Yeah - been there and bought the tee-shirt.
BTW our limit for a simple day-trip across the border to the US is...$0. Nothing at all. If we buy
anything beyond that required to operate our cars, we are legally liable to pay taxes and duties on it. Now, as a matter of practicality, the customs officers often waive the fees for small purchases (less than $100) on a short trip - but they don't have to. For trips of 24-48 hours: $200 and the maximum, no matter how long you stay is $800. Again, the border officers often move these limits around - but those are the actual rules - and again, we are
supposed to be in a free trade zone with the US - for the last 23+ years. In looking at the limits - everyone knows that if you do bring ANY tobacco or booze across - you WILL be charged the full duty.
There is a cost to being a Canadian, and I'm willing to pay it - but these limits haven't been revised for literally years. Anyhow, FYI, here is the rest of the Canada Customs Guide:
-----------------------------------
Personal exemptions mini guide
For conditions on your personal exemptions and more complete information, see
What you can bring home to Canada.
Returning after less than 24 hours
- There are no personal exemptions for cross-border shoppers.
Returning after 24 and 48 hours
- You can claim goods of up to CAN$200 without paying any duty and taxes.
- You must have the goods with you when you enter Canada.
- Tobacco products* and alcoholic beverages are not included in this exemption.
- If the goods you bring in are worth more than CAN$200 in total, you cannot claim this exemption. You have to pay full duties on all goods you bring in.
Returning after 48 hours or more
- You can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 without paying any duty and taxes.
- You must have the goods with you when you enter Canada.
- You can bring back up to 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of alcoholic beverages or up to 8.5 litres of beer.
- You can bring back 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks.*
- Some tobacco products*and alcoholic beverages may be included in your personal exemption.
- If you exceed your personal exemption limit, please see Special Duty Rate.
Returning after 7 days or more
- You can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 without paying any duty and taxes.
- You must have the tobacco products* and alcoholic beverages with you when you enter Canada, but the rest of the goods can arrive later, as goods to follow.
- You can bring back up to 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of alcoholic beverages or up to 8.5 litres of beer.
- You can bring back 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks.
- Some tobacco products* and alcoholic beverages may be included in your personal exemption.
Part of the year outside Canada
- You are entitled to the same exemptions as above
- When you import foreign goods or vehicles for your personal use in Canada you must meet all import requirements and pay all applicable duty and taxes.