Driving to Anchorage from Boise

[hawkbill]

I’m thinking of driving from Boise to Anchorage this fall. I would like to here any input on this. Crossing Canadian boarder with guns or meat, cape horns, frozen fish. Road conditions, from what I see it’s about a 50 hour drive or 3000 miles. The reason instead of shipping gear up to Alaska, shipping gear back, bringing antlers back, a couple coolers back full of meat and anything else I wanted to pick up along the way. I think it would be fun to see the country and meet the people along the way. It would add 3 or 4 days onto trip each way, I believe.

 

[elkassassin]

My Dad Use To Pull His 5th Wheel Clear To Alaska Every Summer For Vacation/Fishing!

He Didn't Take Any Guns With Him!

But One Time Customs Found A Box of Bullets In His Trailer!

They About Disassembled Both Truck & Trailer!

I Don't Know What The Rules Of Today Crossing In To Canada are?

In 1991 I Decided I Was Venturing In to Canada For a Joy Ride One Weekend North of Republic Washington!

I Had 7 Guns In My Truck!

They Called For Back-Up!

I Didn't Get In To Canada That Day!

But I Was Known as THE GUY WITH ALL THEM GUNS when I Finally made it across the Border!

It Was Pre 9/11 Or They'd of probably Really Throwed a Fit!

Crossing Borders With Antlers/Meat Might Be An Issue,I Don't Know?

Best Of Luck hawk!

 

[JPblind]

Drove the Alcan 3 times while moving in the military and each time the roads seemed better. Use to be maybe 500miles of dirt now they're paving everything. As for guns and ammo things change so I would look up info online about ammo quanities and keeping guns locked up going through Canada not to mention passports I think you need now days. I don't think you can have any kind of pepper spray. Keep at least 10 gal extra fuel because the longest stretch we had with no gas stations was maybe 300mi. As for meat and trophies they should honor the Alaska hunting license but may have to be wrapped and frozen. Like I said online should have all updated info. Good luck and take your time at least with one trip. Seeing big ram stone sheep off the road was pretty cool but seeing bears was old after awhile.

 

[SS!]

JP pretty much summed it up.

If you have the time and really want to drive up go for it. But it’s going to cost way more to drive up and back at current fuel prices than to just check an extra couple bags IMHO.

 

[2lumpy]

I crossed into Canada and returned to the U.S. in May of this year. Four of us took firearms and ammunition into Canada and returned with bear meat and hides. Crossing the border in both directions was not a problem but there are strict laws both sides enforce, without humor!

It would be foolish for me to try to explain the requirements because if I miss stated the rules or you misunderstood me, you could find yourself in a mess at the border and screw up your trip.

Read through the following web page and assume the most restrictive interpretation if something doesn’t make sense. They follow their rules unapologetically…… so don’t assume it will be okay if something isn’t just right on your part.

They will help you fill out the paper work, if you ask them “politely and patiently” for help. Usually……….. it takes about 15 to 20 minutes, per person, with firearms, to get through the paper work, on both sides. However, that is after it’s your turn at the counter. If they are busy, and they can be very busy, you can be there waiting for your turn for an hour or more.

Going from the U.S. into Canada, you’ll stop at the American side first, to get paper work done, so you can bring your firearms back into the US, on your way home. While you’re there, after you get your paper work on the US side done, ask the US agent what is required to bring your big game animals back into the US after your hunt in Alaska. Do the same thing on the Canadian side, because you’ll need to enter Canada at the Akaska/Canadian border as well.

It looks and sounds overwhelming…….. it’s not. Thousand of Americans do it year round without any problem.

Two things to know to start. You will need a PassPort and DO NOT even try to take a handgun or pepper spray.

Have a great trip. It’s a great drive and everybody should do it at least once in your lifetime.

Import and export a firearm or weapon into Canada.

List of prohibited weapons, firearms classification and information to import and export weapons.

www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

 

[money]

The roads are great all the way to Fort Nelson, BC which is the furthest I've traveled it (twice actually). I am sure they continue to be nice after Ft. Nelson. Beautiful drive for sure, but it is a long long ways across Canada. We did it will a couple of vehicles and team driving so it wasn't horrible. With only 1 or 2 guys it would certainly be a tougher task.

The Canadian Border personnel do not like Americans necessarily and they don't know how to smile. Just make sure you have your ducks in a row and you'll be good, but expect to be met with an attitude even if you do have everything lined up.

 

[2lumpy]

The roads are great all the way to Fort Nelson, BC which is the furthest I've traveled it (twice actually). I am sure they continue to be nice after Ft. Nelson. Beautiful drive for sure, but it is a long long ways across Canada. We did it will a couple of vehicles and team driving so it wasn't horrible. With only 1 or 2 guys it would certainly be a tougher task.

The Canadian Border personnel do not like Americans necessarily and they don't know how to smile. Just make sure you have your ducks in a row and you'll be good, but expect to be met with an attitude even if you do have everything lined up.

Canadian border personnel don’t like anybody, including Canadians.

Get too chatty with an American border person and you’ll find out really quick, they don’t like Canadians or Americans either.

I’ve found out, crossing that border for the last 50 years, answer their questions as specifically and as simply as you can. Don’t try to be funny or cheeky. Don’t give them “ANY” information they don’t specifically ask for. If you have a question, which you will have, especially if it’s your first time through, ask it as simply and specifically as you can, about crossing the border. One thing I found out, a long time ago, they generally won’t tolerate your attempt at humor or complains about the system. Nor are they travel advisors or tour guides. They take border cross like you’re going through the gates of Heaven and they are God. Everything will go click, click, click if you keep it specific to crossing the border and don’t try to be their buddy or their boss.

