There are a few stories about people being cut off thanks to the Canada-U.S. border closing, a closing that will run until at least September 21. In the proverbial backseat, asking "when will the border restrictions be lifted?" is being ignored. You will know when it happens, whenever that might be.
The 19-year-old in Hyder, Alaska (population 63) cut off from his friends in Stewart, BC. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee sending a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on behalf of the residents of Point Roberts, WA, who are surrounded on 3 sides by water and the fourth side by Canada. The U.S. park ranger handling the American side of Peace Arch Historical State Park where Canadians cross over to see friends and loved ones while the Canadian side of Peace Arch Provincial Park closed on June 18. Small cities in Maine such as Calais, Houlton, and Fort Kent can't access their customers from nearby New Brunswick.
These stories and hundreds of others remind us of the importance of cross-border traffic between Canada and the United States.
Our travel coverage has suffered this summer as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. We do have a few stories, some of which don't mention Driving to Alaska.
Driving to Alaska now has specific terms in Canada
2020 Touchdown Atlantic in Halifax: What would have been
Driving to Alaska should not be code for staying in Canada during a pandemic
Celebrating Canada Day 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic
Canadian sports notebook: Toronto and Edmonton still NHL hub city options
Canadian travel bubbles could boost tourism within Canada
Jay Baruchel took us on a Canadian TV and Canadian film led road trip in April. A way to travel through Canada without spending any loonies or twoonies.
Jay Baruchel MADE road trip takes us through Canada for Canadian content
COVID-19 memory is a real phenomena. Here is more on why we ended up here in the first place. This border reopening isn't happening any time soon.
Canada-U.S. border closes to non-essential traffic over COVID-19 coronavirus
When the border reopens and if you have enough money, travel to Canada may not involve an airplane (depending on where you live) and is a fine alternative to Europe that likely still won't be open to Americans even after the Canada border is open.
Where to visit Canada in 2020
CanadianCrossing.com travel coverage
We don't want to close with a pseudo fake "We'll get through this together" message. We may not. Having a focal point can help us get through this pandemic. That could be making plans for travel to Canada.
photo credit: CBC News
Sorry to stomp on your optimism, but the Canadian border is more likely to be open to Europeans before it is open to Americans. At least, that's my prediction.
Posted by: veronica | August 28, 2020 at 08:09 AM
No worries about bruising my optimism. I would agree with your statement. I have to hold on to the idea of getting back to Canada, however hopeless that might seem.
Posted by: Chad | August 28, 2020 at 09:37 AM