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I'm not sure why more Americans don't go to Canada more often, but having skimmed some posts, I would concur that the cost, the border crossing, as well as ignorance play a part in Americans' lack of visitation.
I recently traveled to Montreal and Quebec City for a total of ten days, and had a good time. I was surprised at how 'French' everything was, to be honest. Niagara Falls and Toronto have also been a part of my memories. I would like to see Vancouver, the farther northern regions of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, as well as the eastern maritime provinces. Being from Chicago, these places interest me more because they are different from the Midwest in geography.
It's not the getting into Canada, but the coming back to America that's a pain.
We took our family vacation in Canada this year and loved it. However, having to wait nearly 2 hours to get back into America was annoying, especially with a young one. (At Sarnia/Port Huron crossing). In fact we chose this crossing because we didn't want an even longer wait at the Windsor/Detroit crossing - which is always busy.
After a certain point, the fact that it's holiday weekend doesn't fly. People don't want to spend 2 hours in a traffic line waiting to be interrogated by the border guard. We've also sat in traffic for more than an hour during non-holidays and it's still annoying.
Unless you travel the border all the time, there's really not a practical reason to get a Nexus card. Make it easier for people to get across and get home, and people will go to Canada more often.
Location: WNY (NOT NYC for the geographically challenged)
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Not sure if this would apply to most other crossings, but I've found it far easier (still no cake walk) to cross the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls claiming that you are just going to one of the casinos or some other local attraction. For some reason, anytime I stated my destination as somewhere further, such as Toronto, etc. I tend to get much more of an interrogation as to where exactly I'm going and what exactly I'm going to do. Has anyone else (who crosses near Niagara Falls) experienced this?
Well I am Canadian and would not be surprised Americans have little interest in Canada. A culture that basically waits for Americans to come up with the next "thing", cities that are incredibly boring and American in culture, expensive prices. Just an unexciting place. Also, the whole country is cold, and when I say cold I mean VERY cold as in Minnesota would be one the top climates. Almost everyone lives within an hour or two of the US border because the climate is THAT bad.
Another thing that strikes me about Americans is that they dont seem to realize how many Canadians HATE Americans . Yes, many Canadians are anti-American to the core and are talking about you behind your back. We never developed our own identity so the identity has become defining ourselves as NOT-American. It makes me sick and there are a brave few who are against it, but anti-Americanism is rampant. Understand that since Canada will never outdo the USA in productivity, efficiency, inventiveness, or anything else that matters, some low self-esteemed Canadians make up myths about how they are more polite, gentle, kind, etc. Trust me it's all BS (Americans who move to Canada find this out the hard way). In reality Canadian culture is basically American culture in denial and no people are not more polite or any of that. I wouldn't go there to see "culture".In fact I hate to say it but if you stay there long enough you will begin to see just how "smug" Canadians can be and just how many Canadians are braggards who will tell you "We are the most polite and popular people in the world, unlike you Americans who no one likes" <---- (sound polite to you?). If you are from a place like Texas or Alabama never assume you will be considered "equal" in Canada. So these are some precautions to take. I wouldn't go there to see "culture".
The French Canadians, thats a different story. Quebec should be visited by all Americans because it is truly like an entire different country. And they dont have as much of a problem with Americans (their identity doesnt count on bashing Americans behind their backs). Some Americans are surprised tosee how "French" Quebec is. No it is not like New Orleans, it is like a real French country. Everyone speaks French and most live their lives without using English. I highly recommend going there. In western Canada Banff is probably the coolest place to go see because there is incredible natural beauty and hot springs. That is also a place to go see. Vancouver has nice natural scenery which makes for a nice visit. These are some places to go and see.
I've been to Australia, Europe, French Polynesia, the Caribbean, etc, but never Canada!
I guess perhaps I (wrongfully) assume it will be too similar to the US and am deterred by that. When I travel internationally, I seek an an "exotic" experience or a cultural experience. I want things to be different. I guess cuz Canada is known for being a bit similar to the US, I just don't have a huge interest to visit.
I recently visited Vancouver, B.C., and Seattle. Vancouver is one of the most cleanest, beautiful areas in North America. (One must drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler/Squamish)
During my visit, and speaking with many Washington locals, I was absolutely amazed at the number of people living in the Northwest U.S. region all their lives, and have NEVER have visited Vancouver. Its a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle to Vancouver.
I agree. I've met people in Washington State who look amazed when you say you're from Canada. They act like it's another planet.
Well I am Canadian and would not be surprised Americans have little interest in Canada. A culture that basically waits for Americans to come up with the next "thing", cities that are incredibly boring and American in culture, expensive prices. Just an unexciting place. Also, the whole country is cold, and when I say cold I mean VERY cold as in Minnesota would be one the top climates. Almost everyone lives within an hour or two of the US border because the climate is THAT bad.
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funny because that rant is about YOUR country You may have moved out of the country but don't forget those are your roots . So no matter how hard you try to detach yourself from your homeland- it is still your background!
I am one of the few far from that border who is yet familiar with Canada because I dated a Canadian few years ago and I've been to Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, even Calgary & Halifax on a cruise. They are all interesting in their own way.
For me even going to the English-speaking parts there is a different "vibe" than the US. Mainly due to demographics- there is no African-American or Hispanic-American or "Southern" influences so the overall atmosphere is different.
Location: East Central Pennsylvania/ Chicago for 6yrs.
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Being America is so big also and so much to visit? Many of us still want to explore our own land first? Sure I'd enjoy a Canada visit. Europeans note Americans don't get out of their own country enough? If most Americans have only one major vacation trip a year? I'd still chose a place in the US or Caribbean resort? Over Canada. Nothing against Canada. Just how choices get made. Unless you are in a position to travel a few times a year?
For me even going to the English-speaking parts there is a different "vibe" than the US. Mainly due to demographics- there is no African-American or Hispanic-American or "Southern" influences so the overall atmosphere is different.
I also think the "country" culture you have in America isn't as strong there, and there's still a vague British influence.
I lived in USA for 3 months now and been to Canada two times. I'm from Norway originally
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have visited Vancouver. Its a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle to Vancouver.
You may have moved out of the country but don't forget those are your roots 
. So no matter how hard you try to detach yourself from your homeland- it is still your background! 
