Citizens and permanent residents of the United States do not need a visa or passport to visit Canada, but they do require identification that  provides proof of citizenship status (birth certificate, citizenship certificate, green card, etc).

Many weapons are restricted and may not be transported into Canada, including switchblade knives, mace, butterfly knives and pepper spray. Visitors from the United States are permitted to bring non-restricted firearms across the border for hunting purposes, providing they obtain a valid Firearms Acquisition Certificate. These certificates are available at any border crossing.  Assault rifles, sawed-off weapons,  handguns and semi-automatic long guns are not permitted to be brought into Canada.

Many personal items and goods may be brought into Canada providing they are declared at the border. These include recreational equipment  (outboard motors, cameras, computers, etc) and small amounts of alcohol and tobacco products. Some food products, animals, animal products, plant products and pesticides are restricted and may not be brought into Canada. For a list of those products visit www.inspection.gc.ca.  Endangered or controlled animal and plant species and their products may not be brought into Canada without special permits.

Pet dogs and cats may be brought into Canada providing they have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (seeing eye dogs and puppies and kittens under three months of age are exempt.)

For more information about Canadian customs regulations contact www.cra-arc.gc.ca/  or call 1-800-461-9999in Canada or 1-888-CANPASS in the United States.

The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is applied at the single rate of 15% to most goods and services in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island uses the seven percent Goods and Services Tax (GST). American and other non-Canadian visitors are eligible to claim a rebate on the HST or GST on most goods except alcohol and tobacco that are taken out of Canada within 60 days of purchase. HST forms are available at visitor information centers , customs offices and many accommodations.