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What you need to know about B.C.'s travel restrictions

The province has issued orders curbing intraprovincial travel to try to slow the spread of covid-19.

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This story was updated on April 26.

Travel restrictions announced earlier by B.C. Premier John Horgan were formalized under the provincial Emergency Program Act on Friday, April 23, becoming effective immediately.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said the new orders are meant to limit non-essential travel and curb the spread of COVID-19.

The restriction will be in place at least until the end of the May 24 long weekend because, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, that's when the province expects to have vaccinated 60 per cent of B.C.'s adult population. 

Where do the restrictions apply? 

The government has created three zones based roughly on health regions between which non-essential travel is prohibited:

• The Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health areas).
• Vancouver Island (Island Health).
• Northern and Interior regions (Northern health and Interior Health).

For the purposes of the travel restrictions, a portion of the Vancouver Coastal Health region north of the Sunshine Coast, including Bella Coola, will be considered part of the combined Northern and Interior regions, as will the District of Hope and the Central Coast.

What kind of travel is limited?

Restrictions are mostly meant to target recreational travellers, according to Horgan and Farnworth.

B.C. residents cannot book accommodations or camping sites outside their zone. Operators will cancel any bookings that have already been made and B.C. Parks will refund anyone with a provincial camping site reservation outside of their zone.

• Video B.C. to restrict non-essential travel between 3 provincial health zones

BC Ferries has stopped accepting bookings for recreational vehicles such as campers and trailers. The ferry service is contacting passengers with existing reservations to ensure they are essential travellers. No extra sailings will be added this year for the May long weekend.

"This order is to ensure that people stop traversing large parts of the province," Farnworth said. "Go hiking, go camping, but do it locally."

What is considered essential travel?

• Attending school or work.
• Transporting commercial goods.
• Returning to a principal residence.
• Accessing child care.
• Using health care or assisting someone in obtaining health care.

Can I travel within my zone? 

Yes, you can travel within your zone although Horgan urged citizens to stay close to home for the next five weeks.

"We're asking people to use their common sense," said the premier. 

Will there be roadside checks?

Yes. Farnworth said roadside checkpoints could be set up in places like Hope where three highways branch off to connect the Fraser Valley with the Interior, and at ferry terminals connecting the B.C. mainland and Vancouver Island.

He compared the monitoring of travellers to the province's CounterAttack program, where police stop vehicles in an attempt to nab drunk drivers.

Are there penalties for not following the orders? 

Yes, individuals can receive a violation ticket of $575 for breaking the orders. Farnworth said new legislation is coming to give authorities greater power to collect the fines.

• No roadblocks coming between Vancouver and Burnaby, public safety minister promises

What about out-of-province travellers? 

The provincial government says it will be erecting new border signs along the B.C.-Alberta border, reminding people to stay within their own province if travel isn't essential. At this point, there will be no checkpoints.

Horgan said he's grateful that other provinces are encouraging their residents to stay home, adding that anyone trying to book accommodations from outside of B.C. over the next five weeks won't be able to do so.

Related Stories

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• Video B.C. announces new travel restrictions to contain coronavirus, lowers age for AstraZeneca vaccine
• 39 businesses shut down after evidence of COVID-19 transmission in past 2 weeks
• B.C. to start registering people 18 years and older for COVID-19 vaccines

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Crossing the border into Canada

October 1, 2022 : covid-19 emergency border measures ended.

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

Everyone wants their border crossing to go smoothly with few delays. The best way to make sure this happens is to know what to expect and be prepared.

Whether you're returning home or visiting, Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ) wants to help you plan your trip across the border with some useful tools.

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Canada Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Canada

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

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Can I travel to Canada from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Canada.

Can I travel to Canada if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Canada without restrictions.

Can I travel to Canada without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Canada without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Canada?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Canada.

Can I travel to Canada without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Canada?

Mask usage in Canada is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Canada?

Restaurants in Canada are open. Bars in Canada are .

Canada travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Canada travel in 2024 with official Canada travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: January 28, 2024. Originally published: September 2021.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Photo credit: Kelly January 2024: “Canada is an extremely diverse and safe Country to visit at all times of the year. Travel and daily life is back to normal, however, many employees continue to work remotely and employers continue to have a difficult time finding staff If travellers fall ill while visiting Canada, there are plenty of walk-in clinics and emergency rooms in every Canadian city, making healthcare easily accessible. However, it is still wise for travellers to purchase health insurance prior to visiting.” – Kelly of Just One Passport , resident of Canada

At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Canada so you can get a true sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Is Canada open for travel? Can I travel to Canada right now?

As of October 2022, Canada travel restrictions for all travelers entering Canada by air, land or sea include:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine is not required
• ArriveCAN is not required
• Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
• Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
• Wearing masks on planes and trains is not required but strongly recommended

Quarantine rules in Canada: What happens if I get Covid?

Foreign tourists who  test positive for Covid while in Canada should self-isolate immediately. Travelers may be required to cover costs of quarantine accommodations.

Those with severe symptoms are advised to call 911 or the local emergency number in Canada.

