Metro Vancouver residents looking to travel across North America will have a couple of more options this fall.
Greyhound announced Tuesday (Oct. 26) that it will resume service between Canadian and American cities as the United States-Canada border reopens. Customers may start booking tickets for trips Nov. 8 and beyond.
So far, the current Canadian travel destinations include Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
“Greyhound is just as excited as our customers to resume cross-border travel to Canada,” said the company's chief commercial officer Rob Friedman. “Our goal is to provide our passengers with affordable fares and stress-free transportation as they return to normal travel, especially around the holidays.”
Booking with Greyhound
Canadian passengers looking to book travel with Greyhound can visit a new online platform that provides schedules and all of the information they will need.
Greyhound travellers use dedicated terminals and show-and-go by using the e-Ticketing option. Onboard amenities include free onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets and reclining leather seats.
All customers, including those who have been vaccinated, are still required by federal law to wear a mask while on buses, in terminals, and when boarding, even when boarding outside.
Amtrak option for Canadians
Amtrak hasn't disclosed when it will resume service to Canada following the reopening of the U.S.-Canada border.
A spokesperson for Amtrak told V.I.A. in a statement that the company is working closely with Canadian officials to create a specific process for passengers entering Canada following its closure.
"As soon as details are determined, we will share information on resuming train service to Canada," she said.
Crossing the United States border
Currently, all Canadians five years of age or older must provide proof of a negative molecular test to return to the country. Screening tests for work or travel are not covered by public health services. To enter the U.S., fully vaccinated air travellers must show documentation of a pre-departure negative viral test from a sample taken within three days of travel to the United States before boarding.
Border authorities in the U.S. are expected to clarify in the coming days whether fully vaccinated foreigners will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to cross the Canada-U.S. land border.
Starting Oct. 30, all travellers from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains must be fully vaccinated. That said, there will be a grace period where they may show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel as an alternative to providing proof of full vaccination. However, starting Nov. 30, travellers who have not started the vaccination process may risk not qualifying.
Travellers must register with ArriveCAN online or through the app to provide mandatory travel information.
- With files from the Canadian Press.
