Long wait at border as restrictions ease for fully-vaccinnated travelers
Friday was a challenging day if you were trying to cross the border.
On the first day since the federal government lifted some restrictions on travelers entering Canada, the wait to cross into Canada from Montana exceeded five hours earlier Friday.
Normally a busy time of year when snowbirds are returning home to Canada, the new travel rules just made things that much busier.
"We ask travelers to be patient, said Lisa Laurencelle-Pearce, Executive Director of the prairie region of the Canada Border Services Agency.
"And," she added, "to be ready with their information."
The federal government lifted pre-entry testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers Friday.
"They do need to take a COVID-19 test on arrival unless randomly selected," Laurencelle-Pearce said.
But some travel requirements remain in place, she added.
"Travelers are to submit their mandatory proof of vaccination using the free Arrive Can app or through the website within 72 hours before arriving in Canada."
Restrictions are only being eased for fully-vaccinated travelers
And with longer processing times at the border, the CBSA is urging travelers to help speed things along.
"Having their passport (and) Arrive Can receipt and proof of vaccination ready," Laurencelle-Pearce said.
Despite the epic wait times at the border, Canadians are itching to get out and travel.
"I travel a lot, so it makes travel easier," said one woman. "Which is what really excites me about it."
Another traveler at Calgary Airport added, "It makes it (travel) a lot less complicated."
And the tourism industry is anxious to welcome back our southern neighbours.
"We really do need an international guest to return if we want to actually see a recovery in the industry," said Tourism Calgary CEO Cindy Ady, adding that it continues to be important to be mindful of safety.
"I know that my hospitality partners are working really hard at keeping their customers safe and comfortable," Ady said.
Travelers are advised to take delays into consideration when crossing the border, whether by land or through the airport.
And the easing of restrictions only applies to those who are fully vaccinated.
Rules for partially or unvaccinated travelers remain unchanged.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
As storms moves across Texas, 1 child dies after being swept away in floodwaters
A child in Texas died Sunday after being swept away in floodwaters as storms swept across the state.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.