Did you know that Canada and the USA share the longest international border in the world? At 8,893 kilometres, the USA and Canada border is a long stretch. It extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, with a squiggle in the north where the US State of Alaska and Canada’s province of British Columbia and Yukon Territories meet.
There are over 100 US-Canada border crossings on land. One of the world’s most famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls, straddles both countries but there are plenty more fascinating places to holiday in the USA and Canada on a two-nation vacation.
8 Canadian provinces and territories share a border with 13 USA states, which means there are plenty of great places to visit on a cross-border vacation.
Although the two countries are by no means, identical twins, Canadians and Americans share many similar characteristics, from breathtaking scenery to similar European exploration and settlement history, wildlife, geology and much, much more.
Canada is an easy country to explore independently and safe to travel alone. Driving across Canada will allow you to stop wherever and whenever you want.
Contents
6 USA and Canada Border Vacations
Top Tour: BEST Chicago, Detroit, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Cleveland 4-Day Tour
1- Niagara Falls Canada and USA
Niagara Falls is a landmark in Canada and the USA.
The Niagara River is the border between the USA and Canada.
You can visit both sides by driving or walking across the Rainbow Bridge.
What to see in Niagara Falls?
Also known as the Freedom Trail, both the USA and Canada offer special tours highlighting spots along the route.
The Niagara River and Gorge represented the final passage to freedom to Canada from the US for thousands of slaves.
By 1844, approximately 40,000 American slaves fled bondage by taking the “Underground Railroad” north, to Canada.
The perilous journey involved following the North Star, sleeping out in the open or in safe houses, where kindly, anti-slavery families would take them in and see them on their way.
A set of commemorative panels in Niagara Parks celebrating how, in 1856, Harriet Tubman bravely crossed the Niagara River on the International Suspension Bridge (today’s Whirlpool Rapids Bridge).
In fact, there are many plaques and displays honouring the history of African-American slaves who used the Underground Railway between 1793 and 1865 along the Niagara Parkway.
Here are some fun historical facts about Canadian history.
Of course, while in Niagara, take in the spectacular beauty of the world-famous Niagara Falls.
Recommended tour: Niagara Falls in 1 Day: Tour of American and Canadian Sides
2- Alaska and the Yukon
There are two border crossings between Alaska and Yukon.
- Little Gold Creek on the Top of the World Highway (Hwy 9) has seasonal services
- Beaver Creek on the Alaska Highway (Hwy 1) operates 24 hours a day
Railway built of gold
Alaska cruises are rightfully famous, and departures from Vancouver where vessels navigate north up the Inland Passage to that state represent an internationally renowned twinning.
However, while visiting Skagway in Alaska, you can hop on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and roll into the Yukon Territories in Canada.
As you wend your way along a sometimes hair-raising track (with stunning photo ops of the train hugging craggy mountainsides), you can imagine how dreams were made and lost here.
That’s because this railbed was constructed by 35,000 workers in 1898 when Gold Fever was infecting the west with high hopes.
Why explore the Alaska-Canada border?
WP&YR forms a historic rail link between nations, one which pioneered international, inter-modal ship/rail/truck transport.
The railway extends from Skagway 177 kilometres inland, where you can get your passport stamped at a modest USA and Canada border crossing.
Known as “the railway built of gold” the impossible-seeming track at one point ascends 914 metres in 32 km (20 miles).
Jaw-dropping scenery awaits and at Lake Bennett, you can explore during the 45-minute stop.
It allows you to take a self-guided walking tour to view part of the Chilkoot Trail, where gold-seekers ascended this gruelling trail in their search for fortune.
The Chilkoot Trail is a National Historic Site managed by Parks Canada.
Terminating in Carcross, a station and service town, here you will find shops where you can purchase unique First Nations art, visit an “old-time” General Store and connect with the highway.
This is the gateway to Kluane National Park and Reserve, Dawson City and lots of cool things to do in Whitehorse (the territory’s capital).
Also note that Dawson City is part of Parks Canada’s Klondike National Historic Sites. So, the railway forms a pivotal, intriguing link into the interior of North America.
Recommended tours:
3- Alberta and Montana
Alberta and Montana share a few USA and Canada border crossings. The main ones are:
- Del Bonita on Hwy 62 operates 24 hours a day
- Chief Mountain is open during the day (access off of Hwy 6)
Newest Dark Sky Preserve: Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park and Montana’s Glacier National Park
Alberta and Montana have lots in common, especially when considering these two glorious mountain parks, which together (in 1932) were twinned, forming Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
This UNESCO initiative was created because this region of North America represents a special zone called the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem”.
It’s home to unique animals and plants, all living in a relatively small ecozone.
Why visit Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park?
In April 2017, the twin parks were designated as a Dark Sky Park, part of a network of international DSPs protecting areas with little ambient (artificial) light.
It’s the first International Dark Sky Park that spans an international border.
This means fabulous celestial observations are possible, with inky-black skies permitting glorious constellation, planet and galaxy views.
Parks Canada has special astronomy events.
Moreover, as a keen horsewoman, Alpine Stables offers fantastic trail rides on horseback or, which is what I did, several-day expeditions (pre-registration is a must for these).
How do you get there?
Instead of driving, hardy hikers can access both parks via backcountry trails.