Canada Proof of Vaccination Requirements for Dining, Travel, and other services

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants, public transit, and other services in Canada?

As of June 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to board a plane, train or cruise ship when traveling within Canada. Generally it is not required to enter businesses or restaurants.

Each province or territory has the authority to require a proof of vaccination each situation.

Can I travel to Canada in April 2024? Can I travel to Canada this Spring?

Travel to Canada in April is possible for foreign travelers. Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Canada right now? YYZ Toronto Pearson International Airport? YVR Vancouver International Airport? Masks are no longer required but still strongly recommended. The airports are using enhanced cleaning procedures and hand sanitizer is available throughout the terminals.

As of October 2022 , all persons arriving in Canada will no longer be subject to randomized testing at airports . 

Using ArriveCAN is now optional for travelers flying into international airports to submit an Advance CBSA Declaration to save time upon arrival in airports like Toronto, Vancouver or Montréal.

What is it like to drive into Canada right now? Travelers can enter Canada during open hours at land borders . Required documents must be shown at the border.

Check Canada-US border wait times here.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to Canada? No. Quarantine upon arrival is no longer required in Canada. Persons who test positive for Covid in Canada are asked to quarantine. See above for details.

Does Canada check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? No. Health screening procedures are no longer required to enter Canada.

Does Canada require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? No. Covid pre-entry tests and arrival tests are no longer required.

Does Canada require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? No . Proof of vaccination is no longer required in Canada.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. Travelers are no longer required to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine to enter Canada.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Canada? At this time, booster shots are not required in Canada. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Canada? U.S. citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test from provincial health authorities or private facilities in Canada.

The cost for private testing varies depending on the location and can exceed $300. Rapid tests for $60 with results in 30 minutes are available by appointment near Toronto Airport .

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Canada who get the virus? Canada hospitals and clinics are open. Canada’s universal healthcare does not pay for visitors.

Testing centers are also available for foreign visitors in some provinces and territories in Canada.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Canada? Essential services, restaurants, bars, and retail shops are open in Canada. Some limitations, such as proof of vaccination requirement, may still be implemented in some provinces. 

Check here for restrictions in each province.

Are face masks required in Canada? Wearing of face masks is no longer required in Canada but still recommended.

Are buses running in Canada? Public transportation is available throughout Canada. 

Will Canada impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable. Canada has been relatively proactive and “strict” on preventive Covid measures.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Canada?

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a recession and increased unemployment in Canada. Tourism was hit especially hard.

Canada experienced a surge in cases with the Omicron variant. Many provinces reintroduced restrictions. As the situation came under control, Canada started easing travel restrictions.

As of October 2022, Canada ended all travel, testing, and border requirements and restrictions related to COVID-19.

Canada initially started reopening for tourism in summer 2021. As of September 2021, fully vaccinated foreign travelers have been allowed to visit the country without undergoing quarantine.

Canada began COVID-19 vaccination in December 2020. Currently, more than 3/4 of the total population has been fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Canada, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Canada; and COVID-19 testing in Canada, please see the Government of Canada website .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Canada?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in crowded public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Canada locals and recent travelers say about visiting Canada now?

What is it like to visit Canada right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

September 2023 – Ryan of WaylessTravelers , Canadian: “The current state of tourism is back to normal, like during pre-Covid times. The multiple summer and fall festivals have returned to Montreal, including F1 weekend, Just for Laughs, Jazz festival etc… Restaurants are also very lively and full. 

All the local attractions, restaurants, concerts, malls are back to normal operations. No restrictions (masks/gloves/testing) are imposed.

We do recommend to reserve activities and restaurants ahead of time as we have noticed that they do book up usually a few days in advance. We believe this is because a lot of Canadians are preferring to travel more locally due to still some hesitancy of traveling abroad.”

May 2023 – Nick Rosen of The World Overload , American visitor:  “I flew to Quebec City and Montreal for a one week vacation in May 2023. There are currently no travel restrictions but some locals and visitors continue to follow Covid guidelines including masks and safe distances. There is easy access to healthcare and testing.

All attractions and food services continue to operate for tourism. Hours may vary depending on day/weekend. Please check ahead when scheduling. Be aware that summer is the time when most construction and repairs are done by the cities you will be visiting.”

January 2023 – Melissa from My Beautiful Passport , Canadian: “Tourism in Ontario is picking up overall, with most events & festivals resuming in 2023, if they didn’t already resume in 2022. 

Canada appears ready to welcome tourists back into the country. Niagara Falls and other popular Canadian destinations are lively, restaurants and attractions are open, and people are ready to explore again, wearing masks indoors as encouraged. Hospitals are not currently overwhelmed.”

September 2022 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers, US citizen: “We flew from the US to Canada for a conference in Montreal, Quebec. I submitted our ArriveCAN information a couple days before the flight using the website. It was pretty simple to input our passport number, vaccine dates, and upload a photo of our CDC vaccine cards. Then there was a form for trip details. There was a quick Covid self-assessment form asking about fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Confirmation included a six-digit code and QR code that we printed and brought to the airport.

