cwoolley wrote:

Rob wrote:… long guns, pistols and all.

Pistols? How did you manage that?

Rob wrote: Or stick your head in the sand and pretend that if you don't do anything, nothing bad will happen.

Take care, Rob.

Definitely don’t want to stick my head in the sand. I will PM you as we get a bit closer. Thanks for the input!

Hi cw,

On the road at the moment, so need to be brief. In a nutshell, this topic is like most on an internet forum. Everyone has an opinion... just that some have been there done that, and some have a friend who had a friend, who's uncle said.

Canada has 3 classes of firearms. Non restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Handguns (not prohibited ones which are certain calibers and physical sizes) are restricted, and can be transported through Canada on your way to Alaska provided you have done you 5589 in advance, paid your fees, and achieved approval.

People get jammed up because they don't want to invest any of their own time to learn the system and utilize it properly. So they try a 'fast one' get hassled and then blame the system.

I guess It's probably worth noting that even non restricted firearms will need a 5589 for transport, and prohibited means just that... don't go there.

Also worth noting, for non restricted, you can generally do your 5589 at the POE. Show up with a restricted firearm and no 5589, and your probably going to get turned around, after a less than pleasant visit. Restricted means just that.

Your best source for real Canadian firearm transport questions is the source ;
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms#f909
Take care, Rob

Thank you for that helpful detailed information Rob. Much appreciated. I’ll add this to http://fly2ak.com. Ted

I went up to Alaska a few weeks ago, landed at Kamloops on the way up. I made the phone call to Canadian Customs and was cleared over the phone (I had some firearms with me too, but just as long as you declare them its no biggie).

Coming back, I did as Ted suggested and landed at Porthill (Eckerts International) and cleared with US Customs. It was about a 10-15 min stop.

Thank you for that update "DeputyDog." And I have added the RCMP Firearms Information links to the "Canada" page on http://fly2ak.com

Ted,

A data point: An MPA member just cleared Canada Customs at Del Bonita, which lies along the border just east of the continental divide. He reported easy clearance there and strip is in reasonably good condition.

We (Montana Pilots Assn, the Alberta Flying Farmers, and Montana Aeronautics will hold a work party at Del Bonita on the 17th of this month, so strip should be in great shape after that.

Everyone I know who’s cleared there likes the place……land, taxi to parking on whichever country you’re entering, and Customs comes out to meet you.

MTV

Thank you for the update Mike. I’ve cleared there several times N bound. Great experience every time.

Haven’t tried S bound (yet)…

If you are wanting a handgun that badly you can mail the gun from yourself to yourself in care of a gun dealer (ffl). It is really important that it is addressed From: John Smith To: John Smith c/o Bob's Guns. If you leave out your name then the dealer has to log the guns into their records and you will not be able to pick them up until you have an Alaska Driver's license and show intent to become a resident. If you address them properly the dealer will just hold the package and hand them to you when you stop in to pick them up. I would call the dealer to let them know when to expect you.100% totally legal and one of the few things done by the ATF that makes sense. This is just because of travel through Canada. As an FFL holder I receive pistols all the time through all delivery options. As long as an FFL is part of the address you shouldn't have any issues. I would not indicate anywhere on the package what is in it beyond the address. There is a Three Bears store in Tok that a lot of people driving the highway use to pick up guns, they should know the drill.

mtv wrote:Ted,

A data point: An MPA member just cleared Canada Customs at Del Bonita, which lies along the border just east of the continental divide. He reported easy clearance there and strip is in reasonably good condition.

We (Montana Pilots Assn, the Alberta Flying Farmers, and Montana Aeronautics will hold a work party at Del Bonita on the 17th of this month, so strip should be in great shape after that.

Everyone I know who’s cleared there likes the place……land, taxi to parking on whichever country you’re entering, and Customs comes out to meet you.

MTV

What are the requiring for covid clearance if any?