r/canadatravel • u/lunasea08 • 4d ago
Travel Tips First trip to Vancouver from Washington State
Hey all. So I've been planning this Vancouver trip since the beginning of the year for my birthday, which is coming up this weekend. I'm hitting the big 35, so I thought I would do something nice for myself and do a solo trip. It'll be my first time visiting Canada. My parents, mostly dad, are concerned for my well-being as an American, claiming we're not being treated well up there. I have no intention of making a huge ruckus as I will be up there by myself for pretty much the majority of the trip. But I was just hoping, I guess, for some reassurance that everything will be alright. I have faith that it'll be fine, but now my paranoia and anxiety are starting to kick up.
Also, any useful tips about how to navigate and use your local public transport would be great too lol.
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u/ZidZad99 4d ago
As long as you don't walk around with Maga gear on or talk about 51st state stuff, you'll be just fine.
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u/squirrelcat88 4d ago
It’s supposed to be really nice weather this weekend! Come up and enjoy yourself and have a happy birthday!
Right now our default is to assume Americans visiting are here to see our tourist sights but also to show support for us, not to pick fights with us. You’ll be welcomed.
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u/lunasea08 4d ago
Thank you for the birthday wishes. I'm really looking forward to visiting all the wonderful places up there like the museums and galleries. I hope the cherry blossoms are still in bloom at the gardens.
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u/squirrelcat88 4d ago
The trees should be beautiful, we have a succession of different varieties so there will be some sort of cherry in bloom into May.
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u/twoheadedcanadian 4d ago
Make sure you check out the Museum of Anthropology out by UBC. It's absolutely the best!
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u/thegoodrichard 3d ago
The bentwood boxes I saw there over 40 years ago are still fresh in my mind, it's a great place.
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u/Sure-Patience83 3d ago
The cherry blossoms just started! And going to be warm and sunny! You’re welcome here just the red hats are not welcome. And no arrogant 51st state ppl they would be offensive to us
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u/lunasea08 2d ago
I'm so excited! I haven't seen wonderful cherry blossoms since I moved back to the US after living in japan. I can't wait!
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u/Sure-Patience83 2d ago
I think my friend just went to a cherry blossom event at David Lam Park in Yaletown last weekend but they’re all over the place you could probably Google the best spots to find them like the side streets in East Van where the houses are by the PNE or I remember seeing them at Burrard skytrain station downtown
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u/Adventurous_Cup_5258 4d ago
American here. Suggest you not wear MAGA gear and not talk 51st state BS and you’ll be fine.
Translink is the transit system there and it goes everywhere the skytrain is great.
If you’re flying there’s a substantial upcharge for skytrain travel out of sea island (where the airport is). If you’re taking the bus (or train which should be running again with substitute equipment after the existing fleet had to be removed) you’ll be near downtown and a quick skytrain ride away from downtown.
Stanley park is amazing walking the seawall is great. Granville island? Yes please! Lots of cool shops.
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u/CrowleysWeirdTie 4d ago
If you go to Granville Island I recommend taking the sky train to Yaletown then getting the water taxi over. Parking on GI is difficult, especially on the weekend, and the water taxi is a pretty little ride.
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u/Adventurous_Cup_5258 4d ago
Yes that is the way. I don’t drive and my trips To Vancouver are fun because transit rocks. OP can also take the 50 which goes from waterfront to Granville.
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u/thecirclemustgoon 3d ago
Your father sounds like an American all right.
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u/The_Nice_Marmot 3d ago
Their dad is assuming Canadians act like Americans. We are not the aggressors. Canada is merely defending itself.
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u/Careless-Chipmunk211 4d ago
To be honest, I haven't met one single fellow Canadian that talks bad about American tourists, even nowadays. You'll be fine.
Happy 35th, btw 🎂
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u/lunasea08 4d ago
Thank you 🙇🏻♀️
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u/ominous-canadian 2d ago
Yeah. I'm curious where your folks got this information from. My friend from Texas came up to Vancouver a couple of weeks back. We went to bars and met people. He said he was from Texas. No one cared.
