Transportation in Canada

The line between the United States and Canada is the longest peaceful border in the world, and Americans who wish to enter Canada need only present a valid form of identification and answer a few questions about the nature of their visit. Canada is easily accessible by car, and in fact, visitors who wish to drive across the country may wish to take advantage of the 5,000-mile long Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), that stretches from Victoria, British Columbia in the west to St. John's, Newfoundland, in the east.

While travel by car is probably the easiest way to see the country, there are a few things visitors should remember. Travelers from the United States, for example, may bring their personal car into Canada and use it duty-free for six months. It should also be noted that while there are mechanics in all major cities and towns, and gasoline is available most places, the size of the country and the relatively sparse population away from the cities means that the automobile traveler should make sure their vehicle is working properly, and should carry spare parts that are likely to break. In the far north, travelers are advised to keep blankets and other cold-weather gear in their vehicles in case they are caught by a storm.

Air Travel

There are commercial air routes to Canada from most major American cities. Much of the Canadian wilderness is accessible most easily by plane, and charters are available. Pilots who wish to fly their own planes into Canada should check the regulations established by the office of Transport Canada in Ottawa.

Rail Travel

Amtrak connects with Canadian destinations with trains from Chicago, Buffalo, and New York.

In the 19th century, it was the railway that connected the untamed Canadian West with the more populous eastern part of the country, and travel by train is still a great way to see the country. It takes about four days to cross the country by train. Sleeping car service is available, and the trip can be a pleasant experience. There is also intercity rail service in the eastern provinces. There is no train service to the Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut.