American visitors crossing the border, either way, may be asked to verify their citizenship with such documents as a passport or a birth or batismal Certificate. Photo identification is recommended. Permanent U.S. citizens should carry a naturalization certificate. Permanent U.S. residents who are not citizens are advised to bring their Alien Registration Receipt Card. Citizens of all other countries must have a valid passport and may also require a visitor's visa. Travelers under the age of 18 and unaccompanied by a parent need a letter of permission to travel in Canada from a parent or legal guardian. If you have any questions regarding entry to Canada contact: Canada Immigration Division, Canada Employment and Immigration Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0J9.

We recommend that visitors use Canadian funds. A good rate of exchange is available at all banks and trust companies in Rainbow Country. Most major credit cards are welcome in Canada, including American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Interact cards (Direct Access/Debit) are available in Rainbow Country at numerous retail establishments, banks, gas stations, lodges and resorts.

U.S. residents returning to the United States after 48 hours can take back $800 US worth of merchandise, duty free, every 30 days. This may include one litre of alcohol (35oz), 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigars that are not of Cuban origin. For further information on re-entering the United States, contact U.S. Customs at 906-632-2631. Non-residents of Canada visiting Ontario are allowed to bring in a reasonable amount of personal effects, a 3 day supply of food, and a full tank of gas.

Canada's firearms laws make the country safer for both residents and visitors. We suggest you contact one of our customs offices or a chief firearms officer for information before you attempt to import a firearm.

The following requirements apply to the importation of firearms:
• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You cannot import prohibited firearms, or any prohibited weapons or devices, including silencers and replica firearms.

Visitors may temporarily import restricted firearms, such as pistols or revolvers, provided they get an Authorization to Transport (ATT) in advance from a chief firearms officer.

Seasonal residents may import restricted firearms, but must have a Possession and Acquisition Licence or a valid Firearms Acquisition Certificate, in addition to an ATT.

For more information on importing a firearm into Canada, request a copy of the pamphlet called Importing a Firearm or Weapon Into Canada (RC4227) from a Canadian embassy, consulate, or mission, or from one of the customs offices. For more information contact:

Canadian Firearms Centre, Ottawa ON K1A 1M6

Tel: 1-800-731-4000 (in Canada and the U.S.)
Tel: 506-624-5380 (from other countries)
Fax: 613-941-1991
Email: canadian.firearms@justice.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cfc.gc.ca/.

Whenever we say Thanksgiving, we mean Canadian Thanksgiving, which falls on the second Monday in October. Other public holidays in Ontario: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day (May 24, or preceding Monday), Canada Day (July 1), Civic Holiday (first Monday in August), Labour Day (first Monday in September), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (December 26).

Visitors are urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, you should bring an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Ontario. For further information, please contact your travel or insurance agent before leaving.

Anyone 19 or over may buy liquor, wine, and beer from government run or licensed stores. Drinking hours in licensed establishments are from 11am to 2am. In Ontario it is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than a residence or on licensed premises. A tent, trailer, or camper is considered a residence. Drinking on public beaches, parks, etc. is prohibited. Driving motorized vehicles, including boats, while impaired is illegal. You may be convicted for refusing to take a breathalyzer test or having a breathalyzer reading greater that 80mg (0.08%) of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Dogs and cats from the U.S. over three months old need a certificate from a licensed veterinarian verifying vaccination against rabies within the last three years. Dogs or cats less than three months old, do not need a certificate. However, the animals must be in good health when they arrive.

All other kinds of animals from the U.S., or any animal from another country, contact:

Central Import Service Centre, Toronto Hours: 7:00 to 24:00 (Eastern time)
Telephone: 1-800-835-4486 (toll free in Canada and the U.S.) (416) 661-3039 (local calls and from all other countries)
Fax: (416) 661-5767

You can also find information on www.inspection.gc.ca

Ontario Law requires that adults and children over 18kg/40lbs in weight wear them. Infants from birth to 9kg/20lbs in weight must travel in a rear facing child restraint system. Toddlers weighing 9 to 18kg (20 to 40lbs) travel in a front-facing child restraint seat.

Visitors from outside Canada may claim a refund of the 7 percent federal GST on accumulated purchases of a minimum $100, provided the goods are taken out of Canada within 60 days. Tax charged on hotel and motel accommodation is eligible for refund. Rebates may be issued by taking the completed form to a participating Duty Free Shop for cash rebate or by mailing the form to Revenue Canada, Visitors Rebate Program, Summerside Tax Centre, Summerside, P.E.I., Canada, C1N 6C6 or call toll free anywhere from Canada 1-800-668-4748. From outside Canada, call (902) 432-5608.

A valid driver's license from any country is good in Canada for three months. If you're driving over the border, bring the vehicle registration forms and a free Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card (available in the U.S. only) from your insurance agent, or the policy itself. If you're travelling in a borrowed vehicle, also bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you're travelling with a rented vehicle, include a copy of the rental contract that stipulates that you have permission to use it in Canada.

June, July and August are the peak summer months with temperatures averaging between 21 and 27 Celsius (70 to 80 F). September and October offers occasional warm days with temperatures that can reach up to 21 Celsius (70 F). Medium to heavy weight clothing is recommended for spring and fall. During the winter months you'll need to dress warmly.