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I'm going to Glacier NP, and maybe Waterton in Canada.
Can you bring handguns into Canada via car? If so any limits?
Would prefer not to be in bear country unarmed, nor do I want to leave a handgun unsecured in a tent while in Canada.
Are there any lockers that can be rented to store them?
Bailey Guns
08-27-2019, 06:38
You can but there are lots of restrictions and you need to complete paperwork. Google is your friend. Don't know about lockers.
GeorgeandSugar
08-27-2019, 07:52
No without a lot of paperwork and training which likely is not worth it.
http://concealednation.org/2015/07/how-hard-is-it-to-take-your-handgun-to-canada/
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I know I was specifically asked about weapons at the border crossing last year.
Great-Kazoo
08-27-2019, 08:03
I'm going to Glacier NP, and maybe Waterton in Canada.
Can you bring handguns into Canada via car? If so any limits?
Would prefer not to be in bear country unarmed, nor do I want to leave a handgun unsecured in a tent while in Canada.
Are there any lockers that can be rented to store them?
You do not want to get caught with a firearm in Canuck land. They'd politely detain you for some time. Confiscate the gun, fine you a decent amount.
Here's an issue if you're carrying a "normal size" hand gun
https://www.thoughtco.com/laws-for-taking-guns-into-canada-3321846
Firearms Allowed, Restricted, and Prohibited
Approval of the Non-Resident Firearms Declaration allows only standard rifles and shotguns commonly used for hunting and target shooting to be transported into or through Canada.
Handguns with at least 4-inch barrels are considered "restricted" firearms and are allowed in Canada, but require the completion an approval of an Application for an Authorization to Transport Restricted Firearms. This Non-Resident Firearm Declaration costs $50 Canadian.
.Handguns with barrels shorter than 4-inches, fully automatic, converted automatics, and assault-type weapons are "prohibited" and not allowed in Canada. In addition, certain knives, even those used for hunting and fishing, may be considered prohibited weapons by Canadian officials.
Martinjmpr
08-27-2019, 09:02
Handguns are almost impossible for a casual tourist to bring in.
You can bring a long gun. Short barreled shotgun would probably be the best way to go. Pretty sure you can even have a shotgun with a pistol grip only. That's probably the best you can do.
I believe the paperwork can be found online and the cost is around $50 IIRC.
Unless you want to trust bear spray that's the best way to go.
EDIT: WRT the link above, I'm pretty sure that even if you can "transport" a handgun through Canada, you cannot legally have a handgun loaded and/or accessible for protection against animals. However you can have a long gun for protection against animals and many people do.
As far as locking up your gun on the US side before going over, you could contact a local gun shop and arrange for a "thorough cleaning." Drop your gun off for cleaning, go to Canada, come back in a few days and pick it up.
As far as locking up your gun on the US side before going over, you could contact a local gun shop and arrange for a "thorough cleaning." Drop your gun off for cleaning, go to Canada, come back in a few days and pick it up.
A fantastic idea that never occurred to me. [Awesom]
Martinjmpr
08-27-2019, 11:34
If I ran a gun shop near the border I would offer an "over the border cleaning/safe storage" deal for exactly this sort of situation. You can't be the only one who's asked this question.
Rucker61
08-27-2019, 13:05
I know I was specifically asked about weapons at the border crossing last year.
When the Canadian border agent asks "Do you have any guns", the wrong answer is "What do you need?"
asystejs
08-27-2019, 13:06
We spoke to a couple Canadian hunting guides at the Sportsmans Expo last year.
They said don't even waste your time trying to get a handgun into Canada.
Bolt action rifles can be taken across the line as long as all rules are followed .
Even trying to drive across Canada to get to Alaska, they said, ship the handgun to Alaska
and avoid the jail time.
I hunted and fished in Canada (Saskatchewan) for years and you can not take a pistol into Canada. You can't take pepper spray (bear spray) since it's also considered a weapon. They are not weapon friendly and they will charge you a fee and inspect-document any firearms you take over the border with their paperwork. I believe the fee was about $75 to take a rifle into Canada and you have check the gun out when you leave. The US side (ICE) was not very friendly with the rifles on a couple of my crossings but it depends on who you get when you cross.
