Without knowing the specifics of your personal experience with the Border Patrol, I can only answer as to the job and responsibilities of the U.S. Border Patrol.As was alluded to incorrectly byu00a0 another writer, no, you cannot just cross the border as you please.u00a0 There are laws in both Canada and the United States governing the entry into those countries.u00a0 All entries into the United States are required to be conducted at a designated Port of Entry, whether that be a land port, sea port, or airport.u00a0 While Canada and the United States share a friendly and congenial relationship with regard to border crossings, there are still rules.What many people do not realize is that there are numerous criminal organizations who are constantly trafficking goods and people across these borders for nefarious purposes.u00a0 The United States is one of the most trafficked countries for illegal sex trade in the world, if not THE most.u00a0 Sex trafficking, or human trafficking, is a terrible crime against persons.u00a0 People are kidnapped, held against their will and sold as property to be used and abused by their purchasers.In addition to human trafficking, illegal drugs are constantly being transported across the U.S./Canadian border.u00a0 Whether it's cocaine and heading north into Canada, or heroin and ecstasy coming south into the U.S., the trade is very lucrative for those partaking in it, and devastating to the communities into which they flow.The amount of people and narcotics that are caught is very sobering.u00a0 And that's just what they are catching!u00a0 It can only be imagined what is NOT caught.The governments of both countries readily admit that most people enjoying the beauty of our countries' natural parks are peaceful, law-abiding citizens, but sadly, these areas are also one of the number one areas used by traffickers to conduct their operations.If we knew the identities of every criminal trafficking illicit materials or persons across the border, then we wouldn't need to talk with people and ask them questions about where they are from, what they are doing and what their plans are.u00a0 Unfortunately, it's not a perfect world and there are bad guys out there.People need to understand that Border Patrol agents and RCMP officers are only doing their job to protect the citizens of their respective countries.u00a0 Sometimes that involves a few less-than-ideal inquiries.If you are hiking around the U.S./Canada border, know and understand that these agents and officers have a duty and responsibility to make sure no one is breaking the law.u00a0 They do not want to hassle you any more than you want to be hassled, but they have a job to do and it is ultimately to protect you.Most importantly, sovereign governments have the right and responsibility to know who is coming into their country.u00a0 This is one of the oldest exercised rights of any country or kingdom's government since time out of mind. I cannot stress enough this last point.u00a0 If you intend to cross the border, you MUST do so at a designated Port of Entry.u00a0 The penalties can be severe if you do not, resulting in hefty fines ($5000 for a first offense) and even imprisonment (up to a year, for a first offense).Finally, let me reiterate that these officers and agents are there to protect the lives and the interests of their countries.u00a0 They are doing the job they were hired to do.u00a0 They took an oath to protect their countries.u00a0 They are safeguarding our way of life to protect our economy, health care systems, our general welfare, and our families from crime.Also, I would encourage anyone reading this to look into and research just how terrible is the human trafficking problem in the U.S. alone.u00a0 The numbers are staggering and the stories are heartbreaking.u00a0 And if you encounter a Border Patrol agent or an RCMP officer out there, take a step back and consider what they are there for, rather than just the minor inconvenience you might experience of a ten minute conversation.