March 21st will mark a full year that the Canada-U. S. border has been closed to all but essential traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canada-U.S. border is the largest undefended boundary in the world at 8,891 kilometres. There are 117 legal points of entry that have been closed to tourist , personal, or “nonessential” travel, for almost a year, resulting in an 80% drop in border traffic.
For generations, travellers from both countries have easily crossed the border for vacations, shopping trips and other excursions. That all stopped last March with the spread of the coronavirus. The only exceptions are for immediate family members, those in long-term relationships or for compassionate purposes.
Those crossing for essential work or to transport commercial goods are also exempt.