They ask lots of questions about where you are going and what you are hunting when you take a rifle with you. I don't know what they would do or if they would permit you to take a rifle/shotgun in if you told them it was for protection against animals. They know what they are doing and I would not try to mislead them with any excuse. I would not even think of taking a gun there unless I was hunting. Saskatchewan is more rural than the other provinces and I would expect higher levels of scrutiny in the other more populated provinces.
You will go to jail if you have a handgun in Canada.
wctriumph
08-27-2019, 13:43
My parents, after they retired, went to Canada quite a bit, especially the eastern side and Nova Scotia. The first time they crossed they searched the 5th wheel and the truck and found his derringer in his duffle. They took it and asked him to leave.
The next week they let him in after again fully searching everything.
A couple of years later they went again, were fully searched but this time he had a new derringer but kept in his jacket pocket. The guards did not search them personally so did not find it. They same thing the next year and this time my dad asked why they would always search their camper and truck so thoroughly? They said that the NRA decal on the back window of his truck was a sure sign that he would have guns.
The next time he had a new truck and no decal. They just asked a few questions and let them go on in! Talk about profiling!
What are all the celebs that moved there when Trump won doing with their guns?
Without trying to sound too snarky, sounds like you'd be much better off spending time learning how to properly and safely camp, than how to get a firearm into Canada.
hurley842002
08-27-2019, 14:40
Perhaps I'm not as adventurous as many, in that I don't have a desire to travel to other countries, and feel that the US has tons of beautiful places to discover, and I'll likely not even cover those in my lifetime. Don't get me wrong, there would be some cool countries to check out, but my desire to deal with many of the rules and idiosyncrasies involved, just isn't there.
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I think that both the allure, and three challenge, of world travel is learning to divorce yourself from everything you know that is America. It can really broaden your horizons as to other ways to live besides what you already know.
Bailey Guns
08-27-2019, 16:41
I hunted and fished in Canada (Saskatchewan) for years and you can not take a pistol into Canada. You can't take pepper spray (bear spray) since it's also considered a weapon. They are not weapon friendly and they will charge you a fee and inspect-document any firearms you take over the border with their paperwork. I believe the fee was about $75 to take a rifle into Canada and you have check the gun out when you leave. The US side (ICE) was not very friendly with the rifles on a couple of my crossings but it depends on who you get when you cross.
They ask lots of questions about where you are going and what you are hunting when you take a rifle with you. I don't know what they would do or if they would permit you to take a rifle/shotgun in if you told them it was for protection against animals. They know what they are doing and I would not try to mislead them with any excuse. I would not even think of taking a gun there unless I was hunting. Saskatchewan is more rural than the other provinces and I would expect higher levels of scrutiny in the other more populated provinces.
You will go to jail if you have a handgun in Canada.
OK...let's stop with the misinformation. The part in bold is just not true. You can take a handgun into Canada but you have to do it the proper way. Rather than make untrue statements why not just take a moment to look for an accurate answer? It's really not that difficult:
https://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/transporting-firearms/bringing-a-firearm-into-canada/
Bringing firearms into Canada
Canada has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bringing a gun into the country. Be sure to read our page on transporting firearms across the border for additional information that applies to both countries.
The biggest problem Americans have is forgetting about a handgun they have with them. People from states such as Texas, which allow concealed weapons, get snagged quite often. If you fail to declare your weapon it will be destroyed, you will pay a fine, and jail time is a real possibility. Don?t make a mistake. The official Canadian website says that border officers can exercise discretion, but it appears far more likely that they will take a hard line if you violate their rules.
Generally speaking, you may bring up to three allowed guns across the border if you fill out a form and pay a fee in Canadian dollars. When you arrive at the border you will declare your firearm, provide the required documents as listed below, and answer all questions truthfully. The border services officer must be satisfied that you have a valid reason for importing the firearm, and may check to ensure that you have stored your firearm properly for transportation. They will review your paperwork and may verify that the firearm you have with you matches the one described in the documents.
This whole process is governed by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Rules change, so review these websites carefully to make sure you are up to date on all requirements. You can contact the CBSA directly for advice at their telephone information line. Likewise, you can call the RCMP directly for advice. Review our general page on Transporting Firearms Across the Border for general information that applies to both countries.
Personal Requirements to Bring a Firearm into Canada
You must be 18 or older to bring a firearm into Canada. Minors ages 12-18 can bring firearms, but they have to first obtain a minor?s license. To obtain this, it is necessary to pass a firearms safety course. The minor will need to be accompanied by an adult the entire time they are in possession of the firearm, and the adult will be legally responsible for it. Minors can only use non-restricted firearms.
