travel by ship to canada

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THE GREAT WHITE NORTH

Canada cruises.

Charming cities, mesmerizing mountains and lucid lakes await in Canada.

Canada is the land of glacial-fed lakes, incredible coastlines, French-speaking cities and friendly locals. Nicknamed the Great White North, the world's second-largest country is full of colonial and indigenous history. Cruise to Canada to step into 17th-century Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal, and wander the European-styled Old Town in Quebec City. Venture out of the urban centers and explore the country's wild terrain: Traverse 80 miles of trails in St. John's, Newfoundland. Mountain-bike up Bear Mountain in Victoria, British Columbia. Or go zip-lining in the Coast Mountains outside Vancouver.

The Trails Are Waiting For You

Charming cities, mesmerizing mountains and lucid lakes await in Canada

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The Call of the Wild

Only 10 percent of Canada is urbanized, which means there are endless rural and remote escapes and travel adventures to experience across the country. Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast, an avid hiker or admirer of nature's beauty, you're sure to find an adventure fit for you.  

Hit the Powder

Vancouver is also home to several ski mountains, including Cypress and Grouse Mountain, both of which make for a doable day trip. In the country's east, Quebec City is not far from Stoneham Mountain Resort and Mont Tremblant.

A Whale of a Good Time

On both Canada's east and west shores, the whale watching is world-class. Head to Nanaimo, British Columbia, and sight orcas and humpbacks off Vancouver Island. Or check out the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park is Saguenay, Quebec, where belugas live year-round and other whales travel to come feed each season from May to October.

Play in the Parks

Canada is home to 40 national parks, as well as over 1,000 provincial and territorial parks. Head to La Mauricie National Park outside Quebec City to go kayaking on its forest-surrounded lakes, and hike past dunes and marshes in Prince Edward Island National Park. The fall foliage is especially spectacular in these places.

Connect With the Culture

Besides being a haven for outdoor adventures and activities, there are many urban epicenters in Canada that will immediately captivate you. Transport yourself to French colonial times in Quebec's Old City, and feel the pulse of life in modern metropolises like Montreal and Vancouver during your vacation.  

Feel French

Test your high school French in Quebec, where you'll find European-inspired architecture and French treats galore. Visit Canada and soak in the fairytale vibe of Chateau Frontenac, or pick up a buttery, flaky almond croissant for fuel as you stroll past the Parliament Building and other sights on the oldest streets in North America.

Press Play on the Past

Learn more about Canada's natural and anthropological history at places like the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and Montreal's Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum, a humble farmhouse that recreates daily life circa 1658.

Quirky and Cultural

Canada's West Coast urban center, Vancouver is full of unusual to-do's. Walk above the treetops on the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge. Marvel at the brightly painted totem poles in Stanley Park. See the Gastown Steam Clock, which puts on a show of steam and whistles chimes every quarter-hour.

CHART YOUR COURSE TO AUTUMN ADVENTURE AND GRAND GLACIERS

EBe charmed by Canada's cities, where you can spend a day brunching and skiing in Vancouver or marveling at the French-inspired cities of Montreal and Quebec on the East Coast.s.

Westward Winds

Start in Seattle and visit Victoria , British Columbia's historic capital city. Alternatively, cruise from Vancouver up the Inside Passage to Alaska and extend your week-long cruise to see more of Vancouver.

Canada & New England

Northeast cruises in Canada usually include New England adventures as well. See the quiet maritime provinces of Nova Scotia , New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island , and explore their windswept coastlines. Cruise from New York to explore the Northeast landscape.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Can't Miss Canada

There's never a bad time to cruise to Canada. Autumn is highly regarded as one of the best times to visit Canada's eastern coastline, when fall foliage transforms the maritimes and New England. Summertime in Canada also brings the best weather to the Pacific Northwest, where the temperatures stay much cooler than they do further south. Although both French and English are the official languages of Canada, French is the dominant language in Quebec Province. However, most Quebec locals know English and are happy to communicate in the language, especially in tourist areas.

8 Amazing Destinations You Can Cruise To From New York

10 Best Fall Foliage Getaways in The Northeast

Like its southern neighbor, tipping is customary in Canada, and a 15 to 20 percent tip is expected at restaurants.

Canada uses both metric and imperial systems, but the weather is in Celsius, and speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour.

You'll find that some establishments across the country accept the United States dollar as well.

FOR FOODIE'S Bon Appetit

With both British and French influences, Canadian cuisine is known for its heartiness and generous portions. You'll also find an emphasis on top-notch ingredients, from the cold-water salmon of Vancouver to the wild berries and oysters of the East Coast.

Pile on the Poutine

Known as Canada's national dish, poutine is a delightfully indulgent French-Canadian dish found from coast-to-coast that includes three ingredients: fries, cheese curds and gravy. What more do you need, really?

Royal Delicacies

Montreal cuisine isn't just about recreating French classics, of course. The city has its own specialties, including Montreal-style bagels — thinner and crunchier than their American counterparts — and smoked meats and fish, such as bacon or salmon.

Sweet Treats

Canadians love their sweets. Try the no-bake Nanaimo Bar, which originated in Vancouver Island's Nanaimo. Don't miss the butter tarts, small pie-shaped pastries topped with raisins and walnuts or pecans. Or go in for a BeaverTail, a deep-fried, hand-stretched dough often topped with sugar and cinnamon or lemon.

Related Ports

Experience the world's highest tides in Saint John. Learn more about Canada's maritime and colonial history in Halifax. Savor both the sand and snow in Vancouver. And visit Victoria, Canada's prettiest provincial capital.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Victoria, British Columbia

Bar Harbor, Maine

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Quebec City, Quebec

Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick

St. John's, Newfoundland

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Montreal, Quebec

Saguenay, Quebec

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Home » 18+ Things You Need to Know About Cruises to Canada

18+ Things You Need to Know About Cruises to Canada

Last updated on September 17th, 2023 at 02:46 pm

Cruises to Canada , especially fall cruises to the East Coast are a popular option to truly experience the beauty of Canada. Beautiful cities like Halifax or quaint fishing villages give you a glimpse into life in a small Canadian town.

On the other side of the country, Vancouver offers a big city feel with a mild climate , beautiful natural scenery, laidback lifestyle mountains, lakes, and the Pacific coastline.

Table of Contents

Which Cruise Lines Cruise to Canada?

A number of the large cruise lines offer scheduled cruises to Canada, most notably in the fall. Norwegian, Holland America, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Princess Cruises as well as luxury lines like Oceania, Regent Seven Seas , and Crystal all offer cruises to Canada.

You can easily depart from New York or Boston and head north visiting stops in Maine and then into Canada, with stops often in Halifax (Nova Scotia) and Saint John (New Brunswick) . Many also depart from Montreal or Quebec City before heading eastward.

See Popular East Coast Ports & Excursions

Have You Visited Canada?

Although a large portion of the U.S. population lives within a day’s drive to a Canadian border crossing, many have not ventured to the north to check out what Canada has to offer.

As a Canadian myself, I obviously have a bias toward loving my own country and find it easy to promote the country in which I live.

No matter what Canadian cruise destinations you choose, we hope this Canadian crash course will make your trip memorable and avoid any possible problems or misunderstandings.

Canada is BIG

Just like the United States, Canada is a large country with many distinct regions. Canada is divided into 10 Provinces and 3 Territories.

Think of Canadian provinces like States in the U.S. Understanding Canadian geography will give you a better understanding of just how vast the country is.

As an example, if you started on the west coast in Vancouver, British Columbia , and drove straight through to the tip of the east coast, you will drive almost 7000 KMs (4300 miles.)

Once you get to the end of the road near Sydney, Nova Scotia, you aren’t quite at the end yet. You would then need to catch a ferry to get over to the province furthest to the east – Newfoundland , which is an island-Province.

Since Canada is so large, you can understand why Canadians find it weird when our American friends say things like “I have a friend in Toronto (a city with 3+ million people) his name is Dave. Do you know him?”

Canada’s population just cross 40 million people in mid-2023, with many living in large cities like Toronto, Montreal , Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, London, Winnipeg, Halifax or Vancouver . This handy list of Canadian cities will give you a reference for cities throughout Canada.

Toronto & Niagara Falls

As a side note, I see this question asked on the internet quite often. Many people want to see Niagara Falls or Toronto while they’re on a cruise to Canada .

Here’s the thing: you are very unlikely to see Toronto or Niagara Falls if you’re on a cruise to Canada. The furthest inland that ocean cruises go is Montreal, Quebec .

And Montreal is about 5 hours from Toronto and 6.5 hours to Niagara Falls by car.

You will have to come back on a land vacation or take a Great Lakes Cruise, if you want to see those places.

Canada Adopted the Metric System in the 1970’s

Canada uses the Metric system, not the Imperial system like the United States. This means that we use Kilometres, not Miles, Centimetres, not Inches, Kilograms, not Pounds and Litres, not Gallons.

The United States, Burma, and Liberia are the only countries in the world to continue to use the Imperial system so if you travel outside the United States, it’s likely handy to learn the conversions or download an app to your smartphone to handle this .

British English

As a side note – Canadians use British English when we spell, so when you see words such as “centre”, “colour” or “neighbour,” they are spelled correctly.

Weather in Canada

Canada’s weather can vary greatly across the country with summertime temperatures ranging from the ’70s to the 90’s in degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s NOT cold in Canada all year round unless you happen to visit areas far north near the North Pole .

For example, the most northern city in Canada is Iqaluit (Nunavut) where the summer temperature is usually in the 40’s or 50’s degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind, the distance from Toronto to Iqaluit is 2300 km (1400 miles) which is similar to the distance between Boston and Fort Lauderdale.

