A Canadian shopping in the U.S.A. for a car and then bringing it in, (importing the car), through relatively standardized channels can save a wallop of cash. For example – an Acura MDX models starts at $ 40,000 in the US but $ 54,000 in Canada. Or take the case of Volvo cars – which are made in Sweden, nowhere near the North American continent. For the exact same luxury model – the S60 the “premium” option package the cost is $ 995. After extensive travel and research industry experts such as Winnipeg based William Simpson has come to the conclusion that the cost of this options package priced in Canada would easily range between $ 5 – $ 8,000 that is with this “premium “options package was available to the Canadian automotive market as opposed to piece-meal and ala carte.

The humorous part or not so humorous part is that it does not seem to matter where the car is made. Regardless of domestic or offshore origin you as a Canadian will pay a lot more for the same product – irrespective of any taxes paid. It is not a situation as with gas prices where the bulk of the cost of the product is taxation. In this case with no taxes, or taxes out, there is a large pricing difference to you no matter what Whether your car is made and manufactured in Canada, with all kinds of federal and provincial government support and informal subsidies and then treated as a NAFTA free trade vehicle or the car is manufactured far away in a foreign country or continent the pattern is all the same..

How does an average person and consumer go about importing a vehicle into Canada from the United States? Importing a car from the U.S. into Canada is a relatively simple matter and process. First the prospective buyer researches his car in a standard and normal sense. Next he or she should check with the Canadian Government agency to check and verify if the car, truck or S.U.V. vehicle that they wish to import is admissible. The website is easily found, in a standard manner, from the Canadian Government Department “The Registrar of Foreign Motor Vehicles “or Riv for short. The website can be found at www.riv.ca . Prominent on the front page of the Riv.ca website is “Importing a U.S. Vehicle into Canada Find out how.”

The RIV’s process states to check and verify: that your vehicle is admissible and can be modified to meet Canadian requirements by checking Transport Canada’s List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles program regulates only vehicles originally manufactured for the U.S. market. Vehicles originally manufactured to standards other than the U.S. or Canada, are inadmissible into Canada under the current laws. The program regulates passenger cars, trucks, vans, jeeps, chassis cabs, trailers, motorcycles, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles less than 15 years old and buses manufactured after January 1, 1971.

For information on the importation of vehicles into Canada from countries other than the United States, go to Transport Canada’s web site as well as Canada Border Services Agency’s web site.

Next in line with RIV’s procedure is to check for vehicle modification requirements. Even if your vehicle was manufactured in Canada for North American requirement your vehicle must meet Canadian standards. As examples Canadian vehicles are required by laws and standards that both have car infant tether mounts and daylight running lights.

One more recent addition to the lists is for a simple recall clearance letter. The recall clearance letter sates that the vehicle has no outstanding recalls by the manufacturer on it.

The recall clearance letter must be on official letterhead from either the dealer or manufacture.

Either can simply issue the letter. However the letter is mandatory at the time of entry, in order to pass the Canadian border clearance process.

In order to “export “your car from the United States to Canada you must receive export clearance from the U.S. border authorities. This is mandatory and if not done can result in major fines – either now or later on a simple road trip “across the line”. Simply fax the appropriate U.S. border post’s vehicle export fax phone number at least 72 hours before arrival.

In terms of transporting your vehicle there are several options. Either you can do it yourself and perhaps make it a holiday and vacation of picking up your vehicle. In other cases either you may not have the time available or feel the drive is too strenuous. A processional car transport service can be hired to transport your new vehicle. On top of that if the vehicle leaves the dealer lot on a transport truck, its tires will never hit the pavement of the highway. The car does not have to be plated in the state. As a result the savings incurred in states sales taxes that may not have to be paid, may well pay for the transportation costs of the car carrier service. Of course verify all of this both with the dealer and the local state tax authorities before committing to any plans and the auto carrier transport service.

Next, after receiving clearance follow the process outlined on the Riv site at the Canadian Border Port of entry. Not all Canadian border posts are set up for this process. Generally the larger entry ports are. You will be asked to provide documentation as indicated on the Riv site.

Title, documentation and sales receipts are required. You will need a valid Canadian address to be eligible for this process. You will be billed by Canada customs a Riv fee of approximately $ 300, General Sales Tax (G.S.T.) on the price of the vehicle. In addition, depending on the origin of manufacture of the car you will be required to pay 6.1 % duty if the car is not made within the NAFTA Free Trade Zone (U.S.A., Canada and Mexico). G.S.T. in 2008 now runs at 5 %. Provincial Sales Tax payment will vary depending on the province of the owner and importer of the vehicle.

Interestingly enough if the car is a “Classic Car”, older than 15 years of age; the car will fall in a different and much simpler procedure with few requirements and inspection. It all depends on the rules and modifications for that vehicle as stated on the Riv website. If in doubt phone. Remember that you will have to comply again with certain regulations – such as daytime running lights and other requirements in your specific locale and province.

All in all importing a car into Canada from the United States can be a fairly easy and straightforward affair, even if you do it yourself, without the need for a broker. Two factors come into play – always verify what the current rules are with the Government of Canada authorities – Transport Canada and the Registrar of Foreign Motor Vehicles (Riv). Lastly always pay close attention to fluctuations in the currency rates – Canadian dollars vs. U.S. American currency.