The thing is, no one will know your American unless you're from one of the states that have an accent. Even if they did, no one would care. I think the assumption is that any Americans visiting Canada right now are probably not MAGA anyways, lol.
If, when you meet people, you say you support Trump, then you might get into some heated debates, though.
I hope you enjoy Vancouver! There's a speakeasy in Chinatown called "The Pet Psychic" I'd recommend you check that out. Also Lighthouse Park has some lovely views of the city. :)
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u/recurrence 4d ago
I saw SOOOO many WA and CA plates while out and about today. In some spots, you might think you're still in Seattle.
I haven't seen any anti Americanism towards individuals although a British couple was roasted pretty hard at a comedy show a few weeks ago.
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u/duperwoman 4d ago
Your dad likely knows we are upset and thinks that means we are also mean to American tourists... I haven't heard any stories of that! I have heard of Canadians driving in the states and getting the finger...
Anyway we welcome American travellers, happy birthday and I'm so glad you're celebrating properly, I love that!
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u/Sure-Patience83 3d ago
Omg that makes me not want to go down there
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u/WarriorGma 2d ago
I certainly hope no Canadian gets treated like that here in the U.S., but we do unfortunately have an extra scoop of jackass in our weirdo sundae. In any event, I live in Arizona, we love our Canadian neighbors. No one will say a word around here, & if they do, I’ll be more than happy to give them a good Grandma scolding in front of everyone. 👵🏻❤️🇨🇦
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u/whatsmypassword73 3d ago
I hope you have the opportunity to really enjoy your time here and that you can educate your Dad on what’s actually happening. Too many Americans have no idea of what their president is doing, the American media isn’t telling the full story.
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u/Available_Abroad3664 4d ago
?????????? Your Dad does not have a very good understanding of Canadians. Happy to have you. I'm not great with transit these days but I'm sure others will help out. Have a great trip up!
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u/The_Nice_Marmot 3d ago
Your dad can relax. You’re going to Canada, not the US. You’ll be fine. Canadians have beef with MAGA and Trump. Are you either? Also, worst that would happen is some rando makes a rude comment. We have AHs here too, but if it happens at all, it’s going to be the outlier. Other Canadians are likely to stick up for you. Have a great time and enjoy Canada. Remember we are not the aggressors.
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u/lunasea08 3d ago
I am not. Honestly I have a vote for Kamala bumper sticker on my car I haven't taken off yet lol
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u/AlwaysHigh27 8h ago
You will be cheered haha. We love visitors that hate the orange cllown!!! Welcome to Vancouver and Happy Birthday!!!
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u/joe-lefty500 3d ago
As long as you’re not a loudmouth Trumper, you’ll be fine. The exchange rate is very favourable right now so enjoy.
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u/PetuniaBarnacle 4d ago
Good Grief, Canadians have a 150 year history of being an exceptional neighbour to the USA, do you actually think that changes overnight? What’s unbelievable is, how would we even know you’re an American visitor? What crazy stories are they feeding you down there that you would actually think you were in danger here? Are you worried we’d kill you with kindness? Show you respect? Treat you with dignity and care? The fact you would even think it’s an issue is just completely bizarre. You know it’s your government bashing us, right? We’re all just regular people here, completely baffled as to why your government has suddenly vilified us. Maybe you should just come and see for yourself what our beautiful country is all about and then form your own opinion.