After all that, we had more online processes to complete for both airlines on our itinerary (United and Air Canada), including uploading our CDC vaccine cards again. Air Canada’s site did not accept our vaccine card image, but it wasn’t a problem, I guess because we had ArriveCAN done.

To board the flight from US to Canada, we only had to show our passport and ticket. On arrival in Montreal, we only ‘flashed’ our ArriveCAN confirmation to an agent on our way to the machines where we scanned our passports and completed immigration questionnaires, which included just one question about having any Covid symptoms, and took a picture. Arriving around midnight, the process took less than 15 minutes.

We were fortunate all our bags arrived. The baggage claim looked like a luggage graveyard with hundreds of unclaimed suitcases everywhere!”

May 2022 – Mayuri of Canada Crossroads , Canadian resident: “In my province (Alberta, home to the Canadian Rockies) domestic tourism has been flourishing. All the sightseeing spots are open, but some have restricted hours. 

Since February (in Alberta, and from April nationwide) things are open, no restrictions in terms of social distancing, masking, access to medical care, restaurants, stores and hotels. In fact many airports are busier than usual (including the country’s busiest Toronto airport – just flew last week). I feel we need to be a little more prepared for summer tourism as many international visitors are wanting to explore Canada.”

March 9, 2022 – Samantha of Continuous Roamer , Canadian resident: “Domestic travel in Canada is straightforward since there are no extra requirements once you have entered the country. However, mask wearing is necessary and some provinces still require a vaccine passport.

The vaccine passport has been removed in Ontario in March. Capacity in Ontario restaurants is now at 100% so it is easier to get a table. Although, free antigen covid tests are extremely difficult to access at pharmacies in Ontario. British Columbia still requires the vaccine passport, therefore lines are longer to enter some establishments while your pass and ID are checked.”

January 20, 2022 – Haley Blackall Travel , Digital Nomad:  “My partner and I visited family and worked online in Kelowna BC for 2.5 months from mid-November 2022 to end of January 2022. Tourism in this region of Canada is low, due to winter conditions especially for international visitors. Make sure you have all the required documentation upon arrival, because airline personnel are doing proper checks. If you arrive in Canada from an international destination and are unvaccinated, there is a smooth running process for a mandatory Covid-19 test at the airport upon arrival, and the ArriveCAN app is easy to navigate in which the government keeps a close eye on contact tracing and quarantine requirements. Canadians have quick access to healthcare, including testing for antigen and PCR. After restaurants offering takeout and delivery services only at the beginning of the pandemic, dining in is becoming more popular. Besides the use of masks, life is getting back to normal in Canada.”

January 2022 – Mary from Brbymary, French traveler: “I flew to Vancouver for a week [from Ireland] to visit my partner’s family. Everything was well organised through ArriveCan app. Testing at the airport was easy although a bit behind and people respected rules in general. Plan some additional time to do tests at the airport and to do tests on arrival even if you have an appointment.”

December 2021 – Federica of Globetrottoise , Canadian nomad:  “I would say Canada is a pretty safe destination at the moment, especially outside the big cities. I’ve been road tripping around the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta in the past few months and always felt safe and able to enjoy most attractions, from museums to national parks.  Canada is open to vaccinated travellers only and health regulations are in place in most public places. Masks are mandatory inside almost everywhere and in some provinces the access to cafes restaurants, movie theaters, libraries, etc is possible only with a valid proof of vaccination. Attractions are mostly open everywhere and access to covid testing is pretty easy (but quite pricey).”

November 12, 2021 – Nicole of Traveling BC , Canadian citizen: “While businesses are still operating under restrictions, in general, many rules have lifted and now it’s ‘full steam ahead’ in the tourism industry. Some touristy areas (the coasts and the Rockies) even became quite busy over the summer, since everyone wanted to go on a much-needed vacation. If you visit, you’ll have to show a negative COVID test and be required to wear a mask, socially distance, and show your vaccination passport!

Most people and businesses follow the restrictions and around 75% of people are fully vaccinated, although compliance with restrictions and vaccinations varies between provinces and cities. Accessing COVID testing is easy and quick, although you’ll have to pay for the test if you’re traveling. A lot of healthcare has moved to online appointments, and some hospitals are still overwhelmed in areas with lots of COVID cases. Businesses are open to tourists, but many operate under reduced hours, lower capacities and may have halted certain services/activities due to COVID. You will often have to book activities online or by phone, and make sure to wear a mask and bring proof of vaccination, or businesses will deny you entry.”

November 2021 – Chris, American digital nomad: “I flew to Newfoundland for one month in October and November of 2021. Everything seems to be open again, though every place where you would take off a mask (such as a restaurant) requires you to show proof of vaccination. People seem very respectful and friendly, happy to show you around. There is voluntary contact tracing check-ins at a lot of locations. There don’t seem to be long lines anywhere. Testing is free and readily available.”

