries that were close to the boarder and we decided that we would check one out. On the maps information about the winery it said they were open 10-6 daily. So excitedly we continued our travel north.

When we reached the boarder they wanted to know where we were going so we said excitedly, a winery! I think that was mistake number one. We didn’t mention anything about the Northern Lights. That might sound silly but read on!!!

The Process Begins

So after we scanned in our passports they asked us to pull around and park. We parked and waited. Two Border Patrol Agents came out and asked us to step out of the vehicle. They did a very thorough search.

So extensive I learned that my van does have a spare tire and where it is located. Good to know!!! Of course, they found nothing. Nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide!

Next comes the interrogation. So, “Where are you going?” I respond with the name of the winery. They asked, “Have you visited the ones in Vermont? There are a few in the USA close by.” I found this strange, did they not want us to enter and spend money in their country? We replied, “Not today but we have in the past.” Now they take our passports inside and have us wait in our vehicle for a some time.

Winery Is Closed!!

Upon there return, they let us know that the winery that we wanted to visit closed at 4pm and could we show them the website that said they were open until 6pm. This is were I start getting very annoyed. They found nothing in our vehicle to delay our departure from the border but they are. Our passports are valid and we have never had more than a parking ticket. What’s the problem!!!

I told them that on the maps app, when I put in wineries nearby, the winery that popped up indicated that they were open 10-6 everyday. Here is the wineries website it is in French and I cannot read French. I handed the agent my phone. He says that they must have changed their hours for the winter. Which is not abnormal for wineries to do. Ok, great we won’t waste any time going there then. Thanks!

Still Not Done!

But we are still not done. Jim used hand sanitizer on his hands when the agents went inside so the other agent looks in and says. “Are you sure you haven’t had a drink? I can smell alcohol!” Jim responded, “Absolutely not!!!” So the agent spots my water bottle with flavor enhancer in it and asks, “What’s in the water bottle?” I replied, “Water.” He asked, “Can I check it?” Now I am flabbergasted! I hand him my water bottle for his inspection. “Whats in the water?”, he asks. I stated, “Flavor enhancer!”

The next question is, “Since the winery is closed do you still want to cross?” Of course! But we say “Yes.” Which then we get the question “Why?” Why not, we are here. We just drove 5 hour. Let’s see Canada!

Jim responded diplomatically, that we will be taking pictures since that is the real reason for the trip. They do finally let us go through but it left a real bad taste in our mouths. That was our topic of conversation for the rest of the evening.

A Little Over The Top?

Please understand, I know they were just doing there jobs! I respect law enforcement and all it entails. James and I have family and friends who have worked and presently work in law enforcement. I am not bashing them! The interrogation just seemed quite extensive for no real reason.

If they found anything that would make them suspect, I would say great now I feel safe because they were doing there jobs but It was really a little much! The winery we were hoping to visit closed early. Come on!!! I didn’t even have a wine bottle or anything suspicious in the vehicle.

We managed to catch a beautiful Canadian sunset, before retuning to the USA for the night. We did go the the store and pick up a bottle of wine, after that memorable experience. I wanted a drink!

This experience really saddens me. I look forward to visiting our friends in Canada but I am apprehensive about returning and going through this again. Both Jim and I really felt like we were being harassed for no reason. I know it sounds dramatic but It bothered me enough to share it!

Will We Ever Return?

I’m sure we will return. I want to see Quebec this Summer or Fall. Also Banff is on the bucket list of travels in the next few years. I will have more concrete plans when we return though. Not just plans on a whim!

I will also allow plenty of time to get through the border, as you never know if you will get stopped and detained. Bring a snack so you don’t get low blood sugar. It will help you not be snappy either. They don’t like snappy! But who does and for the record, we were not snappy!!

So, if you plan on traveling into Canada soon, heed my tips. It will help you enjoy the start to your vacation and your Canadian Border Experience. You want the highlights of Canada to be your memories not the border crossing!

Remember always expect the unexpected when traveling and Happy Travels!!!

For more Canada Border services and information for travelers, visit their website @http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Looking for more Canada blogs, click the links below:

https://lifeoftheemptynesters.com/2018/08/01/why-explore-the-beauty-of-peggys-cove-nova-scotia/

https://lifeoftheemptynesters.com/2018/08/21/prince-edward-island-nova-scotia/