While it’s cold in the far north, only a very small portion of Canada’s population lives there. The majority of Canadians live in areas where the weather would be more like Seattle , Detroit, or Boston for example.

Winter may surprise you as well. While much of Canada has snow on the ground between December and February, not every community in Canada has snow all winter.

Many of us in Southern Ontario for example (near Detroit, Michigan) have experienced more than one green Christmas in the past 2 decades, while our friends in Boston or New York (just an 8-hour drive away) had plenty of snow at the same time.

If you expect to go skiing in September when your cruise ship stops in Canada, you might be disappointed! (We would love to have you back in the winter though, to enjoy a ski resort in Collingwood Ontario , Whistler BC , or Mont Tremblant Quebec .)

Sales Tax in Canada

Don’t be surprised when you visit a store to see 10 to 15% tax on top of your purchase price.

You read that right: There’s 15% Sales Tax in some locations.

Depending on the province or territory, the tax rates change slightly as we have both a Provincial Tax and a Federal Tax.

The Federal Tax rate in Canada is 5% and each individual provinces tacks on an additional percentage for their cut, which ranges from 0% in Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to 10% in Saskatchewan.

Currency in Canada

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar as our national currency. Currently, $1 US Dollar will buy you approximately $1.28 Canadian. You will find that most goods have a similar cost to the United States, so American vacationers get a great value by visiting Canada right now.

This currency converter will help you plan your trip.

Our paper-based money since the mid-2000’s is made of plastic/paper meant to stop counterfeiting. We have denominations of $100’s, $50’s, $20’s, $10’s & $5’s. Beyond that, we have coins for everything else.

$2 coins are called Toonies, $1 coins are called Loonies (not because we’re crazy, but because the bird on the coin is a kind of duck called a “Loon”.) We also have quarters, nickels, and dimes.

Thankfully February 2014 we no longer have pennies. All purchases are rounded to the nearest 5 cents unless you’re paying with a debit or credit card.

If you are planning to travel to Canada, get some Canadian currency before you leave the United States.

Some merchants in Cruise port cities may accept U.S Dollars however your exchange rate may not be as favourable and you will likely get Canadian money as change.

Visa, Mastercard & Debit Cards

Traveling with a Visa or Mastercard is the easiest option as both are widely accepted in Canada. Debit cards are a bit different.

In Canada, our national debit system is called “Interac” which we have used since the late 1980’s. Basically, for Canadians with Canadian bank accounts, we have debit cards that immediately deduct the amount from our chequing account when used at an ATM for a cash withdrawal or purchase at a store POS system.

Most American debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard symbol should work in Canada , as well as a regular VISA, Mastercard or Amex credit card.

Liquor in Canada

The Canadian drinking age 19 years of age in most provinces and 18 in Quebec! If you’re 18, 19 or 20, Canada is the place to go if you want to drink legally.

Be aware though – Each Province and Territory has different laws surrounding where alcohol can be sold.

In many provinces, liquor is sold through Government-owned and operated stores which means that local convenience stores may not be able to supply you with your beer and wine.

Laws in Canada

Generally speaking, Canada has many of the same laws as the United States when it comes to driving . To go through them one by one would be difficult. If you think it’s illegal, it probably is and if you’re unsure, you might want to Google it before you do it.

Fines for texting (or even touching your phone while driving) can be pretty steep.

Seat belts while driving are required, no texting while driving is allowed, no drinking and driving is allowed and watch your speed on the highway (remember to look at the KM/hr gauge.) If you rent a car, you will find driving in Canada no different than in the United States.

However, if you plan on renting a car when you dock at a port in Quebec, there are a few unique road rules to consider:

1) Road signs will be in French (though many have international symbols).

1) In Montreal, you cannot turn right on a red light. You also can’t cut through private property to avoid stopping at a red light (ie cutting through a corner gas station to turn right).

2) When driving on a highway (freeway) you can’t pass another car on the right.

3) Left lanes are for passing only. Don’t be the slow driver holding up traffic behind you – you will get a ticket.

4) If you live in New York State or Maine, any Quebec driving infractions (i.e. demerit points) are transferable.

Smoking is not permitted in public buildings, restaurants, public transit, shopping centres, etc. You won’t find smoking sections in restaurants.

One other thing you might want to know – We’re just not into guns. This isn’t meant to be a political discussion about the right to carry a weapon, just be aware that civilians cannot carry guns at any time (other than hunting) and our gun-related crime is quite low.

If you try to enter Canada with a gun (especially a handgun) you’re going to have a very hard time getting into the country!

Other items that will cause trouble at a border crossing would be knives, pepper spray, and illegal drugs.

Travel Documents for Entry to Canada

A Passport is required to enter Canada from the USA (if you are an American.)

At one point several years ago, a driver’s license was accepted but in recent years it’s become mandatory to carry a passport.

If you’re not an American Citizen, check Passport requirements with your home country before trying to enter Canada.

Houses in Canada

While a Grade 6 Geography lesson might have displayed pictures of igloo’s as the main type of housing in Canada, Canadians do not live in these anymore – and haven’t for many many years.

Even if they did, we couldn’t live in them year-round because we don’t have snow during the summer anywhere, other than the tops of the Rocky mountains.

Our houses look almost identical to those found throughout the United States. If you went on a cruise hoping to see something totally different, you’re out of luck.

Sports in Canada

Let’s talk about sports.

Canada = Hockey. It’s that simple.

We have 7 Canadian NHL teams and we’re REALLY into supporting those teams.

Besides the NHL teams, nearly every community in Canada, no matter how small, has a local hockey rink where Saturdays and Sundays are spent watching minor hockey.

Baseball isn’t as popular in Canada as Hockey, but we do have one MLB team – the Toronto Blue Jays.

If you’re on a cruise, you’re not going to make it into Toronto. Even if you stop in Quebec City, it’s still an 8 hour drive one-way to get to Toronto. On a side note, if you ever do return to Canada, Toronto is a wonderful city to check out!

Football is a semi-popular sport in Canada, but not as large as it is in the United States. Our national football league is called the CFL (Canadian Football League) and it consists of 9 teams. The games are fairly well attended, but the players don’t earn millions of dollars like NFL players.

People in Canada, eh

Generalizing all Canadians as similar to one another is much like suggesting that all Americans are the same.

Since the country is so large, there’s great diversity in people across the country. People in Newfoundland are quite different from people in Toronto, complete with their own dialect of English that is distinct to Newfoundland.

Think of the differences between people in Texas and people in New Jersey. Regional dialect, food, culture, the pace of life; Almost anything you can think of that defines people from different regions of the United States applies across Canada.

In Quebec, most people speak French as the official language of that Province is French. The East Coast of Canada is known to be very friendly to visitors and the West Coast of Canada is known for its Seattle-like lifestyle.

Food in Canada

Canada is a multi-cultural nation, with almost every nation in the world represented so our food diversity goes far and wide. Here are a few examples of food and beverages that differ between Canada and the United States.

Iced Tea – If you ask for Iced Tea in Canada, you most likely will get sweetened tea. We don’t usually serve cold, unsweetened tea like in many places around the United States.

Ketchup Chips – These wonderful chips are popular with Canadians. Think Paprika and salt on chips. They leave your hands bright red, but they’re not for everyone.

Butter Tarts – Somewhat like a pecan pie, in a smaller single-serve pie shell, usually with raisins but sometimes pecans as well.

Donair – Found in Nova Scotia –  Similar to a Greek Gyro, but with a twist. The sauce is what makes it different. It’s a sweet milk-based sauce that pairs well with the flavour of the meat, Tomato, and Onion.

Poutine – French fries with gravy and cheese curds. These can vary by region, but the best Poutine is going to be found in Quebec.

Bienvenue au Canada! (Welcome to Canada)

To sum up this entire post, let me state that Canada is friendly, rich in history, and is naturally beautiful from shore to shore and season to season.

We would love to have you visit us on your next cruise. Welcome to Canada!

*Disclaimer: This piece was not meant to offend our American friends in any way if you don’t find this information helpful. As I’m sure my American friends enjoy some light-hearted joking at our expense we do the same here. We have found that even though we’re so close geographically, many Americans don’t know much about us so this piece was meant to educate and inform.

We’re a polite bunch so if this offended you let me say one of our favourite national phrases: I’m sorry.

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

About Jonathon Hyjek

Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he's not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire - a story for another day!)

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UPDATED SUMMER 2024

Travelling on a cargo ship is a unique experience.  Whether you love the sea, are conscious of your carbon footprint, don't like flying or simply prefer to sail in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the crowds, then travelling by cargo ship is the right choice for you.

We've been doing this for over 30 years and are passionate about providing a personalised service tailored to your needs.

Alas, since the pandemic and with only a few exceptions, deep sea intercontinental voyages are no longer possible; shipowners and/or their charterers have withdrawn this discretionary activity, we are seeing little enthusiasm from them to resume the activity any time soon.

That means:

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However, still possible are:

- short haul European, Mediterranean, Baltic are bookable however 2024 availability is already limited on some routes.

- Europe/South Africa/Europe voyages, fully booked into 2025, 2026 now open for bookings. Waitlisting/standby is possible for additional cargo induced voyages on a rolling 6-week basis.

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There may be cruise ship alternatives, please ask if you have a specific voyage in mind as several Voyage Options are possible on some of the routes popular with cargo ship travellers. Note please that owing to the restrictive policies of the major cruise lines, in most cases you may only book cruises through a travel agent in your country of residence. 

