Make sure your U.S. passport is valid for at least six months after your date of entry into Canada. If you are traveling by car or sea, you may use a passport card issued by the United States government. However, you are not permitted to use a U.S. passport card if you are traveling by air. Additionally, if you live in a state that issues enhanced drivers' licenses, you may use an EDL to travel to Canada. An EDL contains a vicinity Radio Frequency Identification chip and a Machine Readable Zone so it can be scanned easily at the border.
Plan your travel to Canada, whether going by land or air. Although you can fly into smaller cities in Canada, you will find better ticket rates by flying into large international airports. Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa have the largest and busiest airports in Canada.
Register with the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate upon your arrival. The United States' Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows U.S. diplomats to contact you with important safety and security updates. Your loved ones will also be able to contact you easier in the case of an emergency.
Exchange your U.S. dollars for Canadian dollars. Although many places in Canada accept U.S. dollars, especially the border towns, you will find it more convenient to spend Canadian funds. You almost always get the best exchange rate at a Canadian bank. Additionally, most major credit cards are accepted throughout the country.
