Tips for Crossing the Canadian Border by Car

Driving across the U.S./Canada border

Planning a long drive can involve a lot of research and coordination — especially if you’re traveling abroad. Since driving to other countries requires certain paperwork and processes, it’s not always possible to plan a last-minute adventure. If you’re planning to drive across the U.S./Canadian border on an upcoming trip, get prepared by learning what to expect at the border and understanding what paperwork you’ll need in order to cross. 

Tips on moving from the US to Canada

Moving from the U.S. to Canada

Canada is known for many things: hockey, universal health care, a low crime rate, great public schools and friendly citizens. These things and more lead many people to think, “I want to move to Canada,” and maybe you do, too! Whether you have a new job opportunity, hope to hone your French language skills, or want to move back to Canada because you’ve lived there before, there’s some planning to do to make sure the process goes smoothly. 

Can I Drive a Rental Truck to Canada?

Crossing the Canadian border in a rental truck 

Moving to Canada and thinking about using a rental truck? While some companies allow their equipment to travel across the border, others won’t. Before getting too far in the process, be sure you know which rental services permit travel into Canada — otherwise, you could be stuck at the border facing possible fees and vehicle confiscation. 

Things to Know About Moving Pets to Canada

Traveling to Canada with a dog, cat or other pet 

If you’re a pet owner who’s moving to Canada, you may be wondering how to bring your pet with you. While there are some restrictions, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) does allow domestic dogs, cats and other animals to enter the country. And since Canada doesn’t enforce a quarantine period like some other countries and locations, the process is pretty straightforward. Just complete the few necessary steps and crossing the border will be simple! 

Want to know more about moving to Canada? Check out this resource on moving from the U.S. to Canada for tips on transporting household goods, filling out customs forms and more. 

What is the cheapest way to move from Canada to the U.S.?

The cost of moving between Canada and the U.S.

When relocating to a new country, there are plenty of costs that you’ll incur, from customs processing fees to finding new housing. But one of the biggest costs can be shipping your belongings. When moving from Canada to the U.S. (or in reverse), you’ll need to find a shipping option that can get your belongings across the border, but you don’t want to spend more than necessary. 

How can you move to the U.S. from Canada and stay within your budget? The easiest answer is to do some of the work yourself, and use a moving company that keeps prices low. U-Pack^® is often the cheapest option. Take a look at how U-Pack keeps rates affordable and the costs you can expect for your move.

I'm moving from Canada to the U.S. What do I need to know?

How to move to the U.S. from Canada

Any long-distance move involves a lot of planning and coordination. But an international move (even if it’s just across the border) can seem even more complicated. There are requirements to meet, laws to follow and steps for getting your belongings and family from one country to another. Learn about the necessary paperwork, and how to move belongings, cars and pets from Canada to the United States.

U-Pack Moving - Canada

Compare Canadian moving companies

When exploring options for moving in or out of Canada, you may have come across U-Pack. It’s a “you pack, we drive” moving service that’s ideal for long distance moves (and moves that cross the Canadian border). Since you don’t have to drive, you’re free to travel and cross the border without all of your belongings in tow. Take a better look at how U-Pack works in Canada to compare us with other Canadian moving companies.

Do I need a passport to move to Canada?

Is a passport required to move to Canada?

Not always – it depends on how you plan to get there. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires U.S. travelers to present documents proving their citizenship. Ideally, this is a passport, but you may be able to use other documents depending on your mode of transportation. However, the Canadian Border Patrol recommends you carry your passport if you travel internationally, regardless of your transportation choice and the requirements.

Note: If you don’t have your passport and need one quick, be sure to check passport processing times. Routine and expedited service times can vary based on the time of the year.

Let’s look at each mode of transportation and what documents are required when entering Canada.

Moving to Canada with Kids

How to move to Canada with children

(Updated 2/18/2015)

Moving from state to state takes work. Moving across an international border takes even more work. Moving across an international border with kids? You’re going to need some help. The experts at U-Pack^® have done the research and can help you learn everything you need to know about moving from the U.S. to Canada with kids, including documentation requirements, tips, and more.

Canada Moving Requirements

 What are the requirements for moving to and living in Canada?

The vast expanse of Canada’s beautiful, diverse territory is enough reason for anyone to move to the Great White North. Keep reading to learn Canada moving requirements and how to move to Canada.

Note: Please visit the Canada Citizenship and Immigration Website to learn of any requirement changes.