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Covid Test before the Canada Border

Covid Test before the Canada Border (such as the self administered RT-Lamp covid test)

If you are driving to Canada or back to Canada you will need to get a molecular Covid Test prior to arriving at the Canadian Border. This test must be done in the USA within 72 hours of arriving at the border. The test results must be uploaded to your ArriveCan App.

There are several tests that are accepted by Canada.

PCR – Polymerase chain reaction
Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)

Rapid antigen tests aren’t accepted.

It is likely most motorists will be tested in one of the states bordering Canada. All of these tests are available at various labs in Washington State, Montana and Idaho.

Here is a link to Washington Testing Locations Note you will have to call these locations to see if they accept Canadians.

Montana Covid Testing Locations

Covid Tests in Idaho State

Self Administered RT-Lamp Covid Test

Earlier this year Air Canada partnered with Switch Health to provide their passengers with a molecular covid test Kit that could be self administered (under video supervision) and accepted by Canada for entry.

This test kit is designed for travellers. The RT-LAMP test is accepted for re-entry into Canada, amongst other countries.

Test for presence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. The RT-LAMP Test Kit is a molecular diagnostic test and does not require laboratory processing. It is a self-administered test observed via a telehealth experience.

This is the least stressful way for motorists who are just heading to the USA for a short duration and need test results quickly and at an affordable cost. You need internet and a smart device with a camera. The beauty of this method is that you buy the RT-Lamp kit in Canada and you take it with you to the USA so that you can take the test at your convenience before you return to Canada.

If you are going for a Day Trip to the USA. You can take the kit with you and stop someplace as soon as you cross the USA border. Do the test – get the results, and upload them right away to your ArriveCan App. Now you are free and relaxed to enjoy yourself for the day or two. When you drive back to Canada if your ArriveCan app is filled out as required you should experience a stress free border crossing.

You can Buy a COVID-19 RT-LAMP Test Kit from Switch Health and if you have an Aeroplan number you can save $50.00

BC / USA Border Cams and Road Condition Reports

Accommodation

Check BC Hotels, Motels, BnB’s and various Accommodation options

Booking.com

Vancouver to Squamish Video

Driving Vancouver to Squamish? Here is a Highway 99 Vancouver to Squamish Video that we found online at Youtube produced by Freeway Brent. (Note:Video is pre- 2010)

Snow Tires vs All Season

Snow vs. All Season Tires what’s the difference?

Motorists that have experienced BC winters know that when the snow starts to fall all season tires just don’t cut it. All season tires would be better described as 3 season tires. Watch the video and find out why Snow Tires vs All Season Tires.

All season tires perform well for 12 months of the year where there is no snow. However here in BC Canada other than a few areas on the coast the all season tire performs well in Spring Summer and Fall. (hence 3 seasons) However the all season tire was designed for wet and dry driving on pavement. NOT snow covered conditions. BC winters especially in the interior require snow tires that were especially designed for slippery conditions and very cold temperatures. We are not talking about just aggressive tread patterns either because snow tires are specifically designed with very soft compounds that help better grip the road during very cold weather.

Snow tire has added groove capacity helping dispel any of the excess snow as well the tire is made of a softer compound vs. an all season tire again giving it extra traction. Some tires are designed to actually grab the snow and throw it as the tire turns. Tread patterns are deigned to give extra traction. the snow symbol imprinted on the sidewall indicates in fact that it is a snow tire and will give superior performance in winter conditions vs. an all season tire. Snow Tires vs All Season Tires

Lets talk about a front wheel drive vehicle. If you only put 2 snow tires on the vehicle what you are doing is transferring the traction of the rear onto the front tires and that could lead to a possible over steer condition which could result in the car fish tailing or swinging out. To maintain optimum traction handling and stability we recommend 4 snow tires on all vehicles.

There is a flip side to snow tires. The same qualities that give them there improved performance during the winter months become far less appropriate when the weather turns warm. Snow tires are made of a softer compound, by using them in the summer months and warmer weather will create premature wear on the tire. Always remember to install your snows in the fall but take them off for the spring and summer. Its a good idea to buy an extra set of rims for your winter tires. This will make it much simpler to change the tires over between winter and summer.

Proper snow tires will ensure you safer and happier winter driving…..:)

BC Highway Road Conditions