October 9, 2021 – Nicole, Go Far Grow Close , Vancouver BC, Canadian resident:  “Visitors are very much welcome. There are strict regulations for visitors to enter Canada (fully vaccinated) so we know that they are as safe or safer than the locals. So long as they follow the rules – wear masks indoors – no one cares. I feel that we are very travel ready in Canada. If you feel ill, there are free drive through covid testing sites. Hospitals are available. Local attractions, food services, and all amenities are open so long as you wear masks indoors (or when you get up in a restaurant), social distance and follow whatever other rules might be in place. Restaurants are still not at full capacity but getting there. Movie theatres are open. We eat out regularly, go to movies, and do not feel restricted.”

September 2021 – Kathy, American traveler: “We planned to spend two months in British Columbia, Canada. We had to show proof of vaccination and have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of crossing. We managed to get a test at a local CVS pharmacy (for free) and got our results in about 36 hours. Whew! There is another place to get a test in Seattle with guaranteed results but they cost $165 each. We also had to go to the website ArrivCan.com and answer questions and download our vaccine cards. Finally, in the early morning hours of August 9th we arrived at the Canadian Border just south of Vancouver, BC at around 4:30 a.m. There were approximately 20 cars/trucks in two lines. Unfortunately, the line we picked took forever so when it finally turned 6:00 a.m. another agent opened a new gate and we were there and across the border in about 10 minutes. We have now been in BC Canada for over a month. There are very few U.S. citizens here but lots of traveling Canadians. In fact, their COVID numbers have spiked so it is now a requirement to wear masks in stores/grocery stores and entering and leaving restaurants. No problem. We feel safe doing that and know that even though there is some resistance, most Canadians are fully vaccinated. In fact, as of August 13th restaurants and bars and other certain businesses now require that people show proof of vaccination to enter. I am in complete support. We feel grateful we were able to spend some of our summer in this beautiful country.”

Planning a trip to Canada?

Check out our other Canada travel resources: – The Scenic Route: Kelowna to Banff – The Best of Banff on a Budget – Kelowna: British Columbia’s Hidden Gem – Montreal, Quebec Summer Trip Guide

– 5 Awesome Things to Do in Vancouver, BC in Summer

If you have questions or updates about travel to Canada during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

~ Pin this post for later or share with friends ~

Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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Canada is still requiring a negative covid test 72 hours before embarkation when on a cruise ship entering any Canadian ports. This has not been changed. The change is for land ,and air and sea other than a cruise ship

Thank you for this clarification. We have updated our post to better reflect requirements for cruise ships.

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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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Vancouver Airport Lists All The New Travel Restrictions & What Travellers Can Expect

Here's how landing in YVR will be different.

Vancouver International Airport has outlined all of the new travel measures that are coming, following the federal government's announcement on Tuesday , and what kind of experience people can expect.

YVR said in a statement that they are welcoming the new, more "relaxed" measures for Canadian travel, which are starting on February 27 at 9:01 p.m. PT.

The airport is reducing the amount of randomized arrival testing for travellers coming into Canada. People who are selected for random testing won't have to quarantine anymore while they wait for their results.

International travel also is going to get less expensive, with "more affordable options in rapid antigen testing for pre-departure requirements," said the release.

Previous to this, a PCR test was required for fully vaccinated international travellers coming into Canada.

Also, there will no longer be an advisory against travel from the Government of Canada, but they do still encourage you to take COVID-19 precautions.

The YVR website said that masks "continue to be mandatory within the airport and onboard your flight."

They added that the airport is cleaned to "the highest standards," through a health and safety program, and all employees and passengers have to be fully vaccinated.

"At YVR, we will continue to work with our many partners to implement these measures and keep our community informed about what the journey will look like," the release added.

The airport said that the changes are coming just in time for Spring Break season, which they are appreciative of so that Canadians can "begin to plan their future travel adventures."

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

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8 essential tips for travelling through toronto pearson airport over march break, 7 things to know if you're a canadian travelling internationally this week.

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel advisory july 17, 2023, canada - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

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Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

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• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

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Travel tips for snowbirds returning to Canada

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

April 12, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario

The Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Snowbird Association are encouraging Canadians who have spent the winter abroad to plan ahead for a smooth return to Canada this spring.

These are the top travel tips to know before arriving at the border:

Have your travel documents handy.  Whether travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed up processing times by coming prepared with your travel documents.

Driving home? Plan ahead and check  border wait times . You can avoid waiting in line by planning your drive to cross the border during non-peak hours such as early morning.

Flying home? Save time with Advance Declaration .  Download the application on your smart phone to make your customs declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton international airports. Data shows that using this tool can reduce time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50%.

Be prepared to declare your goods upon entry into Canada.  Gather your receipts for goods purchased or received while away before you travel and keep them readily available. Visit I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada and use the  CBSA duty and taxes estimator  to help calculate your monies owed. You should be aware of everything that is inside your vehicle as you are responsible for its contents.

Know your exemptions from duties and taxes .  If you have been outside of Canada seven days or more, you can import goods worth up to CAN$800, duty-and tax-free. Within this personal exemption, you are allowed to bring back duty and tax free: 

• Two bottles of wine (1.5 litres total), or one large standard bottle of liquor (1.14 litres),  or  approximately 24 cans or bottles (355 ml each) of beer (8.5 litres total); and,
• 200 cigarettes, and 50 cigars, and 200 grams manufactured tobacco,  and  200 tobacco sticks. The packages must be stamped “duty paid,” as you would find them at a duty-free store. 