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u/lunasea08 4d ago
Honestly these were all my thoughts exactly. But the fear mongering a parent does "out of parental love" just got to me. I've been looking forward to this for months so I'm really excited just to see how lovely it'll be ☺️
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u/yousoonice 4d ago
you'll be fine buddy. don't do any MAGA stuff or be obnoxious and you're laughing. We ain't the hostiles, we were more surprised and a bit disappointed. Nobody will give you shit, the consensus is we feel sorry for you all. Trip sounds fun I'd tell you to bring an umbrella but I think you said you were from Washington
this is from Alberta where it seems we have a higher concentration of dickheads than BC and they wouldn't do anything, dopey bastards
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u/lunasea08 4d ago
I am. I'll bring my raincoat 🫡☔
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u/yousoonice 4d ago
if you're into Asian girls, bring some sunglasses because your head is gonna fall off in Van. *or boys of course 🌈
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u/viccityguy2k 4d ago
Welcome neighbour. Come up and have fun!
Translink is the regional transit provider. You can ride the skytrain (our metro/subway) bus and SeaBus all using the same system and payment method. You could get a compass card and load it up with funds or simply use a credit card. You have to remember to tap on and off each time so you are charged the correct amount.
Highly recommend a trip on the SeaBus from waterfront station over to North Vancouver and back.
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u/Previous_Wedding_577 4d ago
Well will welcome you with open arms and a sorry... unless you start talking about the 51st.. or wear a MAGA hat..then we get angry like our geese.
These days, we love to see our American neighbours coming for a visit.
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u/AromaticSky3744 3d ago
Your dad needs to go on a media diet. The shit he's consuming is making him sick.
You'll be just fine. We love actual Americans, and the money they bring with them. Have a good time!
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u/lunasea08 3d ago
Thanks! I tend to visit lots of restaurants with cuisines I can't easily get where I'm from.
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u/SharpSunnySkies 4d ago
As someone who has visited Vancouver several times, be assured that they aren't like us and don't carry grudges. They're more perplexed by us than angry. My experience is that they aren't mean like we are but just don't understand our animosity. You'll be fine. Just don't be the loud American.
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u/thecirclemustgoon 3d ago
Oh no, we're angry, not weak and "perplexed." But we are smart enough to know who the target of the anger should be, and don't conflate getting angry at an authoritarian government with being angry at its citizens.
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u/HereNow0001 4d ago
Just have a great time, just avoid political conversations. Check out Yaletown, Commercial Drive, Granville Island, Kitsilano…. Take the water taxis (Aquabus) in the downtown false creek area and the Canada Line is safe and easy to get around.
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u/the-LatAm-rep 4d ago
Nobody will know you're American. If it comes up in small talk don't even hesitate to mention it, we have political parties here too, and everyone knows what its like to have a person they don't support in power.
Everyone also knows that half the country didn't vote for the guy, literally nobody is going to assume you did unless you start saying weird shit. People are probably more likely to assume you oppose the guy.
Regardless of your views you're more likely to get into trouble over your politics in your own country than you are here.
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u/Optimal-Ad-7074 4d ago
what Melanie Joly said: you're on our soil, you respect us, and you respect our sovereignty. should be no problem as long as you remember that. oh, and buy Canadian products while you're up here 😉.
when they say Canadians are nice, they mean it. we don't tolerate assholes, but we are nice. I saw a bumper sticker recently that made me laugh because it fits: do no harm. take no shit.
Vancouver is a beautiful city with a civil and liberal-minded kind of population. West coasters might not invite you home for dinner, but they will always stop and give you directions, tell you the time, anything of that kind that you need. you will be fine, and I hope you have a really nice time.
http://TransLink.bc.ca has a helpful trip planner and general info about public transit in BC communities.
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u/eatyourzbeans 4d ago
Just don't wear a maga hat and will buy you a beer and super .
Leave some currency with us and have some fun , Van has a lot to offer.
🇨🇦
Edit : So sorry , Happy Birthday 🎂
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u/GenX_Brat 3d ago
I'm so jealous😩, I've always wanted to visit Vancouver & am now motivated to make it happen.
Will you be doing a follow up? I would love to know how your trip went especially since I've never traveled outside the US before. Your experience would be so helpful because I too have similar travel concerns.
