There are times when handguns do cross the border such as target handguns going to a sanctioned meet. I imagine LEO's as part of their duty also cross with sidearms. I think in all cases when they do cross it is rare since canada doesn't view the possession well. I can assure you that if you insist on crossing with any type of sidearm you will end up saying it was a mistake and like OT said you have been forewarned. The last hunt I did in Canada was 3 years ago with 2 long guns and the outfitter suggested what crossing points to avoid since many of the clients were hassled and they didn't complicate it with bringing a hand gun in. Whatever you bring make sure you register them at US customs and pay the fee on the US side before you cross. One trip I made was through an entry point in Maine and one member of our party had both a rifle and a muzzle loader which really caused an issue trying to cross back over. As I remember it had something to do with it being a 50 Cal which really sent out red flags for some reason. The border guards apparently didn't know the difference between a rifle and ML. That one took a while to resolve and another trip had too much meat left on the scull plates and they sent us back to Canada to comply with their import/ export rules. I guess they wanted bare bone with no red showing which is what they got after we came back. We practically had to bleach them. Another trip we had all the guns and scull plates/ antlers in an enclosed trailer and they never even physically checked them so you never know what to expect. It isn't the US and expect a hassle. Leave the hand guns home. And I'll add this...if you are anywhere near an Indian reservation may God help you if you do something they consider wrong. They have their own wardens and judges. They make their own rules.