Hey folks,

So we're heading out later this month on what will be my first major road trip. We're heading up to WI, over into Canada, up around Lake Superior, back into MN and then home (IA) - believe it's going to be about 2200mi when it's all said and done. So, I've got a few questions:

1.) I've obviously got my passport, but is there anything else I need to be aware of for the crossover into Canada? Any tips to keep it from being a 2hr stop?

2.) We're going to camp all along the way. I'm curious as to what you folks have found to be an "easy to pack" tent. I don't need anything fancy, IE doesn't need to cover the dang bike, just something I can sleep in and doesn't take up a ton of room on the bike.

I think we've got about everything else covered, just thought I'd throw those out there and see what everyone thought.

 

They don't want anyone carrying firearms though. Bring lots of bug juice too, Enjoy yourself and have fun paying $5.50 a gallon for gas.

 

Try to pick the time you cross into Canada. Avoid rush hour times. Last summer it took us 3 hours to get back across. We crossed over into Canada near Thunder Bay from Minnesota. We were one of two vehicles crossing there. It took longer to get passports and i.d. out then it did to get approved. Don't forget your yellow insurance card. It took me two weeks to get mine from my ins. company.
As for the tent, we use one a dome type and folds up into its own bag. Real easy to use and doesn't take much space. Sorry don't remember the brand right off hand.
Enjoy the ride.

 

Take your proof of insurance. They won't let you cross without it. Sometimes you'll get someone that tells you that your helmet must be DOT or CSA approved, but I've only heard it once and it was "just to let you know, they're required in Canada."

I have a tent like this that is pretty easy to set up, but it's not exactly tiny. Some of these tents are spendy but self-erecting...really easy to set up and take down.

 

I went into Canada around 6am from Sault St Marie to Thunderbay,usuall questions where you from where you going and how long got any firearms bear repealant or alcohol and have a safe trip nothing more did have some beer which I told her.

Never had a problem going into Canada but coming back to the USA that's a different story real asses!

 

As was mentioned if you normally carry leave it at home.

When you get to the border just give them straight answers and you should be fine. Longest I've ever waited going either way was about 30 minutes

 

Your going to love this ride... I did it myself just a couple of years ago! I suspect that you will be crossing at Thunder Bay and it truly wasnt a big deal.. My insurance company was able to get me my "Yellow Ins. Card" in no time, but Im the only one in the group that had it and we took 3 bikes and a car across with no problems! Like they said..no weapons! If any of you have the unfortunate business of a DUI, they will give you problems...not to say you cant get in..you can but your amnesty will cost you a few hundred dollars these days! (Not bad for the boys that supplied us bootleg liquor in the 30's eh?! HA) That said...do yourself a favor and stop in Grand Marais, MN...downtown they have an awesome little fresh bakery and its a scenic little town. As far as camping...look for campgrounds that have the little cabins! My crew and I use them and they are cheap when divided up and generally hold 4-6 people! Neys Landing (about half way between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste Marie) has one and it was comfortable enough for us! I used my military poncho liner for a blanket and took a small pillow! Beat the heck out of sleeping on the ground! Watch out as well now that your are in Bear and Moose country...if you've seen a deer skid on the highway which we all have...you will be surprised by the mess that a moose hit by a truck will make! Takes up both lanes and leaves a slick for you to deal with! Enjoy the trip...from you to Neys Landing is some of the most scenic so suck it up!

AJ

 

Just a thought.....

In many provinces; if your helmet does not say DOT approved ACCOMPANIED by the YELLOW sticker under the helmet liner, your bike is IMPOUNDED and towed away by the local law enforcement. Depending on the length of "tow"; the bill can become extremely expensive. Preventive medicine - ensure you have a legit hemlet.

Ride In Peace

 

I cross every year in Buffalo and have never been asked for proof of insurance.

 

I live in Canada, about half hour from U.S. border. We do a lot of riding in northern Mn., almost every weekend. We have crossed the border many times and have never been asked about insurance papers or what kind of helmets we use. If you can, pick the smaller border crossings. At the smaller crossings there is seldom a line up and the customs agents are friendlier most of the time. Never have been pulled over to be searched when crossing on the Harley. Border crossings are not a problem unless you have a criminal record.