"Leave Your Handguns at Home" is part of a new campaign to curb the growing number of gun seizures north of the border. Kim Upper, Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson says, travelers should "know the rules" before crossing the Niagara Region's international bridges.
"Please be aware that Canadian firearm laws are different than U.S. laws. If you are traveling with your firearm you must declare all firearms in your possession when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry," Upper said.
Visitors, under any circumstance, cannot import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices or prohibited weapons.
"Visitors to Canada who do not declare their firearms upon arrival can face prosecution. And the firearms and the vehicle used to carry them may be seized," Upper said.
For people who forget to leave their gun at home, Upper says, if a gun is declared during primary inspection no criminal charges will be filed, and the traveler will have the option of returning to the U.S., shipping the weapon home or surrendering it.