Canadian's Guide to USA Weekend Getaways

Thinking about a quick US getaway from Canada? This travel guide shares the best sightseeing spots, safety tips, and how Jetpac eSIM can help you stay connected.

If you’re based in Canada and thinking of taking a short trip across the border, you’re not alone. The US is one of the easiest and most popular getaway options for Canadians, whether you’re flying to New York for a couple of days or driving down to Seattle for a long weekend. The flights are short, you can even drive there, and there’s no shortage of places to go.

This guide covers everything you need to know before heading to the USA: how to prepare, where to spend your time, and why a Jetpac USA eSIM will help you stay online without stressing about roaming charges. If you’ve ever asked, “Is it safe for Canadians to travel to the US?” or just want ideas for your next few days off, here’s your quick breakdown.

Can Canadians Travel to the US Without Any Hassle?

Yes, and the process is very straightforward. If you’ve got a valid Canadian passport, you can simply cross the border. However, they may ask a few basic questions regarding why you are going. If you’re flying, a quick look at your airline’s entry guidelines doesn’t hurt. If you’re driving, ensure your vehicle insurance is valid in the United States.

If you are not a Canadian citizen but are a permanent resident, you may need a visitor visa depending on your country of birth. You can simply check your visa requirements on the official immigration website.

Is It Safe for Canadians to Travel to the US?

It’s a fair question, especially if you’re new to cross-border travel. Most major US cities that attract Canadian visitors are very accustomed to tourists and are generally safe. Therefore, it is important to be cautious about a few things, just as you would in any country: keep an eye on your bags in crowded areas, avoid leaving valuables in the car, and steer clear of neighborhoods that make you feel uneasy.

If you’re ever unsure, it helps to have access to real-time info and maps. That’s one reason why Canadians can use a Jetpac eSIM for USA instead of relying on public Wi-Fi or random SIM cards.

How to Travel from Canada to the US

There are a few easy ways to get to the US, depending on where you’re starting and where you’re headed.

If you're in a major city like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal, flying is usually the fastest and most convenient option. You’ll find direct flights to dozens of US cities, everything from New York and Chicago to Las Vegas and Miami. For quick weekend trips, budget airlines often have good deals if you book early.

Driving is another popular choice, especially if you live near the border. Cities like Seattle, Buffalo, and Detroit are easy to reach by car, and crossing by land can be surprisingly fast if you avoid peak times. Just make sure to bring your passport and check the border wait times online before you go.

You can also travel by train or bus. VIA Rail and Amtrak connect cities like Montreal to New York and Toronto to Buffalo, although the travel times will be longer. You can also find bus options that operate from major cities such as Toronto.

Where to Go: Top Weekend Getaways in the US

You don’t need a long trip to enjoy what the US has to offer. Here are a few destinations that you can visit even during the weekend, especially if you’re flying out of cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal.

Chicago, IL

Chicago feels a little less chaotic than NYC, but it still offers a great art scene, food, and architecture. You can get on a river cruise that will give you a good overview of the buildings and layout, while the Art Institute is well worth your time. Grab some deep-dish pizza, walk around Millennium Park, or hit the lakefront trail. If the weather is good, you’ll enjoy the city on foot. If not, there are plenty of cozy cafés and museums to keep you occupied.

New York City, NY

New York is one of the most popular cities that Canadians love to visit. You can visit the famous Central Park and Times Square and enjoy street food from carts or restaurants or shop from well-known brands. You can ride the subway to most places and avoid traffic altogether. If you’ve been before, try heading into Brooklyn or checking out a few lesser-known galleries or rooftop spots.

Boston, MA

Boston’s a great city if you like places you can explore on foot. It’s small, historic, and easy to get around without needing a car. You can follow the Freedom Trail through downtown and hit a bunch of landmarks. If you’re hungry, head to the North End for Italian food or grab a lobster roll by the harbor. Beacon Hill is enjoyable to walk through, especially if you appreciate historic buildings and charming side streets.

Seattle, WA

If you’re coming from British Columbia, Seattle is just around the corner. It’s a comfortable city to walk through, with cool neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Fremont. Don’t miss out on the delicious food from Pike Place Market, and sip the coffee from the original Starbucks (if that’s your thing). The weather might be hit or miss, but when it’s nice, Discovery Park and Alki Beach are great for low-key views and fresh air. Also, there’s plenty of hiking nearby if you want to get out of the city for a few hours.

San Diego, CA

If you want plenty of sunshine, head to San Diego. You can sit by the ocean in La Jolla, rent bikes in Pacific Beach, or walk around Balboa Park. The Midway Museum is fascinating even if you’re not into ships. Don’t miss out on the delicious Mexican food this city is famous for. There are plenty of places where you’ll find authentic Mexican food, such as Old Town Mexican Cafe, Casa Guadalajara, and La Puerta.

Detroit, MI

If you’re coming from Windsor or anywhere in Southern Ontario, Detroit is one of the easiest US cities to visit, literally just across the border. And it’s had a major comeback in recent years. You’ll find a growing arts scene, cool architecture, and some of the best music history in the country. Spend a few hours at the Motown Museum, stroll through the Detroit Institute of Arts, or check out the restored buildings downtown.

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh might not be the first city that comes to mind for a weekend trip, but it’s surprisingly fun and offers a lot to every traveler. It’s especially easy to reach from Southern Ontario; driving from Toronto takes about five hours. You can experience a lot on a weekend trip. Catch a baseball game at PNC Park, visit the Andy Warhol Museum, take kids to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, or ride the Duquesne Incline for views over the city’s three rivers.

Staying Connected with Jetpac USA eSIM

Even if you’re just going for a few days, you’ll probably want access to maps, Uber, restaurant reviews, and flight info. A Jetpac eSIM for USA is one of the easiest ways to get connected without running up your phone bill or dealing with foreign SIM cards.

It works right when you land, it’s prepaid, and there are no hidden charges. Just open the Jetpac app, pick your plan, and you’re set. It’s also great if you have extended travel plans. Jetpac works in over 200 countries, so you can reuse it again and again.

If you're traveling for a weekend, you don’t want to waste time setting up a local plan or hunting down Wi-Fi. A Jetpac USA eSIM gets you connected fast, and it switches between local networks if one isn’t working well.

You can also use Jetpac as a travel eSIM for the USA and hotspot it to your laptop or a friend’s phone. It’s simple, flexible, and doesn’t require you to sign up for anything complicated.