Travel Info
Do I need a passport to get into Canada?
A passport is required for travel by air.Proper documentationis required when crossing the Canada-US border by land (or sea). This means: a passport, a nexus pass or certain other trusted documents (Birth certificate and driver's licenses should still work).
Be Safe: For your own peace of mind (and ours) check US Customs & Border Protection AND Passport Canada to make sure you have what you need to get in to Canada and back into the United States (getting back is usually harder, even for citizens).
Where is Waterloo?
How do I get to Waterloo?
Probably by car or plane. Below are some tables with drive times and distances to nearby airports, follow by some specific travel tips.| Driving from within Canada | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| City | Kilometers | Miles | Drive Time |
| Hamilton | 56 | 35 | 1/2 hr |
| Toronto | 104 | 65 | 1 hr |
| Windsor | 289 | 180 | 3 hrs |
| Kingston | 370 | 230 | 3 1/2 hrs |
| Montreal | 660 | 410 | 6 hrs |
| Driving from United States Border Crossings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossing | Kilometers | Miles | Drive Time |
| Niagara Falls | 133 | 83 | 1 1/4 hrs |
| Buffalo / Fort Erie | 162 | 101 | 1 1/2 hrs |
| Port Huron / Sarnia | 195 | 121 | 2 hrs |
| Windsor / Detroit | 289 | 180 | 3 hrs |
| Closest Airports | ||
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Flights from | Airport to Waterloo |
| Region of Waterloo International Airport | Detroit, Calgary, others | 5 minutes drive -- pickup/drop off can be arranged with host. Flights are little bit expensive. |
| Toronto Pearson Airport | Around the world | 1 hour drive |
| London International Airport | Detroit, Ottawa, Winnipeg, & Calgary | 1 hour drive |
| Hamilton International Airport | Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax | 45 minute drive |
| Buffalo Niagara International Airport | Around the world | 2.5 hour drive + time at border |
| Detroit Metro Airport | Around the world | 3.5 hour drive + time at border |
Travel Tips
If you are crossing into Canada from Buffalo or Niagara:- There are 3 border crossings available. The Peace Bridge is generally the fastest as the other 2 generally have long lines. But, the Rainbow Bridge will take you past Niagara Falls, which is definitely worth seeing. Avoid the Queenston-Lewiston bridge since there is sometimes an inexplicably long line-up when entering Canada.
- If you have a Nexus pass, then you can use the
Whirlpool
crossing. I've never seen this crossing or met anyone who's used it. It's probably enchanted, so keep your eyes open. - If you have your GPS set to avoid tolls, disable that option. Otherwise, it will send you on a 12 hour adventure around the east side of lake Ontario.
- Once you cross the border, follow the highways into Hamilton, then take Highway 6 north. Your GPS may send you into Toronto, which is a longer route.
If you are crossing into Canada from Detroit or Sarnia:
- Generally speaking, Sarnia is a better choice. You'll avoid some Detroit traffic, probably avoid some lines at the border, and there's usually less trafic between the border and Waterloo.
- If you go through Sarnia make sure you have gas because there are not many stops along the way.
If you are flying:
- We suggest that you check flights to Buffalo and Detroit since they are usually cheaper than flights to Toronto (even if you end up renting a car).
- You might be able to arrange a carpool from your destination city as there will likely be many people driving from, near or through it.
- Don't forget to allocate some travel time in case of a line-up at the border.
- Remember that you can not carry large bottles of liquid on the plane. In fact, there's a bunch of stuff you can't bring on the plane. So, if you don't travel often, check your airline's policies before you get to the airport.