Traveling to Canada...what do I say at the border?

S

SquirrelNuts

Joined
Jun 15, 2003
Messages
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I own some property in Canda...it is a fishing cabin in northwestern Ontario. I will be going there in August, and have always taken knives along with me. Nothing too strange or "deadly looking" (whatever that means), maybe a PC looking folder or a fixed blade like a KA-BAR or a Glock knife.

When I go through the border, they ask if I am bringing any weapons along with me. I always say "no," because I am from Georgia...and no one really gives a darn about knives here. They are not viewed by the general population as "weapons."

I have three questions. 1) Are simple (read non-automatic) folders and fixed blades legal in Ontario? 2) If they are legal, can I bring them in to Ontario? 3) What the heck do I say at the border? Just keep on saying "no?"

-SquirrelNuts
 
Canadian knife laws can be summed up to this: No auto, No Balisong, No push-dagger.

From a legal stand point, you can carry any knife of any length you feel like it... but there is a catch, it can't be "concealed" if you are carrying it. Any normal looking folder shouldn't give you any hassle clipped or carried loose in the pocket, a fixed blade on your hip won't give you any trouble as long as your not downtown or something.

Your knives are NOT weapons, so unless they request specifically for knives you are under NO obligation to declare them to customs. If you get a hassle remember, all knives are legal as long as they aren't an auto, a bali or a push-dagger.

Suggestions on blade length:
No more then 3" in a city at night.
No more then 4" in a city.
Carry whatever the hell you want outside city limits :)

Use common sense, unless your doing something else illegal chances are you'll never even have to talk to a Canadain Police officer.

Anyway, enjoy your trip and where are you heading?
 
My cabin is on Lac Seul, which is five hours north of International Falls/Fort Francis. It is off highway 105, just south of Ear Falls. It has been in the family since 1952. I fish for Northern Pike and Walleye...that's all there is to do there...fish...and drink.

I was not sure if they considered knives to be weapons, so I put the benefit of the doubt in my direction and always said "no." The last time I came back, the border guard noticed I was from Georgia. He asked me if I had been deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. I told him about fishing for King Macrel and Bonita from Panama City Beach, Florida. We continued talking for five minutes while all the cars coming across piled up behind us about 20 deep. I bet the people behind us thought we were in some serious trouble. I think the guard only asked one question pertaining to his job which was "where are you heading?" I have found it is just best to play dumb when crossing the border, eh.

-SquirrelNuts
 
Originally posted by SquirrelNuts
My cabin is on Lac Seul, which is five hours north of International Falls/Fort Francis. It is off highway 105, just south of Ear Falls. It has been in the family since 1952. I fish for Northern Pike and Walleye...that's all there is to do there...fish...and drink.

I was not sure if they considered knives to be weapons, so I put the benefit of the doubt in my direction and always said "no." The last time I came back, the border guard noticed I was from Georgia. He asked me if I had been deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. I told him about fishing for King Macrel and Bonita from Panama City Beach, Florida. We continued talking for five minutes while all the cars coming across piled up behind us about 20 deep. I bet the people behind us thought we were in some serious trouble. I think the guard only asked one question pertaining to his job which was "where are you heading?" I have found it is just best to play dumb when crossing the border, eh.

-SquirrelNuts
Click to expand...

I think most LEO's in this country are pretty laid back, it's just the idiots in power that restrict us... butt four liablity puposes it best two plaey dum eh? :D
 
The legal definitions are listed below.. but then again.. if you run into a LEO etc.. they don't give a crap about the definition, they will take it, and tell you "if you want it back. go to court" (and you'd probably win, but waste a LOT of time..

better to say no.. as the legal definition of a knife is not a weapon. (yet)

A knife is a tool...




2 "weapon"
"weapon" means
(a) anything used, designed to be used or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person, or
(b) anything used, designed to be used or intended for use for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes any firearm as defined in subsection 84(1);


Criminal Code
PART III FIREARMS AND OTHER WEAPONS
Possession Offences

89. (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, carries a weapon, a prohibited device or any ammunition or prohibited ammunition while the person is attending or is on the way to attend a public meeting.

Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.


90. (1) Every person commits an offence who carries a weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition concealed, unless the person is authorized under the Firearms Act to carry it concealed.

Punishment
(2) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or

(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
 
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