Going to Canadia.. trying to anyway!

[Gomer]

I am taking my GF to Toronto this weekend to see The Lion King (broadway, not movie =Þ ). Staying at the Metropolitan downtown (thanks to Expedia.com)...

Anyway, I was looking through my AAA stuff and it says I need my birth certificate to cross into Canadia. Is that really the deal? If it is I am in trouble as it is still in my parents possesion (150 miles away). I look American so do ya think I'd get by with a couple photo ID's and a SS card?

If not I am in the farmland fertilizer pretty deep.

[vass0922]

I've passed over quite a few times, but never had problems. I WOULD suggest taking a SS Card. Typically if you have a job, and family and show that you're not going to defect you should be ok

[willy_ph]

Canadian customs will usually accept your driver's liscence. You'll find that it's harder to get into Canada than into the US. At least that's my experience.

[Gomer]

Right... that was my understanding...

at this site... http://travel.state.gov/tips_canada.html

I saw this

Visas are not required for U.S. tourists entering Canada from the U.S. for stays up to 180 days. You will, however, need (1) proof of your U.S. citizenship such as (a) your U.S. passport or (b) original or certified copy of your birth certificate and photo identification. (For information on obtaining a U.S. passport, check with the nearest passport agency located at 13 locations throughout the U.S.) If you are a naturalized citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. A driver's license or Social Security card is not valid proof of citizenship.

That statement had me worried.

[smokin1]

I regularly cross the border..and it is getting tougher. A birth certificate or a passport is best. Anyone can get a drivers license...

[vass0922]

Well worst case scenario you're only about 2 hours away from the border (maybe 3.. crossing at port huron?) so not like it would be for me with a 9 hour drive to the border

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

I always make sure I have my Birth certificate on me when crossing the border , If you have time why don't you get your parents to expresspost it to you, should be there next day.

BTW feel sorry for you having to go to toronto Used to spend almost every day there driving around, downtown is insane in a vehicle.

[vass0922]

haha, you'll love 401 and 403
(may not have to worry about 403)
QEW is GREAT fun!

the thing that confused me at first was the express lanes, and the local lanes not something I see around here much

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Ahh yes, the glorious collectors and express, you are in the express, you see your exit, you hit it then you have to jump across 3 lanes to hit the real exit it messes everyone up (That one is Kennedy rd. in Scarborough) You get used to it, but if your from outta town, man it can mess you up. 7 lanes away from your exit and tight packed cars the good old days, can't say I miss going there every day.

Also he could take the 403 from brantford through to mississauga, but just staying on the 401 would be faster.

[vass0922]

ahhh the "Collectors" lol forgot the name of it
Sounds like a horror movie
Oh wait.. its canada... it IS!

Myself I've gone across the border quite a few times, and have never had a problem... including going about 2 weeks after 9/11 WITH a female canadian in the car with me lol
(that was always interesting, going across the border a male american and a female canadian.. the border guards love that! lol)

OH BIG TIP!!!
Customs does NOT HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR!!

I had a friend try to cross through detroit, the customs guy asked why he was crossing the border .... he says (mind you this is a month after 9/11) "I'm runnin away from the draft" he was coming over for a wedding in reality...
The guard didnt' even flinch and told him to pull over to the side .. not the brightest friend in the world hahahah