4- Vermont and Quebec
The Vermont and Quebec border is 145 kilometres (90 miles) long and has 15 border crossings. Popular places to cross the USA and Canada border in these two states are:
- Derby Line/Stanstead operates 24 hours a day
- Highgate Springs/Saint-Armand operates 24 hours a day
Pretty villages in Vermont USA and Quebec’s Eastern Townships
The State of Vermont celebrates 23 villages as being particularly distinctive from a historical viewpoint, a list which includes the capital, Montpelier.
However, don’t miss twinning Vermont’s Green Mountains with several days in Canada’s Eastern Townships.
For years, this region has been the playground of Montrealers because urbanites find tranquility among this part of the province’s pretty villages which are connected through quiet paved roads.
What’s special in 2017 is “Cantons-de-l’Est” as the region is known in French, is celebrating nine villages with the “Coeur Villageois” (Heart of the Villages) signature logo to mark the route.
Sutton (the Mountain Village) joins Piopolis, Eastman, Danville, Coaticook, Cookshire-Eaton, Mansonville, Lac Brome, and Dunham.
Why visit Quebec’s Eastern Townships?
wine route. Photo: Asymetric/Finn O’Hara
There’s a historic link between Vermont and Eastern Township villages such as Sutton, one of the Coeur Villageois.
During the American War of Independence (1775-1783), people loyal to the Crown were known as United Empire Loyalists.
By 1802, roughly 9,000 UELs had fled America and settled the Eastern Townships, where 170 had relocated to the Township of Sutton.
Today, Sutton is one of my favourite towns in this picturesque region because forested mountains surround it. In autumn, when the colours of deciduous leaves have turned gold, scarlet, crimson and orange, it’s fantastical.
Nearby, indulge your foodie soul by driving the new Gourmet Tour featuring 5-course tasting menus and three chocolate museums.
Or, drive or cycle the Footsteps of the Pioneers.
For a very different eco-lodging which features cycling aloft on a bicycle contraption suspended along a 1,000-metre circuit in the forest canopy visit Au Diable Vert and go on the VéloVolant.
Here stay in whimsical cabins tucked just inside the forest, where views give you a sweeping vista of the Vermont Green Mountains immediately to the south.
Recommended: Quebec City Walking Tour
USA and Canada Great Lakes Cities
5- Chicago and Toronto
Great Lakes Cities
Both Chicago and Toronto border two of North America’s five Great Lakes: Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario, respectively.
So both enjoy refreshing lake breezes and waterfront developments, including walking trails and paddling outings.
Another fantastic link is the architecture, art and cultural attractions.
What to do in Chicago and Toronto?
In particular, go to immerse yourself in the culture of these cities.
Chicago offers architectural tours by kayak — an especially fun way to appreciate the “permanent art” of buildings.
Ontario’s capital city, Toronto, has the beautiful Toronto Islands.
They form a shelter to the city’s harbour, which you can explore by canoe or kayak from the mainland or hop on the ferry to cross to explore the islands themselves.
Tip? Plan to either return or visit the islands at sunset: the skyline is an architectural marvel.
In Toronto, there’s a wide array of cultural venues and activities that are fantastic. Toronto is also the best party city in Canada if you’re looking for nightlife.
My favourites? The Art Gallery of Ontario for an introduction to Canada’s famous Group of Seven painters. Don’t miss the Bata Shoe Museum, where you can view ancient people’s footwear through to samples of celebrities such as Madonna’s fave footwear.
Architectural tours? Investigate tours from the Toronto Society of Architects. Check out more things to do in Toronto.
Recommended tours:
- Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise
- BEST Chicago, Detroit, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Cleveland 4-Day Tour
USA and Canada – French Connection
6- Nova Scotia and Louisiana
Although not bordering, a unique French connection exists between Nova Scotia and Louisiana, a southern US state.
Evangeline Trail – Grand Pré Nova Scotia and Cajun Country, Lafayette Louisiana
In the late 1600s, many French emigrants settled what would become Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
Calling themselves Acadians, they developed productive farms and bustling hamlets. Life progressed well for this industrious group, until in 1754, the British demanded they sign an oath of allegiance to the Crown.
Some did – but these pacifist settlers refused to pledge to fight First Nations or French.
One year later, the Brits gathered “les Acadiens” together and forcibly evicted them from their homes. Families were split up, and people resettled along the Atlantic Seaboard and down to Louisianna.
The French influence in the Lafayette region of that state is fascinating, where the refugees became known as “Cajuns.”
Another city to visit, New Orleans, is legendary for its jazz musicians — yet another reason to visit and embrace French USA.
Why go to Nova Scotia?
Famed American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned Evangeline, romanticizing the story of this lady and her beloved Gabriel who were cruelly separated during the expulsion of Acadians.
Her memory is honoured in Nova Scotia, which named a scenic drive in her name.
The Evangeline Trail takes us to Grand Pré National Historic Site, where the landscape once saw a thriving Acadian settlement that became regarded as the homeland of the Acadians.
See the multimedia presentations and “meet” Evangeline in the form of a bronze statue on-site.
Hot tip? To understand the history of French settlement in Canada, don’t miss a trip to Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, because of it being the only walled city in North America.
An event that particularly celebrates French culture is The Festival of New France, which celebrates life in the 1750s. Rent a costume just as residents do!
For a very different eco-lodging which features cycling aloft on a bicycle contraption.
Recommended tour: Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option.
Plan Your Trip
Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars. They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.
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