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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: IMPORTATION OF FIREARMS: Firearms are much more strictly controlled in Canada than in the United States. Violation of firearms restrictions may result in prosecution and imprisonment. As of January 1, 2001, visitors bringing any firearms into Canada, or planning to borrow and use firearms while in Canada, must declare the firearms in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. Visitors planning to borrow a firearm in Canada must obtain in advance a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License. These forms must be signed before a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the border and no photocopies are available at the border. Full details and downloadable forms are available from the Canada Firearms Program . Canadian law requires that officials confiscate firearms and weapons from persons crossing the border who deny having the items in their possession. Confiscated firearms and weapons are never returned. Possession of an undeclared firearm may result in arrest and imprisonment.
Canada has three classes of firearms: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Non-restricted firearms include most ordinary hunting rifles and shotguns. These may be brought temporarily into Canada for sporting or hunting use during hunting season, use in competitions, in-transit movement through Canada, or personal protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada. Anyone wishing to bring hunting rifles into Canada must be at least 18 years old, must properly store he firearm for transport, and must follow the declaration requirements described above. Restricted firearms are primarily handguns; however, pepper spray, mace, and some knives also are included in this category. A restricted firearm may be brought into Canada, but an Authorization to Transport permit must be obtained in advance from a Provincial or Territorial Chief Firearms Officer. Prohibited firearms include fully automatic, converted automatics, and assault-type weapons. Prohibited firearms are not allowed into Canada.
They will ask you if you have a gun, when you say you do, you will be thoroughly searched period.Even unloading and locking it away will be a risk. If you do happen to get searched and they find it, you are violating their firearms import laws. The fact that you can legally carry in certain states means nothing.
+1 for leaving it home.
It's probably in Blaine WA.DO NOT try to take it accross the border. Bad things could happen if by some chance you or your car get searched. FYI the last time I crossed a couple years back I spoke to the local police near the border (US side) and they told me of a store that has secure lockers that you can lock up such items for a small fee. I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the place but I do recall that they were very nice and secure. All went well and I picked up my pistol when I came back.
Victoria is a very pleasant and laid-back place to visit. Unless you are very familiar with their laws & willing to jump through a lot of hoops, including having your firearms registered, I suggest that you forget about taking any guns across the line. Particularly if you are just there for a short visit. Sadly there are only two gun stores in all of the greater Victoria area...
It is also worth noting that it is illegal to carry ANY thing with you in Canada for the purpose of defending yourself against humans, not just guns.
On the other hand you CAN use "reasonable force" to defend yourself and that includes using anything you happen to have on you at the time. Pepper spray for use on dogs is legal to carry though it is unclear to me whether or not it is legal to bring it in with you. Pocket and fixed blade knives that you have with you for utility purposes are generally fine too. When you add a powerful compact flashlight to the mix you have a trio of tools that you can carry with you legally almost anywhere in Canada. Were you familiar with the defensive application of those tools, you'd be far from unarmed and able to respond well to vast majority of situations you're likely to encounter.
Check out these links for more info:
- THE official word: http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/factsheets/visitin_e.asp
- The best overview to Canadian gun laws that I've found: <broken link removed>
DO NOT try to take it accross the border. Bad things could happen if by some chance you or your car get searched. FYI the last time I crossed a couple years back I spoke to the local police near the border (US side) and they told me of a store that has secure lockers that you can lock up such items for a small fee. I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the place but I do recall that they were very nice and secure. All went well and I picked up my pistol when I came back.
It's probably in Blaine WA.
It would be great if one of our Northern members could verify these locations and we could keep them under the resources tab. From my quick search on the internet these are the locations I found.
Coast to Coast (Ace Hardware), Fairway Center, Front Street, Lynden, (360) 354-2291
Daves Sports Shop - 1738 Front St., Lynden, (360) 354-5591
Exxon Station at exit 275 in Blaine--they have lockers, you supply your own lock.
Yeagers Sporting Goods, 3101 Northwest Ave, Bellingham, (360) 733-1080
Which part did you disagree with? I was saying ( or at least attempting to say ) that knives are generally good to go in Canada, provided that you let the friendly officer know that you possess them as a tool for utility (most anything other than self-defense) purposes and don't confuse these tools of yours with "weapons", which you are banned from carrying.Not entirely true.