Travelling with medication?  If you have a prescription for a narcotic or controlled drug, you must declare it and ensure its in properly labelled container. Learn more about your responsibilities .

Travelling with firearms? If you are travelling with a firearm be sure to check the  rules on importing firearms  and other  restricted and prohibited goods before your departure. Better yet, consider leaving the firearm at home.

Importing a vehicle ?   If you are a resident of Canada you can  temporarily import a vehicle  that is licensed and registered in the United States, however, the duty and tax implications, the length of time the vehicle can remain in Canada, and how the vehicle can be used in Canada may differ. If you are permanently importing a vehicle from the U.S. or Mexico, visit Canada’s  Registrar of Imported Vehicles  website prior to arriving at the border for details about vehicle eligibility and the overall process, including the necessary duties and taxes.

Bringing poultry across the border?  Any poultry products you wish to bring into Canada must be for human consumption, retail packaged and labelled as a "Product of the USA." Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada. Check the latest  Information for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States  before bringing these products across the border.

Travelling with a pet or importing an animal into Canada? You will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canada's import requirements.

Not sure? Ask a border officer.  The best thing you can do to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. Be sure to follow all instructions they provide to you. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. Our officers are here to help!

Quick facts

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) supports national security and public safety priorities by facilitating the free flow of persons and goods, including animals and plants.

The Canadian Snowbird Association is a not-for-profit advocacy organization for travelling Canadians, representing more than 115,000 members.

Associated links

• Plan your trip across the border
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• I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada
• Border reminder checklist
• Advance Declaration video
• The CBSA and U.S. CBP provide an update on the NEXUS program

For more information about CBSA programs, services and initiatives, please visit the  CBSA website  or contact:

Border Information Services Canada Border Services Agency 1-800-461-9999 Contact us online Live agents are available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm local time

For more information or to schedule a media interview, please contact:

Media Relations Canada Border Services Agency [email protected] 1-877-761-5945

Communications Canadian Snowbird Association [email protected]

For more travel tips for Canadian snowbirds, join the Canada Border Services Agency on  Facebook  and  YouTube  and visit the  Canadian Snowbird Association website .

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• Events and Entertainment

Here's what you need to know about the Coast City Country festival in Vancouver

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For two nights this weekend the city is going a little bit country.

The first ever Coast City Country Festival is in town April 19 and 20, with two solid days of country stars taking the stages at BC Place in front of tens of thousands of fans.

With Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley closing it out, the festival will be one of the biggest country music festivals ever in Vancouver, perhaps B.C. Other top country stars coming include  Bailey Zimmerman ,  Nate Smith ,  Walker Hayes , and  Brett Young .

And that's missing Vancouver-based Nickleback who will be headlining the Friday night show, Elle King (who's had hits on pop and alt-rock stations prior to turning to country), Chayce Beckam (who had a Canadian country chart topping hit with "23") and Bailey Zimmerman (who's topped Canadian and American country charts three times in the last three years).

Other Canadian acts include rising star Josh Ross, P.E.I.'s Alli Walker and Saskatchewan's Tenille Arts. B.C.'s Cameron Whitcomb (who first raise to Internet fame after flipping on American Idol ) was just added after Austin Snell had to drop out.

Arts is actually playing at one of the three off-site shows being held at the Commodore Ballroom; the Late Nights series will run from April 18 to 20 and feature Kameron Marlow, Travis Denning, the War and Treaty among others; tickets for those shows need to be purchased separately.

The festival can be broken up into five chucks: three after hours shows at the Commodore Ballroom and two festival days at BC Place.

The two festival days at BC Place features two stages: one inside under the dome and one outside on Robson Street near the Hampton Inn. Acts will be split between the two stages through most of the day, with the last two artists of each day taking the stage inside BC Place. Most sets, aside from the headliners, are about 30 to 40 minutes long.

Doors to the festival on both Friday and Saturday open at 3 p.m. The first act each day is on the outdoors stage at 3:40 p.m.

All tickets for shows at BC Place include a spot inside and access to the Robson Street concerts along with amenities.

All the Commodore Ballroom shows are being ticketed separately. The first night is a kickoff show with doors opening at 7 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, doors open at 10 p.m.

As with any festival, there are several different ticket options.

Single-day tickets for both Friday and Saturday start at $69 plus fees (which brings it to $104). The cheapest two-day tickets currently available according to Ticketmaster are $139 (after fees).

On the other end of the spectrum is the 2-day Marriott Bonvoy Tree Top VIP ticket which runs $1,299. It includes VIP entry, access to a raised platform in the middle of the floor, a separate reserved seat, merch including a bandana, and access to the Surfside Lounge which has exclusive food and private flushable toilets.

There will be a few food trucks outside at the event, along with an outdoor BBQ area.

Also, on Beatty Street several bars will be set up as part of the Outdoor Roundup near the Robson Roundup stage; they'll be doing a happy hour deal from 3 to 5 p.m. each day.

Transportation

TransLink hasn't announced any additional service for the duration of the festival.