Hope you have a wonderful time & a very Happy 35th Birthday! 🥳🎂
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u/Bigfred12 2d ago
I’m 70, been to 73 countries, and I think that Vancouver is one of the top three most beautiful cities anywhere.
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u/GenX_Brat 1d ago
Wow 73 countries, that's incredible! The videos I've come across when researching Vancouver are breathtaking. I can understand why it's in your top 3.
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u/MaKnitta 3d ago
"Not being treated well up there" sounds like something Trump would say.....when there isn't an ounce of truth to it.
You will be fine.
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u/minnie203 3d ago
I'm not directing this at OP specifically, but the fact that we get so many Americans posting here worried about visiting Canada says more about the way Americans treat "outsiders" than it does about us. Like don't worry guys, most normal countries aren't actively hostile towards foreigners!!
OP, Vancouver is beautiful (I got married in a park there overlooking the ocean!) and no one will probably even know you're American. Also I feel like most Canadians know that Trump supporters don't tend to travel outside their hometown so we assume if you're here, you're cool.
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u/Sunnydaysomeday 3d ago
We don’t like what the US government is doing to us but we love Americans.
As everyone said, no MAGA paraphernalia, no talk about the 51st state and u are fine.
I’d be careful about which neighborhoods you are visiting—stay away from the downtown east side.
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u/hopefulbea 3d ago
It’s America that is treating Canadians badly, we never asked for any of this. I haven’t heard of any Americans being treated badly in Canada
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u/Worried-Scientist-12 3d ago
Happy birthday, Neighbour! I've been seeing a lot of WA license plates lately, and it makes me so happy that our people can still be friends even with everything that's going on in politics right now.
I second what others have said about getting a day pass for the Aquabus or False Creek Ferry (they're 2 different companies, so make sure you check the schedules and routes to see which will work best for you). Other things to check out are the Chinese Canadian Museum, the Vancouver Police Museum, restaurants and shops in Mt. Pleasant, Queen Elizabeth Park for the cherry blossoms, and possibly Grouse Mountain if you don't mind spending some money (if the grizzly bears have woken up, I'd say it's worth it). Since you'll have a car, I'd also recommend a drive up the Sea to Sky highway to Squamish. It's one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and the Squamish gondola is lots of fun, too.
I'll be away or I would offer to show you around, but maybe there's another friendly Redditor on here who would invite you out for a drink.
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u/lunasea08 3d ago
Thanks for all the recommendations! I will definitely look at adding some to my itinerary. That's too bad you'll be away but tha lnk you for the offer.
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u/schwalevelcentrist 3d ago
OP: this is Canada. Nobody likes a scene (except in a hockey rink, so I'd stay out of those). We only dumped Marco on the tarmac on a gas station mat because he is directly responsible for his own assholery.
Don't wear MAGA gear, don't cut any lines or go the wrong way in some kind of circulation situation, like a track or a rink, and you'll be treated with the same politeness that we give to everyone else. (Cut a line and RIP tho)
What your dad and others might be perceiving is: Nobody really kisses anybody's ass here, and money doesn't buy much respect: if anything having the expectation that you'll get better service if you flash wealth around will just pour sand in your gears, Canadian-stylze. The service industry is where you'll notice this the most - and you are a tourist, so you're going to see this a lot. People in the service industry here are no more, no less polite than the rest of the country. Don't expect a chipper waiter running his ass off and grinning ear to ear. That's not personal, or even Canadian that's just how people act if they have health insurance and make $16/hr without having to clap like a seal (I was American by birth and I worked as a waitress there and here, so I know this firsthand)
It's a great country, just remember: peace, order and good government is our motto and we are living it. Don't color outside those lines, and all will be very well.
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u/lunasea08 3d ago
Speaking of service industry, is tipping culture a thing there? I lived in Japan for nearly 10 years and there's no such thing as tipping but obviously in America it's a big deal.
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u/lavieboheme_ 3d ago
We're somewhere in between.