Do please take some time to check our website for available routes, also our ‘Ask the Captain’ section for frequently asked questions BEFORE contacting us!

Our website is updated regularly with currently bookable options; please do not contact us regarding deep sea international cargo voyages that are not listed as without the support and co-operation of willing shipowners we can no longer viably respond.

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Sailings That Visit Canada as of September 26, 2022

Travel requirements vary by homeport country. Be sure you’re aware of both homeport country and Celebrity Cruises vaccine and testing requirements as they may differ. We will continually evaluate and update these requirements and protocols as new information becomes available. Booked guests will be advised of the latest requirements leading up to departure.

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Vaccination Policy to Sail

Effective October 1, 2022, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can now cruise as long as they meet testing requirements to board. While vaccinations are not required to sail on Celebrity Cruises, they are highly recommended.

COVID-19 booster vaccine shots are not currently required to sail on Celebrity Cruises but are highly recommended.

If you are vaccinated, please plan to carry your vaccination documentation with you at all times while in port should local authorities or businesses request it to help facilitate entry and/or experiences.

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Any guest who has received one dose of a vaccine (other than Johnson & Johnson) will not be considered fully vaccinated.

Testing Requirements Vaccinated Guests* For all sailings 9 nights or shorter , no pre-boarding testing is required.

For all sailings 10 nights or longer , vaccinated guests ages 5 and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to boarding. Test results from any commercially available Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), including self-tests, will be accepted. Tests do not have to be supervised or proctored. Test results may be presented as a printout, screenshot or photo of the test result or the actual test. Antibody tests are not accepted.

Unvaccinated Guests For all sailings, unvaccinated guests ages 5 and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken within 3 days prior to boarding. Test results from any commercially available Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), including self-tests, will be accepted. Tests do not have to be supervised or proctored. Test results may be presented as a printout, screenshot or photo of the test result or the actual test. Antibody tests are not accepted.

Guests who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may present a Certificate of Recovery and proof of the positive PCR or Antigen test result taken between 11-90 days prior to the sail date in order to board and be exempt from testing. We will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in place of a vaccination record. Please be aware that some ports of call do not accept a Certificate of Recovery for the purposes of debarking and enjoying the destination. We will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in place of a vaccination record.

*Definition of Fully Vaccinated : vaccinated with a full dose of a primary series vaccine. The last primary dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to embarkation.

Re-Entry (to home country)

Most countries no longer require a re-entry test. Should you need a test to re-enter your country of residence, please visit the Guest Relations desk onboard the ship.

PRE-CRUISE Test Kit Resources for U.S. Guests

Celebrity Cruises has also worked with its trusted vendors to make options for procuring monitored/proctored test kits available to you. We strongly recommend ordering test kits at least 7 days in advance of your sailing. These tests allow you to complete your pre-cruise test at home or any place of your choosing with the help of live video supervision by a Certified Guide.

U.S. RESIDENTS ORDER HERE – ABBOTT BINAXNOW™

While On Board

Currently, face masks are optional onboard Celebrity ships for all guests, regardless of vaccination status. Celebrity Cruises follows the requirements in all jurisdictions we sail, and please note that mask requirements may vary by the destinations visited on your sailing and/or disembarkation port. This policy is continually re-evaluated, and any updates will be shared with guests. 

Excursions & Going Ashore

All guests may go ashore on their own where it’s permitted.

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Cruise to Canada from the UK

There’s no need for long-haul flights to experience the delights of Nova Scotia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island – set sail for Canada from our homeport of Southampton

Updated June 2024

By Liz Darke

Visiting far-afield places doesn’t have to mean sitting on a plane for ten hours. One of the many joys of cruising from the UK is that you can set off on holiday from the port of Southampton and, better still, you can sail as far as Canada and the USA . Our 24-night and 31-night Canada and New England itineraries are round-trips that sail from Southampton and take in cities such as Boston, USA , and Saguenay and Quebec City, Canada . Excited by the idea of a cruise to Canada from the UK? Read on to discover the many reasons to book this bucket-list voyage…

Step onboard and set sail from the port of Southampton © Princess

Sailing from Southampton is so easy

Embarking on a cruise from Southampton eliminates the cost of flights, tiring long-haul plane journeys and the sometimes-tricky transfer from airport to port in order to board the ship on time (and vice versa). You can travel to Southampton cruise port by car or taxi and via public transport, such as coach or train. Sailing with Princess, you won’t be restricted by baggage limitations when you come onboard either, so you can bring as much or as little luggage as you wish for your holiday. Just make sure you have enough space to take all your souvenirs home with you!

Tick off many great destinations

On our Canada and New England itineraries departing from Southampton, guests can not only explore USA cities like Boston and even New York City (only on the 31-night itinerary), but also discover the best of Canada. Ports of call include beautiful, French-speaking Quebec City , the breathtaking maritime province of Prince Edward Island (pictured top), the historical port of Halifax in Nova Scotia, and the city of St. John’s on the colourful island of Newfoundland, just off Canada’s Atlantic coast, to name a few.

Settle in for tea and pastries at the famous Château Frontenac © Benoit Debaix/Unsplash

Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences

As we’ve just mentioned, our round-trip Canada and New England cruises from Southampton take in an array of wonderful destinations, each offering something totally different when it comes to landscape and activities. In verdant Annapolis Valley, get to know the local wine scene by touring – and tasting the produce of – a local winery. In Quebec City’s Old Town, enjoy tea in the 19th-century landmark hotel Château Frontenac , which is a National Historic Site of Canada and one of the most photographed places in the world. Or, in Halifax, jump aboard a sailboat to soak up the scenery, gliding past rural islands and national parks, before heading out into the North Atlantic for a bit of a whale watching. Discover more must-do activities in Canada and New England here

Explore everything your ship has to offer

Our 24-night Canada and New England itinerary includes 13 days at sea, while our 31-night itinerary includes 16. That means all guests have the opportunity to really make the most of everything onboard. For the days you’re feeling active, there are dance classes, pool parties, mini-golf tournaments and yoga sessions to partake in and, for the days where doing nothing is top of the agenda, you can find peace in The Sanctuary , our adults-only relaxation area. Rejuvenate your mind and body in thermal suite The Enclave or put your feet up with a good book and soak up some vitamin D out on deck. And all that’s just for starters – there are also our many speciality restaurants , wine-tasting groups, quiz nights and theatre performances to enjoy. Put it this way, there’s no chance of getting bored.

Fancy cruising to Canada from the UK?

See our Canada and New England itineraries at princess.com

Discover more Canada cruise inspiration

Six ways to have the ultimate adventure in canada and new england.

Speedboating, mountain biking, clifftop hiking and hair-raising frights – here’s how to get the adrenaline pumping on an unfo...

How to spend a day in... Québec City, Canada

Get the best out of this historic and varied North American city

Eight must-do activities on a Canada and New England cruise

If you’re embarking on an east coast adventure, don’t miss out on these unmissable experiences

About the Author

Liz is a journalist who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Hong Kong, Provence and the Dalmatian Coast next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!

Shipping to Canada from the U.S.

Essential info to help your business grow

Here's what you'll find on this page:

Want to expand business internationally ship to canada..

Canada is close, the paperwork is pretty simple, and there's little separating us but land—which makes shipping to our North American neighbors cost-efficient. Best of all, the demand is there. Most Canadian residents live within 100 miles of the U.S. border, and many of their online purchases come from U.S. retailers.

U.S.-to-Canada shipping: Key considerations

Any time you gear up for international expansion, you want to make sure your products can go into each country without surprise costs or holdups. Shipping to Canada is no exception.

How much does shipping to Canada cost?

It depends, right? On the size of your shipment, exactly where it’s going, and how fast you need it to get there. Use our rate tool to request a quote.

How long does it take to ship from the U.S. to Canada?

Options aren’t all about cost, of course. You also want to delight your customers with faster delivery. And that can mean delivery overnight, delivery on a certain day, or even delivery by a certain time. With FedEx, you’ve got delivery options .

What Canadian customs forms are required?

Things are more likely to go right if you get the documentation right. So get started on customs forms for Canada provided by FedEx . And here’s a list of customs documentation we’ve put together so you know what to expect:

• Canada Customs Invoice
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Freight/Cargo Manifest
• Canada Customs General Agency Agreement and Standard Trading Conditions
• One-Time Canada Customs General Agency Agreement (valid for only one shipment)
• Bill of Lading (for freight shipments)

What are the shipping restrictions to Canada?

First you need to know what import restrictions Canada has. Usually, countries prohibit or restrict items that are illegal or dangerous. However, laws vary by country, and what cannot be shipped to Canada may be OK to ship somewhere else. For specifics, see our Canada prohibited and restricted items list  and the FedEx Freight Series Rules Tariff .

What packaging is best for shipping to Canada?

Of course, the first factor is what you’re putting in the package. But know this: Even a small difference in package size or weight can make a big difference in your shipping cost. So choose lightweight packaging that’s the right size for your items. It’s a good idea to brush up on some packaging tips and options .

Why ship to Canada with FedEx

At the end of the day, we want whatever’s best for your business. But as you’re researching how to ship to Canada, make sure you’re considering the speed, discounts, and brokerage options you can get from FedEx. 

Get envelopes, packages, or freight delivered within hours or days, depending on your delivery flexibility and budget.

Flexibility

When you ship parcels to Canada with FedEx, you get customizable service options to fit your particular delivery needs.

With FedEx, Canada customs clearance is streamlined, thanks to a number of brokerage options available to you. 

FedEx shipping to Canada offers you simple pricing and flexible billing options.