On Thursday and Friday, Richmond-Brighouse Station will be closed after 9:30 p.m. due to work on the Capstan Station; a bus bridge will be in place to fill in.

Hullo has not announced any late-night ferry rides for fans wanting to return to Vancouver Island after the shows.

Restrictions

A variety of restrictions are in place for the shows at BC Place.

In-and-out access is possible with a wristband; each day there will be a new wristband. Access back into the stadium will end at 9 p.m.

Re-entry into the festival grounds will not be allowed without a wristband.

Also, anyone re-entering the stadium from the outdoors will need to pass through security again.

Prohibited items at BC Place include signs, glass bottles, selfie sticks, cameras with detachable lenses (so all DSLRs), along with other, common-sense items (like pocket knives, laser pointers, and skateboards).

BC Place has a strict bag policy and encourages people to not bring bags of any type unless it is a:

• Clutch purse or belt bag no larger than 6.5 by 8.5 inches
• Clear plastic bag (including clear plastic freezer bags) no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches

A bag check is available for $10 per piece.

Sensory kits are available from guest services.

There are lactation pods located at two spots, in sections 225 and 252.

Notes and useful information

Merch will be available at floor level and at three locations on Level Two in BC Place.

BC Place is cashless.

The shows at BC Place are all-ages.

While smoking is not allowed indoors (and could lead to eviction from the festival), there will be an area for smoking and vaping outside at the Outdoor Roundup area.

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C-Tran approves Vine extension to connect Vancouver Mall and Fisher’s Landing transit centers Updated 4 hours ago

The extension will run east on fourth plain and then south on 162nd/164th.

C-Tran officials approved an extension of its Fourth Plain Boulevard bus rapid transit line known as The Vine .

The extension approved Tuesday will connect the Van Mall Transit Center at Vancouver Mall and the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in east Vancouver, running east on Fourth Plain Boulevard and then south on 162nd Avenue/164th Avenue.

The east end of Fourth Plain currently has few options for public transit. The new line will improve travel times, span of service and connections to the rest of the C-Tran system, according to C-Tran .

The expanded route also will serve a growing population. The corridor is expected to add more than 9,000 new jobs and 5,000 new households by 2040, according to a staff presentation.

C-Tran staff debated using the Mill Plain Transit Center as the southern terminus for the new line. However, following multiple town halls and several outreach activities with local advisory committees, stakeholder meetings and local business and community groups, officials selected Fisher’s Landing Transit Center as the southern terminus.

That transit center was selected for its ridership potential, local and regional transit connections, and current and future travel demand.

The extension of Fourth Plain line is 9 miles long and will include 34 stations. Travel time between Van Mall Transit Center and the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center is expected to be about 35 minutes in each direction. A virtual tour of the route can be viewed at www.youtube.com/@CTRANvancouver .

Including the extension, The Vine will cover about 15 miles total.

According to C-Tran , the extension will result in faster travel times and improved reliability through traffic signal modifications and other features. New stations will include updated amenities, such as large passenger information screens, improved shelters and easier boarding.

Many existing bus stops along east Fourth Plain do not meet accessibility standards or provide a comfortable waiting environment, according to the staff presentation.

The corridor is currently served by routes 30 and 74 with an average ridership of 1,200 people per day. According to C-Tran, 25 percent of people living along the corridor identify as a minority; more than 40 percent are younger than 18 or older than 65; and 10 percent of people don’t have access to a car.

The extension will connect the Fourth Plain, Mill Plain and Highway 99 Vines into one network.

In March 2023, C-Tran announced plans for a bus rapid transit route along Highway 99 between the Vancouver waterfront and Salmon Creek.

The Fourth Plain extension and the Highway 99 line are pegged to open in 2027.

The Vine first opened in 2017 on Fourth Plain Boulevard running from downtown Vancouver to Vancouver Mall. The Vine on Mill Plain opened in September.

Bus rapid transit uses various features to move passengers more efficiently and reliably, including larger buses, transit signal priority, seamless fare payments and level boarding platforms. The Vine runs roughly every 10 minutes at stops along its various routes.

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A company is turning former cruise ships into floating hotels — see inside its largest 'floatel'

• Bridgemans ServicesGroup operates a fleet of former cruise ships turned into hotels. 
• Its "floatels" are designed to house workers during long-term projects.
• See its largest 652-cabin floatel with a game room and buffet.

Some old and unwanted cruise ships meet their demise at ship-breaking yards , where they are disassembled and sold for scrap.

Other vessels find a more fortunate fate, receiving a second chance to do what they already do best: serve as floating hotels.

Canada-based Bridgemans Services Group buys and charters former cruise ships to turn into "floatels," outfitted with standard cruise amenities like daily housekeeping, buffets, and relaxing lounges.

But the ships aren't designed to transport tourists from one destination to another anymore. Instead, companies turn to Bridgeman when they need to house workers for a long-term project, whether it be the construction of an offshore wind farm in Europe or the shooting of a major film in a remote destination.

Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.

In more metropolitan areas, Bridgemans says its ships could lessen the stress an inundation of workers might have on the local housing market.