Don’t ask about Rainer Cherries.

How do I know. I’ve been put in a corner, twice, and left there for 8 hours, for arguing with them and trying to be too friendly and then spent an hour getting 64 thousand unnecessary questions…….. just to see if I’m trying to hide something. If they pull everything out of your vehicle, they’ll let you put it back in.

The border personnel are not interested in you personally, in any way shape or form. They are KingKong with a stomach ache.

 

[BacDoc]

Reading these post brings back memories of a trip I made from Roosevelt to Anchorage a couple of years ago. I love to drive, and see new country, and got a chance to take some supplies and equipment for a company with a business in Alaska. The trip was fantastic, the border crossing into Canada, not so much. I had problems with inventory lists and paperwork, and spent 8 hours at the border between the U.S. and Canadian offices. Everyone was very polite, but take their jobs very seriously. With all the problems, I’d love to do it again. BacDoc?

 

[mtmuley]

I remember as a kid crossing the border with my Grandfather to go fishing many times. Back then they dang near just waved you through. But we left Montana with a Montana vehicle. Times have certainly changed. mtmuley

 

[2lumpy]

I remember as a kid crossing the border with my Grandfather to go fishing many times. Back then they dang near just waved you through. But we left Montana with a Montana vehicle. Times have certainly changed. mtmuley

Yep, and it’s very unfortunate. Computer technology has both helped and hurt. Internal and International relationships have changed in the 50 year due US/Canadian political differences.

I started crossing back and forth during Vietnam era, on student and work visas. Crossing on a work visa was where I learned to keep my mouth shut and answer yes, no and thank you. At that time the American border personnel were screening the crap out of anyone coming to work in the US, believing any job should be filled by an American.

It’s definitely gotten more tense, on both sides. But…… as I’ve said……… it’s no problem if you dance the dance the way they tell you to. You can fight with them and loose or do what they tell you and enjoy your trip.

 

[littlebighorn]

I've only driven one way from western US to Whitehorse Canada so your trip would be even further.
It's a very long drive but there is some incredible scenery along the way. I don't mind driving and the trip up was OK but I actually thought that I would enjoy the drive more than I did. I went for a 14 day backpack Stone sheep hunt in BC and after that grueling hunt and not seeing a legal ram, I was more than happy to hop on a plane to fly home rather than drive.
I'm sure each trip is different and if you don't have time restraints it might be OK but if I was headed out on another hunt I would fly.

And yes, border crossing is a process, even if you have all your paperwork right.
Sounds like you are in for an adventure, one way or another.

 

[elkassassin]

I Still Remember The One COCKY-CANNUCK At The Border!

Every time I Had To Deal With Him He'd Say:

You Still Got The 357 Hid Under The Seat You Claim You Forgot about?

 

[hawkbill]

Look how many flights were canceled today July 3rd, 3000 and Half those people won’t even make it to there 4th of July destination. For some reason the drive is calling me

 

[EVILNR]

Coming back from Nelson we had a Canadian guard try to give us a hard time about some OTC allergy medicine!!
Good thing I left my Glock at the hotel in Spokane.

 

[mozey]

I love this stuff. There is also a good thread in the Canada forum that discusses the border crossings:

Canadian Travel recently | Canada

Howdy I am going to Alberta pretty soon and I need to Figure out the Covid testing requirements. Also heading back to Alaska for a month or so after that. Anyone been their lately? Any tips? I need to get the firearm paperwork but I can look that up.

www.monstermuleys.info

I'll be doing similar (Albuquerque to Fairbanks) this August for a sheep hunt. Yes, I could choose to just fly, but for me, having driven to northern BC and back a couple times has just wetted my whistle to keep going all the way to the Arctic Circle. Planning to go with a couple of my best hunting buddies, stopping along the way for whatever mini adventures that appeal.

 

[yak4fish]

Not sure if this relevant but my parents took a ferry from Washington to Alaska to bypass Canada both times they went.

 

[elkassassin]

Do You know How Long/Many Hours The Ferry Ride Was?

Not sure if this relevant but my parents took a ferry from Washington to Alaska to bypass Canada both times they went.

 

[2lumpy]

Do You know How Long/Many Hours The Ferry Ride Was?

Days…..?

 

[GSJ]

Crossed once before. Canuck border agents were assholes. Dug damn near all our gear out of the car. Also Canada is a socialist shithole. Canucks I’ve encountered on various vacations abroad were arrogant douchebags. I’d avoid if at all possible.

 

[mozey]

Wow--my experience has been almost the opposite. Granted, I've only been to Alberta and BC, but the Canadians I've associated with have been almost too nice. Maybe my sarcasm meter is not working...

 

[JB1975]

Crossed once before. Canuck border agents were assholes. Dug damn near all our gear out of the car. Also Canada is a socialist shithole. Canucks I’ve encountered on various vacations abroad were arrogant douchebags. I’d avoid if at all possible.

We flew to Vancouver a few years ago. Their border agents were incredibly thorough and serious. We were there a week and everyone was very nice.

 

[Arrowelk]

I drove up for a moose hunt once. Nice drive if you take your time, we were going hard and switching drivers for almost a non stop trip.
If you notice a gap in the white line at night, get on the breaks as it is prolly a moose in the road. Also there is a section that has buffalo. We saw a car that hit one and I can't imagine how anybody survived.
The Canada customs were super cool and easy to deal with. Even with our guns. We mailed our pistols up to ourselves, but had our rifles with us. No issues that way. We even drove through Jasper park on the way home with a dead Moose head in the back...
Now, the American customs was a pain in the ass on the way back in MT. They were all up in our face about registering our guns and what not. It got pretty heated at one point.
good luck.