Flying to Canada, what to expect with customs and etc.?

Flying from Grand Rapids, Mich. to Minneapolis, layover 30 mins. or so, then flying to Seattle, then layover for about an hour, then flying to Kelowna, BC. Flying with Northwest the first 2 flights and Alaska Airlines the last flight. I would like to know where I would have to go through customs, in Grand Rapids or Kelowna, and if anybody has helpful hints and advice for my first time flying. And I would like to know more about how custom's works, what can I expect? Anything would be helpful :) I don't have my tickets right now, my bf in Canada set it up through a travel agency and i just have a confirmation number (basically etickets), etc. I have no clue where I will be going or where to go till then. Little info on my itinerary. Using terminal Lindbergh in Minneapolis, and thats all I know.

i am 21, almost 22. my bf is older yet.
i have a passport.
i am sending some of my things ahead of time in UPS mail.

You will be going through customs in Kelowna and its fairly easy process. First be sure that you have photo ID and proof of citizenship (birth certificate). Now a days in order to board a plane you need a passport which satisfies both photo ID and proof of citizenship. When your on the plane you will fill out a declaration card asking how long you plan on staying, and what you are bringing in to Canada. The questions are straight forward. You are allowed to bring in tax and duty free, (provided that you are over 19 years of age)
- (1) 1.14L bottle of liquor
- 1 carton of cigarettes
- 50 cigars.
If you bring in more than one of the following you will be charged tax and duty on it. You are allowed to bring in gifts under $60 duty and tax free, if the gift is over $60 you may be subject to duty and tax on the overage. If you have been arrested before you may be sent to immigration and depending on the seriousness of the crimes you could be refused entry. Thats basically what you need to know, for more info visit www.cbsa.gc.ca

You go through customs when arriving in Kelowna. You will need to show your passport for the Seattle flight and at Customs in kelowna.

They will usually ask basic questions unless you spark their interest to investigate further. What is the purpose of your trip (business/pleasure) What is your destination, how long will you be staying, what do you do for a living. If you have any items to declare (In your case, any gifts that are over $60)

You may get extra questions based on visiting a boyfriend. They may dig deeper to find the potential of you not coming for a short visit and staying or immigrating. They will be less suspicious if you have a return flight booked (so have your itinerary in reach just in case) and if you have a job to return to. And this all is assuming you are over 18.

You have had good answers so far. Since you are planning to stay about six months, which is the maximum time for a tourist visa, be prepared to explain how you will support yourself while in Canada for that period of time, since you will not be permitted to work in Canada. I don't think you will have any difficulty in going through customs, though it is always a little stressful, no matter how many times you do it. Here are a couple of links that may help you. Best of luck and enjoy your visit to Canada.