Wasn’t it possible to just board a ferry and ride from Vancouver to the U.S. without going through customs inspection?
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They certainly have customs checks today on the ferries. I was just on a tandem ferry dock that had boats going into BC. Not too sure how strict it was in 1961..
In the 1960’s you could go to Canada from the U.S.A. for a “sightseeing visit” with little or no hassle. You would be questioned about why you were entering, eyed for any suspicious behavior, then waved through. I was there in the back seat of my Dad’s Chevy.
I can tell you that travel between Canada and the U.S. in the 50s and 60s involved no customs or inspection. I rode that ferry, B.C. to Seattle, in 1960. Nothing like it would be today.
In 1961 I am very certain that one could go between Canada and USA without checks in either direction. In 1983 no checks going into Canada but checks coming back into USA.
I remember back in 1961 everyone was proud that there were such good relations between Canada and USA that you could travel without checks. Same was true into Mexico. Might have been some quick checks coming back into USA from Mexico.