Canada / USA Travel

Immigration Requirements: Citizens of the US and Canada are required to carry photo ID and proof of citizenship. Citizens of other countries generally require a passport (for some countries a visa may also be required). Children are also required to carry proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate). If both parents are not travelling with their children, it is advised to carry written authorization for travel into Canada from the other parent, or proof of custody. Canadian Law definies a DWI or DUI (within the past 10 years) as a felony, which may prevent entry into Canada. For more detailed information, please contact the immigration office appropriate to your country.

For US citizens, passports will not be required until mid-2009. If you would like to obtain a passport, please refer to the US State Department Travel website.

Customs Information: Each traveler is allowed to bring back $200 worth of goods if your stay is less than 48 hours. You may include with the $200 exemption your choice of the following: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 milliliters (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 milliliters (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol.

Canadian Currency: Canada uses Canadian dollars and cents. Most stores and restaurants will accept US dollars, with a variable rate of exchange. You may also use US credit and debit cards and travellers checks.

Canadian Public Holidays

New Years Day: January 1
Good Friday: Friday before Easter
Easter Sunday: Sunday following the first full moon after Vernal Equinox
Easter Monday: Not an official holiday, but many places are closed

Victoria Day: Third Monday in May
Canada Day: July 1
BC Day: First Monday in August
Labour Day: First Monday in September
Thanksgiving: Second Monday in October
Remembrance Day: November 11

Christmas: December 25
Boxing Day: December 26