I'm going to be driving from basically Chicago, IL to Riviere Du Loup, Quebec in September. It's basically all Canada driving once I get past Detroit. Do I need to do anything special for fuel? What about speeding? Is there going to be a problem with my trailer license or truck license?

Thanks!
Andy

 

1. Check on the Web.
If you have passports take them. Makes border crossing easer. Will be required soon, 2007 I think.
Get a Canadian Insurance card from you agent.
Have truck and trailer paperwork correct and with you. That the weights are correct and your not overloaded. They don't usually bother recreation use.
Speeds in Canada are posted in Kilometers /hour. Distance is in KM.
Don.t speed.
Don't take booze or fresh food, fruit into canada. Check what you can bring in.
Can get booze and smokes a duty free stores at the border.
Change some money to Canadian before you leave home at your local bank.
Have a good trip.

 

As far as I know the speed limit on the road from Detroit over to Riviere du Loup is all posted at 100km/h. 62 mph. Travelling at that speed will likely get you rear-ended. 110km/h (68mph) will stand you in better stead. You'll still be among the "slow" units.

All those stories about Canadians being courteous and polite go out the window in Toronto and Montreal traffic. Keep your eyes peeled.

Some sort of Picturre ID and proof of citizenship are required. Canada Customs is abosolutely **** about criminal charges. In Canada DWI is a Criminal Code offence. Read Felony. If you, or any of your party has ever had one, you won't be getting to see this country. NO FIREARMS. No fireworks. If you have been charged and appeared in front of a judge, tell them if they ask. They have your life history in front of them and if you "forget" to mention something, you will most likely be sent back. My advice from a guy who clears Customs between 2 and 4 times a week; answer every question they ask honestly and in a forthright manner. DO NOT volunteer anything they don't ask. If they wanted to know, they should have asked. Yessir, Yes ma'am and nossir, no ma'am are valuable words!

Just so you know, U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security has the same standards for us Canucks going down.

No fresh fruits or veggies, no beef, no poultry across the line with you.

And from Chicago, I always cross at Sarnia/ Port Huron. Less congested and way less traffic to deal with! Only about 15 miles difference, but you'll save time.

Fuel's not really an issue other than the price will make you gag. Diesel is about 1.05/litre right now. x 3.85 litres/US gallon!

Have a great trip.

 

OH YEAH. Everywhere else in North America uses "pictograph" signs. But not in Quebec. Most if not all road signs are in French. So know your street names, exit numbers, Highway numbers etc.

Quick translation: Rue = St. Chemin = Rd. Boul = Boulevard Avenue = same.
Autoroute = highway. Nord= north, Sud = south Est = east Ouest = west.

That's how I translate 'em anyway, and I don't get lost all THAT often!

I'm sure others will chime in!

 

Thanks for the advice guys! I crossed into Sault Ste Marie last summer with the same truck/trailer setup and they only gave me heat about what was on the trailer and where it came from. I know to fill out the declaration form on my way over next time. I also have a passport. How is the traffic between Detroit and RDL? What kind of road is it? I have no idea what to expect. It looks like there are some big cities along there.

Andy

 

The road all the way should be fine with the obvious exception of construction areas. You will have a MINIMUM of two lanes of divided highway up to 16 lanes as you pass the Toronto airport. It is one major highway all the way from Detriot to the Quebec border. I would try to time it so that you do NOT have to cross Toronto or especially Montreal during the typical rush hour times (7:00 - 11:00am and 3:00 - 7m). Speed traps are not all that common but there are some around. I find that as long as I stay under 120 km/h (75 MPH) they do not bother you. That is because there will always be someone going faster than that.

 

the detroit/windsor crossing is a busy one!! could be a long wait, but other than that it will be ok.....and like everyone said if you do 70, you'll be fine with speeding, everyone else on that road does 80-85 anyways. And once again if you do 70 expect too see the one fingered salute, ppl in toronto are not as nice as the rest of canada in traffic

 

Here's a web site that covers most everything except language.

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

For things you can't bring in see the Declare Section.

I crossed at Port Huron in 2003. Took about an hour for them to look at the trailer and truck.

Dave

 

It has all been pretty much answered. Like someone else said, don't say anymore than what you need too, and be polite. Most are ok but some are on a power trips and can make it miserable for you. You can by booze on the Detroit side amex duty free to bring over. Fill up your tank before entering into Windsor. There is a flying j in London at exit 189 and at Napenee exit 579. These will be cheaper fuel with easy access to pumps and hwy. Drive safe.

 

I was told by a Bank in Detroit that you will get a better exchange rate, with no charge, at the Ammex Store right at the Ambassador Bridge (on the bridge property).

As said, if you like an adult beverage, buy it at the Ammex. Alcohol is extremely expensive in Canada. A 1.75 litre bottle of Bacardi Rum was about $16.00, here in AZ. The same bottle was about $52.00 in Canada in 2004.

However, Canadian Beer is outstanding, compared to American Beer. Don't buy American Beer at the Ammex. It's like hauling your old dishwater across the border.

You will probably have more of a problem getting back into the US than getting into Canada. We're the ones that are very concerned about border security.

In '04, I had no problems getting into and out of Canada with my trailer. They never checked anything. However, that doesn't mean that you won't be one of the "chosen few". Like others have said, NO fresh vegetables or meats &, above all, no firearms (especially handguns).

After leaving the bridge, you will want to look for signs leading you to the 401 Hwy.

I can't speak about Montreal but, Toronto is a very large city with lots of traffic. Avoiding rush hours would be great advice. Beautiful city, though. Notice how clean Canada is in comparison to Detroit.

Also, if you are looking for a snack, Tim Horton's Donut Shops are wonderful & extremely plentiful. Well worth the stop. Apple fritters were GREAT!!!

Check the major truck stop websites. I know Flying J has stops in London, Ont. & elsewhere.

If you take the Ambassador Bridge, in Detroit, & there is a long line of 18 wheelers back to the freeway, go past the line to where the regular traffic starts. Don't wait in the 18 wheeler line!!!

You will have a great time in Canada. I think it's a nice country & really enjoyed my trip with no problems.

If you top off your fuel in the Detroit area, try not to do it downtown. Top off at the outskirts of Detroit. US fuel is a lot cheaper than Canadian fuel, also.

Hope you have as much fun as I did.

Joe F.(Buffalo)

 

If you have ever thought about buying a fuel transfer tank, now is the time.