The Alaskan and I were just discussing this a few days ago. Here is a discussion about it.
Whether you’re planning a hunting trip, vacation, or moving to Alaska, if you’re driving, you’ll be going through Canada which means gun restrictions.
Traveling by plane with a gun is less complicated than trying to get through Canada with a gun, especially as a foreigner. If you’re able to fly or ferry to Alaska, that’s ideal, it’ll also take a lot less time.
However, if you need to drive…
Long guns can go through USPS. Package them up, go to USPS and send them to yourself in Alaska. Long guns must be unloaded prior to shipping through USPS.
Even though long guns can be sent through USPS no problem, handguns must be shipped through an FFL. If you have never used an FFL before, call around to gun shops and ask if they are an FFL or if they know someone who is. You can also do an internet search in your local area and the area you’re traveling to in Alaska. Handguns must be unloaded prior to shipping through FFL.
If you are dead set on trying to keep your guns and get them into Canada, there is a way, but there is red tape and plenty of regulations and restrictions.
First, check to see if your firearm is on the prohibited list.
Second, look at the import regulations.
From the website:
Visitors to Canada
To import firearms into Canada you must have a valid purpose. Valid purposes can include (but are not limited to) the following:
- hunting during hunting season
- use in competitions
- repair
- re-enactments
- in transit movement, i.e., moving in the most direct route possible from point A to point B, through Canada
- protection against wildlife in remote areas
Restricted firearms
Visitors who do not hold a valid Canadian firearms licence or registration certificate for their restricted firearm must:
Once confirmed by a border services officer, the form acts as the licence and as the temporary registration certificate for the firearms.
I visited the “prohibited list.” It’s comprehensive, listing guns by name, everything from H&Ks to Rock River Arms to Colt to Anderson Arms, and everything in between.
No ARs. No AKs. No semi-automatic rifles.
Good Lord.
Take it all under advisement.
