Next best weapon?

[Toledo Mark]

So I can't pack a gun when traveling to Canada and I will be traveling alone on my Valk.  What would you take?

[tank_post142]

Canada doesn't have any crime! they got rid of private ownership of guns, they swore it would take care of crime, i assume it did! of course i haven't been back there since....   

[RoadKill]

http://youtu.be/jAvYQSsGdMw

[donaldcc]

 

[Blister]

Are you sure you can't take a gun. I know handguns are a no no but I think shotguns and rifles are legal. I'm thinking on the lines of a snake charmer. Would definitely want to clear it with customs as I know the fines and jail times are brutal for handguns. You will also have to declare it and they don't tell you until you get there but you'll be required to buy a permit to have it with you. Again call customs to make sure but that's the way it used to be when I was raised close to the border. That has been a year or two though. Good luck.

[Quicksilver]

The folks up here with guns other than police types are criminals, the rest of us can't get a permit unless there is a specific risk, eg security for money wagons etc.. The bad guys usually use them for protection against each other rather than civilians.
The bigger the city, the more crime, and more guns. I've lived in Canada for 58 years and have only seen guns on police officers.
You're riding a Valkyrie, so who's gonna steal it, it's not a Harley. They might steal everything in your saddlebags if you park it at night somewhere dark though.
I'd say about 10% of our population are full time criminals and probably another 5% are thieves when opportunity presents itself.
They will usually be in predictable places later in the evening, bars , inner city streets, and densely populated areas, selling drugs or each other feeding off people who
are pushing the legal limits themselves.
So all that being said, just bring common sense with you, be prepared to have a good time, and make friends while you're here. It's not hard if you're friendly with folks and you won't be alone for long using that approach.

[Mr. Nuts]

Looks like we better stock up on these in America too.

[blackvalk]

WASP SPRAY!

[MNBill]

How about a can of pepper bear spray??? Would really stop a bad guy in his tracks and you may run into a bear. The cost would be so low that if customs got upset you could throw it away.

[bassman]

WASP SPRAY!

+1

[BnB Tom]

WASP SPRAY!

Ditto on the wasp spray.

I was told by a local cop that this stuff is actually BETTER than pepper spray  because not only does it disable but shoots a stream further and more accurately.  This would possibly allow you to begin your defense a little earlier and at a greater distance.

  Obviously, this is not the best thing for all circumstances but I'd certainly be surprised if the Canadian Police confiscated it as a weapon and filed charges against you for carrying it.

[Trynt]

According to Canadian law any gas, powder, or liquid spray that is capable of injuring or immobilizing a person is prohibited (this includes the brand-name product Mace).

As are certain knives. When crossing the border for a "fly-in" fishing trip with friends I had a survival knife removed from my luggage and examined by the border agents.  They returned the knife, but I was told, had the top edge been too sharp it would have been confiscated.

IMHO Canada likes people to be thoroughly disarmed and defenseless.


http://www.ehow.com/list_5958225_pepper-spray-laws-canada.html

[JimC]

When I read that they do not allow hand guns into the country, the first thing that came to mind was this;
http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/rifles/sub-2000/

it folds in half, is only 16 inches long when folded, and fits into saddlebags, plus it is classified as a carbine not a hand gun.

But I would bet they would hassle you about bringing it in none the less.

Jim

[Trynt]

You can only bring long guns ( hunting rifle or shotgun) into Canada for purposes of hunting or competition and then must register them at the border or have a Possession and Acquisition License ($25).  In Canada self defense is not a valid reason for possessing a firearm.

http://www.canadawelcomesyou.net/firearms.html

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5044-eng.html

[PhredValk]

You can buy bear spray at most hunting, survival, milarm or camping stores. Keep it well hidden unless you really need it, cause up here the only people that I know carry it are women who work late downtown and hookers (both sexes).

I've lived here for 57 years now, in Toronto and Edmonton mainly, and have never run into a situation that made me wish that I had a weapon of any sort. Find someone who lives in the area you're going to and find out what areas to avoid. Have fun,
Fred.

[tank_post142]

well some of us from south of the border still don't trust you guys up there,eh? what with that invasion and stuff you did during the war of 1812... 

[solo1]

The last time that I crossed over into Canada at the SOO, they had me pulled over and our luggage and truck was searched.  No weapons were found, I'm not that stupid!

I couldn't figure it out until I noticed my NRA cap in plain sight in the back of my extended cab. Don't give them ANY clues.   In plain language, "Don't get in a pissin' contest with a skunk"

[Tundra]

Be vigilant if you must. Watch your surrounding, watch where you go. If something looks funny, don't be there. Sometimes it's best to avoid confrontaion than to be in one. Most objects can be used as a weapon, be creative
  Canada's really not that dangerous is it?

[JOCK3]

Ive been in Canada,i never felt in any danger of being robbed.Ive been in three different areas of the USA,i felt safe in New England and Hawaii,in LA when i saw 10 or so cops pulling out their guns on a guy i felt in danger.