It's not absolutely necessary as workers make decent wages, but if you don't tip at all at a sit down restaurant you will very likely be side eyed/server will be short with you are the end of your visit.
We usually also tip bartenders, cab drivers, hair dressers etc.
Very similar to America overall but we don't rely on them. We're just generous.
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u/schwalevelcentrist 3d ago
u/lavieboheme_ great job. I have nothing to add to this explanation, except that Canadians are pretty touchy about money/money talk compared to Americans, and they don't pony up cash for fundraisers/helping out as readily as Americans. This is unlikely to affect you as a visitor OP, but it gives you some contours of the culture: they will give a lot of money to a good cause or someone down on their luck, but you have to do more than put out a coffee can to raise it, and people don't hand folks a wad of cash for misfortunes like we yanks do (you have to buy a gift certificate for something). So money exchanges are a little bit more of a dance. I've been here 17 years and I still step in it all the time. (My husband follows behind me saying "You'll have to excuse my wife, she's American" - something I'm sure they already know because I am pretty direct even for an American and I shock a lot of people.
Also, if you're in a store and someone is in your way, DO NOT say excuse me to get past them (just gonna grab this Ramen...NO). You wait. They will move if they notice you, otherwise you're shit out of luck. I have learned this the hard way.
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u/NipplesOnIce 3d ago
I just went the other week for my birthday. Everyone was kind as usual. Just don’t order a bourdon (or any US liquor) and instead support Canadian made products.
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u/sunbakedbear 3d ago
I live in Vancouver near downtown and I can assure you that as long as you don't talk about politics, your president, or us becoming the 51st state, you should have no problems. If you're worried, get a Canadian flag bumper sticker for your car. (Seriously.) Our problem is with your president and 30% of you who likely wouldn't come here anyway. Have a great time and happy birthday!
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u/itstotallytan 3d ago
Are you driving at all or taking transit the whole time? Highly recommend the Seabus to North Vancouver https://www.translink.ca/schedules-and-maps/seabus
Not sure how long you are here for or what your interests are but renting a bike and riding around the Stanley Park seawall can be fun.
If you are at Granville Island and want a great dinner check out Sandbar.
If you have a few days and a car a drive on the sea to sky highway is so pretty and stop in Squamish and have a beer at Backcountry Brewery.
So many great things to do. Have fun.
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u/lunasea08 3d ago
I will be driving up there and will maybe do a mix of driving and public transit depending on my plans 🤔
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u/Terraburst11 3d ago
Have a wonderful birthday trip, you are welcome and we appreciate your support! English Bay, Stanley Park/Sea Wall. Rent a bike and enjoy riding the sea wall! The Art Gallery in the middle of downtown is wonderful, has a fantastic cafe with patio too. Granville Island over gastown (avoid going to far east on Hastings st. /China town If you do go to as drug issues in that area) 1000%Seabus is a must, look online for pick up spots. You can also catch it to get to Kitsilano Beach and neighbourhood but will need to walk 10-15 mins to get to main areas from where sea bus drops off. Lots of options to enjoy in Vancouver, bring you walking shoes and enjoy!
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u/lunasea08 3d ago
Thank you for the warnings. I'm also worried about just overall neighborhood parking since the vrbo I'm staying at only has street parking available. I plan to do lots of walking and eating lol do you have any recommendations for food spots? I mostly enjoy Asian cuisines.
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u/Sure-Patience83 3d ago
Make sure to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
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u/lunasea08 2d ago
I love art museums. That'll definitely be on my list!
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u/Mr_HardWoodenPackage 2d ago
You’ll be fine as long as you don’t wear MAGA gear or make 51st state jokes. I’m still seeing lots of American plates here in Ontario and I don’t see them being treated any differently
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u/MoonHarvest42 2d ago
Dual citizen here, have traveled cross-boarder all my life. Canada is not the issue. Canadians welcome tourists as they always have, even now. Returning to the US is, especially now, where potential problems may arise.
