I am taking the Ocean this summer. In the US, I generally take my scanner and use it discreetly. Does anyone know the protocol for Canada? Can I bring a scanner across the border? Are there rules against using it in the country?
There few regulations in Canada around scanners, although in a couple of provinces it’s an offence to use one in the commission of another offence, or to share or profit from information gained from listening to a scanner. These laws are not aimed at railfans, nor am I aware of any recent use of such laws against otherwise law-abiding railfans.
I live in Nova Scotia, where there is such legislation. I have been using a scanner in railfanning for nearly ten years, and law enforcement officers have seen it when inquiring what I’m doing. They have never had a problem with my railfanning, my photography, or my scanner.
Short answer? Bring it, use it, and be happy. And watch fior a railfan with a busted nose. That’ll be me [:)]
mf:
Before you start your trip, buy a copy of the Canadian Trackside Guide. It has a whole section on scanner frequencies for Canadian railways. Also has just about all the information any railfan could want.
Scanning the police and the military for gain is illegal.
When we took the train out west (almost 30 years ago) The rear car seemed to be full of railfans with scanners, keeping the conductor informed. (we were going to the NMRA convention.)
Thanks for the information.
I live out west & am out with my scanner in full view at lineside most weekends - never had a problem yet . As BR60103 mentioned get yourself a T S guide - it has everything you needed to know about trains in Canada