Are you looking for travel information for Ontario, Canada? Ontario's Sunset Country is a non-profit travel association that provides the information people need to plan a trip to Ontario. We serve the Northwestern region of Ontario, basically from just west of Lake Superior westward to the border with the Province of Manitoba.
Our southern border is with the State of Minnesota, where most visitors from the United States who travel by car cross the International border. We wrote this article to help you find the information you need when planning a trip here, so read on. If you don't see what you're looking for, call our toll-free line at 1-800-665-7567, and we'll try to help.
We've structured this article to provide an easy-to-navigate framework for finding travel information. We try to answer some of your more common questions and provide links to helpful travel resources.
Getting Here
Most visitors to Northwestern Ontario drive here. If you want to fly and live in Canada, you must first travel to Winnipeg, Manitoba, or Thunder Bay, Ontario, then drive from there. If you're flying from the USA, the fastest route is to fly to the border community of International Falls, MN (via Minneapolis) and then drive the rest of the way. You can also fly to Winnipeg or Thunder Bay. Some lodges offer shuttle services from these locations.
Crossing the Border
As a US citizen, you should have a passport to cross into Canada and return home after your trip. You can also get a passport card or NEXUS card. Here is how to get your US passport. The Canada Border Services Agency also accepts an enhanced driver's license (from certain states), but check with them before crossing to make sure. Children under 16 require a birth certificate. If you fly, you need a passport.
Resource: Canada Border Services Agency.
Bringing in Tobacco, Alcohol, and Food Products
You can bring a limited amount of tobacco or alcohol duty-free into Canada. Amounts over the limit are subject to duty.
Resource: What can you bring to Canada?
Entering Canada with a DUI/DWI
This is potentially an issue for travellers, although you can apply for a rehab permit. It depends on how long ago the offence occurred and the circumstances/sentence. Before travelling, you should check with Canada Border Services to ensure you are not inadmissible.
Resource: Applying for a Rehabilitation Permit
Firearms
You may not bring firearms into Canada unless you have a hunting trip booked or are participating in a shooting competition. You must complete a Firearms Declaration Form before crossing the Border and follow all firearms storage and transportation regulations.
Resource: Importing a Firearm in Canada
Fishing Information
If you visit for a fishing trip, you need an Ontario fishing license. You can purchase a full-limit or conservation-limit license. Licenses are available for one day, seven days, or the entire season. Important: You can not bring any bait (live or dead), including nightcrawlers, into Canada.
Resources: Buy a License Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary
Currency
While many businesses accept US currency, some don't, and others accept it only at the Canadian dollar rate. If you're an American travelling in Canada, we recommend buying Canadian currency from your financial institution and using it here. This maximizes your budget. You can also use a major credit card where accepted, and it will automatically convert any charges in Canadian dollars into US dollars when you get the statement. Current exchange rates are at 35%, meaning a US dollar is worth 1.35 Canadian dollars.
Driving
Your valid US driver's license allows you to drive in Canada. Remember that posted speed limits in Canada are in kilometres per hour, not miles per hour. For example, a typical urban speed limit here is 50 kmh, which equals 32 mph. Typical highway speeds are 90 km/h (55 mph). Seat belts and children's car seats for infants and toddlers are mandatory.
As long as your vehicle or trailer follows your state laws and regulations, it is accepted in Canada while you are visiting. Make sure you have your vehicle registration and insurance cards. If your trailer doesn't require a plate in your home state, buy a temporary permit from your state DOT before travelling, as Canadian police will likely pull you over if your boat trailer is unplated.
Health and Emergency Services
If you are a US citizen travelling to Canada, purchasing additional "travel health insurance" that covers you in Canada is highly recommended. This will ensure you are not saddled with expensive health care bills should you require emergency medical care. The emergency number in Canada is the same as in the US: Call 911.
Restrictions on What You Can Bring to Canada
While most items from the US are allowed into Canada (except handguns), specific food rules apply. All meat must be USDA-stamped, and due to Avian influenza, restrictions on poultry products may apply depending on the state you are travelling from.
Resource: Restrictions on What You Can Bring to Canada
Accommodations and Lodging
For the pass-through traveller, most of our communities have a choice of hotel and motel accommodations offering overnight stays. Most US visitors to Northwestern Ontario stay at least 4 days a week, and many stay at our lodges, resorts, or campgrounds if they have an RV. We offer a wide selection of packages depending on what you're looking for. Options include an "American Plan" package, which includes meals and sometimes a guide. If you're doing your own cooking, you'll want housekeeping cabins. You can drive, boat in or fly in on a float plane to your lodge. Outpost packages offer remote cabins, often the only cabin you can fly or boat to on the lake. Other options include full-service campgrounds, houseboat rentals or hotel/motels.
Resource: Find a Place to Stay
Travel Information Resources
Here are links to additional travel resources for Northwestern Ontario.