Use a wizard. Then become one, with FedEx International Shipping Assist.

First time shipping to Canada? FedEx International Shipping Assist was created for you. Answer a few questions about your shipment, and this app will return your estimated harmonized code, estimated cost, and all the documents you need. Easy.

How to ship to Canada with FedEx: Your options and delivery times

Are you shipping envelopes to Edmonton? Pallets to Port-Cartier? Whatever your need, FedEx has a full range of options ready to go.

FedEx International Ground

• To all Canadian business and residential addresses
• Time-definite delivery in 2 to 7 international business days
• Flexible brokerage and billing options
• Clearance entry fee discounts

FedEx Freight (LTL)

• Less-than-truckload shipping to most of the Canadian population directly
• Fastest published transit times from the U.S. to Canada of any nationwide LTL service with FedEx Freight ® Priority
• Pallet-level tracking
• Brokerage-inclusive and broker select options

E-commerce shippers: Balance speed with savings

Need a cross-border shipping solution for your e-commerce business? FedEx International Connect Plus might be just the ticket. Here are a few reasons it's ideal for shipping retail products to Canada:

• Day-definite delivery
• Typical transit time of 3 days to Canada
• Simple, transparent pricing
• End-to-end tracking visibility
• No residential surcharges
• For shipments less than 70 lbs.

Need freight forwarding?

FedEx Trade Networks ® has you covered—to and from Canada—including:

• Customs brokerage
• Supply chain solutions
• Service via air or ocean
• Trade solutions

Learn about our international freight forwarding service .

Simplify shipping with brokerage-inclusive options

If you're shipping ground or freight, let us handle your customs brokerage. When you do, you can count on our dedicated team of experts to help you take care of paperwork, facilitate customs clearance, and help avoid potential delays. Contact your sales rep to learn more.

Helpful resources for shipping to Canada

Calculate fees before shipping internationally.

Save time and money by submitting customs documents electronically ahead of shipments.

Get a returns strategy in place for Canadian customers.

Explore shipping to other countries where you could do business.

Learn how the United States-Mexico- Canada Agreement makes North American trade easier.

Sign up to get trade-related info and updates delivered to your inbox, with FedEx Regulatory News.

Ready to expand your business to Canada?

Let us help you find the best shipping solution to make it happen. Please call customer support  or schedule a call with a sales rep for a time that works for you.

FAQs about shipping to Canada *

Licensees (or businesses that hold appropriate alcohol licenses) who are enrolled in the FedEx alcohol shipping program can ship to their customers in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec only. Individuals cannot ship alcohol with FedEx. Read our alcohol shipping regulations and requirements for more details.

Certain perishable and non-perishable foods can be shipped into Canada but import permits and other customs documents may be required. Refer to our list of prohibited items for more info.

Transit times vary based on your shipment’s type, origin, destination, and the service you choose. Some shipments can be delivered in as little as one day. See options and delivery times .

Yes, but you can avoid delays at the border by including the right documentation with your shipment. We can help you create customs forms. Get details on customs documentation .

Canadian addresses are formatted a lot like U.S. addresses. The city, province, and postal code in a Canadian address mirror the city, state, and ZIP code in a U.S. address. (Note that Canadian postal codes include numbers and letters.) You can also abbreviate road types much as you would in the U.S. (“ST” for Street, “AVE” for Avenue, etc.). And provinces and territories use standard two-character abbreviations (like BC for British Columbia). Don’t forget to include a phone number on your shipping label. 

You can complete labels for Canadian shipments online and use FedEx Ship Manager ®   to upload your shipping documents. Or get help with labels at any FedEx Office location .

All shipments imported into Canada are subject to duties and taxes. The amounts depend on the product type, shipment value (in Canadian dollars), and shipment purpose. Typically, the recipient pays duties and taxes. Calculate duties, taxes, and fees before you ship .

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (which replaced NAFTA) makes North American trade easier. The de minimis, or duty and tax exemption threshold, increased for imports into Canada and Mexico, potentially reducing overall shipping costs. See how this can benefit you . 

* The FAQs apply to parcel shipments. For information concerning LTL shipments, call your sales rep or review the  FedEx Freight Series Rules Tariff .

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Matador Original Series

How to: travel by cargo ship.

Article updated on Sunday, September 10th, 2017.

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED a collection of brown leather trunks with brightly colored stickers from all the world’s corners. They remind me of travelers in the early 1900s who spent days on the ocean in order to reach their destinations. Back then, arriving at the destination was as much a part of the trip as the destination itself.

• Taking a cargo ship to Southeast Asia? Here’s all the gear for backpacking Southeast Asia.
• Taking a cargo ship to Latin America? Here’s all the gear for trekking in Latin America.

So when I needed to get from Guadeloupe in the Caribbean to France I asked myself, “is it still possible to travel by boat?” There are, after all, still cargo ships that carry everything from automobiles to antiques over the ocean, so why couldn’t I just hop on one myself and enjoy an ocean voyage? A few months later I was on a CMA-CGM cargo ship headed from Pointe-à-Pitre to Dunkerque.

Note that if you are having your car shipped overseas and wonder if it were possible to travel with your vehicle and save a little money while having a fun experience, it is well worth asking the cargo line whether they offer passenger rooms on their ships.

Traveling on a cargo ship is very much possible, and while it isn’t considered a luxury cruise, it is still a great way to travel — even at a cost of roughly $100 USD daily, it is worth the time to find a spot on a ship.

My nine days on the Atlantic included gourmet French food, duty-free Porto, and hours spent mesmerized by the blinking lights of the GPS. Yes, you can still travel to many locations in the world by boat. It was by far one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.

Here are some pointers for researching and planning your own adventure on the high seas:

1. What exactly is traveling by cargo ship?

Most of the major global shipping lines including CMA-CGM offer paying passengers an opportunity to hop on one of their lines. As a paying passenger, you are accommodated in guest cabins and have access to most areas of the ship.

Cargo ships have a limited number of rooms for passengers, so be prepared to start planning your ventures, and book the trip at least 6 months in advance to ensure you have a spot on the ship. Your fare will usually include port fees as well as meals and your room.

Captains and crew spend a lot of time on the water, and they are usually happy to have a fresh face walking around their workplace, meaning that they may even invite you to eat with them, give you tours of the ship and maybe even have you over for an Officer’s happy hour.

2. Where can I go?

You can travel almost anywhere by cargo ship.

The global shipping industry is huge, and many ports like New York, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Sydney welcome several ships daily.

Shipping companies have certain lines covering specific routes, and many of them will allow you to buy a ticket for one of these lines and disembark and board as you please if there is a ship leaving on your chosen day. Just remember to book your passage in advance because you can’t just show up at a port to jump on a ship on a whim.

A word of advice to the cargo ship traveler, be flexible. Schedules can, and very often do change and when that happens, you will need to hop on and off more than one ship during the trip.

This is often how round the world routes work: book your freighter ticket and then plan in a few weeks in every major port. With freighters, the possibilities for your adventure are almost endless. Just think: anywhere global commodities are shipped are places that you can disembark and spend time soaking up the local culture before re-boarding.

3. What will it cost?

A common misconception is that if you are willing to spend an extended amount of time on open water you can score an inexpensive mode of transportation to your next travel destination.

Traveling as a passenger on a cargo ship is, in fact, more expensive than your average airfare. But before you scoff at the price — plan on an average price of $80-140/day — consider this: your ticket pays for room, meals, and experiences that cannot be had anywhere else.

The days where a person could work for their passage are long gone. The cargo lines will not allow you to work your way across the Atlantic just so you can have a free trip overseas. You will, however, get to meet crew members and will most likely find yourself spending a great deal of time getting to know many of them when they take a break or have some time off to relax a little.

4. Life on a ship

As a passenger, you are surrounded by the everyday life of the vessel and her crew. Schedules revolve around meal times, which can be extravagant events depending on the chef.

If you are a gourmet traveler, consider traveling with one of the French companies which are known for their high-quality cuisine and table wine.

Besides meals, the rest of the day is spent as you please. Make your way up to the bridge and chat with the captain about sea navigation or schedule a tour with the head mechanic to see the vessel’s impressive technical insides. Officers on cargo ships are often willing to show you how things work to keep the ship afloat and to keep things safe.

You will quickly find that the freighter environment is a rough but enjoyable one; think lots of steel and salt water. Before the evening meal, meet for a pre-dinner drink with your co-passengers in the guest lounge area and discuss the events of the day.

You may think that a week on open water can give you a case of cabin fever, but a slower pace of life can be much welcomed and enjoyable.

There is something to note about health and fitness levels when traveling on a cargo ship. Because these ships usually do not have a doctor on board, you should be healthy and fit enough to take on such a voyage. This is a safety precaution as the ship wouldn’t want anyone being injured or in need of medical attention and be at sea without a doctor to help.

5. Planning

So you’ve decided that freighter travel is for you, what now? Do your internet research, there are several websites maintained by individuals seduced by traveling on the high seas with great tips and long lists of different routes around the world.

Go to the websites of the freighter companies and send them an email asking about passenger fares. Another option is travel agencies that specialize in freighter travel like A la Carte Freighter Travel based in Montreal.

Some helpful websites to get you started:

• https://www.freightercruises.com/
• http://www.hamburgsued-frachtschiffreisen.de/en/freightertravel/index.jsp

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Canada travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Canada travel in 2024 with official Canada travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

As restrictions vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: January 28, 2024. Originally published: September 2021.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Photo credit: Kelly January 2024: “Canada is an extremely diverse and safe Country to visit at all times of the year. Travel and daily life is back to normal, however, many employees continue to work remotely and employers continue to have a difficult time finding staff If travellers fall ill while visiting Canada, there are plenty of walk-in clinics and emergency rooms in every Canadian city, making healthcare easily accessible. However, it is still wise for travellers to purchase health insurance prior to visiting.” – Kelly of Just One Passport , resident of Canada

At the end of the post, we share more on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Canada so you can get a true sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Is Canada open for travel? Can I travel to Canada right now?

