14 Things U.S. Travelers Should Know Before Going to Canada

When planning a trip to Canada, there are certain things that U.S. travelers need to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. From entry requirements to insurance, it’s best to be prepared before you leave the United States (or any other country) and enter Canada. To help you prepare, here are 14 things to know before traveling to Canada.

AAA / Sherry Mims

Do you need a passport to go to Canada? Yes, U.S. citizens will need a valid U.S. passport (with at least one blank page in it) to enter Canada via international flights or by car. Note that a passport is required for infants and children. 

If you’re a member of the NEXUS trusted traveler program, remember to bring your membership identification card to get through priority lanes at airport checkpoints. For passengers on cruise vacations, it is generally recommended to pack a U.S. passport regardless of ship itinerary.

Getty Images / Alexander W Helin

Travelers from most countries will need either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). 

A visitor visa is a formal travel document, often a sticker in your passport, required for citizens of many countries. In contrast, an eTA is a simple, online pre-screening linked to your passport. The eTA is only for travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the United Kingdom or Australia. However, this is only mandatory for air travel, and anyone on the visa-exempt list coming from the States via the land border doesn’t need to do this. 

U.S. citizens are exempt from both requirements. U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, or Green Card holders, are also exempt from the eTA. However, they must still present their valid passport from their country of nationality and their valid U.S. Green Card.

Getty Images / Hinterhaus Productions

There are a few things you’ll need to declare before arriving in Canada. For money, you must declare all currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 CAD or more. It isn’t illegal to bring in more, but it’s illegal to fail to declare it. Personal duty-free limits are set at 1.5L of wine (or 1.14L of spirits) and 200 cigarettes. All firearms, food, plants and animal products must also be declared.

Some items, however, are strictly prohibited and should be left at home. Common prohibited items include:

iStockphoto.com / fstop123

Any minor under 18 traveling with only one parent or guardian must have a notarized parental consent letter. That letter, written in English or French, must include the non-traveling parent's address, telephone number and a photocopy of their signed passport or national identity card. You will also need the child's passport and a copy of their birth certificate.

Parents with sole custody should carry a copy of their court-issued custody agreement. Adults traveling with children who are not their own, such as for a school trip or with a grandparent, will need a written permission letter from the child’s parents or legal guardians. They must include the parents' or guardians' full contact information (address and phone numbers) and be accompanied by photocopies of their signed passports or national identity cards. 

iStockphoto.com / londoneye

In Canada, stores usually use the Chip and PIN system to verify debit and credit card transactions. So, you need to know your four-digit personal identification number (PIN) before making any purchases. Most travelers know their debit card PIN, but some are surprised at hotels, restaurants and stores when a PIN is needed for credit card purchases. 

Contact your bank well in advance of your trip for help with setting up or tracking down a credit card PIN. Let your bank know about your upcoming travel plans, too.

Getty Images / Yevgen Romanenko

The official currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Avoid airport currency kiosks, as they have the worst exchange rates. You’ll usually get a better rate by using your home debit card at an official bank ATM, such as RBC, TD Bank or Scotiabank. Since credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are accepted almost everywhere, you rarely need to carry large amounts of cash.

iStockphoto.com / Creative-Family

You have a few options for staying connected with your mobile phone in Canada. Your home carrier’s international roaming package might be easy, but it can be expensive. To avoid bill shock after your trip, a better route is often to buy a pre-paid eSIM card from a Canadian carrier like Bell, Rogers or Telus when you arrive. Two even cheaper options to consider are Public Mobile and Fizz. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that Canada is an enormous country. While cities have excellent cell service, you shouldn’t expect coverage in remote areas. On long drives, especially through the mountains or on the prairies, your signal will likely disappear for long stretches. Always download offline maps before you head out.

iStockphoto.com / peterspiro

Canada uses the metric system. While this might seem insignificant, it can affect your daily planning, especially with the weather, as temperatures are in Celsius. For example, 20°C (68°F) is a pleasant spring or fall day, while 25°C to 30°C (77 to 86°F) is a hot summer day. 

You’ll also use the metric system on the road. Most major highways have a speed limit of 100 km/h (about 62 mph), and city limits are typically 50 km/h (about 31 mph). When you see a sign for “Toronto 200 km,” you can estimate about a two-hour drive, since 100 kilometers is roughly 62 miles.

