Well we’ve experienced the extremes of Canadian customs. After being turned around on our first two attempts, we crossed the border last Wednesday with four semi-trailers and two trailer-homes without anyone reaching for their notebook or little extendable pointer. In fact, we were not inspected at all. The officer at the first checkpoint simply looked over our passports and waved passed the inspection bay.
It was a surreal experience given the commotion that we caused the previous two days. It reminded me of the stunt that the Chaser boys pulled when they attempted to get by various high-profile security checkpoints towing a huge Trojan Horse (click here to see the clip). On most occasions, including at the Australian Army HQ in Sydney, they were waved through without question.
I’ve got a few theories about our experience at Customs. At any port, one is at the mercy of the particular officer that you deal with. A lot depends on the mood that you find that person in. Brian had the clever idea of turning up just before the shift change at 8am. When we turned up at 7:50, there’s no way that the night shift guys would be wanting to muck around with us.
I also think we experienced first-hand the animosity that many speak of between Canadians and Americans. I’m sure there were a lot of slaps on the back for the officer who turned the American convoy around for muddy tyres. Ironically, not one of us crossing the border was American, but unfortunately our equipment was.
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Not sure who is telling you there is animosity between Canadians and Americans. I lived up there all my life growing up and we got along great. Many have ties between the countries through intermarriage, etc. Maybe things have changed...too bad...
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