So in that regard I would think you might as well tell them the truth simply because if you get caught in a lie then you would cause grief for yourself of no good reason. But if you are an excellent liar, then go for what're you want!
Basically the border patrol are looking for three things: terrorist, drugs and people who are coming to work illegally.
My point is really that there is no advantage to lying about being a student vs a rich tourist because they don't favor one over the other. They're not going to think "oh boy this person is really going to help our economy!"
Now, if you are planning to work illegally or overstay your visa - then you might want to make up a story!
Not true at all. I'm Australian and I regularly cross from Canada into the US in my junker car full of snowboarding or camping gear. Every single time the border guards want to see bank statements, proof of employment, etc. etc.
They're convinced I want to stay in the US and leech off the system (which is nonsensical, when I could stay in Canada, which actually has a system)
But if you have a record of being hassled, the policy seems to keep on harassing you.
That being said, I'm getting super psyched for ski season and have been wanting to head to Canada this year. Recommend any good places within or near Ontario?
Unfortunately, Ontario is as flat as a pancake.
You really need to come out West, and you can't go wrong. All the resorts in the West are getting dumped on right now, and everyone's loving it. BC is where it's at for Canadian skiiing.