Canada opens border to non-essential U.S. travelers Monday, as Whatcom crossings back up

For the first time in nearly 17 months — 506 days, to be exact — Canada welcomed Americans traveling for what have been deemed non-essential reasons across the border on Monday, Aug. 9.

Granted, travelers had to proved that they were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least four days earlier, prove they tested negative less than 72 hours before arriving at the border and jump through a few other hoops to be admitted, but the border is officially open . . . at least in one direction. The United States has yet to reciprocate and allow vaccinated Canadians to enter for non-essential purposes, announcing last month that its will continue to restrict non-essential travel until at least Aug. 21.