As of October 2022, Canada travel restrictions for all travelers entering Canada by air, land or sea include:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine is not required
• ArriveCAN is not required
• Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
• Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
• Wearing masks on planes and trains is not required but strongly recommended

Quarantine rules in Canada: What happens if I get Covid?

Foreign tourists who  test positive for Covid while in Canada should self-isolate immediately. Travelers may be required to cover costs of quarantine accommodations.

Those with severe symptoms are advised to call 911 or the local emergency number in Canada.

Canada Proof of Vaccination Requirements for Dining, Travel, and other services

You might be wondering: Do I need a vaccine certificate or Covid test to enter restaurants, public transit, and other services in Canada?

As of June 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to board a plane, train or cruise ship when traveling within Canada. Generally it is not required to enter businesses or restaurants.

Each province or territory has the authority to require a proof of vaccination each situation.

Can I travel to Canada in June 2024? Can I travel to Canada this Summer?

Travel to Canada in June is possible for foreign travelers. Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Canada right now? YYZ Toronto Pearson International Airport? YVR Vancouver International Airport? Masks are no longer required but still strongly recommended. The airports are using enhanced cleaning procedures and hand sanitizer is available throughout the terminals.

As of October 2022 , all persons arriving in Canada will no longer be subject to randomized testing at airports . 

Using ArriveCAN is now optional for travelers flying into international airports to submit an Advance CBSA Declaration to save time upon arrival in airports like Toronto, Vancouver or Montréal.

What is it like to drive into Canada right now? Travelers can enter Canada during open hours at land borders . Required documents must be shown at the border.

Check Canada-US border wait times here.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to Canada? No. Quarantine upon arrival is no longer required in Canada. Persons who test positive for Covid in Canada are asked to quarantine. See above for details.

Does Canada check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? No. Health screening procedures are no longer required to enter Canada.

Does Canada require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? No. Covid pre-entry tests and arrival tests are no longer required.

Does Canada require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? No . Proof of vaccination is no longer required in Canada.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? No. Travelers are no longer required to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine to enter Canada.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Canada? At this time, booster shots are not required in Canada. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Canada? U.S. citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test from provincial health authorities or private facilities in Canada.

The cost for private testing varies depending on the location and can exceed $300. Rapid tests for $60 with results in 30 minutes are available by appointment near Toronto Airport .

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Canada who get the virus? Canada hospitals and clinics are open. Canada’s universal healthcare does not pay for visitors.

Testing centers are also available for foreign visitors in some provinces and territories in Canada.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Canada? Essential services, restaurants, bars, and retail shops are open in Canada. Some limitations, such as proof of vaccination requirement, may still be implemented in some provinces. 

Check here for restrictions in each province.

Are face masks required in Canada? Wearing of face masks is no longer required in Canada but still recommended.

Are buses running in Canada? Public transportation is available throughout Canada. 

Will Canada impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, most countries impose COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable. Canada has been relatively proactive and “strict” on preventive Covid measures.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Canada?

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a recession and increased unemployment in Canada. Tourism was hit especially hard.

Canada experienced a surge in cases with the Omicron variant. Many provinces reintroduced restrictions. As the situation came under control, Canada started easing travel restrictions.

As of October 2022, Canada ended all travel, testing, and border requirements and restrictions related to COVID-19.

Canada initially started reopening for tourism in summer 2021. As of September 2021, fully vaccinated foreign travelers have been allowed to visit the country without undergoing quarantine.

Canada began COVID-19 vaccination in December 2020. Currently, more than 3/4 of the total population has been fully vaccinated.

For the current situation in Canada, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Canada; and COVID-19 testing in Canada, please see the Government of Canada website .

What should you pack for safely traveling in Canada?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are recommended in crowded public places. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Canada locals and recent travelers say about visiting Canada now?

What is it like to visit Canada right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect.

The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

September 2023 – Ryan of WaylessTravelers , Canadian: “The current state of tourism is back to normal, like during pre-Covid times. The multiple summer and fall festivals have returned to Montreal, including F1 weekend, Just for Laughs, Jazz festival etc… Restaurants are also very lively and full. 

All the local attractions, restaurants, concerts, malls are back to normal operations. No restrictions (masks/gloves/testing) are imposed.

We do recommend to reserve activities and restaurants ahead of time as we have noticed that they do book up usually a few days in advance. We believe this is because a lot of Canadians are preferring to travel more locally due to still some hesitancy of traveling abroad.”

May 2023 – Nick Rosen of The World Overload , American visitor:  “I flew to Quebec City and Montreal for a one week vacation in May 2023. There are currently no travel restrictions but some locals and visitors continue to follow Covid guidelines including masks and safe distances. There is easy access to healthcare and testing.

All attractions and food services continue to operate for tourism. Hours may vary depending on day/weekend. Please check ahead when scheduling. Be aware that summer is the time when most construction and repairs are done by the cities you will be visiting.”

January 2023 – Melissa from My Beautiful Passport , Canadian: “Tourism in Ontario is picking up overall, with most events & festivals resuming in 2023, if they didn’t already resume in 2022. 

Canada appears ready to welcome tourists back into the country. Niagara Falls and other popular Canadian destinations are lively, restaurants and attractions are open, and people are ready to explore again, wearing masks indoors as encouraged. Hospitals are not currently overwhelmed.”

September 2022 – Michelle, Intentional Travelers, US citizen: “We flew from the US to Canada for a conference in Montreal, Quebec. I submitted our ArriveCAN information a couple days before the flight using the website. It was pretty simple to input our passport number, vaccine dates, and upload a photo of our CDC vaccine cards. Then there was a form for trip details. There was a quick Covid self-assessment form asking about fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Confirmation included a six-digit code and QR code that we printed and brought to the airport.

After all that, we had more online processes to complete for both airlines on our itinerary (United and Air Canada), including uploading our CDC vaccine cards again. Air Canada’s site did not accept our vaccine card image, but it wasn’t a problem, I guess because we had ArriveCAN done.

To board the flight from US to Canada, we only had to show our passport and ticket. On arrival in Montreal, we only ‘flashed’ our ArriveCAN confirmation to an agent on our way to the machines where we scanned our passports and completed immigration questionnaires, which included just one question about having any Covid symptoms, and took a picture. Arriving around midnight, the process took less than 15 minutes.

We were fortunate all our bags arrived. The baggage claim looked like a luggage graveyard with hundreds of unclaimed suitcases everywhere!”

May 2022 – Mayuri of Canada Crossroads , Canadian resident: “In my province (Alberta, home to the Canadian Rockies) domestic tourism has been flourishing. All the sightseeing spots are open, but some have restricted hours. 

Since February (in Alberta, and from April nationwide) things are open, no restrictions in terms of social distancing, masking, access to medical care, restaurants, stores and hotels. In fact many airports are busier than usual (including the country’s busiest Toronto airport – just flew last week). I feel we need to be a little more prepared for summer tourism as many international visitors are wanting to explore Canada.”

March 9, 2022 – Samantha of Continuous Roamer , Canadian resident: “Domestic travel in Canada is straightforward since there are no extra requirements once you have entered the country. However, mask wearing is necessary and some provinces still require a vaccine passport.

The vaccine passport has been removed in Ontario in March. Capacity in Ontario restaurants is now at 100% so it is easier to get a table. Although, free antigen covid tests are extremely difficult to access at pharmacies in Ontario. British Columbia still requires the vaccine passport, therefore lines are longer to enter some establishments while your pass and ID are checked.”

January 20, 2022 – Haley Blackall Travel , Digital Nomad:  “My partner and I visited family and worked online in Kelowna BC for 2.5 months from mid-November 2022 to end of January 2022. Tourism in this region of Canada is low, due to winter conditions especially for international visitors. Make sure you have all the required documentation upon arrival, because airline personnel are doing proper checks. If you arrive in Canada from an international destination and are unvaccinated, there is a smooth running process for a mandatory Covid-19 test at the airport upon arrival, and the ArriveCAN app is easy to navigate in which the government keeps a close eye on contact tracing and quarantine requirements. Canadians have quick access to healthcare, including testing for antigen and PCR. After restaurants offering takeout and delivery services only at the beginning of the pandemic, dining in is becoming more popular. Besides the use of masks, life is getting back to normal in Canada.”

January 2022 – Mary from Brbymary, French traveler: “I flew to Vancouver for a week [from Ireland] to visit my partner’s family. Everything was well organised through ArriveCan app. Testing at the airport was easy although a bit behind and people respected rules in general. Plan some additional time to do tests at the airport and to do tests on arrival even if you have an appointment.”

December 2021 – Federica of Globetrottoise , Canadian nomad:  “I would say Canada is a pretty safe destination at the moment, especially outside the big cities. I’ve been road tripping around the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta in the past few months and always felt safe and able to enjoy most attractions, from museums to national parks.  Canada is open to vaccinated travellers only and health regulations are in place in most public places. Masks are mandatory inside almost everywhere and in some provinces the access to cafes restaurants, movie theaters, libraries, etc is possible only with a valid proof of vaccination. Attractions are mostly open everywhere and access to covid testing is pretty easy (but quite pricey).”

