Nelly

iTrader: (11)

Thinking about taking the IS from San Francisco to Nanaimo a few days for New Years Eve to visit a friend. Anyone know how **** border patrol is? haha Also does the IS Navigation system have Canada maps built in also? Thanks in advance!

p.s. the trip is about 900 something miles one-way.

KI_GSE21

iTrader: (5)

I think the Navigation is for entire North America, covering both Canada and US.
I drove from Vancouver, BC to San Francisco before and one way took me about 14-15hrs.
It's a long drive but it is doable. Just have drinks and snacks with you to keep you refreshed and alert.

I think the border crossing is not bad. They will most likely ask you your reasons for visiting and how long you intend to stay. Very standard questions about details of your trip and plans.

Nelly

iTrader: (11)

Haha damn! This is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks a bunch!!! I'll eave at night

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

Good luck at the border! I live in Seattle and use to like going to B.C. for the food and girlfriend likes the shopping. NOT anymore because of the car searches! I will give you examples- (note: I'm an average looking/dressing guy)

1. 4 years ago..i was 27 years old driving a 2000 jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (nothing special) Border Patrol searches/tears through my jeep looking for "drugs"......i assume. and lets us go with the car looking like ****!
2. Last Year...my girlfriend takes my 07 GS350.....and goes through the same thing! this time they take all the clips and covers off the engine and dont put anything back the way its supposed to go.

Good luck...what car you taking? The Lexus? Look like a drug dealer at all?! j/k! Be safe!!

scENFORCER

There's always a reason for CBSA to search your car, even if they say 'you've been randomly selected by a computer' or some bs. The sheet of paper with a number on it that they tell you to take inside is a coded reason for why they're asking you to step inside. Wether it be drugs, too much meat/groceries, dead body in your trunk, whatever.
You do have the right against being searched for no reason so they techincally cant do that without telling you why. BUT if you decide to be a know-it-all and call them on it, a 20 minute delay would turn into a 6 hour delay.
My best advice is to NOT look like a gangster drug dealer and you should be fine against any excessive delays. I cross the boarder 3-5 times a week and rarely have a problem.

But anyways, while your up here, Tiesto is playing new years which is gonna be killer if your into techno. Most likely sold out now but I'm sure you can find something on Craigslist.
Have fun! Its an awsome drive!

IS250Vic

I will be there for Tiesto, it's going to be insane!!

I live in Victoria, and I've taken the ferry from downtown Victoria to Port Angeles a few times; personally I think they are not as... 'intense' as the border peeps on the mainland. Plus, it's a pretty nice drive from Victoria to Nanaimo if you haven't been here before.

Nelly

iTrader: (11)

I"LL BE THERE ON THE 30th D: Time to drive! See ya!

Sonic_RC

iTrader: (15)

So how was the entry? was it smooth sailing or did they snap the gloves and get a bottle of vaseline LOL. I've only been searched once going back into Canada. It was definitely stereotyped. I had a black vip'd out Previa. Super heaty looking and I was coming back by myself. I sat in the waiting room for 4 hours while they ran sacked the vehicle. So far my GS no troubles *knock on wood*

Nelly

iTrader: (11)

bastards made me pull over and searched all my stuff. coming back to the states took me less than a minute though :/