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Riding => Rides and Stories => Topic started by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 27, 2012, 05:07:22 PM

Title: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 27, 2012, 05:07:22 PM
I am planning a trip to Alaska (hopefully with my dad) for when I get out of the army.  My plan is to not have much of a plan that way I can kind of lose a little of the rigidity that the military has beat into me over the last 12 years.  There will be only a couple things that I will try to do.  One is to make the trip as inexpensive as possible, not the cheapest but I will be watching the bottom line.  The other is the fact that I will probably be taking a ferry from Washington (possibly Bellingham) to either Haines or Seward. The ferry websites that I have checked so far leave a lot to be desired in the area of ease of use.  I would like to avoid Canada due to the fact that I will be carrying a weapon and want to avoid the problems associated with taking a weapon into our northern neighbor's land.  I will try to camp as much as possible but if the weather is bad enough I wouldn't turn down a hotel with a warm bed.  Anyone made this trip before and have any advice or can't miss spots for me? 
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Pokey on May 27, 2012, 05:09:54 PM
Yeah I would look to avoid Canada too, and I feel the same as you. ;)
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Bert on May 27, 2012, 05:38:37 PM
British Columbia and Yukon Territory are breathtakingly beautiful, but if taking a gun is that important the ferry might be an alternative, although I don't know their rules about firearms.  But you aren't going to save any money by taking the ferry, taking a vehicle on a ferry is more expensive than riding through Canada. 
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: andydude on May 28, 2012, 05:47:48 PM
It would be a shame to bypass the rockies and Banff national park !!
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 28, 2012, 06:04:41 PM
Well, ya got a room when ya get here, pops as well.  Make sure you have a good camera and lots of SD cards and lose your time piece.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Bert on May 28, 2012, 08:35:14 PM
It would be a shame to bypass the rockies and Banff national park !!


And there's more, much much more. For example, the Yellowhead Highway between Prince George & Kitwanga, then onto the Cassiar Highway to Watson Lake, Yukon Territory with a side trip to be Hyderized.  I love that country.  I've done that route 3 times, it will never get old.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: C14PAINKILLER on May 28, 2012, 11:02:23 PM
I'd call the border about the piece and see what they say. I used to know some long distance truckers that had guns, especially when heading for the notorious big cities.
There has to be some work around, would hurt to find out. Here is some info.


Firearms
You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry when you enter Canada. If not, you could face prosecution and the goods may be seized. You need documents to prove that you are entitled to possess a firearm in Canada, and you must transport it safely.


Canada Firearms Centre
Canada Firearms Centre
Ottawa ON K1A 1M6

Telephone: 1-800-731-4000 (within Canada and the United States)
506-624-5380 (outside Canada and the United States)

Fax: 613-957-7325
Email: cfc-cafc@cfc-cafc.gc.ca
Web site: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca (http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca)


Transporting Firearms
Canadian law states that you have to transport all firearms unloaded. If you are transporting them in a vehicle, they must be kept out of sight in a part of a vehicle that is kept locked (the trunk, if there is one), unless the vehicle is supervised by an adult. You have to transport restricted and prohibited firearms in a locked case and equip them with locked safety devices to prevent firing. Antique handguns do not require a secure locking device, although all other transportation provisions apply.

Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 29, 2012, 06:11:22 AM
Thanks for the info.  After seeing that it would cost $1470+ to take the ferry from Bellingham to Whittier I might try to find another alternative. 
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Bert on May 29, 2012, 07:30:41 AM
You can bring a 'long gun' into Canada, if properly stored.  Unless they've changed their law handguns are simply not allowed, and if they catch you with one after you've claimed you don't have one, they'll not only confiscate it, they'll prosecute you.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 29, 2012, 07:55:31 AM
You can bring a 'long gun' into Canada, if properly stored.  Unless they've changed their law handguns are simply not allowed, and if they catch you with one after you've claimed you don't have one, they'll not only confiscate it, they'll prosecute you.

I won't be trying to sneak any weapons through.  But I might ship my pistol to myself in Alaska and just ride through Canada feeling a little naked. 
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Bert on May 29, 2012, 08:11:26 AM
I won't be trying to sneak any weapons through.  But I might ship my pistol to myself in Alaska and just ride through Canada feeling a little naked.