You’ll also see the metric system at the gas pump and grocery store. Gasoline is sold in liters, not gallons, and it takes about 3.78 liters to equal one U.S. gallon. Food at a deli or grocery store is weighed in grams and kilograms, with one kilogram being about 2.2 pounds.

iStockphoto.com / courtneyk

A common and expensive mistake is assuming Canadian healthcare is free for visitors. U.S. health policies, especially Medicare, won’t cover you in Canada. A simple emergency room visit can cost over $1,000, and a single night in an ICU can exceed $13,000.

A good travel insurance policy will cover trip cancellation and lost baggage, but your main priority should be high-limit medical coverage. Make sure the policy includes medical repatriation, which covers the cost of a medically equipped flight to get you home if you’re seriously ill or injured.

Pay attention to when you buy your policy. You should purchase your plan immediately after you make your first non-refundable payment, like booking your flights or a tour. Buying at that moment is the only way to receive trip cancellation coverage, which protects you if something happens before you leave home.

Fotolia.com / Maridav

If you’re planning a road trip to Canada from the U.S., you don’t need a Canadian driver’s license. You must, however, call your auto insurance provider to confirm your policy extends to Canada. 

Ask them to issue a Canadian non-resident inter-province motor vehicle liability insurance card. Your standard U.S. card is often accepted, but this specific Canadian card is the official proof of insurance and will prevent any headaches if you are stopped.

Westhoff / iStockphoto.com

Driving in Canada means understanding that road rules change by province. For example, in most of the country, a right turn on a red light is allowed after a complete stop. The major exception is the Island of Montreal, where right turns on red are completely banned. Check the AAA Digest of Motor Laws online or contact your local AAA club office for more information.

If you’re driving in winter, you must check the tire laws. In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory on all vehicles from December 1 to March 15. In British Columbia, they are required on most major highways from October through April. If you have trouble, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) will honor your AAA coverage in Canada. You can contact them for roadside help.

iStockphoto.com / Ildo Frazao

Checking the holiday schedule can help you find the best time to travel to Canada. Canada has both national and provincial holidays. National holidays, like Canada Day, mean banks and post offices are closed everywhere. Provincial holidays, like Family Day, are less consistent, as stores might be closed in one province but open in the next.

Major holidays to watch for include:

For U.S. visitors, another important date is Thanksgiving, which Canada celebrates on the second Monday in October, not in November. 

Getty Images / Henryk Sadura

Canada has two official languages, English and French, and deep Indigenous roots. While English is common, French is the primary language in Québec and is used for all daily business, from road signs to restaurant menus. Learning a simple “Bonjour” is a respectful gesture. Travelers will also find a rich, diverse Indigenous culture across the country, and should always approach cultural sites with respect.

In daily interactions, tipping is customary and expected. Plan for 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, bars and for services like taxis. Canadians value politeness, so treating locals with kindness is always appreciated.

Courtesy of Destination Toronto

The legal drinking age in Canada isn’t uniform across the country. It’s 19 in most provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario. The key exception is in Québec, Alberta and Manitoba, where the legal drinking age is 18.

When in parks, it’s illegal to feed or approach wildlife. Take this rule seriously. Fines in national parks can reach up to $25,000 for approaching or feeding animals. Always keep a safe distance.

You might still have some questions after going over these Canada tips for U.S. travelers. Here are some answers to common questions.

No. A standard U.S. driver's license isn’t a valid travel document to enter Canada. For land or sea travel, you must present a WHTI-compliant document, such as a U.S. Passport, Passport Card or an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). 

Most U.S. visitors are allowed to stay for up to six months. The border officer at your entry point makes the final decision and stamps your passport with the exact date you must leave.

No. Canada uses the exact same 120V electricity and the same two-pronged (Type A) and three-pronged (Type B) outlets as the United States. Your phone chargers and other electronics should work perfectly.

Now that you know what to expect when traveling to Canada, you're ready to start planning. Explore some of our favorite hotels in Canada to find the perfect place to stay.

A AAA membership connects you with travel experts who can handle all those details for you. They can book your hotels, sort out car rentals and get the right insurance for your entire trip.