Toronto

[justwhoiam]

I had this idea we might both fly to Toronto together, but we'd be both in unknown territory.

 

If any of you is from the area or very familiar with it, what would your first must-see be in November? The trip would be in the first half of the month.

 

Also, as I enter the USA with an ESTA (from EU country), would that be valid in Canada too? I have never been to Canada before.

 

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

[TMichaels]

If any of you is from the area or very familiar with it, what would your first must-see be in November? The trip would be in the first half of the month.

 

Toronto is like a mini New York City. Very cosmopolitan, lots of restaurants, shopping, arts and culture, etc. As with any destination, it depends what your interests are. However, you might look here or here to get a feeling of what special events are scheduled in early November.

 

Keep in mind, November in Toronto can be very cold. Best to dress in layers. There may be snow, there may not be, but there usually is a brisk cold wind since Toronto is located on one of the Great Lakes -- Lake Ontario.

 

However, the weather is usually not a problem. There's an excellent public transport system as well as a series of indoor passages between buildings in the city center built specifically so that those who live, work and visit don't have to spend much time outside if the weather is inclement.

 

There are also plenty of activities that aren't weather-dependent. Views from the CN Tower are stunning no matter the season, there's plenty to see and do every year at the Royal Agricultural Fair , and Casa Loma is a fascinating excursion year-round. Or, visit some of the dozens of museums.

 

Even the Toronto Zoo is open all year. Really, even in the colder months, the possibilities are unlimited.

 

Also, as I enter the USA with an ESTA (from EU country), would that be valid in Canada too? I have never been to Canada before.

 

The ESTA program is run by the US Dept of Homeland Security, the program has nothing to do with Canada. They are two separate countries.

 

Go here for info about what is required to visit Canada as a tourist depending on citizenship.

 

HTH,

TMichaels

[justwhoiam]

Thanks! I thought about the cold, because being up north, I suspected that. I've been told Chicago can be deadly cold in November (I've never been there).

 

Regarding the ESTA, I guess I read about it a while ago... (agreements between US and Canada). I'm not sure, though. I'll read from the links you gave me.

[ExpatInItaly]

OP, what country are you from? There is a good chance you wouldn't need a tourist visa anyway if you're from an EU country (for trips of less than 90 days), though there are exceptions to that which depend on your country of origin. Definitely check out the link TMichaels provided before you book anything in Canada though. Not wise to wait until you're at the border, as Canadian customs/immigration has tightened up too.

 

(I am from the Toronto area originally, though I now live in Italy)

Edited November 9, 2014 by ExpatInItaly

[TMichaels]

Regarding the ESTA, I guess I read about it a while ago... (agreements between US and Canada). I'm not sure, though. I'll read from the links you gave me.

 

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Canada isn't one of the countries that participates in the VWP. If you're a Canadian citizen you don't need a visa to visit the U.S. Likewise, Americans aren't required to obtain a visa to visit Canada, either.

 

Years ago, if you wanted to visit Canada and you were an American you needed nothing more than a photo ID like a Drivers License (if that). Usually, border patrol agents would just ask what country you were a citizen of, where were you going, how long were you staying, what was the purpose of your visit, and wave you on through.

 

Since 9/11, security has tightened considerably, including between the US and Canada. Now, for trouble-free entry to Canada, US citizens are required to have a valid passport. Most flights from the US to Canada require all passengers to have a valid passport regardless of citizenship before they are allowed to board their flight.

 

The only exception is if you are a frequent traveler to Canada (US citizens who have family in Canada, business people, commercial truck drivers, etc.) Through the NEXUS (northern border) and FAST (Free and Secure Trade) programs, those who meet the above criteria can apply for a low-risk "visa" of sorts that allows them to enter Canada quicker and easier without having to present a passport every time.

 

So not sure what you read or were thinking, but ESTA has nothing to do with US/Canada travel, and these days, even most Americans visiting their northern neighbors are required to have a valid passport.

 

 

HTH,

TMichaels

[justwhoiam]

Ok. This is what I read:

Trips to Canada, Mexico, or nearby Islands

 

If you are admitted to the United States under the VWP, you may take a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or a nearby island and generally be readmitted to the United States under the VWP for the remainder of the original 90 days granted upon your initial arrival in the United States. Therefore, the length of time of your total stay, including the short trip, must be 90 days or less.

