Riding in Canada questions
#21
12-23-2010 | 12:18 PM
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 928
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
DO NOT joke with the Border Patrol AT ALL !! They are there to do their job and thats it do think you making jokes or trying to be funny impresses or makes them laugh! French is used alot and if you have someone who knows it put them up front when speaking at a restaurant or simular. REMEMBER it is a BEAUTIFUL cOUNTRY !!! With great roads so enjoy it and obey laws like you would in our country! I know some people who go to another country and think it is OK to act stupid? It is not ! Good Luck
#22
12-23-2010 | 01:01 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Squamish, BC, Canada
Definitely harder to cross into the States than into Canada. EVERYTHING cost much more in Canada even if the dollar is at parity. Travel insurance is always a good idea when in a foreign country incase of illness etc. When we ride in the States, we are respectful of the laws and customs, we are guests of that country. We love riding in the States and would not want to do anything to cause us to be not welcome. Be friendly and respectful in Canada and the only problem you will have is other bikers will want to chat your ears off. Enjoy your trip.
#23
12-23-2010 | 01:36 PM
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 757
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
Rather than advice, I have to ask "WHY"? The speed limits are enough lower than the states to cost you more time than the milage differences would suggest, the trip up something like the 401 (roughly Windsor to Niagara/Toronto) will be the most boring ride you have ever taken, fuel will be $1 a gallon higher and every cop you see will look at you like you are a criminal. In total truth and honesty, the scenery in that part of Ontario doesn't compare to what you can see in the US. God forbid you have to spend enough time to eat a meal or spend the night.
#24
12-23-2010 | 01:40 PM
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 757
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
Wrong-O .... That only applies to Quebec. I haven't heard French spoken in Ontario or any where else in the country on a day by day basis for years.... and years... Oh wait, the seatbelt instructions given in an airplane are given in both English & French.
#26
12-23-2010 | 03:02 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: OK
Definitely harder to cross into the States than into Canada. EVERYTHING cost much more in Canada even if the dollar is at parity. Travel insurance is always a good idea when in a foreign country incase of illness etc. When we ride in the States, we are respectful of the laws and customs, we are guests of that country. We love riding in the States and would not want to do anything to cause us to be not welcome. Be friendly and respectful in Canada and the only problem you will have is other bikers will want to chat your ears off. Enjoy your trip.
#27
12-23-2010 | 03:39 PM
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock, CO
And not that you're traveling to B.C., but while we're on the subject of riding in Canada, something else to worry about:
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/n...4-8d928e6965ad
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/n...4-8d928e6965ad
#30
12-23-2010 | 04:43 PM
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: toronto canaduh
...and if anyone in your party has a criminal record- ( inc. DUI) have a plan B.
border crossings are always at the discretion on the inspector.
if you attempt to cross "as a group" the entire group can be held up by one person.
think about arriving staggered and meeting at Tim Horton's after crossing
don't show up with a bunch of red and white support gear or other items which draw attention.
- if someone gets turned away, do NOT try going to the next crossing. they have computers.
50 KPH= 31 MPH
80 KPH= 50 MPH
100 KPH = 62 MPH
10ºC = 50F
15C = 59F
20C = 68F
25C = 77F
30C = 86F
everything is more expensive in Canada, get your smokes at duty free, change your oil, check the tires and all that before you go.
the HOG road service works in Canada, but check with road america that they have your VIN and if you need any different phone numbers ( If you don't have, this is a GREAT program, get the deluxe package for an extra $20
Do not try to get through Toronto at rush hour! Unless you need to be there, Toronto is best seen on a weekend ( less traffic).
Many downtown streets have streetcar tracks, tricky riding space yourselves.
mike
** Tim Horton's is the best place in the world, you will love it.
border crossings are always at the discretion on the inspector.
if you attempt to cross "as a group" the entire group can be held up by one person.
think about arriving staggered and meeting at Tim Horton's after crossing
don't show up with a bunch of red and white support gear or other items which draw attention.
- if someone gets turned away, do NOT try going to the next crossing. they have computers.
50 KPH= 31 MPH
80 KPH= 50 MPH
100 KPH = 62 MPH
10ºC = 50F
15C = 59F
20C = 68F
25C = 77F
30C = 86F
everything is more expensive in Canada, get your smokes at duty free, change your oil, check the tires and all that before you go.
the HOG road service works in Canada, but check with road america that they have your VIN and if you need any different phone numbers ( If you don't have, this is a GREAT program, get the deluxe package for an extra $20
Do not try to get through Toronto at rush hour! Unless you need to be there, Toronto is best seen on a weekend ( less traffic).
Many downtown streets have streetcar tracks, tricky riding space yourselves.
mike
** Tim Horton's is the best place in the world, you will love it.
anyhow if you have to cross toronto take the 407 hwy its an electronic toll road...not cheap but your *** is more precius then risking the 401 ..second busiest hwy in n america (next to the la freeway)..
and again if anyone has criminal record ..its a pot shot if they do get across the border... ..if you are planning on the usual tourist traps..like niagara falls or downtown Toronto....good luck and bring lots of $$ ....you can get cdn bucks with your atm card all over the place.....many stores take USD but they will stick it in your ear with a shitty exchange rate...and yes hit the duty free for smokes and booze...its hard to become a drunk in this country....booze is an arm and leg compared to what you guys pay..\
as far as being safe up here trust me you have nothing worry about other than the usual crappy drivers you can find in any big city...feel free to pm me if you need any specific info...