PLANNING YOUR TRIP
This section will help you determine some of the things you’ll need, and some of the things you should be prepared for when planning your hunting trip. To learn about the licences and regulations you’ll require, visit the Hunting Regulations section of the site by clicking here.
Customs requirements
As of June 1, 2009 all travellers, including US citizens 16 years of age or over, entering the United States from Canada by air, land or water will be required to have a passport or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Learn more.
For more information on Canada Border Services, click
here.
Telephone 1-800-461-9999 for general customs information toll-free from anywhere
in Canada. If calling from outside of Canada, dial (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064
(long-distance charges apply).
For border wait times, click here.
Currency
We recommend that visitors use Canadian funds in Ontario. Currency-exchange offices are conveniently located at most Ontario Travel Information Centres at the U.S./Ontario border. They offer the current rate of exchange and are open daily.
The current rate of exchange is also offered at currency-exchange booths at international airports (Toronto, Ottawa) and at all banks, trust companies, and credit unions. Banks are generally open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday; to 6 p.m. Friday. Most trust companies are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and Saturday mornings.
To use our Currency Converter, click here.
Sales Tax Refunds
Visitors from outside Canada may claim a refund of the 6% federal GST (Goods and Services Tax), on eligible purchases of a minimum $200 (before taxes), provided the goods are taken out of Canada within 60 days and the claim is made within one year of purchase, GST rebates are also available on purchases of accommodation or vacation packages that include accommodation of less than 30 days in length. Contact Revenue Canada, Visitor Rebate Program for more information or forms at (902) 432-5608 (outside Canada) or 1-800-668-4748 (within Canada).
For more information on tax refunds, click here.
Events and Tag Draws
Resident tag draws are for a tag or certificate which validates a licence to hunt game animals of a specified number, age or sex or in a specified area. Tag draws are for residents only.
Resident hunters seeking information on tag draws, or tag draw dates, should consult the Ministry of Natural Resources by clicking here.
Non-residents obtain their tags through an outftter. For more information on Ontario outfitters and hunting trips, go here.
What is the most appropriate attire?
The following may be helpful when you are packing for an Ontario hunting excursion.
Dress for the weather
Due to Ontario's vast size, temperatures can vary greatly from region to region and even within the regions themselves. Generally, our weather is considered continental, with the lowest temperatures being recorded in January and the highest in July.
Generally, Northern Ontario experiences a colder climate than Southern Ontario. Temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (°C) with the Fahrenheit (°F) equivalent often added - for an exact conversion of °C to °F, multiply the °C by 9, divide by 5, and add 32.
For detailed information about Ontario's climate, click here.
In seasons such as prime white-tailed deer season, where autumn weather can dip beneath freezing, it is highly recommended that hunters consider the following:
- warm footwear
- hats
- layered clothing
- wool or fleece shell
When waterfowling, hunters may also want to consider:
- warm, layered and waterproof clothing
- waterproof hats and gloves
- a small green or camo waterproof dry bag for extra socks, camera, snacks
- a personal floatation device
An outfitter can also be very helpful in guiding you as to the most appropriate clothing and gear to bring.
For more information on the regulations regarding the wearing of hunter orange when hunting during big game seasons, click here.
