Canadian visitors can stay in the United States for up to 6 months without a visa. At the border, however, border agents may ask about the intended length of your stay and travel details (accommodation address, return ticket, proof of funds). It is important to have this information readily available to make the crossing easier.

If you have a criminal record, regardless of the nature or date of the offence, entry into the United States may be denied. Even a layover in a U.S. airport can be an issue, so it is essential to check your situation before traveling.

Other important points to know: Canadians must generally present a valid passport to enter the United States (ID cards are not sufficient for air travel). Depending on the mode of transport, you may also be asked more detailed questions at land or airport borders. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after entry.

The best time to visit New York really depends on the kind of atmosphere you are looking for.

Spring (April to June) is often considered one of the best seasons. Temperatures are pleasant, parks start turning green again, and the city is lively without being overwhelming. It is perfect for walking and exploring.

Autumn (September to November) is also an ideal period. The weather is mild, Central Park is beautiful with its orange and red colors, and the overall atmosphere is very pleasant for sightseeing.

Summer (July to August) is very hot, humid, and sometimes intense, but the city is extremely lively with lots of outdoor events. However, you need to be ready for the heat and the crowds.

Winter (December to February) is cold, sometimes very cold, but New York becomes magical with Christmas decorations, ice rinks, and the holiday atmosphere. It is a very postcard-like season.

For the budget to plan in New York, it really depends on your travel style, but it is generally an expensive city.

For a low-budget trip (hostels, simple food, subway, free activities like Central Park or certain museum days), you should plan around 150 to 250 USD per day.

For a mid-range budget (decent hotel or Airbnb, occasional restaurants, paid activities, outings), it is usually around 250 to 450 USD per day.

For a more comfortable or high-end trip (central hotels, restaurants, paid attractions, shopping), it can easily exceed 500 USD per day.

Accommodation is often the biggest expense (New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world). The subway is affordable (around 2.90 USD per ride or an unlimited pass).

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar (USD).

For a trip to New York, accommodation is clearly the biggest part of the budget, so it is important to compare carefully and book in advance.

Prices vary a lot depending on the neighborhood and the season. In Manhattan, hotels are the most expensive, but also the most practical for visiting. On average, a double room often costs between 250 $ and 600 $ USD per night, and can go much higher in areas like Times Square or Midtown.

More affordable options (hostels, small hotels or Airbnb in the outskirts) start around 80 $ to 180 $ USD per night, but the rooms are often small and very simple.

To book your accommodation, there are several widely used apps and websites: Booking.com: very popular, lots of choice, easy filters (price, neighborhood, free cancellation). Airbnb: ideal for apartments or longer stays, especially if you want to cook or have more space. Expedia: often package deals with flight + hotel, sometimes advantageous. Hotels.com: useful for accumulating nights and getting rewards

The best thing is to compare several platforms, because prices can vary for the same hotel.

For my part, I chose to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott West Orangein New Jersey, therefore outside New York City. For two nights in this type of hotel on the outskirts, you generally need to count around 300 to 500 $ USD in total, depending on the period and availability — which is often much more affordable than staying in central Manhattan.

To get to New York City from West Orange, there is no direct subway line, so you need to combine local transport and transport to Manhattan. In general, the trip is done in two steps: first a local bus or a taxi/ride-share to reach a train station or transport hub, then an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station or a central point in Manhattan. The total journey takes about 45 minutes to 1h30 depending on connections and time of day. Once you arrive at Penn Station, you can then easily get around the city using the New York subway.

In New York, public transportation is one of the most efficient ways to get around. The city mainly relies on a very extensive subway system operated by the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority). The subway runs 24/7 and connects almost all neighborhoods in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. It is the fastest way to avoid traffic, especially during rush hours.

In addition, there is also a very developed bus network. Buses are useful for shorter trips or to reach areas that are not well served by the subway. They use the same payment system as the subway (MetroCard or contactless payment).

For travel outside the city, especially to New Jersey or certain suburbs, there are regional trains such as NJ Transit and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). These trains leave from major stations like Penn Station and make it easy to get out of Manhattan.

Useful apps include: Citymapper, very popular in New York and often clearer for complex routes. Uber and Lyft for faster trips or late at night. OMNY, a contactless payment system (bank card or phone) directly used in the subway and buses, without needing a physical MetroCard.

Distances are often larger than they look and trips can take time, especially during rush hour. Traffic is dense and car or taxi rides can be slow. The subway remains the fastest way to cross the city, while walking is ideal for exploring neighborhoods, even if the city blocks can feel endless at first.

You can also drive in the United States if you hold a valid Canadian driver’s license.

ATMs are very easy to find in New York, whether in banks, pharmacies, grocery stores or subway stations. Canadian cards generally work without any issue, but each withdrawal may come with fees. It is therefore more cost-effective to withdraw larger amounts to reduce costs. Visa and Mastercard cards usually work without problems, so withdrawing money is quite simple.

