As COVID-19 travel restrictions began to lift earlier this year, travelers from the US flocked by air to Mexico for weekend getaways while escapes to Canada remained off of the table. With recent announcements we now know that our ability to travel throughout our continent is about to become much less limited!
Effective early August, fully vaccinated US travelers will once again be able to visit the northernmost part of North America. That’s right, folks – Canada is reopening to Americans.
With that in mind, for our eleventh edition of 15 Summer Weekends, we’re giving you the scoop on Canada’s reopening. After all, a nonstop flight from Charlotte to Canada (Toronto, specifically) takes less than 2-hours of air time.
Below, we’ll breakdown exactly when Canada will reopen to US tourists plus key travel requirements you should understand along with the best places to go and hot deals to consider.
Reopening Info to Know
Starting August 9, 2021, Canada will reopen for nonessential travel (aka tourism) to fully vaccinated US citizens and to permanent residents of the US who currently reside in the US. This is exciting news as many of us will now be able to expand our North American getaway options beyond just the US and Mexico – hello, beautiful Canada!
But, with each reopening comes a plethora of confusing requirements to sift through. We know that understanding travel requirements and restrictions can make anyone’s head spin – there’s simply so much to read, digest, and understand. To make your life easier, we’ve included a simple Q&A below that breaks down the key ins and outs of traveling to Canada after August 9, 2021.
Our Simple Q&A of Key Info to Understand
Q: So, it sounds like I have to be fully vaccinated to go to Canada?
A: For nonessential travel yes, that’s correct. Starting August 9, 2021 Canada will allow entry for nonessential travel if you’re fully vaccinated.
Q: What does fully vaccinated mean, exactly?
A: To be considered “fully vaccinated” you must have received your full series of approved vaccines at least 14 days prior to entering Canada.
Q: What about those who aren’t vaccinated, can they go to Canada?
A: Canada will remain closed for nonessential travel to those who are not fully vaccinated.
Q: Are there vaccination exceptions for children?
A: Yes! Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 may accompany a fully vaccinated adult (guardian, parent, tutor, or stepparent). Dependent children can do the same with proof of a mental or physical condition. Keep reading because there’s one post entry testing requirement that’s unique to unvaccinated children.
Q: Ok, I’m fully vaccinated and I’m a US citizen/permanent resident. What do I have to do to get into Canada for a trip?
A: Here are the five things you have to do:
1) Receive a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of your trip.
Note: The test cannot be an antigen test – it must be a PCR or molecular test.
2) Before departing for Canada, enter proof of your vaccination into ArriveCAN
3) Exhibit no COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival in Canada
4) Bring a paper or digital copy of your vaccination record with you – you might be asked to show it to a government official. Make sure your record is in English or French.
5) Meet all pre-entry testing requirements (see #1) plus submit to a random COVID-19 molecular test upon arrival if selected.
Q: This isn’t too crazy complicated so far… BUT, what’s this random test you speak of?! You lost me there.
A: After August 9, no post-arrival COVID-19 test is required for vaccinated travelers – great news! Instead, some fully vaccinated travelers will be randomly selected to complete a Day 1 COVID-19 molecular test (i.e. RT-PCR).
Q: Tell us more about these special testing requirements for unvaccinated children.
A: Unvaccinated children must avoid attending camps and/or daycares for their first 14-days in the country. In addition, unvaccinated children must undergo COVID-19 tests on Day 1 and Day 8 of their trips in Canada.
Q: Do I have to take a COVID-19 test to get back into the US from Canada once I’m ready to leave?
A: Yes, you do and below we’ll give you the scoop on how to make this even easier.
If venturing to a testing site or having a medical professional administer your test in your hotel doesn’t sound like a fun way to wrap your vacation, you now have another option. The FDA has now authorized a virtually guided at-home COVID-19 test that’ll provide you automated results for re-entry into the US.
How does this work?
Step 1: Be sure to buy your at-home testing kit while you’re still in the US. You can buy the test from eMed, Optum, or Ellume.
Step 2: Pack your kit and take it with you on your trip.
Step 3: Take the monitored test within 72-hours of beginning your return trip to the US – ensure you have a solid internet connection while taking the test.
Q: Where should I read more about all of the requirements if I’m ready to book my trip?
A: Great question! Information can change quickly and there’s always a lot of misinformation that spreads on third party sites so we like to go to the source – the Canadian government. Stay up-to-date with official communication by using this website.
Deals to Consider
If a trip to Canada sounds like something in your future, be sure to take advantage the below great deals.
Airfare Deals
Non-stop flights from Charlotte to Canada aren’t cheap. In August, non-stop roundtrip rates from Charlotte to Toronto start at $584 and Charlotte to Montreal starts at $615. Though the rates are better in September ($408+ to Toronto and $536+ to Montreal), booking with points and/or mileage is the least expensive way to get from Charlotte to Canada right now.
Earlier this week, The Points Guy reported nonstop roundtrip flights from Charlotte to Montreal for just 15,000 AAdvantage miles. Keep an eye on fares using your miles and you’ll be sure to snag a great deal if your dates are flexible.
Accommodation Deals
Sweet Steals
In Montreal
Maison Saint-Vincent: This highly rated historic boutique hotel is a great stay in Old Montreal and you can have it for less than $150/night.
In Toronto
Kimpton’s Saint George: Book this hotel for less than $130/night and be sure to checkout their offers for exclusive IHG rewards points.
Great Offers On Luxe Stays
In Montreal
Stay at the Four Seasons Montreal or the Ritz-Carlton Montreal for less than $385/night. Plus, at the Four Seasons you can receive offers like a third night free, 20% off of your stay, or up to CAD 200 dining, drinks, or spa treatments.
In Toronto
Book a room at the St. Regis for less than $300/night this August and with code BOG get your third night free. At under $400/night, the Shangri-La Toronto and the Ritz-Carlton Toronto are also great picks.
In Lake Louise
Post Hotel & Spa at Lake Louise: This Relais & Châteaux property is a splurge but, now through October 2021, all room reservations include a daily Deluxe breakfast and a four-course “Table d’Hote” menu for dinner.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Score savings like 30% off of your stay or fifth night free plus a $200 activity credit while staying at this gem.
Emerald Lake Lodge: This stunning destination in Yoho National Park (pictured above in the image by Jo) is offering 15% off of your stay.
Our Overall Takeaway: Should You Go?
If you’re a fully vaccinated adult traveling alone or with other fully vaccinated adults, visiting Canada after August 9, 2021 will be fairly easy. The biggest downside is the potential of being randomly selected for a molecular COVID-19 test upon arrival. What’s the chance of that happening? Only time will tell. So, if you fall into this category of fully vaccinated traveler and are itching to keep your trips in North America, Canada is a great option.
If you’re not fully vaccinated and/or you’re traveling with those who aren’t, Canada is a tough option. For adults, a trip like this is off the table for nonessential travel. For children, it’s complicated given the continued testing requirements for those unvaccinated under 12 years of age. If you’re up for that challenge, it’s definitely possible. If you’re not interested in the hassle, we don’t blame you and there are plenty of other great places to go.
Let us know what you decide and we’ll be back next week with more handpicked destinations to fill your remaining summer weekends. Want to see your favorite destination featured? Email us at hello@adventuredesigned.com. Until then, follow us @adventuredesigned for more travel tips, custom travel planning, and inspiration.
Adventure Designed plans unforgettable travel experiences, customized completely for you. Check us out at www.adventuredesigned.com and connect with us to schedule your complimentary consultation by emailing hello@adventuredesigned.com.
