Canada-US Border Crossings

[Koastal Karl]

I would love to get down there to ride the Kaleetan but I dont think it is gonna happen unless other forum members are gonna do a trip down south of the border. After last time at Peace Arch going down alone I dont want to have to deal with those idiots again at the border. It kind of makes you not want to go down there anymore on your own. Never had a problem coming back into Canada that day it's just the typical US Border Agents. I will hopefully get on the Kaleetan eventually on some route.


MODERATOR EDIT:
I created this thread and moved these posts into it because it was getting away from discussions regarding Kaleetan, and it seemed like this would be a good, separate, discussion topic.    Kahloke

[Low Light Mike]

Mar 22, 2014 11:21:54 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

I would love to get down there to ride the Kaleetan but I dont think it is gonna happen unless other forum members are gonna do a trip down south of the border. After last time at Peace Arch going down alone I dont want to have to deal with those idiots again at the border. It kind of makes you not want to go down there anymore on your own. Never had a problem coming back into Canada that day it's just the typical US Border Agents. I will hopefully get on the Kaleetan eventually on some route.

Was there a problem because you called them idiots?

What problem could there be for someone just wanting to drive to Anacortes to ride a ferry?

[SolDuc]

Mar 22, 2014 11:43:55 GMT -8 Low Light Mike said:

Mar 22, 2014 11:21:54 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

I would love to get down there to ride the Kaleetan but I dont think it is gonna happen unless other forum members are gonna do a trip down south of the border. After last time at Peace Arch going down alone I dont want to have to deal with those idiots again at the border. It kind of makes you not want to go down there anymore on your own. Never had a problem coming back into Canada that day it's just the typical US Border Agents. I will hopefully get on the Kaleetan eventually on some route.

Was there a problem because you called them idiots?

What problem could there be for someone just wanting to drive to Anacortes to ride a ferry?

That's why the Pac Hwy crossing is better. We crossed once at Peace Arch and it took a while but at Pac Hwy the officer just asked what we were going to do in the US and that was it.

And you don't know that ferry fans are terrorists? Nah, Anacortes is more laid back than Swartz Bay, except maybe on Friday evenings.

[Low Light Mike]

Mar 22, 2014 13:19:23 GMT -8 SolDuc said:

Mar 22, 2014 11:43:55 GMT -8 Low Light Mike said:

Was there a problem because you called them idiots?

What problem could there be for someone just wanting to drive to Anacortes to ride a ferry?

That's why the Pac Hwy crossing is better. We crossed once at Peace Arch and it took a while but at Pac Hwy the officer just asked what we were going to do in the US and that was it.

And you don't know that ferry fans are terrorists? Nah, Anacortes is more laid back than Swartz Bay, except maybe on Friday evenings.

I think that we always need to remember that any Canada-USA border crossing is an International Border Crossing, and that this is never a casual matter. International borders are big deals. Yes, busy crossing should be as smooth as possible, but they are still crossings.

My wife & I watch a Canadian reality-TV program on border crossings & other entry points into Canada (ie. postal and airports). It is fun watching the dim-witted travelers who are clueless about rules and protocols for crossing into another country.

If I ever crossed and was asked what my "ferry riding" trip purpose was about, I'd be very happy to clearly explain my hobby and the attraction of taking a ferry from Anacortes.

[Koastal Karl]

Well I guess it was not a big deal. The guy obviously thought I looked suspicous so I had to go to a secondary screening. Couldent understand why I was coming from Victoria to Anacortes via Peace Arch and not from Sidney. Me and my girlfriend went down one time and we had the same guy as I remember him and had no problem but being alone I guess they thought I was up to something. I never mention I am doing a ferry trip. I always come up with another excuse which makes it harder to figure something out to say. What would any of you solo travelers say if you were going into Canada or the US to do a ferry trip???

