A New Road Guide for Canadians Heading to Mexico

By Bill Bell

For Canadians planning a longer stay in Mexico, the journey south is part of the decision. A route that crosses the United States brings questions about time, spending, paperwork and where to stop before the holiday really begins.

We have added a new Driving to Mexico from Canada section to On the Road in Mexico to make that planning easier. It draws on the decades Dorothy and I have spent travelling Mexico by car and RV.

Acknowledging the U.S. question

Some Canadians feel uncomfortable spending money in the United States because of current politics. A useful travel guide should acknowledge that concern and offer practical choices.

For those who still choose to drive, the U.S. leg can be planned around necessary fuel, meals and overnight stops, with optional shopping and sightseeing left out. The guiding principle is simple: reducing spending must leave room for proper rest and a safe stop.

For background on changing travel patterns, Statistics Canada has reviewed Canadian travel to the United States. Each traveller will make their own decision about the trip.

Less reading, clearer next steps

The new section uses four short pages: an overview, U.S. transit, a border checklist, and routes and overnight stops. My road-trip photographs break up the text, and readers can tick checklist boxes as they prepare.

It points to existing On the Road in Mexico material for the details of documents, immigration, vehicle permits, Mexican insurance and driving safety. Readers can follow the subjects that apply to their own vehicle, residency status and destination.

Helping visitors arrive prepared

For readers in Mexico expecting family, friends or returning winter neighbours from Canada, this is a useful starting link to share. It brings the journey together without expecting anyone to read a long manual in one sitting.

My advice remains to work backwards from the Mexican destination, allow time for the border and aim to reach the first overnight stop in daylight. Check current entry rules and route advisories before leaving home.

Explore the new Canadian driving guide →