And once they are no longer needed, the vessels depart and "leave no trace behind," the company said.

Over the last decade, Bridgemans has deployed its ships for 15 projects on every continent, Brian Grange, the company's president, told Business Insider.

Grange said that its deployments — most often for liquified natural gas companies — last for an average of two years.

In the past, it has also provided accommodations for MSC Cruises at its Ocean Cay private island and housing for more than 1,000 workers in the Philippines' on a project for the Manila International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company's three ships range from 150 to 652 cabins.

The floatel operator acquired its largest ship, the 561-foot-long MV Isabelle X, in 2023.

In its past life, the 35-year-old vessel sailed around the Baltic Sea as one of Estonia-based Tallink Gruipp's cruise ships.

But gone are its days of leisurely cruising. The 35,000 gross-ton ship is now on its first deployment in Howe Sound, just north of Vancouver, where it's housing more than 600 workers who are building Woodfibre LNG's "net zero" LNG export facility.

Isabelle X underwent a six-month retrofit before it was sent to Howe Sound.

The process included updating the ship's cabins and adding amenities like a game room and an 8,000-square-foot gym.

The latter two are especially important: "We need to make sure we delineate between work and home," Grange told BI. "We have to create a social environment on board these vessels that makes it attractive for workforces around the world."

During their free time, workers can play billiards, relax in the outdoor lounge, or use the ship’s WiFi to catch up on social media.

The sports lounge has large television screens, while the games lounge has darts, ping pong tables, and air hockey.

The 'quiet lounges' are the go-to space for people who need to unwind after a long work day.

Or, they could recharge and catch up on the latest shows in their cabins, which all come with desks, storage, and 32-inch televisions.

Like a typical cruise ship, Bridgemans' vessels have buffets with live cooking stations, a dessert bar, and the occasional themed night.

The ships' chefs tailor their menus to the demographic and dietary restrictions of the workers on board, the company's president told BI.

Residents can expect at least four protein options, plenty of veggies, and handmade bread and desserts.

Unlike most cruise lines, Bridgemans can pre-purchase all the food it needs before deployment.

Grange says this allows the ships to maintain food quality and consistency in remote locations.

Remember that deployment in the Philippines during COVID-19? He said the ship had packed almost 800 tons of food ahead of the project.

He wouldn’t disclose the cost to rent one of Bridgemans’ floatels.

But he did note that the cost of a cabin on the Woodfibre LNG project in Howe Sound is comparable to a hotel room in nearby Vancouver, as is the case with most of its projects near major cities.

The company’s most recent acquisition, the 150-cabin Diamond XI, is currently being retrofitted and would be ready for deployment this year.

According to the company's president, the vessel is small and high-end, likely to be used for sporting events and movie shoots.

It could also be the start of a greater expansion: He hopes to add two or three more vessels to its fleet in the next five years.

"The world has opened up to this as a valued alternative to housing," Grange told BI.

Who knows, the next time you see a cruise ship off the coast, there's a slim but possible chance it could be housing workers — not vacationers.

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Women Talk Through Their Abortions on TikTok

At a time of heightened confusion and legal battles over access to abortion, women are looking to social media for answers.

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By Emily Schmall

• April 17, 2024

“Have an abortion with me,” a single mother from Brooklyn named Sunni says as she twirls around her kitchen to light jazzy piano, before walking TikTok viewers through the steps she took to end her pregnancy at home.

With states expanding restrictions on abortion and the issue likely to be at the forefront of the presidential election, women are creating videos on social media describing their own abortions and sharing practical information on how to obtain one.

Sunni explained to viewers that she was craving information when she was planning her abortion. “This is the video I was looking for,” she said.

The reaction to her video, which has been viewed more than 400,000 times and has drawn comments of both commiseration and condemnation, shows how deeply personal and divisive the issue remains in the run up to the November elections.

One viewer, a campaigner with the group Protect Life Michigan, remixed the video on the group’s own TikTok account, criticizing Sunni for her lighthearted tone and for making the video at all.

“I just don’t understand how we are making a video, and we are laughing and joking about going through the abortion process,” the campaigner said.

The Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022 led to a cascade of abortion bans and restrictions across large parts of the United States. Twenty-one states now ban or restrict the procedure earlier than the standard set by Roe.

In response, there has been an explosion of social media content related to abortion — some of it overtly political, some informational and some testimonial as women seek answers, seek support, or simply seek to share.

The landscape for abortion access is changing rapidly. Last month, the justices heard arguments over whether to curtail access to a widely used abortion pill, with a decision expected this June or July. This month, Arizona’s Supreme Court upheld an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions.

Former President Donald Trump has taken credit for a Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade, but has since distanced himself from the idea of a national abortion ban. President Biden, meanwhile, sees advantage from pinning the narrowing landscape for abortion on Republicans.

With the laws in flux state by state, Sunni and others have made TikToks to explain how to obtain abortion pills and have the procedure at home. In other videos on the site, women have grappled with their own experiences, expressing everything from relief to regret. These personal videos have become fodder for political campaigns, which have used them to argue either for an expansion of abortion rights or for further restrictions.

