Heading south of the border? Whether it's a business trip to New York, a shopping weekend in Vermont, or a winter escape to Florida, traveling from Canada to the US is easy with a little preparation. This Canada to US travel guide covers the documents you need, the best ways to get there, money and health tips, and how to stay connected without roaming charges.
Pre-Travel Checklist
Passport and entry documents
- Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport to fly to the US. At land and sea crossings, you can also use a NEXUS card or an enhanced driver's license from provinces that offer it. NEXUS cards are also accepted for air travel.
- Permanent residents and other non-citizens living in Canada generally need their passport and a US visa or ESTA, depending on their nationality. Check the US Customs and Border Protection website.
- Longer stays: Canadians visiting the US for 30 days or more, such as snowbirds wintering in the South, may need to register with US authorities. Air travelers are generally registered automatically on arrival, but land travelers should check the latest rules before they go.
Rules can change, so check the Government of Canada's travel advice for the United States before every trip.
Travel health insurance
Medical care in the US is extremely expensive, and provincial health plans cover only a small part of emergency costs abroad. Buy travel health insurance before you leave.
Car rental and driving
Your Canadian driver's license is valid in the US. Major cities have public transport, but in rural areas and many Sun Belt cities, you'll need a car. Remember that US distances are in miles and gas is sold by the gallon.
Getting From Canada to the US
By air
Flying is the fastest option for longer trips. Approximate flight times:
- Toronto to New York: about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Toronto to Chicago: about 2 hours.
- Montreal to Fort Lauderdale or Miami: about 3 hours 15 minutes.
- Calgary to Los Angeles: about 3 hours.
- Vancouver to San Francisco: about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Major Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, have US preclearance. You go through US customs and immigration before you board, so you arrive as a domestic passenger.
By car
Many US destinations make great road trips. Burlington, Vermont, is about 2 hours from Montreal. Seattle is about 2 hours 30 minutes from Vancouver, and Buffalo and Niagara Falls are about 2 hours from Toronto. Check border wait times on the CBSA and CBP websites before you set off, and avoid holiday weekends if you can.
By train or boat
Amtrak trains link Montreal with New York (the Adirondack, along Lake Champlain and the Hudson River) and Vancouver with Seattle (the Cascades). Ferries and cruises connect Victoria and Vancouver with Washington State and Alaska.
Safety and Health Tips
- Emergencies: Dial 911, as in Canada.
- Prescriptions: Bring medication in its original packaging, with a copy of your prescription.
- Safety: Check Canada's travel advisories, research the neighborhoods you'll stay in, and take normal precautions in big cities.
- Hiking: Research trail conditions with apps such as AllTrails, and check national park alerts and reservation rules.
- Customs: Declare food, plants, and large amounts of cash, and know your duty-free limits when you return to Canada.
Money Matters
- Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but many Canadian cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 2.5%. A no-fee card can save you money.
- Cash is useful for tips and small vendors.
- Prices usually exclude sales tax, which is added at the till.
- Tipping: Around 18 to 20% in restaurants, a little higher than many Canadians are used to.
- Exchange rates: Check the Bank of Canada currency converter before you go.
Stay Connected Without Roaming Charges
US roaming add-ons from Canadian carriers can get expensive on longer trips. An egoViet USA eSIM gives you local data at a fixed price. Install it before you leave, keep your Canadian SIM for calls and texts, and switch on arrival. Compare options in our guide to SIM cards and eSIMs for USA travel, and see our Canada eSIM guide for visitors heading the other way.
Planning where to go? See our USA travel guide and the top US states for international travelers.
FAQs: Canada to US Travel
Do Canadians need a passport to go to the US?
Yes, to fly. At land and sea crossings, Canadians can also use a NEXUS card or an enhanced driver's license.
Do Canadians need a visa or ESTA for the US?
No. Canadian citizens generally don't need a visa or ESTA for tourist visits to the US.
Can I use my Canadian phone in the US?
Yes, but roaming can be expensive. A US eSIM is often a cheaper way to get data.
Can I drive in the US with a Canadian license?
Yes. A valid Canadian driver's license is accepted for visits to the US.