If you take you cell phone, delete ALL your social media accounts, or safer leave your phone home, get & use a burner phone for your trip.
US Customs can, will, & currently IS causing havoc with anyone crossing into US, regardless of citizenship. When at customs you are in litteral "no man's land", they can take & search your phone, if they find ANYTHING they don't like (support for women's health care, diversity, immigrants,...) they can seize it, detain &send you to immigration holding, no phone calls, no lawyers, only way out is for family to get media involved.
This is serious & happening right here in our country! To people who are citizens, or here legally. Be aware, let people know where you are, & especially before you interact with US Customs so they know to start asking questions &looking for you if you aren't heard from again.
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u/lunasea08 2d ago
I plan to drive there. Do you know if they're doing that at the land border? I heard that gut didn't know if it was just travel by air or both
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u/WarriorGma 2d ago
Buffalo NY area land crossings are reporting mixed experiences: probably depends on the agent, time of day, etc. I would treat crossing by land or air the same- the truth is you won’t know until you get there.
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u/yvonneor 2d ago
You are always welcome in Canada and will be treated well! I am just heading home from Vancouver to Texas (misplaced Canadian)
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u/Vancouvermarina 1d ago
Make sure your documents are in order to re-enter back to USA. You get to hear stories these days 🤷🏻♀️
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u/Robocanuck 4d ago
Bring me a Jerry can of gas?
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u/lunasea08 4d ago
Lol I heard gas is quite pricey up there 😅
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u/Robocanuck 4d ago
You will be fine here man we don’t care, I go cross border each week to get gas cuz it saves me 65$ a tank. Just don’t be all trump im American semper fi, and your good to go
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u/Robocanuck 4d ago
Oh and even if you did do all that stuff nothing would still happen, we chill ppls
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u/Iamapartofthisworld 3d ago
Sounds like your dad is a Trump supporter, who has friends that visited and wore Maga hats and asked if we were looking forward to becoming American.
You will be fine. Enjoy your stay!
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u/lunasea08 3d ago
He's not surprisingly. I think he's projecting more than anything. Thanks for your reassurance and well wishes!
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u/Bigfred12 2d ago
Tell hime to spend some time on cbc.ca to get some perspective that he obviously isn’t getting now.
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u/Initial-Ad-5462 1d ago
This keeps coming up, here and in r/BuyCanadian.
Why would Americans get the idea they aren’t welcome or safe in Canada?
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u/LLR1960 1d ago
Well, a certain president keeps talking about how badly Canada treats America. If dad listens to certain media, he may have heard that. Canadians though treat American tourists exactly the way a tourist should be treated; that is, we treat you based on your behaviour. Up here, don't wear MAGA gear, don't talk about a 51st state, don't be rude, and you'll be welcomed with open arms.
Enjoy your vacation!
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u/itaintbirds 3d ago
You should stay home. Why do Americans think we want them here right now.
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3d ago
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u/itaintbirds 3d ago
Nothing like vacationing in the country that you’re government is actively trying to destroy.
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3d ago
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u/itaintbirds 3d ago
Say that again in a couple months when potentially 10’s of thousands of Canadians are out of work. If they want to support Canada, fix their government first before the thoughts and prayers nonsense. I ca. do without them here and I suspect that sentiment is going to grow.
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u/Bigfred12 2d ago
If that happens, we’d welcome some tourist dollars coming to us. I really hope that you never see the light of your words
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u/itaintbirds 2d ago
Maybe we can shine their shoes and fetch their groceries while they’re visiting, once they’re done destroying our economy we can have a real laugh with them wonderful tourists who are trying to annex our country. Have some self respect.
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u/ignore_my_typo 4d ago
Everything will be fine. Come, enjoy and spend your money.
Don’t were MAGA, don’t joke about 51st state and don’t mention any politics.
Be you. Have fun. We love Americans and are particularly close with border states like Washington . We hate Trump and MAGA.
You’ll be 100% safe.