[SolDuc]

Mar 22, 2014 16:18:57 GMT -8 Low Light Mike said:

If I ever crossed and was asked what my "ferry riding" trip purpose was about, I'd be very happy to clearly explain my hobby and the attraction of taking a ferry from Anacortes.

"I'm going for a ride on the MV Kaleetan, which means "Arrow" in Chinook Jargon. This ferry was built in 1967 at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, CA. The ferry started service on the Seattle to Bainbridge Island route before being moved to the San Juan Islands. A few years ago she was moved to the Seattle to Bremerton route. She's currently in service in the San Juan Islands which is rare for that boat. She is 116.5m long, has a beam of 22.3m and a draft of 5.64m. She originally had space for 160 cars in a total 11 lanes, three in the main tunnel, two on each side deck and two on each gallery deck. With the increasing size of cars, she now can only carry 144. She is also licensed to carry 2,000 passengers, down from 2,500, which was reduced due to potential stability issues with the increasing weight of Americans. Does that answer your question sir?"

[Low Light Mike]

Mar 22, 2014 16:36:51 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

I never mention I am doing a ferry trip. I always come up with another excuse which makes it harder to figure something out to say. What would any of you solo travelers say if you were going into Canada or the US to do a ferry trip???

If you lie (ie. make something up), then you deserve to be hassled by the border officers. If fact, you shouldn't be attempting international travel at all.


Really, are you serious about wondering what other people would say. We'd say the truth.


(imagine the largest rolling-eyes emoticon, and that's how I'll end this post)


ps: an international traveller who lies to border agents and then refers to them as "idiots" because they take you into secondary screening, is about the most ridiculously stupid thing that I've ever read on this forum.

[northwesterner]

Mar 22, 2014 16:36:51 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

Well I guess it was not a big deal. The guy obviously thought I looked suspicous so I had to go to a secondary screening. Couldent understand why I was coming from Victoria to Anacortes via Peace Arch and not from Sidney. Me and my girlfriend went down one time and we had the same guy as I remember him and had no problem but being alone I guess they thought I was up to something. I never mention I am doing a ferry trip. I always come up with another excuse which makes it harder to figure something out to say. What would any of you solo travelers say if you were going into Canada or the US to do a ferry trip???

As if Americans don't get secondary screening entering Canada .... or re-entering the US, for that matter.

FWIW, I'm an American that has gone through secondary screening entering Canada, and the United States. It happens.

[WettCoast]

Last May I travelled from North Vancouver to my Mom's place in Victoria via Whidbey Island, Port Townsend, & Port Angeles.  This involved two ferry crossings - WSF's Kennewick & Blackball's Coho.

When crossing into the USA at the Peace Arch, the US border agent asked me the purpose of my trip.  I told him that I was a big fan of taking the scenic or slow route from one place to another if time permitted such and that was what I was doing on this particular trip.  I did not mention that I was also wanting to get a non-routine ferry-fix for me by riding on a couple of vessels/ferry routes that are new to me, or at least not something I have done too many times (Coho).  I thought that admitting such might make me sound just a bit 'strange' and worthy of further interrogation.

Question:  How many people here consider themselves to be ferry geeks, ship nuts, etc., but are reluctant to come right out and admit to such when talking to 'normal' people?

[SolDuc]

Mar 22, 2014 20:12:59 GMT -8 WettCoast said:

Question:  How many people here consider themselves to be ferry geeks, ship nuts, etc., but are reluctant to come right out and admit to such when talking to 'normal' people?

Well, it depends on the situation. Most of the times when people ask me why I'm taking pictures of ferries I just tell them that I like ferries and that would be the end of the conversation. But note that I usually don't mention "ferry geek" or "ferry nerd". It just sounds a bit weird.

As for passing the border, just tell them where you're going. Last summer when we went to the 10th Anniversary trip we just told the officier that we were spending the weekend in the Gulf Islands and that was it. Karl, you should just say that you're going to spend the day in Friday Harbor and you'd be fine. After all that would be what you're doing.

