Category: Travel

Canadian Travelers: How to Cross into the U.S. in Your Motorhome (First Quarter 2026 Update)

Introduction

Planning a road trip from Canada to the United States in your motorhome? Whether you’re heading south for a winter escape or a long adventure, crossing the border requires preparation. In 2026, new rules and compliance measures have changed the experience for Canadian travelers. Here’s your complete guide to ensure a smooth journey.

1. Required Documents for Travelers

Every person in your motorhome must have proper identification. Missing paperwork can lead to delays or denied entry.

• Canadian Passport: Valid for the entire duration of your stay.

• NEXUS Card: Speeds up processing at designated lanes but does not exempt you from new biometric rules.

• Driver’s License: For driving in the U.S.

• Consent Letter for Minors: If traveling with children and one parent is absent.

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical coverage.

2. Vehicle Documentation

• Registration and Proof of Ownership: For your motorhome and any towed vehicles.

• Insurance: U.S.-valid coverage. Mexican insurance ends at the U.S. border.

• Rental Agreement: If renting an RV, include written permission to cross into the U.S.

3. Pet Requirements

Bringing your cat? Here’s what you need:

• Health Certificate: Not federally required but recommended.

• Rabies Vaccination Proof: Some states require it.

• Secure Carrier: For inspection at the border.

4. Recent Changes for 2026

• Biometric Photo Collection: All non-U.S. citizens, including Canadians, are photographed at entry and exit. No age exemptions—children and seniors included.

• Device Screening: Expect possible inspections of phones and laptops.

• Extended Stay Registration: If staying over 30 days, you may need to register electronically with USCIS (Form G-325R). Some travelers are asked to obtain Form I-94 at the border (fee: $30 USD, fingerprinting, photo).

Some clarification: if not issued an I-94 at the time of crossing the border and this can be checked on line at U.S. customs and border protection if not on file one week after crossing a G-325R should be completed if you will exceed 30 days in the States here is where your register for that USCIS for information and registration. I hope that helps clear some of the mud. So cross the border as normal then check for an I-94 if none there then complete the G-325R.

5. Food Restrictions at the Border

Declare all food items. Failure to declare can result in fines up to $1,000. Here’s what you need to know:

Prohibited Items

• Meat and Meat Products: Fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, or canned (including pork, beef, poultry).

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Most are banned due to pest risks (e.g., avocados, mangoes, citrus, tomatoes).

• Raw Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, soft cheeses.

• Eggs and Raw Egg Products.

Allowed Items

• Commercially Packaged & Processed Foods: Canned goods, sealed jars, baked goods, candies, condiments.

• Dried Goods: Beans, nuts, dried fruits (like raisins).

• Powdered Milk and Hard Cheeses: Shelf-stable only.

6. Quick Tips for a Smooth Crossing

• Cross at an official port of entry during daylight hours.

• Keep passports, NEXUS cards, and vehicle documents handy.

• Remove prohibited items before approaching the border.

• Be ready for biometric photo and possible device screening.

• Declare everything—especially food and pets.

Conclusion

Crossing into the U.S. in your motorhome as a Canadian traveler is straightforward if you prepare. With new biometric rules and compliance requirements, planning ahead is essential. Follow this guide, and your adventure will start stress-free.

This was the process when I prepared to cross from Mexico to the United States of America the last week of January 2026, please check at your time of crossing as the present administration has made numerous changes.

Day 3037

Valley of Fire State Park: Nevada’s Fiery Landscape of Time, Stone, and History

Valley of Fire State Park, located just northeast of Las Vegas, is a place where geology, human history, and desert beauty converge. Famous for its blazing red sandstone formations and ancient rock art, the park is not only Nevada’s oldest state park but also one of its most visually striking natural treasures.

A Landscape Forged Over Millions of Years

The dramatic scenery of Valley of Fire began forming more than 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. The park’s iconic red rock formations are composed primarily of Aztec Sandstone, created from vast sand dunes that once dominated the region. Over time, tectonic uplift, erosion, and mineral oxidation transformed these dunes into the towering fins, domes, and swirling rock patterns visible today.

When the sun rises or sets, the iron-rich sandstone ignites in brilliant shades of red, orange, and pink—earning the park its evocative name.

Ancient Peoples of the Valley

Long before becoming a state park, Valley of Fire was home to Native peoples for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in the area dating back over 10,000 years.

Between approximately 300 BCE and 1150 CE, early cultures including the Basketmaker peoples and Ancestral Puebloans left behind a remarkable legacy of petroglyphs—symbols and figures carved into the rock surfaces. These carvings depict animals, human forms, and abstract designs, offering insight into spiritual beliefs, daily life, and desert survival.

Later, the Southern Paiute people continued to use the land for seasonal travel, hunting, and gathering. Today, these rock art sites remain some of the park’s most important and protected features.

Early Exploration and the Origin of the Name

In the early 1900s, a primitive road was built through the area as part of the Arrowhead Trail, an early automobile route connecting Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. As travelers passed through the region, they were struck by how the rocks appeared to glow like flames in the desert sun.

During the 1920s, the name “Valley of Fire” was coined after an observer remarked that the sandstone formations looked as though they were burning at sunset.

Nevada’s First State Park

In 1931, the federal government transferred land to the State of Nevada for park development. Shortly afterward, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)—a New Deal program—played a major role in shaping the park.

From 1933 to 1942, CCC crews constructed:

  • Roads and scenic drives
  • Hiking trails
  • Campgrounds
  • Picnic areas
  • Stone shelters and cabins

Valley of Fire officially opened to the public in 1934, and in 1935 it became Nevada’s first official state park.

Recognition and Preservation

In 1968, Valley of Fire was designated a National Natural Landmark, recognizing its outstanding geological features and scientific importance. Over the decades, the park has expanded to more than 40,000 acres, ensuring the preservation of its landscapes and archaeological sites.

Strict conservation efforts protect fragile sandstone formations and irreplaceable petroglyphs, reminding visitors to admire without disturbing.

Valley of Fire Today

Today, Valley of Fire State Park is one of Nevada’s most visited outdoor destinations. Popular activities include:

  • Hiking iconic trails like Fire Wave, White Domes, and Mouse’s Tank
  • Exploring petroglyph sites such as Atlatl Rock
  • Photography, especially at sunrise and sunset
  • Camping under desert stars

A modern visitor center now provides interpretive exhibits that explain the park’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history, helping visitors better understand the land they are exploring.

A Living Desert Legacy

Valley of Fire is more than a scenic stop—it is a living record of ancient oceans, shifting sands, indigenous cultures, and early conservation efforts. Whether you visit for a quick drive or an extended stay, the park offers a powerful reminder of the deep history written into the desert stone.

A few photos from the valley

Day 3035