Are you thinking about travelling to Quebec for a vacation? You can find a lot of useful information on planning a trip to Canada, such as conditions for entering the country, customs and excise, Canadian tax reimbursement, Canadian currency, insurance, weather conditions and regulations for importing firearms or dogs.
American citizens must present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, citizenship card, naturalization card or photo id, in order to enter Canada. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you must bring your Permanent Residency Card (green card) with you.
If you have a criminal record, including for DUI, you will not be allowed into Canada. TO RE-ENTER THE UNITED STATES by AIR, all american citizens are required to have a passport or a NEEXUS card. On June 1st, 2009, a passport will be required for all U.S. citizens (16 years of age or older) who re-enter the United States by LAND and SEA. For more information on Canada-U.S. Border requirements.
Upon leaving Canada, you have the right to be reimbursed for the taxes you paid on goods bought in Canada if these are taken outside the country within 60 days of purchase.
Personal effects not subject to particular restrictions are exempt from taxes, but must be declared at customs. Note that Canadian regulations are in place governing the importation of food products, plants, pets and firearms.
Visitors 18 years and over may bring 1.14 litres of spirits or 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of wine and spirits or 8.5 litres (24 × 355 ml bottles or tins) of beer or ale, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 g of manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks into Canada.
You can exchange your American dollars for Canadian dollars at the airport or a bank before your departure or upon arrival in Canada. Travellers' cheques and major credit cards are accepted by most outfitters, but it would be best to confirm this with your outfitter beforehand.
Please be aware that the outfitter cannot be held responsible for damage, loss, delays, illness, injury or inconvenience arising from: :
Many insurance companies offer coverage for lost luggage, trip cancellation, medical expenses or hospitalization expenses. Contact an insurance company for more information.
Prior to your departure, ask your airline about luggage weight limits.
Most outfitters have a list of recommended equipment guests should bring. If you are going fishing, do not forget your fishing line, lures, etc.
If you are going hunting, make sure your guns are calibrated properly and you have enough ammunition with you. Ammunition for 10, 16 and 28 calibre firearms or European firearms may be difficult to find in Canada. Please note that handguns are restricted in Canada and may not be used for hunting.
Speed limits are indicated in kilometres per hour. The usual speed limits are 50 km/h (approx. 30 mi/h) in cities and towns, 90 km/h (approx. 55 mi/h) on major roads and 100 km/h (approx. 60 mi/h) on highways.
You may turn right at a red light in most places across Quebec, but certain restrictions apply. You are required to wear a seatbelt. Radar detectors are strictly forbidden.
Hunters must obtain a hunting license, which is available from many sports stores and from the Castor Blanc Outfitter.
If you want to hunt migratory birds, such as geese, ducks and American woodcocks, you will need both a federal license, available at post offices, and a provincial small game license. Please note only non-toxic ammunition is allowed for hunting migratory birds.
Non-residents do not need a hunting certificate to obtain a hunting license. They may use rifles, crossbows or bows to hunt any animal considered a game species, though they must respect any restrictions in effect with regard to the use of certain weapons for certain animal species.
Although non-residents may not participate in lotteries to go hunting in a wildlife preserve, they may accompany a lottery winner on such a hunting trip as a guest.
Hunters and fishers must respect daily bag / catch limits to ensure species conservation.
Non-residents face restrictions regarding the purchase of hunting licenses and the areas or zones in which certain species may be bagged. These restrictions are listed below:
In addition to respecting the regulations set out in the brochure Sport Hunting in Quebec (available online in pdf format), non-residents must register any big game kills at a registration office before leaving Quebec.