Are you archery , black powder or rifle hunting? I live less then an hour to border crossing here in Montana. I have crossed over with long guns, as few folks on here have said, NEVER HANDGUN. Where in Canada are you headed for your bear hunt? I know many archers here in Montana and elsewhere carry pepper spray, which they claim is very effective. If your in grizz country, I can appreciate wanting to carry a side arm when headed to privy or perhaps cutting wood, if you are in grizz country, and using a high power rifle, I would still suggest taking a 12 gauge , couple buck shot, backed up by slug. More cumbersome, but will do the job if your just hanging at camp if you don't have your rifle.