Driving: Florida to Niagara Falls, Canada - Any Problems?
 

I'm driving north with my Canadian S.O. in early May and was wondering if any other drivers had encountered any problems doing so. I've booked hotels along the way; am aware there will be limitations such as restrooms only at gas stations and fast food-type carry-outs. Any chance local and state police will stop and question us? To my knowledge, no such monitoring has been going on. Two of the hotels are Marriott Courtyards -- website cautions that stay and eligibility issues may be of concern; anyone aware this warning? Thanks for any advice or insight. Stay safe to all.

If you are American you will not be allowed into Canada. Your spouse will, though she will have to quarantine for 14 days.

Is this for tourism purposes? Because early May seems rather early for taking road trips for pleasure.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tru...date-1.5537251

I am an American. It is my understanding from the Canadian Customs folks that as a common-law- husband, I will be permitted entry. Do you have info to the contrary? Thanks for your input.

If one is in deed allowed as a common law spouse, do you have a sign/notarized document to that fact? I would suspect that immigration is going to be looking for such proof and more - like a joint bank account statement.

I do have sufficient documentation that shows we've been living together, going on trips together, members of social clubs together, living at the same address in Canada for the past 6 years. My supposition is that if I can't cross, it'll be becauee I'm an American and NOT essential -- common-law-husband status notwithstanding.....

I'll check with a few Canadian consulates next week and see if my supposition is correct. Thanks for your input. Be safe.

Here's the Government of Canada page on travel restrictions: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...th-advice.html

Common law spouses of Canadian citizens do appear to be exempt from the restrictions. The main thing to watch for is the mandatory 14 quarantine upon arrival that Bogwoppit mentioned earlier.

Probably at least 500,000 Canadian " snowbirds" have driven from Florida to Canada in the past 4-6 weeks without any problems, why should you be any different?

My son drove from St. Pete to Rochester two weeks ago. Spent one night in Richmond on the way up. He said there is still a fair amount of truck traffic and more auto traffic than he expected. No issues and just did a take out dinner from a Panera Bread near the hotel. I can’t help you with the border crossing info, but otherwise you will be fine.

All non essential travel across the border is now not allowed for non Canadians, this was newly put in place last week. Snowbirds included.

If you can get across the border, you will have to quarantine for 14 days. They will ask for your plan for quarantine, if you do not have one they will put you in a hotel for the 14 days. You must also wear a non medical mask, or they will provide one.

Honestly if this trip is for pleasure, now is not the time.

​​​​​​https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/heal...th-notices/221

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...ng-canada.html​​​​​​

Neice arrived back with her non-Canadian husband plus their marriage certificate, no problem. They were ask for proof of eligibility to enter Canada. Marriage certificate is a slam dunk for airline personnel.
You just need enough proof to convince the CBSA officer you qualify.

Further to what others have said up-thread, you must have a "credible quarantine plan" when you cross the border (such as your own house/apartment), and you need to immediately go into quarantine WITHOUT STOPPING TO BUY GROCERIES or other supplies.

This story is from about four weeks ago, but still an interesting read: https://www.macleans.ca/society/life...ity-of-canada/
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I have sufficient documentation to demonstrate a cmmon-law-husband relationship over 6 years with my S.O; she is the Canadian citizen. I own a condo at which I plan to self-isolate for the required 14 days; I have arranged for packaged foods and groceries to be delivered during the quarantine period. I am currently awaiting email documentation that will allow me to cross over. Thanks for everyone's input and advice.

Hey OP, can we get an update. Curious to know if you were allowed into Canada.

As the Canadian Border people finally relaxed their rules regarding siblings, relatives, and the like pertaining to eligibility to cross in June, I was able to successfully drive over in mid-June; still had to meet quarantine requirements though. I was not "essential" but I did fall into the category of relatives and siblings. Sorry to take so long to reply.

Good news. I had a friend, Canadian, cross with her American husband and child a month ago. They got a serious grilling at the border, but were allowed in. They quarantined as agreed, and now are working from home here.