Canada road-trip guide

Canada–U.S. road-trip border planning

Cross-border road trips require current identification, customs awareness and vehicle/rental documentation.

BorderCanada-US

Editorial review: August 11, 2026 · Mark R. Dunsmore

Identification

CBSA recommends a valid passport as the universally accepted travel document for international travel.

Children

CBSA advises carrying appropriate identification and may recommend a consent letter when children travel without both parents or guardians.

Rental vehicles

Cross-border and one-way rental permissions depend on the rental company and applicable rules.

Check before departure

Border wait times, declarations and entry requirements can change.

General travel-planning information only. Drivers must follow licence restrictions, traffic laws and current road-authority directions. Do not continue driving when fatigued or when weather, closures or road conditions make the trip unsafe.