Vacation Traditions Happen Here
I spent two years in Parry Sound, discovering something new and beautiful almost everyday. I moved back home to the big city to pursue a different career path. Not a day goes by where I don't think about my time in Parry Sound and long for the fresh and gorgeous scenery again.
Jordanna Burton - Toronto, Ontario Canada
U.S. Citizens - Air Travel
All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States by air.
U.S. Citizens - Land/Sea TravelU.S. citizens aged 16 and older must present one of the following documents; a passport or passport card, a card from one of the three CBP trusted travel programs Century, Nexus or Fast or an Enhanced Driver’s License if you are a resident of a state that offers them. Travelers aged 15 and under just required a copy of their birth certificates. For a complete list of documents visit www.cbp.gov.
U.S. citizens can also apply for a U.S. Passport Card visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html
For information please visit www.cbp.gov
Visitors from all other countries requires a valid passport and in some cases a visitor’s visa. Questions? Visit the Canada Immigration website: www.Immigration.ca
Canadian Border Information Service - If you have any questions regarding general border services contact CBIS in Canada 1-800-662-6332; From outside Canada call 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064. You can also visit their website: www.cbsa.gc.ca
What You Can Bring With You
Duty free articles that may be taken into Canada are:
-1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine
-1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor; a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
-24 x 355 milliliter (12 ounces) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale
-200 cigarettes
-50 cigars or cigarillos
-200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco
-200 tobacco sticks
Firearms and weapons
As a rule, weapons are not allowed into Canada, however; you may bring a hunting rifle or shotgun into Ontario, as a visitor, for hunting or competition purposes and only if you are 18 years of age or older. In addition you may also bring 200 rounds of ammunition for hunting, or 1500 rounds for use. Firearms manufactured as fully automatic are prohibited, regardless of any conversion, and no firearms less than 66 cm (26 inches) in length or with a barrel less than 46 cm (18 inches) are allowed, unless they are being imported for an approved shoot, in which case a temporary permit is required in advance from a local police agency. Mace/stun guns and other weapons are also prohibited. For more information contact the Canadian Firearms Centre: 1-800-731-4000 (toll-free in Canada and the United States) 506-624-5380 (from all other countries)
Web site: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
Vehicles and Insurance
The entry of vehicles and trailers into Canada for touring purposes is usually a quick routine matter. Any necessary permits are issued at the port of entry. If you’ve rented a vehicle or trailer bring along a copy of the rental contract, which stipulates that you have permission to use it in Canada. U.S. motorists planning to travel in Canada are advised to obtain a Canadian Non-Resident Interprovincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card available only in the U.S. Contact your local insurance agency. For more information contact: CBIS: in Canada 1-800-461-999, From outside Canada call 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064. You can also visit their website: www.cbsa.gc.ca
Seat Belts
Ontario Law requires that adults and children over 40lbs/18kg in weight wear seat belts. Infants from birth to 20 lbs/9kg in weight must travel in a rear facing child restraint system. Toddlers weighting 20-40 lbs/9-18 kg must travel in a front-facing child restraint seat.
Pets
Dogs and cats from the U.S. must have current (within 36 months) rabies vaccination certificates. Owners from other countries who wish to bring their pets with them should contact: 1-800-442-2342 / 1-613-225-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 or visit www.inspection.gc.ca
Hospital & Medical Services
Most communities have hospitals and/or resident doctors. Wise travelers will check with their medical service plans to ensure they will be covered while in Canada. If you are importing prescription drugs, make sure they are clearly identified. The drugs should be in the original packaging. If this is not possible, carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor. For further information and insurance details contact your travel or insurance agent.
Financial Services & U.S. Funds
We recommend that visitors use Canadian Funds. Chartered banks, located in most communities, are the best locations for exchanging currency. Note: most banks are closed on weekends and Holidays.
Credit Cards
Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club etc., are honoured in all communities in Rainbow Country. Be sure to check with individual businesses before or when booking accommodations, etc to be safe.
Sales Tax
In Ontario, an 8% provincial sales tax applies to most purchases, and most goods and services are subject to the federal 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). For more information contact Canada Customs Officers: 1-800-668-4748 (Canada) 902-432-5608 (Outside Canada)
Website: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)
For Police services anywhere in Rainbow Country, phone toll-free 1-888-310-1122,
ATS/TTY 1-866-860-7082.
Liquor and the Law
Anyone 19 and over may buy liqour, wine and/or beer from government run or licensed stores. Drinking hours in licensed establishments are from 11 am to 2 am. In Ontario it is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than a residence or on licensed premises.
PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
Information for Boaters
Pleasure crafts may enter Canada by Trailer or under their own power to stay for a period of up to 12 months. The required Entry Permit is obtainable from Customs at port-of-entry. All boats powered by motors 10 HP or over must be licensed with the license number clearly indicated on the bow of the vessel. Boat licenses from outside Ontario are acceptable.
Private boats - If you arrive in Canada aboard a private boat, you must proceed directly to the nearest designated telephone reporting marine site. Upon arrival in Canada, the master of the boat must report to the CBSA. For information on reporting or reporting sites call: 1-888-226-7277.
CANPASS Private Boats - If you participate in CANPASS Private Boats, you must call a CBSA office at 1-888-CANPASS (1-888-226-7277) up to 4 hours before arriving in Canada from the United States. You must also arrive at a designated telephone reporting marine site in Canada. To be eligible for this reporting system all passengers must be program members.
Operator Competency Requirements for Pleasure Craft - Regulation requires that all operators of motorized pleasure crafts (boats) used for recreational purposes have proof of competency and proof of age on board at all times. Regulations also apply to non-residents of Canada whose pleasure craft is in Canada for more than 45 consecutive days. An operator card, or equivalent, issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be considered as proof of competency. As of September 15, 2009 all operators will require proof of competency. For information visit www.safeboater.com
Welcome to
Rainbow Country
