Adding a personal experience...I posted it before but it bears repeating.
In June, 2003, I crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and after I got past the customs booth,
I was directed over to the x-ray machine where the agents proceeded to extract
everyting in my car (interior and trunk) and x-rayed everything.
I don't know if the agent at the booth just didn't like the looks of me, or if
this is something they do to everyone they don't recognize...but it's good to know in advance that this could happen. I'd guess that a lot (or even just
some wierd looking radio gear would be enough to trigger this type of search.
Also, my trip was a vaction to northern Michigan, and when I responded to the agent's question about where I was going I was looked at as if taking a vacation is a suspicious thing.
?
The good news is that the search was efficient and quick.
BTW...just saw a headline in some newspaper the a passport is now required for travel between Canada and the U.S.
Also, having done that shortcut through Canada many times, I've found that the Rainbow bridge is the best crossing in that area. The one I used to use (Queenston-Lewiston) is lousy with trucks. There's no trucks over the Rainbow bridge and the customs lines are usually good.
Happy travels.
Paul