Crossing into Canada with bear spray and knives?

[Steve in Idaho]

What's the latest on restrictions? I'm not having luck getting authorities to respond with useful information.

 

[Mason]

Should be no problem. Just make sure you say you have "bear spray" and not pepper spray, which they define as a defensive weapon against humans. Also, some of the bear sprays have a bear picture on them, which helps in case you goof up or if the border guard is anal. I haven't heard of any restrictions on knives, but I've never looked, as I don't carry karambits or machetes. They've never asked about knives on lots of crossings. Any knife restrictions should be on their website.

 

[Gamma1214]

What's the latest on restrictions?

"Don't ask; don't tell"?

Seriously, I can't imagine a knife or bear spray would be an issue (even if it were Crocodile Dundee's knife). The only type of "weapon" they cover on the Canadian Customs site is firearms, so I'd think you are fine with a knife &/or bear spray. Then again, if they don't specifically ask about knives (I consider a knife a tool, not a "weapon"), I certainly wouldn't bring it up.

If you want to call for verification, the office is open from 8-4, Monday thru Friday (800 / 461-9999)

Note: Although it seems that you can buy bear bangers in any hardware store in Canada, I'm almost positive that it is illegal to return to the US with them (ATF considers them to be projectile explosives) so you may have to shoot them just to hear them go "boom" before going home. (I know... tragic, right?)

 

[Marten]

Bear Spray is allowed but be aware any spray must be labeled as an animal deterrent. You will be asked if you have bear spray. They will want to see it so have it in front seat.

Also if you are using an airplane they need to secure the can outside the cabin.

Another standard question for paddlers is how much booze you have. They have never asked to see ours but then we know exactly how much we have.

Any law enforcement personnel will get grilled to make sure they left their gun at the precinct.

 

[scoutergriz]

"Don't ask; don't tell"?

Seriously, I can't imagine a knife or bear spray would be an issue (even if it were Crocodile Dundee's knife). The only type of "weapon" they cover on the Canadian Customs site is firearms, so I'd think you are fine with a knife &/or bear spray. Then again, if they don't specifically ask about knives (I consider a knife a tool, not a "weapon"), I certainly wouldn't bring it up.

If you want to call for verification, the office is open from 8-4, Monday thru Friday (800 / 461-9999)

Note: Although it seems that you can buy bear bangers in any hardware store in Canada, I'm almost positive that it is illegal to return to the US with them (ATF considers them to be projectile explosives) so you may have to shoot them just to hear them go "boom" before going home. (I know... tragic, right?)

don't forget though that there are a lot of "weapons" that are illegal to possess or have special restrictions in Canada that aren't necessarily listed on the customs site because they're regulated by the RCMP or Provincial Police, not Customs- but Customs still have a duty to enforce laws that aren't part of the customs Act.
For a rule of thumb, blades over 4 1/2" can not be concealed, and spring or flick knives are banned outright (switch or gravity blades), even machetes or brush axes are legal if they're in plain view and are along for their intended purpose.
As for the "don't ask, don't tell"- I'd never even consider that, it's far better to say you have something and get it seized with maybe some tough questions and a fine, (more likely a free education and loss of the item) than to not admit it and get arrested for smuggling of a "prohibited weapon", with up to 10 years in jail plus a lifetime ban to Canada- same going the other way.
Even "bear spray" that clearly states it's to repel bears only, and is with other camping gear is legal, but mace, or personal repellants are not and WILL be seized. I'm not familiar with the laws around bear bangers or other concussive devices- best bet is to ask a customs agent directly.
Canadian border agents are not monsters, but they are strict- they'd still rather give you an education and have you sign a "voluntary surrender" than do the reams of paperwork and administration an arrest would cause...

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I hadn't even considered bear bangers. I was assuming they're not allowed in Bowron Lakes.
I've always wondered.... aren't they kind of a fire hazard?