That's a good plan for the pistol, I think quite a number of people do that.


The routes to Alaska through Canada are wonderful, I've done them 3 times round-trip. Be sure to visit Dawson City in the Yukon, and maybe a side trip to Skagway south from Whitehorse, you'll gain an appreciation for just how tough those Yukon gold miners were. 



Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 29, 2012, 08:18:53 AM
I just checked and according to the operator that I spoke with, I will need to apply for a non-resident firearms permit through the BC CFO (Chief firearms officer) to get permission to carry along my designated route.  One caveat that was mentioned was that the barrel length needs to be longer than 4 1/8 inches otherwise it is considered a prohibited firearm.  Lots of red tape but it looks to be possible.  I just need to wait until the BC CFO office is open to clarify about carrying between BC and the Yukon to get into Alaska.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Bert on May 29, 2012, 09:39:54 AM
I just checked and according to the operator that I spoke with, I will need to apply for a non-resident firearms permit through the BC CFO (Chief firearms officer) to get permission to carry along my designated route.  One caveat that was mentioned was that the barrel length needs to be longer than 4 1/8 inches otherwise it is considered a prohibited firearm.  Lots of red tape but it looks to be possible.  I just need to wait until the BC CFO office is open to clarify about carrying between BC and the Yukon to get into Alaska.


Enjoy your trip regardless.  Where would you be entering Canada?
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 29, 2012, 10:12:50 AM

Enjoy your trip regardless.  Where would you be entering Canada?

I would like to ride through the Rockies in Alberta so I was thinking about entering around Glacier National Park southwest of Calgary.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: andydude on May 29, 2012, 03:25:35 PM
That is so cool !!!! Someday i hope i can do that as well !!!
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 29, 2012, 05:00:30 PM
That is so cool !!!! Someday i hope i can do that as well !!!

At this point I am also hoping that I can make this trip.  It will be entirely dependent on when the Army decides to release me and if I have a job lined up or not.  I am also looking into some other options for rides that wouldn't be so dependent on good weather.  I for one don't want to get into Alaska and take the chance of wiping out due to nasty road conditions, especially if I am riding solo.

Four corners ride anyone?   ;)
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: ZG on May 29, 2012, 10:18:21 PM
Sounds like a fun trip Jeremy!  :chugbeer:
 
Maybe a dumb question but can I ask why you want to pack the pistol with ya?  :-\
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 29, 2012, 11:44:36 PM
Sounds like a fun trip Jeremy!  :chugbeer:
 
Maybe a dumb question but can I ask why you want to pack the pistol with ya?  :-\
If he was 'spectin trouble he'd carry a long gun 8)  When seconds count, the cops are hopefully only minutes away.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Rhino on May 30, 2012, 06:05:12 AM
At this point I am also hoping that I can make this trip.  It will be entirely dependent on when the Army decides to release me and if I have a job lined up or not.  I am also looking into some other options for rides that wouldn't be so dependent on good weather.  I for one don't want to get into Alaska and take the chance of wiping out due to nasty road conditions, especially if I am riding solo.

Four corners ride anyone?   ;)

My son, 2 of my brothers and I will be riding the 4 corners area in July. Not sure if it will be first week or 3rd week yet. If you see a blue C14 riding with 3 Valkyries, (hard to miss) be sure to say hi.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: TJ on May 30, 2012, 01:18:26 PM
Visit Amazon and buy a book called the Milepost. It will give you a mile by mile description of the roads to Alaska. Going by Ferry is the easy way out. Do you really want to sit on a slow moving boat for a few days with nothing to do and pay outrageous prices for **** poor food? I have lived in Alaska since 1976 and the ferry would be my last choice. Did it once, never again.

It's your choice of course, but I think you are making to much out of carrying a weapon into Canada. I drove to Alaska and back from the lesser 48 states at least a dozen times and once on a bike and only experienced warm friendly Canadians. Always wanted to talk to me about my journeys and eager to share road information. Carry a big knife if it feels better.