[John Schmidt]

I used to carry a tire checker used by semi drivers. You can get them at most truck stops in the U.S., don't know about Canada.

[Piper]

I used to carry a tire checker used by semi drivers. You can get them at most truck stops in the U.S., don't know about Canada.

Depends, I had TX DPS give me grief over mine because my '73 mustang did not have duelies on it.
AND because it was buried under all the junq in the back  they wanted to call it a concealed weapon.
In the end they let me and the tire checker go. I guess they just wanted to jack with me that night.

[WylieGibbs]

How about a sharp tongue and a quick wit.

You could just live dangerously and go with nothing. It will give us all something to complain about if something happens to you.

WG

[Hoser]

How bout just stayin home,  I never lost anything up there anyway. Went fishing up there when I was a boy scout, caught just as many of the same kind on the Minnesota side of the lake.    Hoser

[judd]

So let's turn this one around ...............Would you say that we Canadians are risking life and limb riding about in the States unarmed, I've never worried about it and I've done it plenty. 

Now that I think about it, we are probably even more at risk, one look at our plates makes us a target knowing full well we are unarmed and to top it off.............when the Canucks bring that Cup home Monday night we'd best stay home for sure, eh !!!   

True story............happened right here in our little town, An American couple passing through town, was having transmission troubles with their RV. They parked for an over night stay in the Car Lot/Garage that was doing the repairs.  The couple awoke sometime during the night to a commotion going on outside in the car lot, turns out some drunken punks were stompin on some of the cars in the lot.  The old fella called out of his motorhome for them to cut it out, wrong thing to do to a bunch of drunk hoodlums, word has it, they began advancing towards him meaning to do him harm no doubt, at which point the old fella produced a hand gun and held them till the Police showed up................can you guess who went to jail ?  Yup the old fella and he had a heap of explaining to do.  I know what you're going to say  "good thing he had his piece with him or who knows what might of happened"
To that I say "Had he not had a gun with him he would not of been so brave as to venture out there and take on a bunch of hoods in the first place"  Better he just called the Police and let them deal with it if he was so concerned about others property and if that happened in the States chances are the thugs would have been armed as well ...............then what ??? Just step out guns a blazing I suppose.  

Don't get me wrong I'm not anti gun, I'm anti bravado, I believe a gun can give you a false sense of security and dim your senses to a situation that could otherwise be avoided in the first place.  If it were like 1850 when guns were the norm for self defense and no repercussions for using them, I say light 'em up boys, but today in the real world, you better have a damn good Lawyer and deep pockets to defend actually pulling the trigger on even the lowest scumbag out there, especially in Canada and I'd wager in most States these days as well, license to pack or not.

Leave the Irons at home and come ride.............No worries, Goin on 57 years myself and never got into a situation here or in the States for that matter, that required a gun yet.

[DarkMeister]

So I can't pack a gun when traveling to Canada and I will be traveling alone on my Valk.  What would you take?

A really big detour.

Place is deadly and I can't see anyone venturing out and about without some high-capacity, big caliber protection. All this talk about knives and spray and tire irons...meh. Who brings a knife to a gunfight?
Understandable, how a lot of people simply won't go to Canada once they learn that firearms are not allowed. Safety first.

[Serk]

Leave the Irons at home and come ride.............No worries, Goin on 57 years myself and never got into a situation here or in the States for that matter, that required a gun yet.

I've (Thus far) never had need of the helmet I wear while riding or the seat belt I always buckle up when driving, but that doesn't mean I intend to stop using those safety precautions just because I've never needed 'em yet...

As to the original question:

Pepper spray is illegal in Canada, but BEAR Spray is okay. You need to say you're going hiking/backpacking to bring it across. Of course, if you have to USE it, you'll probably end up in prison while the perpetrator walks free, but that's another issue.

(I was looking into this when I was planning my (Now postponed) ride to Alaska. Didn't wanna be camping in bear country with nothing more than a harsh word and a cell phone that wouldn't have signal!)

http://www.udap.com/faq.htm

Is UDAP  Bear Deterrent  from the United States  allowed to cross the Canadian Border?

    *

      Yes. Hiker's 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)
    *

      If you live in Canada or traveling to Canada by airplane you may purchase Canadian Registered UDAP Bear Deterrent in Canada. Please click here for more information

(Google Bear spray Canada for more info/places to order. You can't just get any pepper spray and say it's bear spray, there's a list or something that your product has to be on.)

[Big IV]

chain saw nun-chucks?

[Madmike]

If you come to Canada looking for trouble and try hard enough you can be fairly sure that you will find it - you can get in a fight in a church if you try hard enough.  If you come and just enjoy yourself, stay away from the obvious potential trouble spots, don't be stupid in bars etc. you will be okay. 

Don't carry large amounts of cash, there are ATM`s all over the place that you can access without fee if they are on the same network as your bank at home (Interac, Plus etc.)and you can use Visa or MasterCard virtually everywhere (they will likely charge you a currency conversion fee).   If you only have a hundred bucks cash and somebody wants it you are better off giving it up than dealing with the time and cost of defending yourself after you shoot or stab someone.   