If you have a criminal record it will take longer and be significantly more difficult to bring a firearm into Canada. It does not matter if the crimes were violent or gun-related. Get your application started much earlier if you have any type of criminal record.
Types of Weapons
There are different Canadian government forms for different purposes, so you will need to make sure you get the right form to declare your weapon and ammunition at the Canadian border. If you are moving permanently to Canada there are different requirements than those listed below.
Antique firearms are not considered firearms for licensing and registration purposes, so you shouldn?t need any paperwork. You should still declare them at the border crossing. Antique firearms include any firearms manufactured before 1898 that are not originally designed or redesigned to discharge rim-fire or centre-fire ammunition; long guns manufactured in 1898 or later that are reproductions of flintlock, wheel-lock, or matchlock firearms; and firearms that are classified as antique by regulations.
What you need to do about your weapon depends on which category if falls into. There are three primary weapons categories: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited.
Non-restricted firearms
Non-restricted firearms generally include most ordinary hunting rifles and shotguns, which are expected to be used for sporting, hunting, and competitions. The gun must meet the following requirements:
semi-automatic rifles and shotguns with barrels that are at least 470 mm (18.5 inches) long
single-shot or manual repeating rifles and shotguns of any length, as long as they are not designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm (26 inches) by folding, telescoping or other means.
As a visitor, you will need to fill out a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form to bring one of these types of firearms into Canada. This counts as a registration certificate and a license to have your guns. Declarations are valid for 60 days, but may be renewed free of charge before expiration. With this form, firearms can also be transported through Canada to another eventual destination.
The Canadian border officer will not make copies of the form for you at the border, so it is recommended that you complete the form before arriving at the border, and make an additional copy of the completed form. It is also imperative that you do not sign the form until you arrive at the border, since it is necessary for a Canadian Customs officer to witness your signature. This license will allow you to buy ammunition in Canada, and to transport up to 200 rounds into the country with you.
Restricted firearms
These weapons can only be used for target shooting on approved ranges, and are expected not to be used for hunting or self-defense.
To bring a restricted firearm into Canada you must obtain an Authorization to Transport permit (ATT) in addition to the Non-resident Firearm Declaration or PAL. This must be obtained in advance from the Chief Firearms Officer of the province where the firearm will be going, or where it will be crossing the border. You do not need to use this form if the firearm is being shipped by a licensed carrier:
most handguns
semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that are capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition, have barrels between 105 mm (4.14 inches) and 470 mm (18.5 inches) long, and are not otherwise prohibited
firearms designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm (26 inches) by folding, telescoping or other means
firearms restricted by regulations
Prohibited firearms
These firearms are fully banned for importation into Canada. Regardless of licensing and paperwork, prohibited weapons will be seized at the border and destroyed. These include:
handguns with barrels less than or equal to 105 mm (4.14 inches) long
handguns designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32-calibre cartridge
firearms adapted from rifles or shotguns by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, that, when adapted in this way, are less than 660 mm (about 26 inches) long or have a barrel that is less than 457 mm (about 18 inches) long
automatic firearms, whether or not altered to fire in the manner of a semi-automatic firearm
silencers or devices designed to muffle or stop the sound of a firearm
certain cartridge magazines above a given capacity. Generally, cartridge magazines are limited to 5 rounds for centre-fire, semi-automatic rifles or shotguns and 10 rounds for semiautomatic handguns, with exemptions for certain magazines
bullpup stocks
Replica firearms that are designed or intended to exactly resemble a firearm with near precision. This includes weapons that are not reproductions of antique firearms and some types of airsoft or blank guns
In addition, the following weapons are completely prohibited from entering Canada:
Many types of knives including gravity knives, automatic knives such as switchblades, or centrifugal knives such as flick knives or butterfly knives. Also Constant Companion (belt-buckle knife), push daggers, finger rings with blades or other sharp objects projecting from the surface, and devices shorter than 30 cm concealing a knife blade (e.g. knife-comb).
Mace or pepper spray designed for use on humans is prohibited. Bear repellent spray is allowed.
