Good questions seeler.  Much to my embarrassment I don't know what the law says about this.  Until recently I just assumed that it was illegal to carry guns except for hunting purposes.  Many years ago I knew a couple who owned handguns that they used for target practise.  They were only allowed to fire them at an approved place (the Gun Club) and they were transported (unloaded)  in locked cases in the locked trunk of the car.

More recently I was camping in a Provincial Park and spent some time chatting to a couple from the US who were probably in the 65-75 age group.  As the conversation wandered around they asked us what armaments we were carrying.  Our answer, of course, was none.  They said they were carrying a useful range - she had a handgun in her purse and in the car and in the camper - he was wearing a hidden handgun had another in the car and camper and a rifle in the car and camper. I asked how they got them across the border and the answer was - carefully, but they had been doing it for many years.  My partner asked them why they thought they needed all that fire power when we had never needed, or even thought we needed it.  Apparently they were terrified that someone might try to steal their 'stuff' and also scared of bears.  It all seemed very strange to us (quite apart from, we thought,  being illegal).

I don't believe US permits are valid here. If Border Services finds guns, they can seize them (and apparently seize quite a few every year from ignorant Yanks who assume their Second Amendment rights cross the border with them). Those who come up here to hunt or other legit uses (e.g. cops or federal agents coming up to work with our LE) need to get some kind of import permit from our side, IIRC, but I'm not a hunter or gun bunny so I don't know the details.

To kay's post - yes, handguns can be legally owned in Canada but as you saw, under very stringent conditions. They are restricted weapons, not banned weapons (full auto weapons like submachine guns and artillery are banned).

Mendalla

I'm trying to imagine my morning routine if I lived in some states. Get up, shower, eat breakfast, put on makeup, do my hair, get dressed and whoops, don't forget my gun. Seems so bizarre and yet in some places it's as natural as apple pie.

Carrying guns seems so contrary to my way of thinking and I'm often reminded of the many mass shootings in the states and that usually not one person in the crowd has drawn a gun to defend themselves.

You need to watch some Border Security, for a reality show it actually appears to be real (with tons of boring stuff cut out).

Yes, Americans have to follow our laws.  I would guess some border crossing are bigger issues than others.

Answers are all in here. It's rather long and bureaucratic. Short version is that they can bring them in but have to pay some money and file a bunch of paperwork with CBSA and can be refused.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5044-eng.html

Mendalla

Kay - I think that if I found out that people camping near me were heavily armed, I would be frightened.  What if I was taking a late evening (or early morning) walk and they heard me and supposed I was a prowler?  What if my dog got out and wandered over to their camp site (do they know the difference between a black dog and a black bear)?  What if one of their children picks up a gun? 

I'm not sure what I would do - probably nothing.  But I would be tempted to report them to the camp security or to the police.  And/or I would probably move to another campsite the next day.

I probably wouldn't do anything either . . . but I wouldn't be very happy, or comfortable.

If you did choose to report, seeler - move quickly, don't wait til the next day LOL.

I just don't see the need. I would not trust people who camped beside me heavily armed. Those are the ones that let people know. How many people don't tell about their guns?