Canada and the U.S. have the longest land border in the world, one which is normally open for Canadians and Americans to easily cross. This all changed with the advent of COVID-19 last spring. Except for essential trade items, land border restrictions for travel between Canada and the U.S. came into effect a year ago and remain in effect through April 21, 2021. Given the current increase in coronavirus cases in both countries, the restrictions most likely will be extended. Needless-to-say, this has had a horrific impact on tourism in both countries.
On the other hand, air travel between both countries does allow for the entry of Americans and Canadians into Canada and vice versa but with numerous restrictions. All airline passengers aged two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Travelers entering Canada must present a credible 14-day quarantine plan. Failure to provide a negative COVID-19 viral test will require airline passengers to take a COVID-19 molecular test upon their arrival in Canada. Passengers then must stay in an approved hotel for three nights awaiting the results of the viral test. Those who test positive are required to finish their 14-day quarantine in a Canadian government-designated facility. All of this at the cost of the travelers, which can add up to thousands of dollars.
Failure to comply with the current Canadian border restrictions is a serious matter. Compliance failure is considered an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to up to $750,000 in fines, and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Something not to be sneezed at! One can see that, unless someone is involved in essential work and is required to travel, most average Americans will avoid travelling to Canada by air or by land. Indeed, except for essential workers such as truckers hauling goods across the border, most Americans are being turned away at the border crossings. This is particularly tough on families where family members are located in both countries. Allowing for entry because of humanitarian reasons is determined based on each individual case and can take time to adjudicate. Good luck!
Fortunately, in their usual spirit of cooperation both countries have agreed to each other’s restrictions. However, this does not make it any easier and numerous complaints have surfaced about the handling of situations involving both Canadians and Americans. In the meantime, until this pandemic is truly under control, one can only predict that such restrictions will remain in effect for travel between the two countries in the coming months. Both governments simply prefer that we don’t travel — period.
FROLITICKS 
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