United States travel guide for Canadians

Canadians do not need a visa or ESTA to visit the United States for tourism, business or transit. You enter under the visa waiver program with just a valid Canadian passport, and can stay up to 6 months. At the border, be ready to state the purpose of your trip and show proof of return travel. If you have a criminal record, overstayed a visa before, or have been denied entry, you may need a visa — check before you book.

For most travellers, the only real preparation is a valid passport and a rough itinerary. Flights from Toronto to New York take about 1.5 hours; from Vancouver to Seattle about 1 hour. Land crossings at Niagara Falls, Detroit and other border points are usually quick, but can back up on holiday weekends.

Canadians are visa‑exempt for the United States. You do not need an ESTA, which is only for citizens of other visa‑waiver countries. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay; there is no six‑month validity rule for Canadians, but it is wise to have a few months left.

At the border you will be asked about your trip: where you are going, how long, and whether you have anything to declare. Have your return ticket or onward travel plans ready. If you have a criminal record (including DUI), have been refused entry, or have overstayed a previous visit, you may be inadmissible and should apply for a visa in advance. The same applies if you plan to work or study — a tourist entry does not permit that.

Canada has an embassy in Washington, DC, and consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle and other cities. For passport renewals, notarial services or emergency help, contact the nearest one. If you lose your passport or are arrested, the consulate can issue emergency travel documents and provide a list of lawyers.

For routine questions, the embassy website has contact details and appointment booking. In an emergency, call the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 1-613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted).

A typical trip to the United States costs CAD 150–250 per person per day, depending on city and season. New York and San Francisco are at the high end; smaller cities and national parks are cheaper. Flights from Toronto to New York start around CAD 300 return; from Vancouver to Seattle around CAD 250. Accommodation: budget motels CAD 100–150, mid‑range hotels CAD 200–350, hostels CAD 50–80.

Meals: fast‑food CAD 15–20, sit‑down dinner CAD 40–70 with tip. Attractions: museums often CAD 20–40, national parks CAD 25–35 per vehicle. Add 5–10 % for sales tax on top of listed prices. Tipping is expected: 18–22 % at restaurants, US$1–2 per drink, 15–20 % taxis.

Most Canadians fly into the US from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary or Ottawa. Direct flights are frequent: Toronto–New York about 1.5 hours, Vancouver–Seattle 1 hour, Montreal–Boston 1.5 hours, Calgary–Denver 2.5 hours. From western Canada, flights to California or the Southwest take 3–4 hours.

For land crossings, the busiest are at Niagara Falls (Ontario–New York), Detroit–Windsor, and the Pacific Highway crossing at Blaine (BC–Washington). Expect waits of 30 minutes to 2 hours on summer weekends and holidays. If you are flying, arrive 2 hours before domestic US departures; international flights from Canada are pre‑cleared at most major airports, so you land as a domestic passenger.

The US uses the same plugs as Canada: types A and B, 120 V 60 Hz. Your Canadian devices will work without an adapter. If you are coming from a country with 220 V, bring a converter for anything that does not accept dual voltage.

Tipping is expected and is part of the cost of eating out. At sit‑down restaurants, tip 18–22 % of the pre‑tax bill. For drinks, US$1–2 per drink. Taxis and ride‑share: 15–20 %. Hotel housekeeping: US$2–5 per night. Barbers and hairdressers: 15–20 %. Many places add a service charge for groups of six or more; check the bill before adding a tip.

Fast food and coffee counters do not require a tip, though a jar or screen may suggest one. If service is poor, you are still expected to leave something — 10 % is the floor for bad service.

Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance anywhere in the United States. It is free from any phone. For non‑emergency police, use the local station number. For Canadian consular help, call the 24/7 line at +1-613-996-8885. If you are in a serious accident or arrested, contact the consulate as soon as possible.