Lastly even If you have done all your homework you may be squeamish or not have the time and energy to physically transact the final importation process. Some people may have had previous encounters with the customs authorities.. Others may have their own reasons and just want it done right. For a nominal fee a professional customs broker can accomplish the final leg work. Such a trained professional can vette your paperwork and inspect it. A great amount of time and energy can be saved by using the services of a trained professional customs broker, who is both trained in process, and does it all the time. Often using the services of a professional customs broker is money well spent.

For instance, when in Madrid, you would find quaint villas that are cozy and inviting. You might also be drawn to Tuscany. This city in Italy offers fantastic golf but also offers the delicious opportunity to visit a number of vineyards and wineries which would enhance the golf holiday tour exponentially.

For more exotic golf holidays, perhaps you might want to take a trip to beautiful Thailand, Cambodia, or Vietnam. These destinations are without a doubt the most beautiful in the world, featuring lush tropical settings, along with the perfect climate. You will also find people from these countries to be warm-hearted and hospitable, working hard to make visitors feel welcomed.

 In addition to golf in an exotic location, these countries are also known for incredible cuisine and shopping ventures. The process of putting golf holidays and tours together that will entice your wife will require numerous decisions.

 Obviously, the location of the tour is the most important so as you look at different places, we recommend in addition to the United States, you also look at South America, Canada, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. To help stay within a set budget but without sacrificing quality while enjoying a safe tour you can relax knowing the trip was completely organized with the services of a golf travel specialist.

This is a huge benefit that will guarantee your golf holiday tour will be stress free. In addition to organizing golf holidays, they may also be able to secure the car rental, air travel, and hotel accommodations all in one neat package. In fact, the experts can provide recommendations for shopping and restaurants near the golf course.

The bottom line is that companies that plan and organize golf holidays and tours handle all the arrangements and reservations so all you need to do is show up and enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Go online today or call your local travel agent and check out the options for planning one of the greatest golf holidays both you and your wife will enjoy{!}

“It’s special to do it here,” said Weir, the 2003 Masters champion. “I see a lot of family and friends. Obviously, it’s kind of where I grew up and where it all began for me. I feel good. It’s a great night.”

Mike Weir tied for second place at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio this past weekend. The former Masters champion is starting to find his game as he prepares for next week’s challenging U.S. Open. Weir shot 71 on the final day (one-under-par) finishing the tournament at -6, which was two strokes back of third-time winner Kenny Perry. His course-management skill, exceptional short game, and accurate putting defined his 2003 Masters win and were apparent in his play this weekend. Weir will be in need of these assets, as well as more quality shots, to have any success at the coming U.S. Open.

“He looks under control,” said CBS analyst Peter Oosterhuis about Weir.

The 39-year-old Weir has eight PGA Tour victories, matching George Knudson for the most by a Canadian. During busy Presidents Cup week in Montreal in 2007, met and presented Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper with a personalized TaylorMade golf bag…Dropped the ceremonial puck before the Toronto Maple Leafs playoff game against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 14, 2003. Prior to 2003 Presidents Cup, gave teammates Team Canada hockey jerseys complete with names stitched on the back…Is friend of former NHL player Adam Oates. Practiced with NHL’s Washington Capitals at beginning of two-week break in late September 1999…At age 13, sought advice from Jack Nicklaus. In a letter, asked whether he should switch to playing right-handed. Response was to stick to natural swing…Three-time recipient (2000-1 and 2003) of Lionel Conacher Award, given to Canada’s Male Athlete of the Year. First golfer to be so honored since 1932…Received the Order of Canada in 2007, Canada’s highest civilian honor, and received the Order of Ontario in 2004. 2009 Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee…Established the Mike Weir Foundation in 2004. Runs annual event, the Mike Weir Miracle Golf Drive for Kids, to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network…Web site is mikeweir.com.

Weir’s Hall of Fame plaque was unveiled Saturday night and features a sketch along with a brief biography. An exhibit featuring Weir’s memorabilia has been on display at Glen Abbey.

Due to the generous boundaries of Lake Erie, tourists to this fisherman’s paradise are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a fishing hole; beginning with the borders of Michigan to edges of Canada, fishing hot-spots abound throughout Northern Ohio and you are bound to snag a fish – or more once you board a Lake Erie fishing charter and cast a line the right way! Drifting out to deeper waters and a little away from the shoreline after jumping on a Lake Erie fishing charter will see your sense of adventure rewarded, if you just pick up the basics of line-casting, trolling and bide your time for that great Walleye. Yes, this species is most abundantly found at Lake Erie besides Perch and Smallmouth bass and the best way to get up close with these potential trophy fish is to book a Lake Erie fishing charter run by an expert fishing guide can give you useful tips on the best time, spots and ways to scout the waters here!

Booking a Great Lake fishing charter, like the Lake Erie fishing charter, is a great idea to get some much-needed relaxation and peaceful fishing fun – especially if you are in good company of friends or family who share your interest in angling. Besides being a leisurely way to go fishing, you also get to commune with nature the slow, old fashioned way as the Lake Erie fishing charter lets you take in soothing tranquility of its waters set against the backdrop of beautiful hills.

You can go for the full, half or quarter of a day when you rent out the Lake Erie fishing charter, which provides maximum scope for fishing fun and an outdoor experience like no other, since you decide the pace of your holiday and get the opportunity to make some unforgettable and fantastic memories too. If you require in-depth information about fishing techniques, spots and guides, you can contact the local fishing charter units at Lake Erie for seasonal adventures of the lasting kinds – and perhaps hook that elusive trophy catch too!