Identification
Registration of Valuables
Border Wait Times
Boats
Currency Exchange
Weapons
Alcohol
Industry Terminology
Electricity
Sunday Shopping
Duty Free
Embassies & Consulates
Roadway Tolls
Proximity
Pets
Important Links

For U.S. citizens a passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required.  Minors (under 16) traveling alone or in someone else’s custody must present written authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian.  Visas are not required. Canadian immigration officials at ports of entry will issue persons planning to stay longer than 180 days a visitor’s record.

To find out how to get a passport if you are a United States citizen, please visit the State Departments Travel Web Site , or call the United States National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778.

For a list of post offices, town clerk's offices and other facilities where passports are processed, type in your United States zip code at www.iafdb.travel.state.gov . There are more than 7,700 such locations around the United States.

Allow 6 weeks for processing. Peak domestic passport processing is between January and July, so you'll get your passport more quickly if you apply between August and December. You can also pay for expedited service in an emergency.

If you 16 or older, the fees for getting a new United States passport total $97.00 USD, not including the cost of getting passport photos. For children under 16, the fees total $82.00 USD. Passport renewals are $67.00 USD.

If you are a citizen of a foreign country other than the U.S. click here for more information regarding any additional identification required to make your entry into Canada easier and safer.

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Canadian Customs will allow you to bring in duty free, any reasonable quantity of goods for your own use on your vacation. Cameras, binoculars, sporting goods, etc. for your own use may be brought in, but should be registered with Canadian Customs on entry, for your protection.

Click here for information on Canadian Border Services:

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Depending on the date and time of travel to Canada, the length of wait at the border crossing can vary.

Click here for information on current border wait times:

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Pleasure boats coming by water or trailer need entry permits from Customs at port of entry.

Click here for information on bringing boats into Canada:

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We would suggest changing your holiday funds into Canadian currency before entering Canada, or take advantage of the Government of Ontario's Currency Exchange Booths located conveniently at most major entry points.

Should you bring any American currency into Canada and wish to exchange it for Canadian, any branch of any chartered bank will provide this service at the current exchange rate. Most major credit cards are welcome in Canada, including American Express, Mastercard and Visa. Interact cards (Direct Access/Debit) are accepted at most establishments.

Click here to use the Bank of Canada online currency converter:

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Fully automatic weapons and guns less than 66 cm in length are prohibited by law.

Click here for information on bringing weapons into Canada:

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The legal drinking age is 19 in Ontario. Anyone this age and over may buy liquor, wine and beer from government run or licensed stores. Drinking hours in licensed establishments are from 11am through 2am.

In Ontario, it is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than a residence or on licensed premises. A trailer, camper, cottage or tent are considered a residence. Driving motorized vehicles including boats during or after drinking alcohol is against the law. Drinking on public beaches and parks is prohibited.

Click here for information on Alcohol in Ontario:

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Click here to view terminology definitions:

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Canada has the same electrical plug configuration and uses the same current as the United States: 110 to 115 volts, 60 cycles. Adaptors can be purchased to allow electrical equipment from other countries to work with Canadian infrastructure.

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Throughout Ontario most stores, including malls and grocery stores are open for shopping on Sundays during the hours of 11am and 6pm.

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U.S. residents returning to their country after 48 hours in the Near North region of Ontario can take back $800 US worth of merchandise, duty free, every 30 days. This may include one litre (33.8 fl oz.) of alcohol or one case (24 bottles) of beer or one bottle of wine (provided the resident is 21 years of age or over), 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars that are not of Cuban origin.

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All embassies are in Ottawa, the Canadian national capital. The U.S. embassy can be contaced at 613-238-5335 or by clicking here.

For a complete listing of all other foreign embassies & consulates in Canada please click here.

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International bridges, tunnels and ferries charge a nominal fee for service, but Ontario highways are toll-free with the exception of Hwy 407 Express Toll Route (ETR).

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North Bay, the "Hub of the Near North" is convieniently located closer than you may think. We are just a short drive away from many metropolitan areas within the United States and Canada. Check our chart to see just how close you really are!

Click here for information on bringing your pet(s) into Canada:

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Canada Border Services Agency

Immigration Canada

Canadian Firearms Office

Importing a Vegicle

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Endangered Species

Transport Canada

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Ontario Tourism

Canadian Consulate

Ontario Provincial Police

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Tips for Travellers to Canada

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