As far as shipping a handgun to yourself in Alaska that's a big Federal NO NO. Only FFL dealers can mail handguns via USPS and if you mail from a dealer to a dealer you will have to be an Alaskan resident to have it transferred to you. FedEx and UPS only ship handguns via overnight mail at a cost of $75-95 each way. But even then not sure of the laws concerning it.

I am not anti gun by any means as I own many and carry them often. The entire highway to Alaska is paved and easy to drive. If thousands of 30-40 foot RV's can drive it every year doing it on a bike is a piece of cake. Only bad sections are where construction is going on or the last 100 miles before you reenter Alaska.

The most scenic drive is to travel through British Columbia up to the Alaska Highway. The terrain changes from mild to wild from forests to high desert. Lots of curves and long sweepers, especially through the area where they filmed the first Rambo movie.

Enjoy the ride, take breaks often, and don't plan on more than 400 miles a day otherwise you will get burnt out. Relax and enjoy the journey:)
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 30, 2012, 04:03:37 PM
Sounds like a fun trip Jeremy!  :chugbeer:
 
Maybe a dumb question but can I ask why you want to pack the pistol with ya?  :-\

Why?  Because the second amendment says a I can, that's why.  I paid my money for the permit and I have extensive training with handguns, I trust myself more than nearly any other law enforcement so I don't have to be dependent on someone else to take action if the need arises. 




Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: gPink on May 30, 2012, 04:45:38 PM
Sounds like a fun trip Jeremy!  :chugbeer:
 
Maybe a dumb question but can I ask why you want to pack the pistol with ya?  :-\

Why?  Because the second amendment says a I can, that's why.  I paid my money for the permit and I have extensive training with handguns, I trust myself more than nearly any other law enforcement so I don't have to be dependent on someone else to take action if the need arises. 

Maybe because the MP5 doesn't pack on the bike well. ;)
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: SteveJ. on May 30, 2012, 05:06:34 PM
Get yourself some Bear Bangers. Legal and fun!

http://www.macecanada.com/canada/wilderness1/cartridges/bearbangers15.htm (http://www.macecanada.com/canada/wilderness1/cartridges/bearbangers15.htm)


Having traveled where you intend, the whole handgun thing is way over"kill".  Get the Bangers, though, especially if camping. Do not eat where ya sleep. We had no critter issues camping out, just DO NOT EAT WHERE YA SLEEP.

BTW, had the Milepost, never opened it on the whole trip. Just ask locals for info. See gas, buy it. Do the Cassier. Get Hyderized.  Do not camp out in Hyder at Camp Run-a-muck during the salmon run, get a room at the Sealaska Inn. Lotsa bears.

You will learn a whole new perspective on how far things are away. We were in Hyder, figured we would head up to Skagway. WTH, it's only 6-700 miles.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Bert on May 30, 2012, 06:55:34 PM
Good advice in this post.


Visit Amazon and buy a book called the Milepost. It will give you a mile by mile description of the roads to Alaska. Going by Ferry is the easy way out. Do you really want to sit on a slow moving boat for a few days with nothing to do and pay outrageous prices for **** poor food? I have lived in Alaska since 1976 and the ferry would be my last choice. Did it once, never again.

It's your choice of course, but I think you are making to much out of carrying a weapon into Canada. I drove to Alaska and back from the lesser 48 states at least a dozen times and once on a bike and only experienced warm friendly Canadians. Always wanted to talk to me about my journeys and eager to share road information. Carry a big knife if it feels better.

As far as shipping a handgun to yourself in Alaska that's a big Federal NO NO. Only FFL dealers can mail handguns via USPS and if you mail from a dealer to a dealer you will have to be an Alaskan resident to have it transferred to you. FedEx and UPS only ship handguns via overnight mail at a cost of $75-95 each way. But even then not sure of the laws concerning it.

I am not anti gun by any means as I own many and carry them often. The entire highway to Alaska is paved and easy to drive. If thousands of 30-40 foot RV's can drive it every year doing it on a bike is a piece of cake. Only bad sections are where construction is going on or the last 100 miles before you reenter Alaska.