November 12, 2021 – Nicole of Traveling BC , Canadian citizen: “While businesses are still operating under restrictions, in general, many rules have lifted and now it’s ‘full steam ahead’ in the tourism industry. Some touristy areas (the coasts and the Rockies) even became quite busy over the summer, since everyone wanted to go on a much-needed vacation. If you visit, you’ll have to show a negative COVID test and be required to wear a mask, socially distance, and show your vaccination passport!

Most people and businesses follow the restrictions and around 75% of people are fully vaccinated, although compliance with restrictions and vaccinations varies between provinces and cities. Accessing COVID testing is easy and quick, although you’ll have to pay for the test if you’re traveling. A lot of healthcare has moved to online appointments, and some hospitals are still overwhelmed in areas with lots of COVID cases. Businesses are open to tourists, but many operate under reduced hours, lower capacities and may have halted certain services/activities due to COVID. You will often have to book activities online or by phone, and make sure to wear a mask and bring proof of vaccination, or businesses will deny you entry.”

November 2021 – Chris, American digital nomad: “I flew to Newfoundland for one month in October and November of 2021. Everything seems to be open again, though every place where you would take off a mask (such as a restaurant) requires you to show proof of vaccination. People seem very respectful and friendly, happy to show you around. There is voluntary contact tracing check-ins at a lot of locations. There don’t seem to be long lines anywhere. Testing is free and readily available.”

October 9, 2021 – Nicole, Go Far Grow Close , Vancouver BC, Canadian resident:  “Visitors are very much welcome. There are strict regulations for visitors to enter Canada (fully vaccinated) so we know that they are as safe or safer than the locals. So long as they follow the rules – wear masks indoors – no one cares. I feel that we are very travel ready in Canada. If you feel ill, there are free drive through covid testing sites. Hospitals are available. Local attractions, food services, and all amenities are open so long as you wear masks indoors (or when you get up in a restaurant), social distance and follow whatever other rules might be in place. Restaurants are still not at full capacity but getting there. Movie theatres are open. We eat out regularly, go to movies, and do not feel restricted.”

September 2021 – Kathy, American traveler: “We planned to spend two months in British Columbia, Canada. We had to show proof of vaccination and have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of crossing. We managed to get a test at a local CVS pharmacy (for free) and got our results in about 36 hours. Whew! There is another place to get a test in Seattle with guaranteed results but they cost $165 each. We also had to go to the website ArrivCan.com and answer questions and download our vaccine cards. Finally, in the early morning hours of August 9th we arrived at the Canadian Border just south of Vancouver, BC at around 4:30 a.m. There were approximately 20 cars/trucks in two lines. Unfortunately, the line we picked took forever so when it finally turned 6:00 a.m. another agent opened a new gate and we were there and across the border in about 10 minutes. We have now been in BC Canada for over a month. There are very few U.S. citizens here but lots of traveling Canadians. In fact, their COVID numbers have spiked so it is now a requirement to wear masks in stores/grocery stores and entering and leaving restaurants. No problem. We feel safe doing that and know that even though there is some resistance, most Canadians are fully vaccinated. In fact, as of August 13th restaurants and bars and other certain businesses now require that people show proof of vaccination to enter. I am in complete support. We feel grateful we were able to spend some of our summer in this beautiful country.”

Planning a trip to Canada?

Check out our other Canada travel resources: – The Scenic Route: Kelowna to Banff – The Best of Banff on a Budget – Kelowna: British Columbia’s Hidden Gem – Montreal, Quebec Summer Trip Guide

– 5 Awesome Things to Do in Vancouver, BC in Summer

If you have questions or updates about travel to Canada during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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Canada is still requiring a negative covid test 72 hours before embarkation when on a cruise ship entering any Canadian ports. This has not been changed. The change is for land ,and air and sea other than a cruise ship

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Canada.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from Canada, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. 

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA ) – not both.

Check if you need a visa or an eTA online .

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to 6 months). You may need an eTA instead.

You do not need an eTA , if you are:

• arriving by land and sea – you must have acceptable travel documents and ID
• a British-Canadian dual national – you must have a valid Canadian passport

See Canada’s entry requirements for full details of eTA and visa requirements.

Contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

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Canadian border officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

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See information on visas for permanent residence, study or work in Canada .  

Transiting through Canada

If you are travelling through Canada (transiting) by air, you must have an eTA or a transit visa.     

If you have questions, contact:

• your airline
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Visa and eTA scams

Some unauthorised websites charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Canadian government.

You can check your eTA status online with the Canadian government . If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received confirmation of your application, complete an enquiry form .   

Travelling with children

If a child travels alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents or guardians. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For more information, check with the Canadian High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Canada guide . 

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Imagine for a moment that you are on the deck of a ship, sipping a glass of wine. You turn your head towards the water just in time to spot a pod of dolphins swimming by or flying fish, providing company in the ocean. After lingering in the sunshine for a while, it's time to head inside for a 3-course evening meal and a splash in the pool before retiring to bed.

Now, what kind of vessel are you on?

No, you are not on a standard commercial cruise ship. You are not on a packed luxury liner hopping between Caribbean islands. You are aboard a modern freighter. Hundreds of cargo ships, carrying everything from fire engines to apples, are crossing the world's oceans, and many are happy to take you along for the ride. Adventurous travelers, including the Transitions Abroad family, have been doing so for years, as have many long before us.

What Does Travel on a Cargo Ship Feel Like?

A far more intimate and relaxed experience than you might imagine! The experience on board contrasts sharply with the rough and industrial outward appearance a container ship tends to project. You will be one of a handful of passengers among a crew likely to number up to a dozen or a few more. There will be no evening cabaret shows as on a standard cruise, though you may have access to TV, video, and board games in a common area on the ship where passengers may meet the crew. You may even play cards with the crew under the night skies. You might be invited to karaoke with the sailors, and you will almost always dine alongside the captain, who is far more likely to turn up in shorts and a t-shirt than in full uniform. Some cargo ships also offer equipped exercise rooms or pools.

Here was our first taste of the wonders of sea travel. Our introduction to freighter travel was a relatively short 5-day sailing between Australia and New Zealand. We joined the French ship CMA CGM Utrillo in the busy port of Melbourne, where our luggage — including two bicycles and bags — was quickly hauled on board and into a spacious cabin by a host of cheery Filipino deckhands.

What are the Costs of Cargo Ship Travel?

Depending upon your destination (Transatlantic, Transpacific, South Seas, Worldwide, and other special combinations), your daily freighter travel costs will be about $100-$130 per day per person per day with a luggage allowance of approximately 30kg-100kg (66-220lbs) depending on the line you are taking. Generally, US dollars are the primary currency used onboard to buy soft drinks, snacks, beer, and toiletries. You can then use your credit cards at each location you disembark.

What kind of Hospitality Can You Expect on Board?

Our next surprise was how quickly we felt part of the family. Just moments after arriving, our fellow passenger (a French woman "going around the world in 80 days”) hinted that the captain was sure to throw us a welcome barbecue. “He does that for every one new,” she said with a wink. Sure enough, the next evening was spent on the back deck of the ship, feasting on grilled fish and chatting with the seamen as the sun went down.

One of our concerns before sailing was that we'd find the days long. It was just the opposite. There were three square meals a day (hearty plates of meat and vegetables for workers) and our time between eating was filled with strolls around the deck and trips up to the bridge to check our position and ask questions.

Had there ever been stowaways? Yes, once a harmless passenger was allowed to board. What about pirates? Not here, but there were off the coast of Africa. And just how much fuel did a cargo ship need? In the current era of relatively low oil prices, $60,000 U.S. a day will generally cover the trip.

Why is it a Relaxing Way to Travel?

With our curiosity temporarily curbed, we would return to our cabin for reading our books or Kindle, journal writing, and a bit of table tennis if we felt especially energetic. Far away from the hustle and bustle of life on firm land, we were truly relaxed. The experience was in complete contrast to our usual hurried airplane trips.

For Hamish Jamieson, the owner of Freighter Travel NZ and one of only a handful of travel agents in the world licensed to book tickets on cargo ships, the simplicity of being at sea is the main attraction.

“When you're sitting up the front of the bow of the ship, on your own, and all you see is the sea going past and you hear the wind and waves, you're in heaven. For me, an afternoon...sitting right on the bow, watching the world go by with my binoculars, that's my heaven,” he said.

What Kind of Flexibility is Needed for Freighter Travel?

Of course, nothing in life is all smooth sailing. While we didn't encounter any problems during our trip, we did struggle with the uncertain nature of freighter travel before we boarded. Our initial departure date jumped forward first by three days and then seemed to bounce around by 12-24 hours every time we called to check the latest news. Ours was not an uncommon experience and you must prepare yourself for flexibility.

Even ports of call are not guaranteed because on a cargo ship, freight comes first, not the passengers. If the demand is not there for a certain stop, the ship will go where the business is.

“Our trip from the USA to Europe changed three times after initial booking,” said Rebecca Hogue and Scott Drennan, then on a journey around the world without using airplanes . Their initial trip from South Carolina to Belgium was from Florida to Italy. “Had we not been flexible with our departure times and locations, things would not have worked out.”

As Mr. Jamieson is fond of telling his passengers, when you go to sea, there are two things you must pack: a sense of humor and a sense of patience.

What are the Practical Issues?

Your trip may also involve some red tape, particularly concerning U.S. stops. American citizens are not permitted, for example, to travel within their country by cargo ship, although they can make international journeys. Meanwhile, travelers to the United States must have a visa, even if they would not need one to arrive by air. Only Canadians are exempt from this rule.

