Covid Travel Tales: My First Border Crossing

I never miss a trip to Garde Manger!

Gardens of Light at the Botanical Gardens.

My first “real” trip since the pandemic began (not just to visit family or friends) was one I was hoping to make all summer. Everyone knows I love Montreal, and the Jazz Festival is one of my favorite times to be there. After it’s cancellation in 2020, I hoped it would make it back in 2021. It was announced earlier in the year that the Festival would in fact take place, but it would be moved to September. Thankfully, the border was opened to vaccinated Americans in August. I booked my flight, and began to gather all the information I needed to get to Montreal without a hitch.

In order to go to Canada, a Negative PCR test is required within 72 hours of your scheduled departure flight. I found a local pharmacy in the neighborhood that was performing Covid tests- with guaranteed results in 30 minutes. I was happy to support a local business, and not deal with a busy urgent care facility that may not be able to guarantee results on time. So I dropped in a day befoer my trip- it was super fast and easy.

The second step to entering Canada is to upload your vaccination records in the ArriveCAN app. I downloaded the app, and easily uploaded the required information. I was sure to upload a photo for both doses, and ensured it shows the dates, name of the vaccine, and what country it was given in. (Since I had both doses on one card, I uploaded the same photo for each dose.)

Travel is still coming back slowly, so I ended up taking a direct flight out of Newark instead of Philadelphia. It’s an easy train ride from Philly, so I decided that I’d prefer to go that route than transferring in Toronto for this first trip. When I arrived to check in, the woman at the counter examined my paper PCR test results, my receipt in ArriveCAN and other travel documents. then I was on my way to the gate. It wasn’t busy at the time, and I definitely didn’t need to be there 3 hours in advance…

Once the flight arrived in Montreal, there were staff present to ensure that vaccinated/unvaccinated travelers got into the correct line. My arrival was in the morning, and the lines were not terribly long. Once I got to the Customs Agent, he once again asked to see my ArriveCAN receipt, asked the usual questions, and off I went. The only difference I noted was after exiting the Customs area. There were additional staff asking to see everyone’s passport, and seemed to be directing some to the area where additional random testing was taking place.

I stayed at the Westin Montreal in the Old Port. It’s a favorite spot, as the service has always been fantastic there, and the location gets me everywhere I want to be easily. The hotel, as did all indoor locations, required masks in public. The restaurant was closed to dining with limited take-out available, and the pool and health club facilities required reservations. Since I was staying multiple days, I put in a request for housekeeping with the front desk, and I made my way to my room.

All around the city, facilities required proof of vaccination to enter. This included dining at any resturants (indoor or out), as well as faclities such as museums and the Botantical Gardens. I really appreciated that this was pretty standard in Montreal, and was impressed with the ease of the process.

During my stay, I really just wanted to get out and about, reconnecting with my favorite city. I went to the Botanical Gardens to see the Gardens of Light installation. It was a gorgeous evening, and the Gardens were the perfect place to get out and stretch my legs after a travel day. I wandered the streets, visiting some of my favorite spots, grabbed some of my favorite treats, and spent some time people watching. I made reservations for my favorite restaurant, Garde Manger, which never disappoints. And of course, I spent some time at the Jazz Festival.

Sadly, it would soon be time to return home. I had made an appointment for my return Covid test at the airport. Montreal has a great set-up outside security for Covid testing. I highly advise making an appointment in advance to reduce the need for waiting. The process was quick and easy, and once you receive your results, you simply head down the elevators to check-in. The rest of the return process was unremarkable, and I headed home happy and tired, and ready to see my furbaby.

Montreal is always a great trip. It’s fun for a week, or a quick weekend getaway. I’m grateful for the ability to travel again, and now that I’ve got my first international trip under my belt, I’ll be planning more very soon. Stay tuned for what’s next!

*For up to date information on Covid entry requirements, click here.