My usual experience crossing the US/Canadian border has always been the following. Cross into Canada and be met by friendly border guards. "Welcome to Canda, eh!" Cross into the US and be met by surly guards who are sure you're guilty of something, and if only they could find out what so they could turn you away. "What do you want?" This was all turned on edge last Summer.
Crossing into Canada at Saut St Marie, we encountered a young guard who I'm sure must have attended some sort of cross border training program put on by US Customs, who's first rule taught is "You must make the visitor feel unwanted and criminal." I promised to drive straight through to Maine and not overstay my welcome. Why I almost felt like a law breaker when I immediately stopped at the Canadian Bush Plane Museum so we could get our tourist on.
The next day we came up on the Rouses point border crossing into New York. Here come round two, get ready for the steely eyed inquisition. But it wasn't. Sure, there were the perfunctory questions and such, the same as always, but he was able to frame it as a conversation rather than an assumed "what are you up to?". I even believed him when he said welcome back. It's amazing the difference a smile makes.
Moral of the story? The Canadian Bush plane museum is awesome with the most friendly museum staff anywhere.
