and your handgun will do what? from your boat where?

I do not own a handgun. In fact, the only time I have ever fired such was in
Marine Corps training, and then with a Colt 1911A7 .45, a POS that fired so
inaccurately that a 50 foot shot was considered -- by the Marine Corps -- to be
long distance. I had also fired a rifle at up to 500 yards, qualifying as an
Expert.

The point was not the a pistol is a superior weapon, it is not, but rather that
Canada allows such to imported under certain conditions.

I understand the standard weapon in Yellowknife households is a rifle or
sometimes shotgun, loaded and kept near the front door ready for immediate use
in case children or adults need protection from hungry bear.

If I were to make the Inside Passage and were to consider it likely going
ashore, I probably would consider taking a rifle with me. I do know that prior
when my brother was considering flying a small aircraft from Montana to Alaska
he was told by the Canadian authorities that he would be required to take a
large bore (meaning NOT a .22) rifle or shotgun with him as he passed over
Canadian territory. It had to be a large rifle or shotgun unless his aircraft
was physically too small to carry such, in which case he would be allowed to
carry a large bore pistol, but he would be inspected so if the rifle would fit,
take it.