You’re sitting at the Peace Bridge or maybe eyeing a flight out of JFK, and you realize you aren't actually sure if your standard driver's license is enough anymore. It’s a common panic. Honestly, the rules for going to Canada from US soil have shifted just enough over the last few years to trip up even the seasoned road-trippers.
Canada isn't just "the States with better syrup." It's a sovereign nation with a border force that—while generally polite—takes paperwork very seriously.
The ID Situation: No, a "Real ID" Isn't Enough
Let's clear this up immediately. That "Real ID" with the little gold star you spent three hours at the DMV to get? It’s great for domestic flights to Vegas, but it won’t get you into Ontario.
For going to Canada from US airports, you need a valid U.S. Passport. Period. If you’re driving, you have a bit more wiggle room, but not much.
- U.S. Passport Book: The gold standard. Works for air, land, and sea.
- U.S. Passport Card: Cheaper, but only works for land crossings and sea entry. No flying.
- NEXUS Card: The holy grail for frequent travelers. It speeds you through dedicated lanes, but the backlog for interviews in 2026 is still a bit of a nightmare.
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Only five states (New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington) issue these. If yours isn't one of them, you’re back to needing a passport.
Traveling with Minors
If you’re bringing the kids and the other parent is staying home, you need a consent letter. I’ve seen families turned away at the Rainbow Bridge because Mom didn't have a signed note from Dad. Border agents are on high alert for parental abduction. It’s rare, sure, but they don't take chances.
The DUI Reality Check
This is the part that catches people off guard. In Canada, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is considered "serious criminality."
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If you have a conviction from five years ago—or even ten—you might be "inadmissible." It doesn't matter if it was a misdemeanor in your home state. To the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), it’s a big deal.
You can try to apply for "Criminal Rehabilitation" or a Temporary Resident Permit, but don't just show up and hope they don't notice. They see everything when they scan your ID.
What You Can (and Absolutely Cannot) Pack
Going to Canada from US territory usually means a trunk full of snacks and maybe some gifts. But there are weird rules.
Alcohol and Tobacco
You’ve got a 48-hour rule here. If you're just popping over for a day trip to see the falls, you don't get a duty-free allowance for booze. Stay more than 48 hours? You can bring 1.5 liters of wine, or a big bottle of spirits (1.14L), or 24 cans of beer.
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The "Green" Problem
Yes, cannabis is legal in Canada. Yes, it’s legal in many U.S. states. No, you cannot bring it across the border. Not even a tiny bit. Not even for medical reasons. Taking weed across an international border is still a serious crime, and "I forgot it was in my glovebox" won't save you from a massive fine or a lifetime ban.
Pet Food
Bringing your dog? Great. But their food has to be in the original commercial packaging. No Ziploc bags full of kibble. They need to see the ingredients list to make sure there's no risk of avian flu or other agricultural concerns. Also, make sure you have a rabies vaccination certificate signed by a vet.
The ArriveCAN App: Is it Still a Thing?
Back in 2022, ArriveCAN was mandatory. In 2026, it’s mostly optional for land borders, but it’s still highly recommended for air travel.
If you’re flying into Pearson (Toronto) or Trudeau (Montreal), using the "Advance Declaration" feature in the app can save you about 30 to 40 minutes in the customs hall. You basically pre-submit your customs form so you can just scan your face at a kiosk and go.
Money and Tech
Your phone will likely work, but check your roaming plan. Rogers and Bell (the Canadian giants) charge astronomical rates for "Easy Roam" if your U.S. carrier doesn't have a North American plan.
Also, tell your bank you’re traveling. While most U.S. credit cards work fine, Canada is heavy on the "Chip and PIN" system. If your card is "Chip and Signature," it might fail at some gas pumps or automated kiosks.
Duty-Free Math
- Under 24 hours: No personal exemption. You pay tax on everything you buy.
- 24 to 48 hours: Up to $200 CAD worth of goods.
- Over 48 hours: Up to $800 CAD.
Getting Back into the States
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are often tougher than the Canadians. If you bought $500 worth of Cuban cigars (which are legal to buy in Canada), do not try to bring them back. They are still prohibited under the U.S. embargo.
Practical Next Steps
Before you put the key in the ignition or head to the terminal, do these three things:
- Check your passport expiration: Canada doesn't have a strict "six-month rule" like some countries, but they won't let you in if your passport expires next week. Give yourself a buffer.
- Download offline maps: GPS can be spotty in the rural stretches between the border and major cities like Ottawa or Quebec City.
- Check the border wait times: The CBSA has a live website that updates every hour. If the Buffalo crossing is backed up 90 minutes, the Lewiston-Queenston bridge might only be 10.
Make sure your car insurance covers you in Canada—most major U.S. policies do, but a quick call to your agent can prevent a legal headache if you get into a fender-bender in a Tim Hortons parking lot.