What Do I Need To Get Into Canada These Days?

Hi all... I'm looking to go to Toronto in a couple of months but just realized my passport expired. Do I need to do a rush renewal, or can I go with a birth certificate?

Please advise, and if you want to throw in a good Toronto restaurant rec, I'd love that, too.

Lugz

 

It's not getting in, it's getting back. A passport is required to travel into the US from Canuckistan.

 

Like Fly said, you'll need the rush renewal. Technically, Canada doesn't require a passport, but the U.S. does for return, and I don't think Canada will let you in if you aren't prepared to return.

 

One heads-up Lugs. TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) opens Sept 9 and runs for 11 days. Hotel rooms will be at a premium during those dates.

As far as good restaurants, here's a pretty good list (along with reviews of some of them )--the 50 Best Restaurants in Toronto. These are mostly all high end restos---anywhere from $150-$200 for two.

http://www.thefiftybest.com/restaurants/best_toronto_restaurants/

I'd quibble with a couple of their choices. La Bodega is a fussy French restaurant that has pretty much had the same menu for thirty years.

If money were no object, I would recommend: Canoe, Black Hoof (haven't been there but the reviews have been fabulous and a table is tough to get), Panagea, Scaramouche, North 44, and Splendido.

You might also want to check out Toronto Life for a comprehensive list, including Cheap Eats.

www.torontolife.com

 

Don't go to Canadian dinner theaters. Someone dragged me to "Oh Canada, Eh?" during my trip to Niagara Falls and I still haven't recovered. The last time I ever consider dinner entertainment as a good idea.

 

CR19 - Don't go to ANY dinner theatre. Good basic rule of thumb. Mediocre food and mediocre theatre, usually. Lugs ... can give you lots of specific advice if you need but most important ... will you have time for a beer with the Ontario SJ contingent???

 

If you live in a bordering state, you should be able to get an "enhanced driver's license" which will speed your way through border crossings for Canada (and Mexico if you happen to need it).

Cheaper (about half the price) and faster (I got mine in 10 days) than a passport. You will need a notarized copy of your birth certificate to get it.

I went over to Canada and back last fall and when I finally got to the gate, it was 30 seconds, are you carrying any illegal materials, no sir, thank you, wham-bam. Of course, I did have to wait 4 hours in line at the Peace Bridge, but once I GOT to the gate, it was a snap.

Check with your local secretary of state; they can give you the details.

 

GB the NEXUS.

 

Passport fees went up on Tuesday. Based on the number of people at the post office on Monday trying to get in under the wire (like me), I suspect that the turnaround time is going to be a little slow.

 

Our paper is in Michigan, a short drive from the two Detroit-Windsor crossings. If you're going by car...

At a customs booth, U.S. citizens must present a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a trusted traveler program card or a Michigan enhanced driver’s license. U.S. citizens 16 and younger can present one of the above documents or a birth certificate.
Visit www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/ for more information.

 

I wish the friend that dragged me to the place heard that advice. If only I knew...