I always carry a hatchet in my pickup and have used it to kill 2 deer and an elk that people have hit and crippled with their vehicles.  I have travelled all over western Canada as a service mechanic over the past 30+ years and have never felt the need to need a weapon for my own defence.  I have never been robbed and haven`t been in a fist fight or gotten thrown in jail since I quit drinking 24 years ago.

Just come and enjoy yourself.

[judd]

I've (Thus far) never had need of the helmet I wear while riding or the seat belt I always buckle up when driving, but that doesn't mean I intend to stop using those safety precautions just because I've never needed 'em yet...

C'mon............... hardly the same thing, in each of those instances you are putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, I don't equate day to day living and traveling in Canada or the States for that matter as a particularly dangerous endeavour that would require a sidearm.  I'm going to be a bit blunt here, you're all just being a little paranoid. Man, I find it a pain just to pack a cell phone, let alone a big chunk of iron everywhere I go.  Think about it, there are at least 34 million Canadians running around the Country on any given day............Unarmed, It's not a problem, you won't be needing a gun.

Pack a big azz Mag Light if you must............  

[RoadKill]

So the answer seems to be 'Just stay out of the dangerous parts of Canada' ?  If you wait for the cops you are safe ?                B.S.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

So I can't pack a gun when traveling to Canada and I will be traveling alone on my Valk.  What would you take?

Well I have "mine" at all times but you should:

1. Ask your wife to open her purse and give "yours" back before you leave.
2. A camera.
3. A credit card so you won't think they're ripping you off with the funny money.

[Quicksilver]

Just out of curiosity, can you go into Mexico with your handguns?

[Westernbiker]

Just out of curiosity, can you go into Mexico with your handguns?

You can, but if you get caught you won't be coming home. Don't even go into Mexico with a spent shell casing in your truck or car, they find it you will be in for a long stay!

[Westernbiker]

So I can't pack a gun when traveling to Canada and I will be traveling alone on my Valk.  What would you take?

FLAME THROWER!!!!!!!!

[MacDragon]

So I can't pack a gun when traveling to Canada and I will be traveling alone on my Valk.  What would you take?

FLAME THROWER!!!!!!!!

Tell them you smoke alot...

[¿spoom]

I'd take a large Canadian 

[3fan4life]

when the Canucks bring that Cup home Monday night we'd best stay home for sure, eh !!!   

A little "Premature" wouldn't ya say?

I know that you guys up there take hockey a little more seriously than we do down here, but I'd have to say that the reaction to losing the cup doesn't do much to uphold your argument that Canada is a safe place to visit:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/06/16/photos-riots-fire-destruction-after-vancouvers-loss/

Obviously these two felt very "safe" despite everything that was going on around them:

 

[judd]

when the Canucks bring that Cup home Monday night we'd best stay home for sure, eh !!!   

A little "Premature" wouldn't ya say?

I know that you guys up there take hockey a little more seriously than we do down here, but I'd have to say that the reaction to losing the cup doesn't do much to uphold your argument that Canada is a safe place to visit:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/06/16/photos-riots-fire-destruction-after-vancouvers-loss/

Obviously these two felt very "safe" despite everything that was going on around them:

 

Well first off that was tongue in cheek and after that Monday Night game, I bet on the Bruins to win the cup  (won a bottle of Whiskey).  They deserved it, the Canucks didn't even show up for the game.

As for the riot, that chit can and does happen anywhere in the world. That does not make Canada any less safe to travel in, the vast majority of those dimwits would not stand up to anyone alone, that was merely crowd mentallity, as already mentioned stay out of certain situations and you won't have a problem, you definately would have been a fool to ride down town wearing a Bruins Jersey that night.............Nevermind, a gun or any next best weapon would not have got you out of that mess anyway.

Are you guys saying that you would not dare ride around in your own Country unarmed, do you really carry evertime you ride ? How many bad guys have you had to gun down and where do you bury them all ??? 

[hubcapsc]

As for the riot, that chit can and does happen anywhere in the world.

I bet you a small group of hooligans start stuff like that and then the drunks just sort of
predictably join in...

I remember a shameful fit was pitched here at Clemson back in 1981 when we won the football
championship, busted windows and stuff... the several rabble-rousers start making mischief and then
the thousands of people who've been drinking beer since 8 am just follow along... the trouble in
Clemson started around midnight when the bars emptied out...

-Mike

[judd]

I bet you a small group of hooligans start stuff like that and then the drunks just sort of
predictably join in...

That is exactly what happened, there were a group of punks, Anarchists,  whatever you want to call them that deliberately set out to cause trouble that day, win or lose.................The mob mentallity then took over, if you seen any of the video shots of this you will see also that there were many there, who were not partaking but simply observing and taking pics and video, everyone these days has a phone with a Camera in it and have a need for the latest Shock Value to either broadcast via Social networking sites or Youtube and that hopefully will bring some of those hooligans to justice !!!