Land border crossing between Canada and the United States was closed for 19 months during the pandemic & highly restricted shortly after borders reopened.
Crossing the Canadian border by land has been reopened for some now, and Canada has since relaxed their restrictions. They’re now similar to what they were pre-pandemic.
However, there are still some things you need to be aware of that will make your trip to Canada much easier.
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When Canada reopened its borders, there were specific procedures and documentation (i.e., proof of vaccination) you had to show to ensure the safety of their country. We’ll notate those changes, but also explain the current restrictions as of the writing of this article.
Shortly after Canada reopened its borders, it was required to use an app called ArriveCAN to cross the Canadian border. Using this app is no longer required; however, it is highly recommended. Using ArriveCAN saves time at the border and as their official website states, using the ArriveCAN app “only takes minutes.”
ArriveCAN is available for iOS, Android and web. If you’ve already downloaded it, be sure to check for updates before you reach the border or leave for your road trip. The app is free to use.
When the border first reopened, Canada required proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country. However, this is no longer the case. The same is true for pre-entry and arrival testing.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and pre-entry COVID-19 testing is no longer required at the Canadian border.
The government’s website, however, does state “If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you shouldn’t travel to Canada.”
Aside from the more recent travel requirements due to COVID, there are still plenty of other things you need to be aware of before you go RVing to Canada.
For one, you cannot bring a firearm (handgun, hunting rifle, etc.) into Canada unless you’ve gone through the (usually lengthy) process to get approval. Canada does not honor your concealed carry permit and trying to take an unapproved firearm into the country can result in serious jail time. The same is true for fireworks or explosives.
Secondly, you need to make sure to bring all vaccination records for your pets that are traveling with you. It also helps to bathe your pets before reaching the border if they’ve been playing outdoors a lot because they can deny sickly pets from crossing the border, too. Of course, if your pet is actually sick, then you shouldn’t try to take them across the border.
Third, you cannot take cannabis or any products containing cannabis (including CBD) across the Canadian border in either direction. It doesn’t matter whether it’s legal at your point of entry or exit on either side of the border.
Fourth, if you’re traveling with children who aren’t your own, even if they are your grandchildren, you need letters of consent from the parents allowing you to take them across the border. If you are a divorced or separated parent with your children, you must bring a letter of consent from the other parent. It’s also a good idea to have a letter authorizing you to seek and consent to medical treatment for each child from the parents.
While those are the most important things to know when crossing the Canadian border, you can check out these additional tips for entering Canada.
EZBorderCrossing is an excellent source of information about Canadian border crossing procedures. You can also refer to the CBSA website, where you can also check current wait times at the various border crossings and learn more about new restrictions.
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September 20, 2022at4:27 pm, Randy Gibson said:
I can not get vaccinated because of a prior illness. (GBS)
I have prove by 2 doctors of this fact.
I have a trip planned next June with Fantasy RV Tours.
Any idea about me being able to enter Canada to Alaska?
September 21, 2022at12:53 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:
We just heard today (Sept. 21, 2022) that Canada is considering lifting the vax mandate for visitors – we would suggest following the news and staying in touch with your tour group for the latest, but it does sound like the Canadian government is considering dropping this requirement soon. Team RV Lifestyle
June 30, 2022at11:28 am, Angela Soriano said:
Thank you for this update! I don’t agree with being vaccinated but it’s good to know .Keep us updated because we would love to RV back to Canada some day.
July 02, 2022at9:37 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:
Thanks for the feedback Angela and will do – Team RV Lifestyle
June 24, 2022at8:25 am, Michael McKie said:
Definitely not going to Canada anytime soon. Common logic and scientific data tells us that the vaccinated can contract and spread Covid-19 just like the unvaccinated. The Canadian entry requirements are nonsensical and arbitrary. The Canadian “leader” is one of Charles Schwab’s “best students.” Please read and educate yourself regarding the World Economic Forum and the Great Reset. They aren’t even trying to hide their agenda anymore. Read, read, and read some more…
June 24, 2022at9:15 am, Jack Brown said:
My vaccinated friends are Caravaning in Canada and Nova Scotia . They have had Covid 2x after triple vaccinated and while Caravaning in Canada have had it a 3rd time. We travel more than they do (US only) and have only had a very mild case once last February cold like symptoms but tested positive. These vaccines are a bunch of CRAP.
June 24, 2022at9:52 am, Michael McKie said:
Sorry, the data is telling us that the vaccinated are more incline to get sick multiple times vs the unvaccinated. The spike protein in the mRNA gene therapy is causing unknown side effects, including but not limited to, loss of natural antibodies and immunity from Covid. Go back and read what Fauci told the American people a year ago. The media also told you, “the vaccinated could not get or spread Covid.” This was truly the biggest lie of all.