Touring in Canada

[Iain.M]

I am have the chance to take my own bike over to Newfoundland next year. So would like some advice on what paperwork I would require to temporarily import my bike. Any insurance I would need and would I need an international licence or would my British licence be enough.
Any advice would be great.
Thanks

 

[Posh Pete]

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/contact-contactez.aspx?lang=eng

Current HC Gordon Campbell? Address is Macdonald House?

Being a Scottish visitor in Canada, you're never far from home.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Iain

You will need to use a shipper for your bike and the best people to get your bike safely to and from Newfoundland would be James Cargo at www.jamescargo.com. Great people to deal with and they are bike specialists. They will do all your paperwork for you and you can either fly it or ship it by sea. Air Cargo is more expensive on the face of it but your bike will be there very quickly and probably on the same flight as you.

A UK driving licence is fine but having said that, one of the guys on my Alaska trip was stopped for speeding in the US and was asked for an International driving licence. Luckily he had one so no worries and the cop was happy. It is not necessary by law but local cops aren't really up to speed with this so for peace of mind it may be worth having one and may save you sitting on the side of the road arguing with the cops.

You will need specialist North American insurance which you can get from www.motorcycleexpress.com. It's not cheap but you do need it and go for the mid range policy which should set you back around $400 for 2 months cover.

If you are thinking of nipping into the USA, you will need to get an EPA certificate for your bike which is easily available on line FOC. This is a kind of temporary import permit regarding emmissions. I do know of people who ship in and out of Canada and don't get an EPA certificate even though they will be in the USA at some point. This is OK unless you have a big crash or something then you will be asked for the EPA and if you haven't got it, a minimum fine could be levied so be aware of this.

Canada is a fantastic place to ride but be aware that food and motel prices are very similar to the UK. Fuel is marginally cheaper but is creeping up.

 

[Iain.M]

Hi thanks for the replies. the company I work for have agreed to let me put my bike on our own vessel to ship it to StJohn,s. what I need to know is what paperwork I would need to organise to get it into Canada for the three months we are going to be here. And where to obtain this.
I don't know yet if i would head done into the states as I have about a month to travel round and Newfie Labrador and Quebec should keep me occupied for that time.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

You will need a customs agent to do the import paperwork for you. Does your company use on in St Johns as they would be able to help you. Failing that, see if you can contact the Canadian Customs post in St Johns and ask them what they need you to do to clear the bike. I'm not sure what happens if you turn up unannounced.

 

[Canuck]

If you need help... Ive have just moved back to nova scotia and can help... Also planning a trip to quebec and labrador in the spring/ summer time. Give me a shout!

 

[Iain.M]

Again thanks for all the info. I am presently in stjohns and have had a chat with our agent here. He is going to talk to the customs people when they open on tuesday( labour day weekend here at the minute) it is looking more likely that its do-able. No garnet needed just a temporary import certificate. Starting to get excited.
Canuck I will be in Halifax in a couple of months our next job is off Nova Scotia. I will drop you a pm nearer the time and hopefully we can meet up.

 

[Canuck]

Definately!