The most scenic drive is to travel through British Columbia up to the Alaska Highway. The terrain changes from mild to wild from forests to high desert. Lots of curves and long sweepers, especially through the area where they filmed the first Rambo movie.

Enjoy the ride, take breaks often, and don't plan on more than 400 miles a day otherwise you will get burnt out. Relax and enjoy the journey:)
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: ZG on May 30, 2012, 09:31:57 PM
Why?  Because the second amendment says a I can, that's why.  I paid my money for the permit and I have extensive training with handguns, I trust myself more than nearly any other law enforcement so I don't have to be dependent on someone else to take action if the need arises.

 :chugbeer:
 
Indeed it is your right, have fun and be safe!
 
As long as I have my phone with me to get on ebay and my forums I'm good, so I see where you're coming from, if they said I couldn't bring my phone into Canada I'd get a gun....  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Bert on May 30, 2012, 09:42:25 PM
Why?  Because the second amendment says a I can, that's why.  I paid my money for the permit and I have extensive training with handguns, I trust myself more than nearly any other law enforcement so I don't have to be dependent on someone else to take action if the need arises.




But not in Canada.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: C14PAINKILLER on May 30, 2012, 11:17:18 PM
Why?  Because the second amendment says a I can, that's why.  I paid my money for the permit and I have extensive training with handguns, I trust myself more than nearly any other law enforcement so I don't have to be dependent on someone else to take action if the need arises. 

Plus if he comes across them slower black bikes he may need to put it out of its misery, so that it doesn't suffer at the paws of bears.  :stirpot:

Like many others have stated, people are generally friendly. But if the firearms people allow you to bring it, by all means bring it. Like you said it is your choice.

Enjoy your time with your dad and the scenery that you will view.  :) :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: AZBiker on June 01, 2012, 05:29:43 AM
Just ship it from FFL to FFL.  It puts you on the books but it's legal.

The FFLs may charge you a fee.

The fee will not equal $1500 though.

The Toronto police damn near raped a dude for having a pistol made out of Legos.  Don't do it.  No pistols in Canada except for LE and Russian Mafia.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: TJ on June 01, 2012, 11:15:04 AM
Just ship it from FFL to FFL.  It puts you on the books but it's legal.

The FFLs may charge you a fee.

The fee will not equal $1500 though.

The Toronto police damn near raped a dude for having a pistol made out of Legos.  Don't do it.  No pistols in Canada except for LE and Russian Mafia.

Can't take possesion of a handgun in Alaska if you are not a resident of the state. Most, if not all states have the same rule. Only exception is if you are active duty and can prove you are stationed in the state via military orders.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on June 01, 2012, 11:22:21 AM
Can't take possesion of a handgun in Alaska if you are not a resident of the state. Most, if not all states have the same rule. Only exception is if you are active duty and can prove you are stationed in the state via military orders.

Good info.  I might just leave the pistol at home. 
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Pokey on June 01, 2012, 01:25:06 PM
Take some Raid wasp/hornet spray instead. ;)
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: AZBiker on June 01, 2012, 11:24:41 PM
Can't take possesion of a handgun in Alaska if you are not a resident of the state. Most, if not all states have the same rule. Only exception is if you are active duty and can prove you are stationed in the state via military orders.

Bummer.  Until someone flushes sec. 922 down the toilet where it belongs I'm going to be taking the ferry to AK.
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: Rick Hall on June 02, 2012, 01:12:35 AM
I've been to Alaska a number of times, driving/riding 'naked' in every case. Never broke into a sweat, never even though about it actually.

I suspect I'd have had a far greater chance of a run in with someone texting while driving, than any situation that demanded "personal protection".

Mail your firearm to yourself in AK, last I checked that was totally legal. Or leave it with a pal somewhere near the border and don't tell no one!

Enjoy your ride in the Canadian interior, and into Alaska, nothing like it in the world. At least by bike from the lower 48 anyway ;)

Rick
Title: Re: Trip to Alaska but I would like to avoid Canada
Post by: alexx45 on June 06, 2012, 05:22:05 PM
ther's some great info in this thread. Enjoy your ride Jeremy. I'm hoping to do a ride from Texas to Alaska in 2015.