Visitor Information
The following information should help make your visit to Canada easier and allow you to become familiar with our Near North region.
Index of Visitor Information
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
Identification Required to enter Canada
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.
Registering Your Valuables
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:
Border Mait Times
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:
Boats
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:
Currency Exchange
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:
Weapons and Firearms
Fully automatic weapons and guns less than 66 cm in length are prohibited by law.
Click here for information on bringing weapons into Canada:
Alcohol
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:
Industry Terminology
Click here to view terminology definitions:
Electicity
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.
Sunday Shopping
Throughout Ontario most stores, including malls and grocery stores are open for shopping on Sundays during the hours of 11am and 6pm.
Tax and Duty Free
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.
Embassies and Consulates
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.
Roadway Tolls
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).
Proximity
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!
Distance From |
Miles |
KM |
Baltimore, Md. |
645 |
1075 |
Pets
Click here for information on bringing your pet(s) into Canada:
Important Links
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