Be sure to budget time and money to get vaccinations like Yellow Fever if you are going through the Suez and Panama canals. A medical certificate declaring you in generally good health is another typical requirement.

Where in the World Do You Want to Go?

The hardest part of booking your cargo ship voyage is deciding where to go. Will it be to South America and around Cape Horn? How about a 55-day round trip from California to Australia and New Zealand via Tahiti and Mexico? Mr. Jamieson offers a few more ideas and favorite voyages based on years of experience.

“For me the ultimate voyage is from Auckland, in New Zealand, to Singapore. It takes 40-45 days to sail what you can fly in just under 12 hours but it visits nearly every island in the Pacific on the way and it stops for 2-3 days. The second choice for me would be from Singapore through to Houston in Texas. It goes up through Thailand, Vietnam, half a dozen ports in China, into Japan, then straight across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal.”

With enough time and money at your disposal--round-the-world trips can take 80 to 100 days or more--there are few places a cargo ship can't reach. Voyage destinations on cargo ships can change, so the many options available will often surprise you. You need to be adventurous enough to do your research, find a specialized cargo ship travel agent (see resources below), and then get on board.

The Golden Rules of Cargo Ship Travel

• Be prepared to make your own fun. There are seldom programmed activities aside from the odd safety drill.
• Go before you're too old. An upper age limit of 77-80 years is not uncommon, as no doctor on board and there are often plenty of stairs.
• Check that your travel insurance covers freighter travel.
• Be flexible. Schedules can and do change frequently. You may need 2-3 ships to reach your destination.
• Book in advance. Cabins are limited and the most popular routes can be sold out by ships months ahead.
• Forget about working in exchange for your passage. Current union rules mean this is no longer permitted.
• Take a good supply of seasickness pills. While not very common, rough weather can occur, sending tables, chairs, and your stomach flying across the room.
• Wifi and other modern electronics are now often available on cargo ships for travelers . If connectivity is important to you, ask whether those options are accessible and free in advance.

Friedel Rother gave up her job as a journalist for Reuters to ride a bicycle around the world with her husband. They have published two books in addition to cycling.

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American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

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Advice for Cruise Travellers

For many Canadians, a cruise is the perfect way to explore foreign shores. However, like all international travel, cruising calls for careful planning and attention to personal safety.

Careful planning is the key to successful travel and to ensuring your well-being abroad. Before you leave Canada and during your trip, follow these tips:

• Consult our Travel Advice and Advisories  for your point of embarkation and for any of your designated ports of call.
• Sign up for the  Registration of Canadians Abroad service , so that we can notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home. Please list all countries and ports of call, as well as the cruise line and ship's name.
• Carry a valid Canadian passport  and protect it at all times. Contact your tour operator or cruise line to find out if you require a visa for the point of embarkation or any of the ports of call. 
• Purchase adequate travel insurance  that includes coverage for accidental injury, hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation at sea. 
• Contact a travel medicine clinic well before your departure  for recommendations on immunizations and preventive medication to counter seasickness and other common illnesses. See Health and safety outside Canada .
• Bring an extra supply of medication in case you are away longer than expected , and keep medication in original packaging. See Travel health kit .
• Avoid becoming the target of an assault or robbery  by being aware of your surroundings at all times and keeping to public areas when interacting with other passengers and ship staff.
• Limit your alcohol intake and watch your drink . Never leave drinks unattended as they could be laced with drugs that could put you at risk. 
• Ensure cabin safety  and make sure the door and balcony are properly locked at all times. 
• Follow local laws and customs . If you break the law, you will be subject to the judicial system of the host country. 
• Minimize risks during shore excursions  by booking through your cruise line or a reputable, insured tour company, and respect departure times. 
• When at sea, or in a foreign country, high roaming fees apply  for the use of any mobile device. See Using data plans outside Canada .
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You won't be 'overcrowded by thousands of tourists': What to know about Montreal cruises

• Montreal is the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province.
• The city offers a relatively quaint cruise experience.
• The port welcomed just over 51,000 cruise guests in 2023.

On a recent afternoon, I strolled beside patches of purple flowers on a wooden walkway at the Port of Montreal. The Promenade d'Iberville green roof, with western red cedar decking and more than 24,000 aromatic and flowering plants, was built on top of the city’s main cruise terminal.

The effect was less industrial infrastructure – like many ports – and more charming urban parks.

Montreal may be the largest city in Canada’s Quebec province, but it offers a relatively quaint cruise experience. Bridges between Montreal and Quebec City block vessels with air draft – the distance from the waterline to the highest point on a ship – over 49 meters (or about 161 feet) from berthing at its facilities in Old Montreal.

The ships that visit are generally smaller (though the city can accommodate those with a maximum 50-meter (164 feet) air draft east of the Jacques Cartier Bridge).

“We are positioning Montreal as a niche port for luxury ships,” Yves Gilson, associate director of cruises at the Port of Montreal, told USA TODAY during a visit in May. Here’s what to know about sailing into and out of the city.

The cruise inventory tends to be upscale

Montreal typically welcomes ships carrying 2,000 passengers or less from several upscale cruise lines, which tend to operate ships with lower capacity. Those include Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Viking, Ponant and more. Though not a luxury brand, one of the city’s main clients is Holland America Line, which will send its 1,432-guest Volendam ship there this season.

The port welcomed just over 51,000 cruise guests in 2023. By contrast, its neighbor to the northeast, Quebec City, saw 154,000 passengers . Despite its smaller population, large ships from operators like Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line will visit Quebec City this season (along with smaller vessels).

Jared Feldman, owner of travel agency Jafeldma Travel, added that it’s not just ocean cruise ships that stop in Montreal. “There are river cruises that can get in and out of there as well,” he said.

Gilson noted that the city “could absorb” traffic from bigger ships if not for the bridges. “But on the other hand, the experience for the guest is marvelous because you know they will not be overcrowded by thousands of tourists,” he said.

You can hit the ground walking

The main cruise terminal is close to many of the city’s popular attractions. Old Montreal’s Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica and the Place d’Armes are less than a 10-minute walk away, and numerous restaurants, shops, and museums are also nearby. 

I grabbed a prosciutto sandwich at Italian grocery store Dispensa; ate on a bench outside; picked up a coffee at Cafecito and was able to be at the main terminal within 15 minutes or so on foot while taking in views of the water and architectural landmarks like Habitat 67.

There are also multiple close bicycle rental and Metro stations, and waiting taxis (the port works with software platform, Véco Taxi, which gives priority to electric vehicles).

Gilson said more lines are offering overnight stays in Montreal, giving guests more time to explore.

When is the best time for a Montreal cruise?

Montreal’s cruise season begins in May and ends in October, hitting its peak during the last two months of that period. Feldman said fall foliage is a particular draw for passengers. 

Montreal often features on Canada and New England itineraries alongside ports such as Boston, Massachusetts and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The port’s cruise calendar can be found by clicking here .

The sailings tend to last around 10 to 14 days. “The distances between the ports in this region can be significant and navigation through areas like the St. Lawrence River and around the Gulf of Maine take time,” he said. Passengers on those sailings are looking for a “more immersive experience.”

Would you spend $14,000 on a cruise?: Here's why these travelers splurged

“Longer itineraries allow for more time in each port and often include scenic cruising days,” he added.

Cruise ships have historically avoided the area when cold sets in, but that could soon change: Ponant’s icebreaking Le Commandant Charcot will offer sailings in St. Lawrence in the winter of 2025. While the ship will not visit Montreal due to its size – though it will stop in Quebec City – Gilson hopes it will mark a shift.

“And eventually, we believe that all the cruise lines will get into the St. Lawrence during the winter,” he said. “So, it's gonna be an all-year-round cruise destination.”

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Tourisme Montréal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Lonely Planet Canada (Travel Guide) Paperback – Folded Map, March 1, 2022

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Lonely Planet’s Canada is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Savor culture in Quebec City, marvel at Niagara Falls, and hike in the Rockies; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Canada and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet’s Canada Travel Guide: 

Up-to-date information - all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak

NEW top experiences feature - a visually inspiring collection of Canada’s best experiences and where to have them

What's NEW feature taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas

NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel

Planning tools for family travelers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids

Color maps and images throughout

Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, websites, transit tips, prices

Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics

Over 100 maps  

Covers Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Nunavut

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Canada , our most comprehensive guide to Canada, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled. 

Looking for just the highlights? Check out Pocket Toronto , a handy-sized guide focused on the can't-miss sights for a quick trip.

About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travelers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. 

'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' – New York Times

'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveler's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia)

• Print length 896 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date March 1, 2022
• Dimensions 5.1 x 1.38 x 7.75 inches
• ISBN-10 1788684605
• ISBN-13 978-1788684606
• See all details

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About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 15th edition (March 1, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 896 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1788684605
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1788684606
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.61 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 1.38 x 7.75 inches
• #7 in Colombia Travel Guides
• #69 in General Canada Travel Books
• #140 in General Travel Reference

About the authors

Anna kaminski.

A freelance travel writer for nearly fifteen years, Anna Kaminski has contributed to dozens of travel guidebooks, covering destinations that span six continents. These include the Rough Guide to Chile, the Trailblazer Trans-Siberian Handbook, and Lonely Planet guides to Mexico, Jamaica, Borneo, the Baltic States, Central Asia, Kenya, West Coast Australia, Wales, Canada, Nicaragua, Argentina, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, Greek Islands, Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea and Mongolia, as well as her current home, Spain, and her former homes: UK and Russia.

Most recently, she has penned her first solo book, Eyeball Tacos and Kangaroo Stew, a travelogue/memoir that takes a candid look at her life in travel through the prism of memorable meals.

