Canada Is Reopening To Fully Vaxxed Americans Today & Here’s What It Will Look Like

After 17 months, Canada's borders are officially reopening to fully vaccinated American travellers and U.S. residents on Monday, August 9.

They will be permitted to enter Canada for non-essential purposes for the first time since March 2020. This includes activities like travel, tourism, shopping, hiking and visiting friends and family.

On the same day, several travel measures will be scrapped for good, including pre-departure temperature testing and the mandatory hotel stopover.

Instead, Canada's new border testing surveillance program will kick in, aiming to identify new variants of concern and monitor vaccine effectiveness.

Five additional Canadian airports will also be permitted to accept international flights again including Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport, Ottawa MacDonald Cartier International Airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport.

Will travel be different?

While there were concerns related to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) strike action, these issues have now been resolved. Previously, officials had warned that Canada's reopening could be seriously impacted by possible strikes.

While strike action isn't set to affect the reopening, Toronto Pearson Airport has urged all travellers to be prepared for delays "due to increased passenger volume and COVID-19 health measures."

Other airports have also shared notices as they prepare to welcome back eligible American travellers, with Vancouver International Airport asking for "patience as we focus on implementing these changes."

Winnipeg Airport warned visitors that it "may look and feel a little different since you last visited," but said it is prioritizing "the health and safety of travellers, visitors and staff above all else [...]."

Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International previously made moves to separate vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers, but have since walked back this plan.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.