Non-Essential Travel Between Canada & The US Won't Be Back Before May 21

The border closure has been extended for the 13th time. 🇨🇦🇺🇸
Managing Editor, Canada

For the thirteenth time, the Canada-U.S. border reopening has been pushed back by another month.

On April 20 — one day before the last extension was set to end — Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair confirmed that the border would remain closed to discretionary travel until at least May 21, 2021.

Editor's Choice: Canada's Minimum Wage Is Set To Be Boosted Across All Federally-Regulated Industries

Blair said that decisions would continue to be made based on “the best public health advice available.”

Borders between the two countries have remained closed to non-essential travel for over a year, with restrictions first going into effect back in March 2020.

It comes as Canada continues to deal with a “very serious” third wave of COVID-19. Earlier this month, Canada’s average daily confirmed cases (per million people) topped that of the United States for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

Canada-US travel advice keeps changing — Here are all the latest rules & ominous warnings

From grim warnings and safety advice to new entry rules and fees, here's what to know before you go.

8 Ontario snow laws you might not know you can get fined up to $2,000 for breaking

Some of them also have time limits — so you'd better get shovelling. ❄️⏳

8 bucket-list destinations Canadians are actually urged to avoid in 2026

Your 2026 bucket list might need some editing. 👀