An incorrigible foodie, there are few things that Anna will not eat, and she is prepared to travel great distances in search of memorable meals. Her favourite pastimes, besides eating, include corresponding with death row inmates, trekking in the mountains and attending Bruce Springsteen gigs. A career in criminal law is her ‘road not taken’.

Ray Bartlett

Ray Bartlett began his freelance career when he jumped a freight train for 500 miles and sold an article and photos about the experience to a local newspaper. Years later, Ray is still wandering the globe with pen and camera in hand. He received an MA in Fiction from Boston University, where he taught for several years before devoting himself to writing full-time.

Ray is often on the road in Japan, Korea, or Mexico, and has numerous publication, radio, and podcast credits, which you can see at his website, www.Kaisora.com. His debut novel, _Sunsets of Tulum_ was published in October, 2015 from Barrel Fire Press and was a Midwest Book Review 2016 February fiction selection. His second novel, _Celadon_, was published in 2020. When not elsewhere, he lives in the USA.

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Travelling for Canada Day or U.S. Independence Day? The CBSA gives tips for a smoother trip

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

June 25, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds travellers of what to expect when crossing the border for the upcoming Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day holidays.

Every day, the CBSA works hard to protect Canadians, support the economy and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across our borders. In 2023, we welcomed over 86M travellers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited drugs, cannabis, narcotics, and chemicals, representing an increase of close to 30% from 2022.

The CBSA dedicates significant efforts to planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months. We monitor traveller volumes and plan to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and at international airports, without compromising safety and security.

Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip:

Before you travel, plan ahead

• Early mornings are the best time to cross the border to avoid wait times 
• The Mondays after holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest.
• Consider an alternative port of entry with shorter wait times or less traffic.
• Check the port of entry’s hours of operation on the official  CBSA Directory of Offices and Services
• If you are using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes) to determine the preferred route of travel.
• Have your  travel documents  handy.  Speed up processing times by always coming prepared with your travel documents.
• Travelling with children? When  travelling with a child  who is not your own or for whom you don’t have full legal custody, we recommend you have a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child. We are always watching for  missing children , and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions.
• Flying into Canada? Use Advance Declaration and make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at participating airports.
• Entering Canada by boat? You must report to the CBSA without delay. Review  reporting requirements for private boaters  before making travel plans.

At the border, b e prepared to declare

Declare everything you have with you upon entry into Canada. If arriving by land, you are responsible for everything inside your vehicle. If you are the operator of a boat entering Canadian waters with the intent to disembark, you are responsible for reporting your goods on board.

Are you bringing any of the following into Canada?

• Food, plant, or animal products:  Consult the  Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) before bringing any food, plant, or animal products into Canada.
• Poultry products: Be sure to review current restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States  before bringing these products across the border. Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada.
• Fireworks:  Consult  Importing, exporting and transporting fireworks  to ensure that the fireworks you are bringing in are authorized.
• Medication:  Make sure you understand  your responsibilities when travelling with medication.
• Firewood:   Firewood  from outside of Canada is not permitted as it may contain diseases or invasive insects. Buy local and burn local.   
• Make sure know how much you are bringing back in Canadian dollars and have your receipts readily available for the officer.
• Use the  CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help estimate the amounts owed on goods purchased abroad.

Restricted and prohibited goods

Make sure you review the necessary information before attempting to bring certain items into Canada.  If not, you risk having your goods seized or facing fines and/or prosecution.

• Firearms: Leave them at home. You are encouraged not to travel with firearms. If you choose to do so, be sure to check the  rules on importing firearms .
• Weapons: Other restricted and prohibited goods include pepper spray, switchblades, and butterfly knives.
• Narcotics :  Narcotics such as cocaine and heroin, are illegal in Canada. If you are found to be in possession of illegal drugs (on your person, in your vehicle, or in your luggage) you will be arrested and may be charged. The drugs will be seized.
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. While cannabis is legal in Canada, bringing it across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption  authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.

Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer.  The best way to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask.

For more information, visit the  CBSA Website  or call us at 1-800-461-9999.

Associated links

• Plan your trip across the border
• Residents returning to Canada
• Border reminder checklist
• Advance Declaration video

For more information or to schedule an interview with a CBSA representative, please contact:

Media Relations Canada Border Services Agency [email protected] 1-877-761-5945

Page details

Sending Canadian vessel to Cuba alongside Russia’s was ‘carefully’ planned, says Blair

A vintage car passes by as the Canadian navy patrol boat HMCS Margaret Brooke enters Havana's bay in Cuba, on June 14. Stringer/Reuters

National Defence Minister Bill Blair’s office is defending the decision to send a Canadian ship to Cuba where it docked alongside some of Russia’s fleet, calling it a “carefully” planned move to increase its presence in the region.

Spokesman Daniel Minden issued a statement on Sunday saying the visit to Havana’s port “was carefully and fulsomely planned,” and the minister authorized it on the advice of the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Joint Operations Command.

“We’ve made the smart choice to boost our naval presence in the region this week,” the statement reads.

“We believe that this marked an especially important time to show a Canadian presence.”

The Opposition Conservatives took to social media to criticize the move after Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly told CBC News during a recent interview she was unaware that one of Canada’s patrol vessels was docked in Havana at the same time as Russian warships.

“This is information that is news to me,” the minister told host David Cochrane.

Michael Chong, the Conservatives’ foreign affairs critic, questioned why Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government sent a Canadian ship to “celebrate” relations “with a communist dictatorship at all,” referring to Cuba.

“Let alone while Russian warships are docked there?” Chong posted on X.

James Bezan, the partys critic for national defence, said the decision warrants a probe by the parliamentary committee on defence, saying he wants to hear Joly and Blair testify.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, describing the visit as “reckless, radical and dangerous.”

“While our troops are starved of resources, Trudeau spends defence budget sending a Canadian naval ship to Cuba alongside the Russian navy to honour Cuba’s brutal communist government,” it reads.

The visit to Havana marks the first for Canada’s navy since 2016 and comes at a time when Canada has sent billions in aide and military equipment to Ukraine to help it fight off Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was himself travelling back to Canada on Sunday following a summit staged in Switzerland to help advance peace in Ukraine.

While there, Trudeau pledged a $52 million package to assist Ukraine and co-chaired a session for leaders where he discussed the need for the international community to call for the return of the close to 20,000 Ukrainian children forcibly removed from their homes by Russia.

In his statement on Sunday, Minden said HMCS Ville de Quebec, one of Canada’s warships, and a CP-140 patrol plane had been tracking the Russian flotilla, adding the military publicized the port visit.

In its post on X, the Canadian Joint Operations Command said the port visit by Canada came in recognition “of the long-standing bilateral relationship” between Canada and Cuba.

The visit by HMCS Margaret Brooke is set to last from June 14 to 17.

Joly’s office deferred to Blair’s when asked to respond.

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Cirque du Soleil, Greek Festival, Pete Davidson and more happening this weekend

See a Maine State Ballet performance and get your fill of lobster rolls.

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We know that this weekend’s forecast for the next several days is a bit on the sketchy side, with some rain forecasted.

But will that stop us from getting out there and doing a whole bunch of stuff?

Absolutely not, because it’s still summer in Maine. Plus, we all know that if you want the weather to change here, you just need to give it a minute.

Portland Jazz Orchestra performing with Katie Oberholtzer at Congress Square Park. Photo by Christopher Andrew

Fingers crossed for tonight’s free performance in Congress Square Park from the Portland Jazz Orchestra. The music starts at 6 p.m.

See Portland Jazz Orchestra for free on Thursday

Kal Sugatski, left, and Katherine Liccardo laugh while pausing to remember the next segment of a song while playing their instruments on a forested shoreside trail on Mackworth Island for a portrait. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer

Vigorous Tenderness immersive performance on Mackworth Island is Friday from 6-7:30 p.m. (Original date was today, change due to weather forecast). Advertisement

Concert series Vigorous Tenderness celebrates the change in seasons and classical music

There’s plenty to eat at the Greek Festival in Portland. Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer

Thankfully, the Greek Festival in Portland is beneath a gigantic tent. The festival started today and runs through Saturday. It’s also the first entry on our annual list of can’t-miss summer events .  The La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival also starts today and runs through Sunday.

Make it your best summer yet with these 17 events

Sole Pane’s brioche knot on the double burger from Kennebec Meat Co. Courtesy of Kennebec Meat Co.

If Greek food isn’t your thing, maybe a burger is. But not just any burger. The Kennebec Meat Co. in Bath makes a legendary one, and it’s only available on Saturdays.

This Bath butcher shop’s burger is worth planning your Saturday around

The lobster roll at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

Still not satisfied? We’ve got two words for you: Lobster rolls! Here are seven places to get a great one, including Red’s Eats in Wiscasset and the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk.

What do you look for in a lobster roll? Here are 7 of Maine’s best, for all different reasons

A scene from Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo show. Photo by Maja Prgomet

Let’s shift from food to Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo show at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Performances start tonight and run through Sunday. Other weekend options include Pete Davidson Friday at Merrill Auditorium and “Dancer’s Choice” tonight and tomorrow at Maine State Ballet.

See Cirque du Soleil, Maine State Ballet and Pete Davidson, all this weekend

Lagers clink at Argenta Brewing. Photo by Amanda Bizzaro

Quench your thirst this weekend (or anytime) with a cold lager. We’ve got several ideas of where to enjoy one including Bissell Brothers, Argenta Brewery and Batson River. Cheers!

Lagers gain in popularity at Maine’s craft breweries. Here’s where to find them.

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