Here's a collection of facts, laws and useful tips that will help you get the most out of your trip.

AUTOMOBILES:
Documents... A vaild driver's license from any country is good here for three months. If you are driving across the border, bring vehicle registration forms and your insurance card, or the policy itself. If you are driving a borrowed car, also bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you are driving a rented car, include a copy of the rental contract.

Speed Limits... Multi-lane controlled access highways 90-100 km/h (55-60 mph), two lane highways 80-90 km/h (50-55 mph), urban and other populated areas 40, 50 or 60 km/h (25, 30 or 37 mph) or as posted.

Gasoline... Our service stations sell regular unleaded and premium unleaded gasoline as well as many other diesel and propane fuels. Visitors are allowed to enter Canada with one full tank of gasoline per engine (i.e. car, boat & one cruise a day tank per outboard engine). Overage is subject to duty and taxes.

Services... The Ontario Provincial Police are responsible for the highways and other areas including the inland lakes and waterways not served by municipal police forces. You can reach them by dialing 1-800-267-6777. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you must notify the police and remain at the scene of the accident until cleared by investigating officers.

Restrictions... Ontario law requires that adults and children of 40 lbs in weight wear seat belts and car seats are required for children under 40 lbs.

Radar Warning Devices... The use or transport of radar detector devices is illegal.

Rentals... Automobile rentals are available at our international airports and in many of our towns and cities.

Airlines... The north is easily accessible by air. Convenient connections can be made from anywhere in the world. There are daily flights to Kenora, International Falls or Winnipeg. For more information, call your travel agent, or contact us and we can help.

Boating... Pleasure craft may enter Canada by trailer or under their own power. All boats powered by motors 7.5 kw (10 hp) or over must be licensed and the license number clearly indicated on both sides of the bow of the vessel. Boat licenses from outside Ontario are acceptable. Overboard discharge of garbage or untreated sewage is forbidden.

Customs and Immigration... Visitors crossing the border may be asked to prove citizenship. A passport is best, however a drivers license is sufficient. Travelers under the age of 18 need a birth certificate and if unaccompanied by a parent need a letter of permission to travel in Canada from a parent or guardian.

Liquor... Visitors 19 or over may import 1.1 litres (40 ounces) of liquor or wine or 8.2 litres (1 case) of beer. Anyone 19 or older may buy and consume liquor, wine or beer. These are available from government agencies located throughout Ontario. Licensed premises may serve alcohol from 11:00a.m. to 2:00 a.m. In Ontario it is an offence to consume alcohol anywhere other than a residence or a licensed premises. Please note, driving motorized vehicles, including boats, while impaired is illegal in Ontario.

Cigarettes/Cigars... Those 19 or over can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 1kg (2.2 lbs) of tobacco. Visitors may bring more alcoholic beverages or tobacco products if they are willing to pay the Ontario fees and taxes in addition to the duties that apply.

Firearms and Ammunition... You may bring a hunting rifle or shotgun into Ontario for hunting or competition purposes if you are 18 years of age or older, plus 200 rounds of ammunition for hunting. You will have to fill out a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Form when importing firearms into Canada. This becomes your temporary license to carry a firearm. The fee for this license is $50 Canadian and is payable at the border. Contact 1-800-730-4000 or www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca to obtain the forms. All fully automatic weapons and handguns are prohibited.

Currency... U.S. or Canadian currency is welcome at most establishments. A good rate of exchange is offered at most local businesses. There is a currency exchange at most of our travel centers on the U.S. border.

Credit Cards...Major credit cards are welcome at most Canadian establishments.

Hospital and Medical Services... Visitors are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. It is possible that your health insurance does not extend coverage outside your country of residence. If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, bring an adequate supply of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Ontario.

Pets... Dogs and cats over 3 months of age entering Canada from the U.S. will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued during the preceding 36 months.

Postage... Canadian postage stamps must be used on all mail posted in Cananda. Postage is 51 cents for post cards and letters up to 1 ounce destined for Canada, 89 cents for the United States.

Customs allowable limits... Americans returning to the U.S. after 48 hours can take back $400 worth of merchandise duty free every 30 days. This may include 1 litre (32 oz) of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars which are not of Cuban origin, or 1.4 kg (3 lbs) of tobacco. After less than 48 hrs $25 is allowed. For additional information on customs related matters, contact Revenue Canada 613-993-0534.