Confused over where and what forms of abortion are allowed state to state, young people seeking to end their pregnancies are increasingly turning to social media for guidance, researchers have found.

“The chaos and the confusion and the stigma is the point with abortion bans and targeted regulations,” said Rebecca Nall, the founder of an online database that directs users to abortion resources.

“More and more people are going online with their most personal questions,” she added, “and more and more people are offering information.”

Before Roe v. Wade, desperate women called Jane, an underground abortion network , for advice on what to do about unwanted pregnancies. Later, campaigns encouraged women to talk about their abortion openly .

With women now turning to TikTok for information and as a vehicle for self-expression, the app has also become a forum for discussion. On some videos, viewers posed practical questions about procuring abortion drugs or finding a provider. They shared fears of physical pain and anxieties over the logistical complexities of arranging one. Other viewers expressed regret for having had abortions.

Some voices were critical, faulting women for having abortions and for speaking openly about it, without remorse.

The women sharing their stories — and the viewers who write to them asking for advice — are engaging in conversations that could be at risk. Some states’ attorneys general have expressed an appetite to prosecute those who “aid and abet” abortions, including those who provide information, and to subpoena online messages.

Sunni, 30, who asked that her full name not be used out of fear that she could be further targeted by abortion opponents, said in an interview that she became interested in reproductive health justice when she was pregnant with her daughter in 2021.

She had become active on TikTok and was alarmed to find videos of people recommending herbal remedies like parsley to induce an abortion. When she was pregnant last year, after experiencing a difficult childbirth the first time, she decided to have an abortion and to share the experience with her followers.

With TikTok awash in activism from anti-abortion campaigners and proponents of abortion rights, Sunni said she wanted to focus on the practicalities of a medication abortion, the most common form in the United States. That included the order that the mifepristone and misoprostol pills must be taken, and the creature comforts — like Totino’s frozen pizza — she relied on to help with pain management and recovery.

“It’s something that so many people go through,” she said in an interview. “There are people walking around you going through this thing and until they feel normal and accepted, they’re not going to be able to heal.”

The video she made received more than 1,000 comments. Sunni said she received hundreds of messages from girls and young women seeking direction on how to obtain the pills and manage pain.

“You do have to navigate it,” she said, “and nobody shows you how.”

Another testimonial came from Mikaela Attu, a Canadian who said in an interview that she was shocked by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, particularly because abortion care was not difficult to access in Canada.

In a TikTok video, she took viewers along to multiple hospital visits near her home in Vancouver, from an ultrasound to confirm her pregnancy to a shot of her feet in stirrups at the beginning of a procedure to terminate it.

@mikaelaattu Having an abortion was honestly such a peaceful experience for me, the staff were so kind and supportive. The whole procedure I didn’t feel any physical pain and after the medication wore off I felt completely fine other then feeling a little loopy. My husband and I went for a walk after to go get some food and just talked threw how we were feeling about the whole experience.(Highly recommend taking time to bond with your partner if your lucky to have that support) I ended up having the surgical abortion btw. You are not alone 🤍 time for the healing to begin #abortionawarenesss #abortion ♬ Get You The Moon - Kina

In another video, viewed 7.5 million times, Ms. Attu talked about the heartbreak of getting pregnant with a man she loved, but not being able to go through with it.

Ms. Attu and her husband plan to have children, she said, but she was dealing with mental health issues when she got pregnant last year and did not feel prepared to start a family.

“I wanted to show that abortion is complicated,” she said.

Other women have made TikToks to express their grief over having an abortion.

One viewer of another woman’s abortion video commented that it reminded her of the pain she endured as a 16-year-old, going through her own abortion.

Desireé Dallagiacomo, 33, a writer and poet in California, recorded a video as she got ready for an abortion appointment.

“I’m fine and stable,” she told viewers, “and I just don’t want a child.”

Ms. Dallagiacomo, 33, said in an interview that she wanted to share her story, in part, to challenge the prevailing narratives about why people have abortions.

With abortion rights increasingly targeted, what women share about their abortions on social media has come into focus.

Attorneys general in Texas, Alabama and Louisiana have indicated an interest in prosecuting abortion providers and other groups that coordinate them, creating uncertainty over whether those who share information online could be held liable.

“There’s a movement afoot to criminalize information,” said Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis, who has written extensively about abortion.

In July, a teenager in Nebraska was charged with concealing a death, her aborted fetus, and sentenced to 90 days in jail. In the case, prosecutors subpoenaed Facebook messages she had exchanged with her mother, in which the two discussed abortion pills.

The case in Nebraska suggests the conversations that people have about abortion can be used against them, Professor Ziegler said.

“In the post-Dobbs era, there’s an interesting and tricky trade-off,” she said, between sharing stories to destigmatize the experience “and the fact that speaking out could create unintended legal risks.”

The specter of punishment for sharing information about abortion was just one of the ways Ms. Dallagiacomo said she found her abortion experience “isolating.”

“There is just so much keeping us from honestly telling our story,” she said.

Emily Schmall covers breaking news and feature stories and is based in Chicago. More about Emily Schmall

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