In less than 2 weeks I will start my NOBO trek at the US/Mexican border (CC), but my worries reside at the other end of my hike, the US/Canadian border. I have my recently renewed passport, but I’m not sure how a thru-hiker is supposed to transport bear spray across the border. Unless my info is wrong, it is unlawful to take bear spray from the US into Canada and vice versa, so what am I to do with my $55 Counter Assault can?
FireBall
Do you plan to hike the Highline all the way into Waterton? If you exit via Chief Mtn., you won’t actually have to cross the border.
I’ve actually been curious about this myself, and had always heard that you couldn’t get through customs with bear spray. However, I just looked at the Counter Assault website and under “Canadian Orders” it says you can transport the product, and any EPA certified spray. Sounds like it’s just a labeling issue, so maybe they’ve finally gotten the details worked out.
You might try contacting US or Canadian customs directly to find out for sure. There’s a phone number on the Chief Mtn. border station webpage (406)732 5572 for the Montana side, but the port doesn’t open until June 1. They also list the nearest year round port (Carway, Alberta) with the phone number being (403) 653 3009
Hope this helps. Have a great hike!
Gesh
Thanks Gesh you are absolutely right. I checked the Counter Assault website and found the following:
“Hikers are allowed to ENTER Canada (and RE-ENTER the USA) with US EPA registered bear deterrents for their own use/protection against bear attacks. (The product must return to the US and cannot be sold or remain in Canada.) We sell the same product in the US and Canada, the two countries just have different labeling requirements. In the US, capsaicin and other related capsaicinoids (2%) are required on the label. In Canada, only Capsaicin (1%) is allowed on the label.”
So as long as we carry an appropriately labeled bear spray canister, there should be no problem crossing the border.
FireBall
I sobod the CDT last year. I started in Waterton Park. I carried it in my bag and they never even asked me about it or if I had any at the border crossing. That being said, carrying Counter Assault across the border is not illegal or a problem, as many locals in East Glacier told me so.
Kiddo
Just remember to get rid of it if you are flying home. Life would be very sad for a day if you bring it into the airport. How is all the planning going Fireball? Good luck again on the hike!
Robocop
You cannot fly with any flammable like propane or explosive (possibly) aerosol like bearspray checked or otherwise; best to declare it; I had my methanol confiscated in 1991, even before 9/11 on Soutwest airlines.... you are not even supposed to fly with a used stove that has no fuel or fumes on it at all. nor can you send aerosols via the postal service, except perhaps by truck... ask at your local post office what the rules are now....
gingerbreadman