(Source: Visa Waiver Program)

 

I have been to Mexico like that, so I thought I could enter Canada the same way. And I was asked all the questions you mentioned when I had to re-enter the US. But reading on (here: Determine your eligibility–Visit Canada as a tourist), it confirms I don't need a visa, but i might need an exam? I never heard of it. What kind of exam would it be?? Like cholesterol? haha. Sorry.

 

I guess with the latest ebola scares and all the rest, people seriously need to watch out. But I have no idea what I should bring with me. It looks more complicated than I expected.

 

Regarding attractions, Casa Loma is definitely for me!

[TMichaels]

Ok. This is what I read:

Trips to Canada, Mexico, or nearby Islands

 

If you are admitted to the United States under the VWP, you may take a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or a nearby island and generally be readmitted to the United States under the VWP for the remainder of the original 90 days granted upon your initial arrival in the United States.

 

I have been to Mexico like that, so I thought I could enter Canada the same way.

 

When you're asking about visa questions, you need to be specific. Will you be travelling from Europe and going directly to Canada? Or, are travelling from Europe to the US as your first port of call and plan to travel on to Canada from there?

 

If it's the latter, you're still going to need an ESTA, but you need to disclose that you will just be transiting through the US.

 

On the ESTA application, you'll need to select "Yes" to the question "Is your travel to the US occurring in transit to another country?" in the "Travel Information Section."

 

You also may be asked when arriving in the US for proof of your onward travel (as in an airline or train ticket). If you're planning on driving you may be asked to provide proof of a hotel reservation or other documentation to affirm that your intended travel plans are legit.

 

Easiest way for you to visit Canada would just be for you to fly there direct. If the person you're meeting is an American, he can get there on his own and just meet you in Toronto. If you travelled direct, you wouldn't need an ESTA -- just a valid passport -- as that is all that's required in terms of travel documents by the Canadian government most of the time for foreign tourist visits.

 

... But reading on (here: Determine your eligibility–Visit Canada as a tourist), it confirms I don't need a visa, but i might need an exam? I never heard of it. What kind of exam would it be?? Like cholesterol? haha. Sorry.

 

That's because you are reading info on the Canadian governmental website aimed at foreign visitors who are visiting Canada as their first port of call.

 

If you're arriving in Canada from another country that's not your country of citizenship that's different. That other country would be your first port of call and you have to meet their border control requirements even if you're just be transiting through.

 

I guess with the latest ebola scares and all the rest, people seriously need to watch out. But I have no idea what I should bring with me. It looks more complicated than I expected.

 

Not necessarily. It's always been up to the border guards to ask whatever questions they wish in an effort to determine whether a foreigner should be admitted. You'll notice that the website says "you MAY be asked." That doesn't mean you will be.

 

Part of the reason Canada mentions a possible health exam is that until recently Canada banned travel by those who were HIV-Positive. That ban has been lifted, though you're right, with the more recent Ebola scare it's possible they may pay closer attention to those who are from or have travelled through infected areas, are ill, have a temperature, etc.

 

However, I wouldn't worry about it. I've never talked to anyone who has been subjected to a health exam or required to provide proof of one. The closest I know of are dog or cat owners who were asked to provide a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination for their pets which were travelling with them.

 

Regarding attractions, Casa Loma is definitely for me!

 

Pity you won't be at the end of November. They always decorate the castle for the holidays and offer a number of special programs and activities. However, it's fascinating and fun any time of the year.

 

Be sure and check to see if there will be any special offers on while you are there. Also consider going to afternoon tea at the Windsor Arms which is not far from Casa Loma. You have to have reservations, and it's a bit pricey, but delicious and a memorable experience.

 

The Fairmont Royal York also offers afternoon tea but is located down near the harbor/main train station which is a fair hike from Casa Loma/Windsor Arms. However, it's worth a visit for tea or just a look around at the common areas. Beautiful old hotel where, as it name suggests, for more than a century has been the hotel of choice for royals and other dignitaries/VIPs when they're in town.

 

HTH,

TMichaels