The Canada—U.S. Border Is Open

Here are the top frequently asked questions about the Canadian border.

By Northern Ontario Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada!

January 10, 2023

As of October 2022, the Canadian border is fully open to travellers with no pandemic-related restrictions.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required.
COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required.
Quarantine is not required.
Using the ArriveCAN app is not required.

That's great news for us here in Northern Ontario—from our lodges to our motels, our restaurants to our boutiques, our campgrounds to our outfitters—we're all excited to be welcoming our U.S. friends back to our amazing province.

“Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder. What unites us is far greater than what divides us.” —President JFK in his address to Canadian parliament, 1961,

This guidance could change at any time if deemed necessary for public health. Consult the Government of Canada travel site for the most recent updates and requirements.

so What do Americans need to cross the border into Ontario in 2023?

Just your passport! And a sense of adventure, of course.

Do I need to wear a mask when I'm visiting Ontario?

Nope, mask mandates have been dropped. They may be required in health care settings like long-term care homes and hospitals.

how can i plan my visit to Northern Ontario?

Our region is vast and full of opportunities for any kind of visit you want to experience this summer—fishing, camping, boating, golf, and hiking as well as urban adventures in our major hubs of Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, and North Bay. There are lots of lodges, outfitters, campgrounds, and motels/hotels that have availability in August, September, and beyond. Don't miss out on everything on offer in our historic small towns, too.

Due to its location alongside the Northern Minnesota border, Northwestern Ontario's Sunset Country is especially dependent on its American visitors and is looking forward to welcoming back Americans this summer.

Superior Country, Algoma Country, and Northeastern Ontario also have lots of places to stay and things to see.

If you are visiting during forest fire season in Northern Ontario there may be fires active in some remote areas. Visit here for a list of affected areas or view this interactive map to ensure you plan accordingly.

Did Canada miss me?

Yes. We did. We really did.

Welcome back, friends. We're happy you're here.

more information on travelling into northern Ontario

What to expect when driving across the border into Ontario (and a complete list of all the land, train, and ferry crossings).

Our guide on what to pack for a Northern Ontario visit

A handy list of what you can and can't bring into Ontario

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About Northern Ontario

Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada! Bigger than Texas, wilder than the west, more welcoming than a campfire in October, Northern Ontario is like no place else. Sunset Country is famous for its spectacular fishing lakes, Superior Country stretches into the deep north wildnerness, Algoma Country has Lake Superior as their back yard, and the Northeast provides excellent vacation destinations close to Toronto and other large urban centres in Southern Ontario.