Heading to Canada soon? 6 things Washington travelers should know before visiting

Heralding another step toward pre-pandemic life in Washington, vaccinated American tourists will be able to cross the northern border into Canada starting Aug. 9.

The U.S.-Canada border has been closed for nonessential travel since March of 2020, when the two countries mutually agreed to shut the border as COVID-19 began to spread throughout North America. Canadian tourists won’t be able to enter the U.S. until at least Aug. 21.

However, for the foreseeable future, crossing into Canada won’t be as simple as it once was. If you’re planning a trip north after the border reopens on Aug. 9, you should consider the following six things.

Start preparing at least three days in advance

Before heading to Canada, vaccinated Americans will need to complete two important things. First, you’ll need to pass a COVID test. The test must be taken within 72 hours of the time you arrive at the border, so make sure your results will be available before you attempt to cross.   

Second, you will need to fill out a travel questionnaire on Canada’s ArriveCAN app. The app is free and available for download on iOS and Android. It’s also accessible online. If you pass your COVID test, this is where you’ll certify that you’ve tested negative.

This is also where you’ll upload your proof of vaccination. A photo of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention record card you received when you were vaccinated will suffice. If you were vaccinated in Washington but lost your card, you can access your vaccination records online.

The ArriveCAN app will ask you to come up with a quarantine plan, but if you’re vaccinated and passed your COVID test, you won’t need to quarantine.

Have your paperwork ready

Even though you certified that you’re vaccinated and tested negative for COVID through the ArriveCAN app, you will still need to provide documentation for both at the border.

Prep for testing at the border

You will need to take a second COVID test upon entering Canada. Most travelers will be tested on the spot by Switch Health. You can expedite this process by making a Switch Health account online.

If you are not tested on the spot, you will be given a testing kit and will need to test yourself once you arrive at your destination. There will be instructions inside the kit on how to submit your sample to authorities.

Decide how you’ll get to your destination

Starting Monday, travel requirements will be the same whether you enter Canada by air, land or sea. But not all transportation options will immediately resume service on Aug. 9.

Some ferries that take passengers from Washington to Canada have signaled that they’ll wait until they have a better understanding of Canada’s entry requirements before they return to service. Greyhound Lines, Inc., has also said it will likely delay bus service to Canada until after Aug. 9. Amtrak’s website says its trains will resume travel to Canada once the border reopens, but it’s unclear whether that will happen immediately.

If you’re not going far, the simplest way to enter Canada is to drive. Motorists traveling from Washington can cross the border at the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway in Blaine, Lynden-Aldergrove in Lynden, or Sumas-Huntingdon in Sumas. More border crossings in Washington can be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website.

If you’d prefer to fly, airports in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton will all accept international travelers starting Aug. 9.

Start making reservations now  

Many businesses in Canada are still operating at a limited capacity, and with the border opening for the first time in more than a year, you can expect space at hotels, restaurants, or cultural events to fill up fast.

Check local regulations and bring your mask

Each province in Canada has its own COVID-19 restrictions in place.

For example, in most settings, everyone must a wear mask indoors in Yukon, but in nearby British Columbia, wearing a mask indoors is optional in most settings, even for those who are unvaccinated.   

Destination Canada, which promotes tourism to the country, put together a province-by-province guide to help visitors understand the differences. You can find it here.