Canada spreads across more than 3.8 million square miles — largest nation in the Western Hemisphere. It’s hardly fair to visit so large a country in so small a space as this, but we’ll do out best, this week and next, to hit the how-to high notes.
Adults: Passport is best proof of citizenship; but notarized copy of birth certificate AND current photo I.D., such as driver’s license, are acceptable. Naturalized citizens must carry naturalization certificate. Permanent U.S. residents must carry Green Card.
Children: Should have identification similar to that for adults. Children traveling with people other than their parents or legal guardians must carry a letter from their parents granting permission to travel. Divorced parents with joint custody must carry legal documents establishing their status.
Pets: Dogs and cats must have proof of rabies vaccination within the previous 36 months and must be accompanied by owners. Laws guarantee seeing-eye dogs access to restaurants, hotels and businesses.
Driving: A valid driver’s license from any U.S. state is acceptable. You must have proof of ownership of your vehicle and proof of insurance. It’s recommended that you ask your insurance company for a “yellow card,” shorthand for the Non-Resident Inter-Provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card.
RESOURCES
Canada Tourism: at www.canadatourism.com.
Parks Canada: (the Canadian national park system) 888-773-8888.
Next week: Tax refunds; tourism phone numbers for all the provinces.