ATMs are generally reliable.

Credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payment is very common, which means you do not need much cash in daily life. For extra safety, prefer ATMs located inside banks or businesses.

Always decline the ATM conversion (choose the local currency).

At New York, there are a few fairly classic tourist scams to avoid so you don’t get caught off guard.

In Times Square, watch out for the costumed mascots (Spider-Man, Mickey, etc.). They often approach you to take photos with you, then aggressively ask you for money afterward, sometimes in groups. It’s not really “free” as it might seem at first.

Another common trap: pedicabs (bikes with seats at the back). The drivers often announce a vague price or offer you a “cheap” ride, but once the ride is over, the bill can become very high, sometimes for just a few blocks. Always ask for the exact price before getting in.

There are also fake “monks” or people dressed as spiritual figures in some tourist areas. They sometimes offer bracelets or objects as gifts, then later demand a mandatory donation. They can be very insistent, so it’s better to politely refuse from the start. In short, in New York, anything involving a “free” interaction in highly touristy areas often hides a request for money. The best approach is to stay alert, ask prices in advance, and not hesitate to say no clearly.

Avoid cars that approach you directly in the street offering a taxi ride. Instead, use official yellow taxis or apps like Uber/Lyft, otherwise you risk inflated prices.

For traveling to New York or the USA, no vaccines are mandatory for Canadian travelers. There is no proof of vaccination required to enter the United States.

However, it is recommended to have your basic vaccines up to date, such as tetanus, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella).

New York is generally a safe city for tourists, especially in areas like Manhattan and very busy neighborhoods. There is a strong police presence.

For women’s safety, the city is considered safe to move around alone, including on the subway. As in any large city, it is recommended to stay alert, especially at night, avoid isolated streets, and keep your personal belongings secure.

For my part, I did not feel any danger in New York, I felt safe throughout the entire trip.

To stay connected in New York, there are several simple options.

You can use your Canadian plan with international roaming. Most companies (Rogers, Bell, Telus, etc.) offer daily travel passes or travel add-ons with data, calls, and texts. It’s convenient, but it can get quite expensive if you use it every day.

Another very popular option is to buy an eSIM or a US SIM card. eSIMs (like Airalo or Holafly) are often the most convenient: you install them directly on your phone before leaving and activate the data once you arrive. This avoids having to change a physical SIM card.

Otherwise, you can also buy a local SIM card in New York (at airports, electronics stores, or with carriers like T-Mobile or AT&T), often with unlimited data plans for a few days or weeks.

New York is a very diverse, fast-paced and open city, where people come from all over the world. The pace is fast, people walk quickly, and are generally direct but respectful of personal space.

Some important rules to know: lining up is essential and well respected, and tipping is the norm (around 15 to 20% in restaurants and services). In public transport and public places, you should stay attentive and avoid blocking walkways.

New York can quickly become expensive, but there are several concrete tips to save money without missing out too much.

For accommodation, staying outside Manhattan (Brooklyn, Queens or New Jersey) significantly reduces costs, especially if you are close to a subway or train station.

For transportation, using the subway is the best option. Unlimited passes (OMNY or weekly pass) are often more cost-effective than paying for each ride separately.

For food, you can save money by alternating restaurants with more affordable options like delis, food trucks or grocery stores. Many offer quick meals that are cheaper than traditional restaurants.

For attractions, several museums and activities have free days or “pay what you wish” pricing. There are also tourist passes (CityPASS, Go City) that reduce costs if you plan to do multiple activities. New York also offers many free activities, such as walking in Central Park, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, or exploring different neighborhoods and iconic viewpoints of the city.

For getting around, walking a lot is a real money saver — distances may seem large, but many neighborhoods are enjoyable to explore on foot.

Finally, booking in advance (hotels, activities, cruises) often allows you to get better prices than booking on site.

New York is generally a very open and welcoming city toward 2SLGBTQI+ people. The city is known for its diversity and inclusive atmosphere, especially in neighborhoods like Greenwich Village or Chelsea, which have a strong history connected to the community.

There are many dedicated spaces, events, and cultural venues, and New York Pride is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, celebrating diversity and 2SLGBTQI+ rights every year.

In general, attitudes in New York are quite tolerant and respectful, especially in urban and tourist areas. As everywhere, there can be differences depending on the neighborhood, but the city is considered one of the most inclusive in the United States.

During my trip to New York, I mainly used applications and online bookings to organize myself simply and save money.

For accommodation, I booked my hotel online, outside Manhattan. This allowed me to pay much less while still being well connected to the city thanks to transportation.

On site, I got around mainly on foot or by subway. I walked a lot in New York, and when the distances were too big, I used the subway, which is fast and efficient. I did not use taxis, I stuck with public transport and walking, which is really convenient in this city.

For activities, I bought my tickets for the observation tower directly on site, at a cost of about 40 USD. For the cruise, I booked it online HereI even had the chance to get a 20% discount since I had booked online.