We've been getting a lot of phone calls and emails from people asking us if we know when the Canada/US Border may reopen and our US guests can once again visit Ontario's Sunset Country. This is certainly understandable given the border has been closed to tourism since March 20th, 2020. The bottom line at this point in time (May 2021) is that we don't know when the border will reopen. Not what anyone wants to hear but at this point, we just don't know. Here are some factors that are important to remember when considering the border question:
- It is a joint decision between the two Governments of the USA and Canada and only limited discussions on the protocols of the reopening have taken place.
- The date for reopening will depend on the progress of vaccinations against Covid-19 in both countries. The US is currently well ahead on vaccinations compared to Canada but Canada is starting to catch up.
- Certain jurisdictions in Canada, including the Province of Ontario, are still under emergency health orders that require residents to "stay-at-home". In Ontario, this order is scheduled to expire on June 2, 2021, but it is subject to extension based on health indicators. It is highly unlikely, the border will reopen until these Provincial health orders end. Even inter-provincial travel (travel between Canadian Provinces) is restricted at this point in time.
- Once the border does open up, it is highly likely (but no policy is in place yet) that you and everyone in your party will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before being allowed into Canada.
- Canada is currently at Level 4 on the "do not travel" list maintained by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States.
The current border closure order is set to expire on June 21, 2021. It's logical to assume most, if not all, of these issues, need to be resolved prior to a reopening of the international border. "Vaccine parity" where an equal percentage of Canadians and Americans have been vaccinated, seems to be the major issue for Canada.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, recently indicated this parity level needs to reach the point where 75% of adult Canadians are vaccinated. When that will happen, well, nobody really knows. Our guess is likely August of 2021, but that is just a guess, it could be before that or later into September. In our view, we don't see the border closure lasting past September of 2021.
Here are a few other resources for people who may have questions:
Statement from Canadian Prime Minister on Border Reopening
Canadian Government Covid-19 Information
Ontario Government Covid-19 Information
Canada Border Services Agency (current border restrictions page)
Northwestern Health Unit Covid-19 Page (Sunset Country is in the NWHU region)
We wish we had better information to provide travelers and others looking for the border to reopen but this is all we have at this point. We encourage you to continue checking the websites listed above for updated information.
You can also email us.
