Are you thinking about taking a quick trip across the border to Canada? Good call. From beautiful coastlines, magnificient mountain ranges, and bustling cities, there's a lot to see and do. However, before you get to the border, there are a few things you will need to do. Here's the up-to-date, no-stress checklist of items and documents American need, plus when travel medical insurnace makes sense (spoiler alert: it almost always does).
What to bring: documents that actually work
The following list is outlined by the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) for more information please click here.
By air: Bring a valid U.S. passport book (passport cards aren’t valid for international air travel).
By land or sea: Bring a WHTI-compliant document such as a U.S. passport (book or card), NEXUS, FAST, or an Enhanced Driver’s License (from participating states). NEXUS remains WHTI-approved for expedited travel.
Travelling with kids: U.S. citizen children under 16 need proof of citizenship and identity; if travelling without both parents, carry a consent letter to avoid delays (best practice). (Check airline rules if flying.)
Criminal inadmissibility note: Past offences (including DUI) can make you inadmissible. Options can include Temporary Resident Permit or rehabilitation.
Navigating customs and items to not bring
Cannabis is legal for recreational use in several American states and it is legal for recreational use nation-wide in Canada. However, cannabis is still illegal to carry across the border. Do not bring it with you.
Often when you go to a new country, you're going to be coming back with some gifts, and goods. Especially when your dollar is better than the country you are going to visit. When bringing these goods back home duty/tax rules apply, and certain items such as alcohol and tobacco have limits of the. For more information please see CBSA's visitor allowances here.
Health care and why it matters
Canada’s public system doesn’t cover visitors. A minor ER visit can cost $1,000–$1,800+ before tests; admissions can climb quickly. A solid Visitors to Canada medical policy protects you from surprise bills and gives you 24/7 assistance on where to go (telehealth, clinic, ER). Start with a quick comparison to find the best rate and benefits for your trip.
Compare Visitors to Canada Insurance (emergency medical).
Coming to see family long-term? See Super Visa Insurance (meets IRCC rules).
On a working holiday? Check IEC Insurance (must cover your full permit length).
(If you need a doctor while visiting, here’s how to find a doctor in Canada on a visa including virtual-care options.)
Seasonal Planning
A common misnomer about Canada is that it is freezing cold 24/7, 365 days a year, which simply isn't the case. It is hard to make a complete seasonal guide to Canada as it is such a large country with varying weather depending on where you have decided to go visit, however, here is a rough guide as to what you can expect depending on the season you are coming to visit:
Summer (June - August): Warm in most regions; book your campsites ahead if you are planning on visiting the national parks.
Fall (September-November): The rain begins if you are visiting the westcoast, on the east, it will be slightly colder, you may even get hit with some snow. This is when you can expect to find shoulder-season prices.
Winter (December-March): Ski heaven (if you are on the westcoast, skiing on the east coast isn't great). You will encounter snow everywhere in the country other than Vancouver and Victoria during this time of year. Be prepared for snow, and days with little sunlight.
Spring (April - May): The weather is very variable these months, you may experience late snowfall, torrential downpour, or a sunny day. Your best bet is to look at the weather a week ahead of time and pack accordingly.