Identification and papers needed to cross the border into Canada and back into the United States have changed since 9-11. The most recent changes were for entry by air in 2007 followed by land (driving and train) and sea regulations in 2009, according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative set up by the US Customs and Border Protection government agencies.
"First and foremost, be prepared to show your passport," says Marc Magliari, an Amtrak Government Affairs and Communications manager. "Also follow instructions under 'ID' and 'Border Crossing' in the 'Plan' tab at www.Amtrak.com."
Canadian officials say Canada is a great place to visit, but people need to know about border issues. According to information provided by a Chicago Canadian Consulate officer, visitors crossing the border should know they might be turned away if they have been charged with DUIs or misdemeanors unless they also have documents showing approved rehabilitation. Issues that might prevent entry are listed by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)
The Canadian Government allows personal items to be brought, such as cameras and computers, but may ask travelers to fill out a declaration of items. These items would have to return with the person because duty or taxes have to be paid on items bought or sold in Canada.
The Amtrak Cascades departs daily from Eugene, Oregon, with several stops on its way to Vancouver. Seattle, Washington, is among its most popular stations to board. The whole route takes 10 hours, 25 minutes. The route is between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Range passing Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Amtrak Cascades trains have Coach and Business Class accommodations and dinette, café and lounge cars.
Travelers on the East Coast who want to visit Toronto, Ontario, by train can board the Maple Leaf. A 12 hour, 30 minute ride from New York City's Penn Station, the train heads north through the Hudson River Valley to Albany before turning west to Utica, Syracuse and past the Finger Lakes to Rochester. It then goes to Buffalo before crossing the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls and then circles the southwest corner of Lake Ontario up to Toronto. The Maple Leaf has coach and business class accommodations and a snack car.
Travelers to Montreal in the Quebec Province can reach it by the Adirondack train from New York City's Penn Station. A 10 hour trip, the train travels daily through the Hudson River valley north to Albany and on to Ticonderoga along the eastern edge of the Adirondack Mountains before crossing the border to Montreal. The train has coach class accommodations and a snack car.
