Travel Information
Documentation
U.S. citizens aged 16 and older must present one of the following documents; a passport or passport card, a Century, Nexus or Fast card or an Enhanced Driver’s License. Travelers aged 15 and under require a birth certificate for land or sea travel and a passport for air travel. For more information visit: www.cbp.gov
Visitors from all other countries require a valid passport and, in some cases, a visitor’s visa. Questions? Visit the Canada Immigration website: www.immigration.ca
Canadian Border Services Agency - Contact CBSA in Canada 1-800-662-6232; Outside Canada call 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 or visit: www.cbsa.gc.ca
What You Can Bring With You
Duty free: -1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine -1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or 24 x 355 milliliter (12 ounces) cans or bottles of beer or ale -200 cigarettes -50 cigars or cigarillos -200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco -200 tobacco sticks
Firearms and weapons
Those 18 years of age or older may bring a hunting rifle or shotgun into Ontario. You may bring 200 rounds of ammunition. Firearms manufactured as fully automatic are prohibited. No firearms less than 66 cm (26 inches) in length or with a barrel less than 46 cm (18 inches) are allowed. Mace/stun guns and other weapons are prohibited. For more information, contact the Canadian Firearms Centre: 1-800-731-4000 or 506-624-5380 Web site: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
Vehicles and Insurance
Any necessary permits for entry of vehicles and trailers into Canada are issued at the port of entry. For rental vehicle or trailer bring along a copy of the rental contract, which stipulates that you have permission to use it in Canada. U.S. motorists are advised to obtain a Canadian Non-Resident Interprovincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card. Contact your local insurance agency. For more information contact: 1-800-461-999, 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 or visit www.cbsa.gc.ca
Seat Belts
Ontario Law requires that adults and children over 40lbs/18kg in weight wear seat belts. Infants from birth to 20 lbs/9kg in weight must travel in a rear facing child restraint system. Toddlers weighting 20-40 lbs/9-18 kg must travel in a front-facing child restraint seat.
Pets
Dogs and cats from the U.S. must have current (within 36 months) rabies vaccination certificates. Owners from other countries should contact: 1-800-442-2342 / 1-613-225-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 or visit www.inspection.gc.ca
Hospital & Medical Services
Most communities have hospitals and/or resident doctors. Check your medical service plan to ensure you have coverage while in Canada. If importing prescription drugs, make sure they are in the original packaging. If this is not possible, carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor. For further information contact your travel or insurance agent.
Financial Services & U.S. Funds
We recommend that visitors use Canadian Funds. Chartered banks, located in most communities, offer best exchange rates. Note: most banks are closed on weekends and Holidays.
Credit Cards
Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club etc., are honoured. Be sure to check with individual businesses to be safe.
Sales Tax
In Ontario, a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) applies to most purchases. For more information contact: 1-800-565-9353 (inside Canada), 1-902-432-5604 (outside Canada) or visit: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
For Police services anywhere in Rainbow Country, phone toll-free 1-888-310-1122, ATS/TTY 1-866-860-7082.
Liquor and the Law
Anyone 19 and over may buy liqour, wine and/or beer. Drinking hours in licensed establishments are from 11 am until 2 am. In Ontario, it is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than a residence or on licensed premises. PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
Information for Boaters
Pleasure crafts may enter Canada by trailer or under their own power. All boats powered by motors 10 HP or over must be licensed. Boat licenses from outside Ontario are acceptable. Upon arrival in Canada, the master of the boat must report to the CBSA. For information on reporting or reporting sites call: 1-888-226-7277.
Operator Competency Requirements for Pleasure Craft - Regulation requires that all operators of motorized pleasure crafts have proof of competency and proof of age on board at all times. An operator card, or equivalent, issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be considered as proof of competency. For information visit www.safeboater.com
