Trans Canadian Highway

As of right now for my summer road trip, my aspiration will take me into Canada as it will be a part of a circle tour that I want to ride.

For my Canadian brother's, what kind of riding can I expect on this highway? I will most likely be coming in from Ontario via a ferry then heading east to the tip of Minnesota where I will be heading south once I reach 61. What are some of the things that I can expect? What are gas prices like there? Weather, etc?

It will be either early July or early August when I take this trip. Thanks.

What about my boot knife?

No guns, knives maybe, bring a passport, bug spray, Cdn cash (comes in pretty colors, and sticks together so count it out carefully!). Gas, smokes, liquor, all cost more, food about the same. Cops usually give 10% leeway at speed limits.

When I would go from Maine into Canada my knife was clearly visible when I opened my Tour Pack...Never had a problem...I also told them I had it...

Good plan. Thanks.

If you're riding around the lakehead [Superior] on the 17 it's a nice ride. Been 30 years since I've been this way. I spend most of my time riding on your side of the border. This has been substantially cheaper for me, even with the exchange. Lots of animals out at Dusk. I can't say for accommodations , but being up there they may be expensive. Pretty good Pizza in Sault St Marie. Gas usually is a lot more expensive. Make sure you have no charges that you haven't been pardoned for. Your border trots that one out a lot. no fresh meat, fruit etc.The other guys have set you straight about weapons.

Canada is $$$$$$$$. Gas is in litres and there is X amount of liters to a gallon. Restaurants $$$$. Canada has the gst/gsp whatever taxs added. Free medical is not free. No offense Canada I hope America never does that. It'd be like taxing the working and productive for those who'd rather not,even though we are heaidng that way.

What do mean by "charges I haven't been pardoned for? "

What I mean is that you have had a DUI charge, Drug possession charge, however small any felony charge, not sure about misdemeanors. I'm not sure what terminology you guys use for having your criminal file expunged or as we use the term "pardoned" I'm not suggesting that you have anything on your file, but if you do, it's best to clear up any issues with it long before you get to the border. I've had friends up this way who had been crossing the border for years get caught up on a simple "possession" charge and get denied entry. When they ask you" have you ever been fingerprinted or charged?" The best answer is no. I have been asked this question many times in Montana.

I have had some stupid issues a long time ago but nothing active. Still an issue? All misdemeanors.

No offense taken
You've got us figured out. It's not cheap living here and socialized medicine is an expensive benefit but at this juncture, it's something that most Canadians enshrine as a universal right. We have long waiting lists for elective surgeries. If you have the money, you can cross the border and get fixed up in the USA. A lot of us have distrust of the major insurance companies as they often look for a way, not to pay out claims. I am an AMA member and I remember reading in their magazine years ago where insurance companies with group benefit plans were excluding high risk employees from coverage. some would deny coverage for motorcyclists and some would deny coverage for motorcyclists not wearing helmets. I'd expect that kind of stuff up here but not down your way. Call me a commie but between the government looking after my health care or the insurance company, i'll take my chances with the government. At least I can vote them out

Buddy of mine had a 20 year old conviction. you can get a waiver of it is an issue. I'd discreetly check with a lawyer. more than likely a non issue but never hurts to be prepared

Now you made me depressed by saying I should talk to a lawyer.

Sorry, not meaning to rain on your parade. If you have crossed the border recently then it is a non issue or if you're smooth, you can say yes sir no sir three bags full sir. Just don't volunteer any needless info at the border.

Health insurance is doable here in the USA if you are willing to make an effort. My oldest daughter became a single mother at 19 and disavowed any social assistance because she knows it comes with a price. Thats what I told her anyways. She stayed with us, we helped with the babysitting while she worked and put herself thru college. No handouts,no welfare, no food stamps,not free medical. She is now a manager of a coding section in a major medical facility with mad benefits. She worked hard and sacrificed for it.

Unfortunately to many Amaerican citizens want to be on the dole and get as much free stuff as possible,legally or illegally. The system has no real or constant stop gap checking mechanisms for fraud. One lady collected from 3 neighboring states and bought a fleet of limosines and a apartment complex before she was eventaully caught..

http://www.ijreview.com/2014/11/208...rs-wanted-build-bombs-couldnt-ebt-card-money/

Good on you guys and your daughter. nice to hear some good come out of a tough situation. Welfare has been abused up here as well. Same type of stuff. free food, free prescription drugs.[This is NOT covered by govt health care unless you're on welfare or a senior and those on welfare have complete coverage, the seniors do not] That is quite the story about the bomb squad..man!!!!

I'll never visit Canada - too much red tape. Plenty of good roads to ride here.

Guy I know had an old assault charge and an upcoming hockey tournament in Boston, went to the border one day as a test, got thru with no troubles. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill. If you are a few hours from the border, take a drive up with your passport in hand, give out the requested info, and make sure no issues before you arrive with bike and wife.
Canada is worth the trip, and as much as I hate my snow, I love my medicare and social benefits. Guess I'm a bit of a republican socialist. Is that even a thing? WTF!