Traveling to Canada
Via Plane
Trudeau International Airport services the Montreal region and is the largest airport with international flights. Ground transportation options to the Hyatt include:
- L'Aerobus (from the airport) goes to the Montreal Central Bus station. From there, a complimentary shuttle is available from Hyatt Regency Montreal. Cost is $15 CAD one way or $25 CAD round trip.
- Taxi (from the airport) is a fixed fare of $38 CAD.
Via Train
The train station is a little over six blocks south of the Hyatt Regency Montreal and services VIA Rail Canada and Amtrak.
US Citizens - Entry Requirements
From any location in the US traveling to Canada by air, you must have a valid US Passport (and also for reentry into the US). Additional requirements include (quoted from Canada Immigration):
- Have a valid travel document, such as a passport
- Be in good health
- Satisfy an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home and family, that will take you back to your country of origin
- Satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
- Have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives.(Bring the hotel address with you!) For more information, ask the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
This may all sound a bit scary if this is your first trip outside the US. Some of these questions are covered on a customs entry form you will be given on the plane to fill out (such as your passport # etc). However, these are some of the questions and requirements that may come up during entry through immigration in the airport (and standard for most countries). General rules of thumb are
- Keep your passport with you, do not check it in your luggage
- Keep an address of your hotel(s) in Canada with you on hand and proof of your reservation if possible (not in checked luggage),
- Carry with you any perscription drugs,
- Proof of your return flight such as a travel itinerary,
- Be prepared to answer how you plan to pay for your trip (they may ask how much you have with you or if you plan to pay via credit card),
- Do not bring food, animals, plants, illegal substances or illegal pornography,
- Check with your insurance provider for travelers health insurance coverage. Canada does not recognize US domestic health coverage and you will be required to pay for any health services at the time of treatment.
International Visitors
Please check Citizen and Immigration website to verify if you need a visa to enter Canada. Most of the above listed requirements may also apply. Additional documentation may be needed (depending on the country of origin):
- a Temporary Resident Visa, depending on your citizenship
- a medical examination and
- a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada (IVAA can assist with this requirement).