[Koastal Karl]

When I said I dont tell them I am doing a ferry trip what I meant was I am not going down just to ride the ferry. I was going down to the San Juans which you do have to take a ferry which is true in a way I was taking a ferry but I dont tell them I am going just to do a ferry trip. Were you travelling alone Jim??? What got me was he asked me why I was going to Anacortes the way I was going and not from Sidney which to what I replied "It was not convenient" to which he replied why wasent it convenient to which I replied again "It just wasn't! Which I guess he thought cause I dident have a good answer it was suspicious and now I think about it that probably was not the best answer. The way I was going and what I wanted to do was not convenient going from Sidney for the day. I still made the sailing out of Anacortes it was just then I was worried about coming back but the Canadian Customs I had no issue with. It's stressful especially when they put you on the spot with all these questions.

I consider my self to be a ferry nut or ship enthusiest but I dont really tell people that . I would actually prefer to say ship enthusiest rather than ferry geek. Cause it 's true in a way I love all ships. 

Oh yeah I will just tell the border agents I am a ship enthusiest and I am going down to ride the Kaleetan, lol!

Any idea how long the Kaleetan will be in the San Juans for??? Mid April??

[Low Light Mike]

Mar 22, 2014 22:04:45 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

It's stressful especially when they put you on the spot with all these questions.

They (the border agents on both sides) are doing the job of guarding and managing an international border. That's an important job.

They ask questions in such a way to trip-up people with illegal plans. They look for inconsistencies and things that seem implausible.

If you have nothing to hide, and you know where you are going and why you are travelling there, then there is no worry about such questions from the border agents. If you tell them the truth, you will never get tripped up by the questions.

Really, it is that simple. They are not "idiots."

[Mike C]

I cross the border about once every two-three weeks with my NEXUS pass, and I don't recall ever having issues with border security when I go to ride ferries. I don't specifically tell them that I have an interest in ferries, or that I plan to ride the ferries for fun, but rather checking out towns and destinations with friends.

I did once admit to a border security agent that I was a rail fan, and traveling to Bellingham for National Train Day. Turns out he was a rail nerd himself.

Between the Lower Mainland crossings, customs at the Airport and train station, I can't say one is better than the other (except for the Trusted Traveler program at the airport, which is awesome). I've had varying degrees of good and bad experiences at all of them - just like going to different McDonald's locations. Border guards have a job to do, and they perform it consistently. And they are definitely not "idiots".

[Neil]

I'm not really sure whether Karl was objecting more to the attitude he encountered, or the procedure he was required to go through. If it was the former, I think it has to be allowed that there are indeed bad border personnel, just as there are bad cops. Last year I encountered an American Peace Arch chap who's truculent militaristic attitude was completely uncalled for and unprovoked, and which ruined my morning.

Yes, they're doing an important job, and most of them do it professionally and with respect for the public. But not everyone does well in a uniform with authority. Fortunately, it's a small minority, and perhaps the fellow I encountered was simply having a trying day. But it does happen. 

[Koastal Karl]

Me and my g/f went like a year before and had this same guy. The last time I was on my own which I had the problem. Maybe they have a problem with solo travellers lol! Never had a problem with the Canadian side! I was just refering to my experience that day and I know they are just doing their job.

[Kahloke]

FYI - I moved all of the recent posts about crossing the border out of the Kaleetan thread and created this new thread for it, and I've made the thread topic broad enough to cover all US-Canada border crossing discussions, not just the ones in Blaine.

[paulvanb]

Once we pulled aside for a secondary screening - my wife and then toddler of a daughter. Sometimes, your number just comes up. I love watching Border Security too!

[Koastal Karl]

I guess they are not idiots and that was probably not the best thing to say and I know they are doing their jobs. Ever since this came up I have started watching border security and it's a neat show to watch. Maybe I will have to try and get on the Kaleetan before it's too late.

