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USA Visitors Entering Canada
American citizens entering Canada at any port of entry must be prepared to present proof of US citizenship. Proof of US citizenship includes a US Passport. If you do not have a passport, you can present an original or certified birth certificate together with photo identification such as a valid driver's license. You must have photo identification with you if you have only a birth certificate to prove your citizenship - you cannot enter the country with only birth certificate or only photo ID. US citizens who stay over 180 days require a visa. US citizens who are entering Canada from a third country, not the US, must present a valid passport. Parents traveling with children must have proof of the children's citizenship, in the form of a birth certificate.

Border Wait Time
Monday to Thursday you can expect to wait approximately 10 minutes at the Canadian Customs Inspection Station. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, this wait time can increase to 20 minutes to 1 hour at peak times. Be prepared to show the appropriate documents as listed above, and be prepared for your vehicle to be inspected by customs officials.

Special Circumstances
You may be detained by Canadian customs if:
you have a criminal record, may be excluded from entering the country. Contact a Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulate for information on obtaining a waiver of exclusion.
you are traveling with children and both parents are not present. Grandparents or legal guardians traveling with children under the age of 18 must present proof of custody or letters from the child.s natural parents authorizing the trip, along with proof of the children's citizenship.
you are a naturalized citizen - present valid passport or naturalization certificate.
you are an alien permanent resident of the US - present Alien Registration Card, or "Green Card".
Customs Restrictions for Entering Canada
Personal belongings or baggage may be brought with you when entering Canada, such as clothing, camping or sports equipment, cameras, vehicles. You may be asked to fill out a customs declaration card. These items are for your personal use only, and may not be used by any resident of Canada or business based in Canada. No tax or duty will be charged on personal baggage items brought with you upon re-entry to the US, however, Customs may request a security deposit on your goods which will be returned upon leaving Canada.

You may bring gifts into Canada tax and duty free, only if the gifts are valued at less than $60 Canadian. Gifts over $60 will be charged duty of the excess amount.

If you are over the legal drinking age of the province you are entering, you may bring alcoholic beverages and tobacco products with you. The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. You may bring:

Alcohol
1.5 liters of wine
1.14 liters of liquor
or 24 x 355ml cans or bottles (8.5 liters) of beer or ale
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
50 cigars
200 grams of manufactured tobacco
and 200 tobacco sticks
Obscene or hate materials, weapons, or items generally harmful to the environment are prohibited from entering Canada. If you are bringing weapons, dairy or meat products, plants, animals, vehicles, or anything you are unsure about, please contact Canada Customs beforehand for guidance.

Pets under 3 months old or guide dogs must be in good health when they arrive. Pets over 3 months old must have a veterinarian certificate verifying that the animal has been vaccinated for rabies in the last 3 years.

American citizens visiting Canada are eligible to be refunded part of the tax paid on items purchased while in Canada. You can find the forms to fill out at the front desk of your hotel, or at any post office.