Skip to main content

Good News: Vaccinated Americans Can Now Visit Canada

Boating in Lake Ontario, Toronto, Canada.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hankering for a bowl of authentic poutine, clean air and Continental culture? It’s all available again just nort’ of da’ border.

Recommended Videos

This week, Canada officially lifted its ban on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation, or visit. NPR reported that on Monday, August 9, the first morning that U.S. citizens were allowed to cross the border again, long waits stretched across the continent, from the tiny border town of Derby Line, Vermont (to get into Stanstead, Quebec) to Blaine, Washington (just south of White Rock, an outer suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia).

Related Guides

By early afternoon, passengers and cars were waiting more than an hour at the Rainbow Bridge to enter Niagara Falls, Ontario, from Niagara Falls, New York. At Washington’s Peace Arch Border Crossing and Historical State Park, three lanes of vehicles with Washington state license plates waited about 30 minutes to cross the border.

U.S. citizens and legal residents must be fully vaccinated and test negative for COVID-19 within three days of crossing to gain access to pristine lakes, bustling towns and authentic maple syrup. American visitors will have to invest likely over $150 for a rapid COVID test to present to border officials. Though that may be a big initial hit, people should expect a polite apology from their Canadian brethren. 

The United States wasn’t so polite, though, and will maintain restrictions for Canadians, part of an awkward return to normalcy in post-COVID-19 travel bans. Closed since March, 2020, the U.S. has said it will extend its closure to all Canadians and Mexicans making nonessential trips until at least August 21, with plans for a phased reopening in the works. 

In managing one of the world’s longest and busiest land borders, Canadian officials won’t sacrifice safety for shorter crossing times. Travelers must fill out a detailed application on the arriveCAN app before making their way into the Great White North.

Whether it’s heading up to Toronto to welcome the Blue Jays back, pursuing incredible international cuisine in Vancouver, or simply enjoying a green park view of the Motor City from Windsor, Ontario, Canada offers at once great places to plug in and to unwind. 

Looking for more places to check out? Make sure to read our guide to countries vaccinated Americans can safely visit.

Matthew Denis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Matt Denis is an on-the-go remote multimedia reporter, exploring arts, culture, and the existential in the Pacific Northwest…
You’re now able to visit most of the Blue Ridge Parkway after hurricane damage
The National Park Service clears 55 miles of Hurricane Helene debris
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Restoration efforts have been under way at the Blue Ridge Parkway as the National Park Service clears the debris from Hurricane Helene. Fortunately, nearly 55 miles have been cleared as of October 30th. Visitors can now access all of the beautiful trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Milepost 411.8 to 421 from Black Balsam, and milepost 423.2 to 469, from N.C. 215 to U.S. 411.
These roads are now open along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Due to a landslide, the section between milepost 421 and 423.2 will remain closed. This area includes the Devil's Courthouse, which experienced severe damage during the hurricane.

Read more
You can now book an African safari through your Uber app
Uber Safari allows visitors to book a safari adventure right from their phone
uber safari app  game drive zebra 1

Uber is set to transform travel in Cape Town, South Africa, by launching a unique wildlife experience called Uber Safari, available exclusively through the Uber app from October 1 to February 1. As a part of its ‘Go Anywhere’ series and in collaboration with Aquila Private Game Reserve, this limited-edition offering promises travelers an effortless and affordable way to explore one of Africa’s most iconic adventures. Riders can book their safari directly through the app, making a seamless transition from city life to the wild.

The day begins with a pickup in a specially branded Uber Safari vehicle, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the journey out of the bustling city. Upon arrival at Aquila, participants will be greeted with a welcome toast and lunch. After dining, guests will board a traditional safari vehicle, accompanied by experienced game rangers and field guides. This knowledgeable team will enhance the safari experience, offering unique insights into the animals and landscapes. Post-safari, guests can explore Aquila’s stunning grounds before the ride back to Cape Town.
How to book Uber Safari

Read more
The best places to visit in Canada: Stunning nature, historic cities, and more
Hidden gems and iconic landmarks you can't miss
Canadian Flag

Canada truly has it all. As the second-largest country in the world, stretching across a whopping 3.85 million square miles, it’s packed with a little something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re into exploring bustling cities, hitting up world-class ski slopes, or chasing the magic of the Northern Lights, Canada offers endless possibilities.

But with so much to see, how do you even begin to plan? Don’t worry -- we’ve got you covered with this guide to the best places to visit in Canada. From cosmopolitan hotspots to breathtaking natural wonders, these destinations are sure to inspire your next big adventure.
Banff, Alberta

Read more