It must be strongly noted here that both our international neighbors to the north and south—Canada and Mexico—have NO TOLERANCE for weapons crossing their borders. Don’t do it! Your ability to hide something is not as good as their Border Crossing dog’s ability to sniff it out.
We’ve gone into Canada every year for the last 7-8-9 years and crossed at many entry points. We have experienced many “levels” of border scrutiny including border agents bringing a dog (a beagle) into our coach to sniff around. We have always gained entry since we don’t try to take any unauthorized weapons into Canada.
What many RVers don’t realize is that you must abide by THEIR (the country you are wanting to enter) definition of weapons. You are trying to enter into THEIR country and must abide by THEIR laws. Therefore, it simply does’t make any difference how you “feel” about it, whether it “ruffles your feathers,” or your understanding of US laws. I have talked with many retired law enforcement officers who, as part of their retirement, are authorized to continue to carry concealed weapons. They often state that it is their “right” and MAY be their “duty” to carry. However, that right and duty only applies to the USA—not other countries.
There are numerous “weapons” including stun guns, Tasers, batons, some knives, and various pepper, bear, and other types of sprays. Many/most of these are illegal to take into Canada and Mexico. I strongly recommend that if you decide to cross their respective borders, do your research to find out what you can do legally. You may have your RV searched trying to enter the country. Don’t carry any contraband or weapons, period. Most importantly… REMEMBER, you are trying to enter THEIR country so it is THEIR definition of weapons you have to work with.
At my seminars, I always have someone tell me how they “got by” with hiding some weapon. For example, I had one person tell me he carried a baseball bat for protection in his coach and they (border agents) could never assume that was a weapon. That’s fine, I guess. I did ask him if he also carried a well-worn baseball glove and a couple of scuffed baseballs AND could he throw and catch a baseball if required.
Here’s a possible alternative… I was told by a retired police officer that a can of wasp spray will act as a serious, but legal, deterrent similar to pepper spray. His statement was that while he had no proof of the effects of the wasp spray on humans, he had witnessed firsthand where it had been sprayed to disentangle two very aggressive fighting dogs and was effective.