[Neil]

Apr 5, 2014 20:11:45 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

I guess they are not idiots and that was probably not the best thing to say and I know they are doing their jobs. Ever since this came up I have started watching border security and it's a neat show to watch. Maybe I will have to try and get on the Kaleetan before it's too late.

I think it's fair to say that 'Border Security' will never, ever show a CBSA officer who is surly, disrespectful, or perhaps just having a bad day. I watch that show as well, but like all 'reality' TV shows, the reality is not quite absolute.

[Starsteward]

Apr 5, 2014 21:24:29 GMT -8 Neil said:

Apr 5, 2014 20:11:45 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

I guess they are not idiots and that was probably not the best thing to say and I know they are doing their jobs. Ever since this came up I have started watching border security and it's a neat show to watch. Maybe I will have to try and get on the Kaleetan before it's too late.

I think it's fair to say that 'Border Security' will never, ever show a CBSA officer who is surly, disrespectful, or perhaps just having a bad day. I watch that show as well, but like all 'reality' TV shows, the reality is not quite absolute.

    Anyone that watches 'Border Security' must notice that CBSA oficers are much more lenient when it comes to admissability issues, undeclared items, (excess cash etc.)
    and they seem to give some leeway to folks that are displaying an obvious level of 'unawareness' or stupidity regarding some issues.
    Also, CBSA is NOT allowed to ask a number of 'personal' questions, even though a search of one's luggage may lead to some 'speculation'. 
    From my experiences, there appears to be no limit on what the U.S. Border folks can and do ask of people entering the good old U.S. of A. Sadly, much of these new 
    harsh regulations can be traced back to 'the day the world changed forever',  9-11.
    
  

[Neil]

Some controversy about the TV show, 'Border Security'...

news.nationalpost.com/2014/05/07/border-security-canadas-front-line-third-season/

Since Mr Horn mentioned this show some time back, I've been watching it. I don't get National Geographic channel on Hornby, but I do get DTour, which also carries it.

I'm not entirely comfortable with watching it, and I'm not convinced Canadian security agencies should be co-operating with 'reality' TV outlets in filming what should be confidential encounters with private citizens. A recent episode showed a rather odd woman arriving from France with no money, meeting her 'boyfriend', someone half her age, who lived in a homeless shelter and was going to get her a bed in the same facility. When she was predictably denied entry, she freaked out and began cursing and spitting. I felt like I was a voyeur watching a mentally ill person have a meltdown. Very uncomfortable. Other episodes have shown fairly innocent people caught by their own ignorance of customs regulations, and under some considerable emotional stress.

On the other hand... the show communicates the amazing ability of border officials to catch scumbags importing drugs and other illegal materials into the country, and features people who have no business being here. If I were a potential smuggler and I watched this show, I might be deterred from trying something. So, who knows... it may have an educational component.

I consider myself reasonably ethical, and yet I watch 'Survivor', religiously. 'Border Security' unsettles me at times and I have serious qualms about the propriety of border agents participating in it, and yet I watch. Don't know exactly what that says about me.

[Koastal Karl]

Does anyone know which border crossing would be busier southbound on a Saturday morning??? And which would be busier northbound Sunday evening??? I was plannig to do a trip down to Anacortes but not sure I want to go via Sidney to Anacortes or drive down from Tsawwassen as I am thinking now of doing the E State Saturday instead of Sunday well maybe Sunay too.

[Koastal Karl]

any idea if Peace Arch and Pacific Highway would be busy on Saturday afternoon late like around 4pm or later going southbound???

[Mike C]

Jun 18, 2014 7:23:35 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

any idea if Peace Arch and Pacific Highway would be busy on Saturday afternoon late like around 4pm or later going southbound???

Wait times definitely vary between the two crossings all weekend long, but on Saturday afternoon, you can expect about a 30-40 minute wait in the general purpose line, and about 5 minutes in the NEXUS line.

[Koastal Karl]

A Sunday morning before 8am southbound Pacific Highway or Peace Arch. I would think they wouldent be busy at all. What do you think??