Would Canadians find it odd if an American traveled by foot into Canada?

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Imaka

It is much more common than you would think. And no, I would not think it odd, but I can't speak for others. Pedestrians cross the border at many border crossings. Some communities are half in the US and half in Canada, so it is relatively common. As long as the individuals have the correct documents there will be no problem. Border officials will not give them any more difficulty than required as long as they are not otherwise suspicious.

Andy

There are several borders that accept pedestrians, and no, there's no problem if you have a passport. The people from Mexico probably need a visa, and Ottawa is far, far away from the US border. Thousands of pedestrians cross into Canada every day. The site below will give you statistics as well as give you an idea which border points permit pedestrian entry. (Yahoo might not allow me to give the entire address; if so, go to google and type in "US Canada Border pedestrian crossings" for access to the site).

http://www.bts.gov/programs/international/border_crossing_entry_data/us_canada/index.html

MasterPython

People do it all the time, it's illegal unless do it at a designated crossing and you talk to customs. Walking off into the bush away from the raods is frowned upon. The only time we here about it is when some idiot with a crimminal record trys to walk across in the middle of winter to see his girlfriend. It happens at leat once a year.

You probably wont see the boarder patrol. If you did happen to meet the boarder patrol they would not be happy, they probably could radio someone and check and see if you have a record but they will more than likely just haul you back to the station and charge you with something.

NikkiMâ™¥BTB 08/29/09â™¥

no they don't give you a hard time. I've parked on the canadian side and walked back and forth before. It is not a problem. Many people ride their bikes across as well.
As long as you have a passport (or other proper documentation). They don't really care how you cross as long as it's legally.

I would not recommend crossing through detroit, just because it is SO far from ottawa. that's still about 10 - 12 hours from ottawa by car. Kingston, ON is closer and there is even another one in vermont, US that's closer as well.

Kramer

People do it all the time when crossing between Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York as well as Detroit / Windsor. The nearest border crossing to Ottawa is in Ogdensburg, NY which is over 1 hour south of Ottawa so unless your family wants to walk all the way from Ottawa to the border (or from the border to Ottawa), they will need a car. I'm assuming you're referring to legally walking across the border, correct? A few people who have answered so far seem to think you mean illegally entering each country ... anyone can legally walk across the border, there are pedestrian check points where you present your passport and ID just like in the car, so I'm assuming that's what you mean.

Your family from Mexico City will need a passport to enter Canada. Mexican citizens are required to have a B1 Visitors Visa to enter the U.S.

In Detroit, the Detroit / Windsor People Mover bus takes people through the tunnel. Crossing the tunnel is very safe as itâ€™s located in downtown Detroit, which is a very safe and fun place to visit.

U.S. Department of State -- Visa Information:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html

crispy

I have walked across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada and returned several times at Niagara Falls. A photo ID and birth certificate were required as I am a US citizen. A family from Mexico City would need passports. The customs people ask the same questions if you are walking or in a car. (Where are you from? Where are you going? How long will you be here? Do you have anything to declare? Do you have cigarettes, alcohol, weapons of any kind?) Crossing BACK into the US always takes longer, more questions, and they usually check your info in their computer data base (Homeland security).

wahoo

I don't find it odd at all for a U.S. Citizen to be travelling through N. America on foot. It has been going on for centuries and still goes on. There may be a problem with a Mexican citizen trying to cross, however if the paper work and passports are up to date and valid...no problem. Canada and the U.S both have wall to wall travellers on foot, no matter what their citizenship...after all we all talk English, and look pretty well the same...if not for the papers you are carrying would there be any difference between the U.S citizen or the Canadian Citizen.

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