Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Canada Vancouver airport, customs with firearms, how much time?

My son and I will be travelling from Denver to Whitehorse, YT through Vancouver in September. I've never travelled outside the U.S. with my firearms. It sounds like we'll be going through customs and security after landing in Vancouver in order to get the flight to Whitehorse. Has anyone done that same thing recently and/or have a ballpark estimate for how much time to allow for that whole process? Thanks. sd

My son just made the trip you describe about 10 days ago. He is still hunting but IIRC he was told to allow minimum of 2 hours to clear customs with his rifle and gear. He will start his return early this coming week so I’ll ask him once he gets back to Whitehorse.

Go to the Canadian Firearms Centre website and download and fill out the required paperwork for bringing your firearms into the country, doing it in advance will save you some time. Also while you are on the site would be a good time to acquaint yourself with their firearms regulations.

drover

I wouldn't think about doing anything less than 3 hours.

I did it a few years ago and that was about the right amount.

They usually bring the firearms out last then you have to go to the cashier and pay the fee.

I flew to Vancouver on Delta then had to re-check in on Canada Airlines. It all went smooth but I didn't have a ton of extra time.

Definitely do as Drover says and print out and fill out the paperwork ahead of time.

I think you can type in most of the information instead of writing it in then print it out.

I believe you have to wait to sign the form until you are in the presence of a Customs officer.