Marshall arts equipment such as nunchaku sticks, shuriken (throwing stars), manrikigusari or kusari (fighting chains)
Taser and stun guns shorter than 480 mm
crossbows designed for one-handed use or crossbows 500 mm or shorter
blowguns
Kiyoga or Steel Cobra batons (spring batons) or any spring-loaded rigid batons (triggered by a button or lever)
Morning stars, spiked wristbands, or brass knuckles
Yeah, but what about bump stocks? [Sarcasm2]
SideShow Bob
08-27-2019, 17:37
Yeah, but what about bump stocks? [Sarcasm2]
I’m sure getting it back in the US would be the problem.....
Perhaps I'm not as adventurous as many, in that I don't have a desire to travel to other countries, and feel that the US has tons of beautiful places to discover, and I'll likely not even cover those in my lifetime. Don't get me wrong, there would be some cool countries to check out, but my desire to deal with many of the rules and idiosyncrasies involved, just isn't there.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Glacier NP ends at the border and turns into Waterton in Canada. Work is sending me to Kalispell, so why not explore. Still have a few days to plan, and may skip the Canadian side. I'm not back country camping, but still tent camping, and plan to do a bit of hiking. Came across a few Grizzlies in Yellowstone last year, about 50 yds away on a trail. Thankfully they were to busy grubbing and I just backed away with the bear spray ready and jacket pulled back incase it failed and I needed the 45.(thank you Obama for ccw in NPs...)
I'm taking my car, so I guess I should remove the NRA sticker.
So bear spray is allowed.
Better remove a few knives, and just stick with a leatherman.
Is there a problem picking up a handgun from a dealer outside CO? Background check? I thought about the give to dealer for "storage" for a day or two. But not sure if they would have to ship it back to CO.
SideShow Bob
08-28-2019, 18:45
Glacier NP ends at the border and turns into Waterton in Canada. Work is sending me to Kalispell, so why not explore. Still have a few days to plan, and may skip the Canadian side. I'm not back country camping, but still tent camping, and plan to do a bit of hiking. Came across a few Grizzlies in Yellowstone last year, about 50 yds away on a trail. Thankfully they were to busy grubbing and I just backed away with the bear spray ready and jacket pulled back incase it failed and I needed the 45.(thank you Obama for ccw in NPs...)
I'm taking my car, so I guess I should remove the NRA sticker.
So bear spray is allowed.
Better remove a few knives, and just stick with a leatherman.
Is there a problem picking up a handgun from a dealer outside CO? Background check? I thought about the give to dealer for "storage" for a day or two. But not sure if they would have to ship it back to CO.
Purchasing a handgun outside of CO. it will need to be shipped to An FFL within your state of residence. Doing the deep cleaning or storage, it will be up to the state laws where you do the work / storage.
Dropping firearms off for gunsmithing/cleaning doesn't require a background check to pickup.
SideShow Bob
08-28-2019, 19:07
Dropping firearms off for gunsmithing/cleaning doesn't require a background check to pickup.
Yep, not in CO. Research the firearms laws in the state that you are planning to do this in before hand. Especially beings that you will be a out of state resident.
Left the NRA sticker on. Breezed through. When asked if I had a weapon, I asked if a leatherman counted, he laughed, waved me through and said have a nice time.
The us customs guy asked 10+ questions before waiving me through. Where you from, where you come from, whsts your occupation, who do you work for and a few more. Not sure if he was verify info on a screen or not. He was tougher than airport customs.
When he asked where I came from, I said Waterton Canyon instead of Waterton Lakes. He corrected me and I said the canyon was outside Denver
kidicarus13
09-07-2019, 21:34
When he asked where I came from, I said Waterton Canyon instead of Waterton Lakes. He corrected me and I said the canyon was outside Denver
Pretty smart fellow. I bet there are people in Aurora who don't know where Waterton Canyon is.
(tired this morning, so I forgot I've already posted in this thread)
*sees thread simply titled "Canada"
*thinks "Oh greeeeat, now DJT is talking about buying Canada"
How much do you think we could get it for, eh?
In U.S. or Canadian dollars?
The exchange rate is in our favor.
So how has the trip been so far?
When I went a couple years ago on a trip to Washington with an excursion to BC I found a few places that would hold your gun, but since Washington doesn't reciprocate and I was flying I ended up blowing it off.
Plenty of safe spaces in Canada, but never did find one for hetero curmudgeons.
78854
So how has the trip been so far?
Great. But glad to be done camping after tonight. Tax payer funded hotel for the next 3 nights.
The best hotel experience possible is immediately after camping.
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