U.S. citizen driving accross canada?

Show all answers

.:::Niko:::.

Why don't you just tell 'em the truth? have a great vacation.

Charlie

You can just tell them you are on vacation, name a few places you are going to visit. Should be no problem. You will need a good road atlas as there is no "interstate" type highway that goes straight across Canada like in the U.S. And you do NOT need a passport to drive to and from Canada...there is a huge amount of misinformation given about this. You will need a photo I.D. and proof of citizenship..either a passport OR birth certificate. See site below and read top half of page carefully for current info.

braingamer

Everyone else has given great advice (absolutely, be honest - they'll likely wish you a good trip), so, I'll tackle "what not to bring".

We actually have grocery stores and WalMart, so don't upset the nice folks at the border by bringing your own fruit, meat, cold cuts, (there are SOME restrictions which you can check out on-line before you depart) etc. It would be a real waste if your stuff was confiscated - especially since prices for food here tend to be lower. In cities, look for Food Basics or No Frills stores (locals will direct you) for best prices. And, chances are very good that you'll have little/no difficulty finding the same food you use at home for your travelling companion (as you mentioned in your other question) - you may want to check the manufacturer's website just to be sure.

Enjoy your trip! I hope our paths cross.

notaxpert

Having lived for many years near the New York-Canadian border, I can tell you from experience that you just need to be truthful about your purpose, i.e. vacation in your case. They will ask you how long you plan to stay. Just tell the border officer your plans and give him an estimate of how long. They will be more concerned with what you plan to bring into Canada and if you plan to leave anything. You shouldn't have much trouble. When I traveled back and forth from the Midwest to New York I always took the 401 from Windsor, Ontario to the Thousand Islands Bridge in New York and I never had any problems. It is the U.S. who is more strict about the border since 9/11 and I beleive you may need your U.S. passport to reenter the U.S.. Enjoy your visit to Canada.

Liberry

Just be honest and tell them exactly what you said in your question, "driving accross the coutry for vacation and want to drive through Canada instead of the U.S". They might ask you how long you expect your trip to take and if you have any stops arranged or hotels booked. You really shouldn't have too much trouble, just remember your passport!

As for Charlie's remark about Canada not having an interstate that goes across the country he/she is wrong. The Trans-Canada Highway runs through all 10 provinces, including 2 island provinces, making it an easy route to use when travelling across Canada.

Enjoy your trip!

Marshall

Just say your going on a vacation. There not going to stop you from coming into there country unless your some terrorist. I drove there last yr (I'm from Michigan) for my birthday and the border patrol guy was nice and said happy bday and go have fun.

thinkingtime

Tell them what you are doing, show your ID and have a great time.

Amirra

I don't think you have to be that specific. They will proabably ask where you are going, but just be honest. Enjoy yourself, there is lots of great sights to see - but remember, Saskatchewan is boring. :)

mervin

You'll have no problem, just bring passport, a map, name some destinations you'll be stopping for rest and enjoy the trip. Just make sure to stop at some good places!

chad c

you can say vacation but make sure you bring your passport. you'll need it to reenter the states. they just passed this law last year.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: