Some friends and I are planning a motorcycle trip that will take us into Ontario, Canada next summer. I know that my insurance company covers me in Canada. Is there anything special that I will need to have or need to know when I'm traveling there? I do have a passport, so I am hopefull that the border crossing goes smooth in Detroit/Windsor (unfortunately my experiences have been anything but smooth)

Thanks,
mikebaby

 

Contact your insurance agent and have them send you a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Identification Card. It will make things a lot smoother should you have to present proof of insurance to the RCMP or a local cop in Canada for any reason. Because we live in a border state (Vermont) most of our agents just issue them without asking. You will also need your passport, but looks like you are ready with that.

I find border crossings go fine going into Canada but are a pain coming back into the US. If you can, try and pick a less popular border crossing location so you dont have to wait in a huge line. The interstate highway crossings usually have the longest wait times.

Enjoy your ride!

 

Change your cell phone coverage! Depending on your plan you can be accumulating international roaming rates. Knew someone that happened to and got a $700 bill after he got home.
Was there 2 summers ago in BC and things are more expensive up there. A case of beer at costco was $52 US. They use kilometers instead of miles, I just figured 60% of the posted speed in km was close enough to miles, but it got hairy a few times on a 48km turn, forgetting to recalculate as I went into the turn at 55 mph.

 

be sure to remember to practice your language skills before getting into canada. the word "eh" is required after each sentence. knowing this before entering canada is important. i know that buffalo, ny., has always been an easy crossing when coming back to the usa. have fun on your trip, eh.

 

Leave your firearms at home. The border guards won't be impressed if you try to bring them into canada.

 

tell me where your going & what you might want to see. I can guide you on the best routes so you don`t pull your hair out!
The main speed limits you will see is town speed at 50 KMH. Thats 30 MPH.
Secondary hwy`s are 80 KMH. Thats 50 MPH. 90 KMH is 55 & 100KMH is 62 MPH.
Hatch.

 

...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.

 

Unless things have changed, don't forget your helmet. And, I always found that it was easiest to make all of my payments with a credit card because the money conversion was applied automatically.

 

GUNS and LOTS of ammo and oh make sure your woman is very sociable....... there aren't many up here.......

Animals, infrequent restaurants and gas stations, lots of road kill (free take out) - if you really have questions PM me and I'll give some further advice

Ride In Peace

 

[quote=mkguitar;7689598]...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.

Ditto.

And they have access to US records, part of what happend after 911. Even if the offense happened 40 or 50 years ago, they can still not allow you in, (unless you are a draft dodger wanted by the feds, then they welcome you, especially in Quebec)